In the Past

Founded in 1869 by a pair of Quaker twins who eschewed smoking, drinking, dancing and card playing, the Smiley brothers offered spiritual pursuits such as nature walks and prayer meetings to their early guests.  Located on a half-mile-long clear mountain lake near New Paltz, NY,  Mohonk Mountain House (800/772-6646), which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986, continues its traditions by offering a serene, peaceful, voyage back in time.

In the Present

This red-roofed, wood and stone Victorian castle, complete with turrets and towers, is a favorite spot for nature loving families.  Located 90 miles north of New York City on 2,200 acres of the Shawangunk Mountains, and open throughout the year, the venerable resort hosts generations of returning guests.  Victorian furnished lounges with worn Oriental rugs and fireplaces or wicker rocking chairs on the mountain-view porch could be the setting for a relaxed conversation.  Everywhere, the focus is on enjoying nature's gifts.  Explore the woods on foot with 85 miles of hiking trails, or on horseback or horse-drawn carriages; visit the extensive gardens, and enjoy waterfront activities such as swimming, boating and fishing at the lake front beach.  After a rest on the veranda, climb up to Sky Top, a stone tower on the highest point on the property, which affords a few of six neighboring states.  During the winter months you can enjoy ice-skating, snowshoeing and miles of cross-country skiing.

For the Family

Complimentary, age-appropriate children's programs are available every day from mid-June through Labor Day and on week-ends and holidays year-round.  Camp programs keep kids 2-12 years old busy during the mornings, after lunch,  and in the evenings, with field games, pony riding, frog hunting, arts and crafts, shuffleboard contests, swimming, boating, fishing and other low-key activities.  Teens from 12 to 18-years-old enjoy organized activities such as mountain biking, rock scrambles, golf and tennis, as well as making friends and relaxing together in the Teen Lounge. Campfires and square dances are typical evening events and family events such as barbeques, taffy pulls and hayrides are also offered.  Babysitters are available for hire as necessary. 

Most activities including ice-skating, snowshoeing, boating, fishing, fitness center, tennis and week-day golf are included in the rate.  Horseback riding, weekend golf, carriage rides and massages are available for an extra charge.  Mohonk also hosts special Theme Weekends, such as Garden and Nature, Mystery, Rock 'n' Roll, Ballroom Dancing, and Culinary programs such as The Art of Chocolate. 

Rooms and Rates

A variety of traditional accommodations are available, many with balconies and fireplaces, and most offer views of the lake or the mountains.  Some visitors report that the rooms are too simple, small and in need of up-dating which is troublesome given that the room and board rates range from $445-840/N per room (double occupancy)  with an additional charge of $82/D for children 4-12 and $146/D for children over 12 years.  The Full American Plan does include breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, however some feel that the cuisine could be more innovative. Also, don't forget your finery.  Men over the age of 12 (!) are required to wear jackets at dinner and women dress accordingly.