Even though there are infinite things to do in New York City, it does not hurt to venture out for a day trip, short getaway or a long vacation. Not only does absence make the heart grow fonder but the beauty, nature, history, art and locally sourced food of the Hudson Valley make for a refreshing escape. Over the past several years, we have had a number of family adventures around upstate New York and find the breathtaking landscapes of this region to be irresistible. This post will highlight Hudson Valley destinations that are no further than two hours away from New York City whether one is traveling by car or train.
Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York
All-Inclusive Fun on Top of a Mountain
We discovered Mohonk Mountain House about five years ago. Our kids were little and we were looking for vacations that did not require too much thought when it came to daytime activities and meals. As featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s show No Reservations, this historic landmark is just under a two-hour drive from our home in Queens. We found this Victorian resort to be an ideal escape from the unbearably hot city at the end of August and possibly one of the easiest way to connect with nature for a bunch of city folk. Mohonk Mountain House exceeded our expectations so much so that we returned the following summer.
Mohonk Mountain House is a treasure of the Hudson Valley that dates back to 1869. It is tucked away in the mountains overlooking a large and peaceful lake where guests are permitted to swim or explore in a canoe, paddle boat or kayak. Not only is it a breath of fresh air up in the mountains but we were pleasantly surprised by the drop in temperature that made for cool evenings in August. This meant that we were able to take full advantage of the fireplace in our Victorian room. The mountain house has a selection of room types and sizes, some with fireplaces, but none furnished with televisions. We welcomed this omission because our evenings were spent either cuddling in front of the fireplace with the kids or sitting on the balcony overlooking the lake and appreciating the silence of our peaceful surroundings. Beyond the confines of our room were a number of welcoming common spaces and outdoor patios for the guests to enjoy.
Mohonk Mountain House is an all-inclusive resort which means that nightly rates covers three meals per day. The buffet set-up at each meal features locally-sources food prepared by top chefs. For families with small children, the kitchen is willing to accommodate by making specially requested items such as plain pasta and other simple dishes. Alcohol is not included but you can bring your own wine or order whatever you prefer at meals or throughout the day from any of the bars for an additional cost.
There is an on-site world-class spa that is worth trying out and an indoor pool that the kids absolutely loved. There hiking trails, expansive grounds to explore, horseback riding, horse-driven carriage rides around the property, bike riding, miniature golf, a kids-activity center and so much more to do on site.
Mohonk is a magical escape that felt like a trip back in time and millions of miles away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Whether you stay for one night or one week, with children or just adults, a stay at Mohonk Mountain House will certainly be a memorable experience for all.
Abbey Inn & Spa – Peekskill, New York
Converted Convent Makes for a Comfortable Stay
More recently, we drove up to Peekskill to stay overnight at the Abbey Inn and Spa. Like Mohonk, this picturesque property is located high up on a hill overlooking the town of Peekskill. This former convent is a stunning place to sleep but pales in comparison to the all-inclusive resort of Mohonk. On site, are plenty of beautiful areas to sit, enjoy a drink or meal and simply take in the surrounding views. This is a regular hotel, so meals and drinks are charged separately. There is a community of townhouses adjacent to the hotel and a small pool that is mainly for the resident of this community but also open to guests of the hotel. In addition to on-site spa facilities, the Abbey has bikes on site for guests to use but otherwise, there is little to do on-site. At the bottom of the hill is the sleepy town of Peekskill where it is a must to have breakfast at Peekskill Coffee where we indulged in the most delicious and freshly-made Belgian waffles and crepes.
Whereas one may not be so inclined to leave the premises while at Mohonk Mountian House, a stay at the Abbey can easily facilitate visits to world-renowned art destinations such as Dia Beacon and Storm King Art Center.
Dia Beacon – Beacon, New York
It took a pandemic, but last summer I made my way to Dia Beacon in Beacon New York, which is about a ninety minute drive from Queens but alsoaccessible via public transportation. This massive warehouse transformed into a majestic art space is mind-blowing. I was not prepared to love this space as much as I did given that I went in knowing its emphasis on Minimalist art. However, the magnitude of the rooms and the opportunity for quiet contemplation of monumental works of art made for a special day.
In the nearby town of Beacon and along its Main Street are a number of cafes and restaurants to choose from after a visit to Dia Beacon.
To read more about my visit to Dia Beacon, check out this article written for Daily Art Magazine.
Storm King Art Center – New Windsor, New York
On our drives to Mohonk Mountain House, we passed Storm King Art Center and eventually visited this outdoor sculpture garden a couple years later. It is about an hour’s drive to Storm King from New York City but also accessible via public transportation.
Our visit coincided with one of the coldest days in November. It was a brisk yet beautiful day enhanced by the brilliant blue sky and the luscious earth tones of the grounds, all complemented by the striking forms of the monumental artworks. Our six year old daughter and eleven year old son stayed warm running across the open spaces to works by Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Siah Armajani and so many more. We made our way around on foot for a good part of the day and then hopped onto a tram that took us around the remainder of this extensive property. The vibrant colors and monumental forms drew us across great lawns, up hills and around dazzling foliage. One visit was not enough and it will not be long before we return to Storm King.
After several hours, the cold got the best of us and it was time to find food and shelter. We could have returned to Queens but we decided to make a weekend out of this excursion and booked a room at the Painter’s Tavern nearby. The rooms are nothing fancy but they served the purpose for an overnight stay for which we paid about $200. This casual and cozy establishment is home to a large restaurant and bar on the first floor and as evidenced by the packed dining rooms on both Saturday evening and Sunday morning, this is a popular spot for locals. The menu is filled with all-American comfort food dishes that made for a pleasurable dinner and brunch the following morning.
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