Summer is soon coming to a close but it’s not too late to get that one last vacation in before the kids head back to school and before you embark on that feverish fall schedule like a mad dash to New Year’s Eve. Maybe you can take in that early fall break at the beginning just as the leaves start to turn colors. If so, you need to plan your escape now and head for Hudson Valley, New York.
In the Hudson Valley, there are many excellent resorts in which to choose from in a region that is rich in scenic vistas and overlook and where some of the small town feel still exists, much like a Norman Rockwell painting.The Adirondack Park is a six-million-acre recreation area in upstate New York which has drawn nature lovers for decades. Some of the more prominent visitors to have visited this region include Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Vanderbilts, and Marjorie Merriweather Post.
This region is rich in American Revolution history and includes such places as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point which is the oldest military school and the nation’s oldest operational military post. The homestead of one of the founding fathers, John Jay, is located in Katonah, NY on a 62-acre site, the first capital of NY was located in Kingston as well as the Senate House, and Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is located in Newburgh, NY.
Many resorts and hotels in the Hudson Valley offer activities and events for all seasons whether you’re single or if you bring the whole family. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to partake in hang gliding, fishing, hunting, canoeing, lake swimming, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and so much more.
The region also has plenty to offer regarding world-class centers for the arts such as the University of Albany Performing Arts Center for music and theater;the Omi International Arts Center in Ghent, NY is a non-profit organization with residency programs which includes 1,800 artists from over 100 countries; and the BethelWoods Center, home of the historic Woodstock 1969 music festival, for Arts is a not-for-profit cultural organization.
There are the many choices from which to choose from regarding ranches and resorts. Most offer sports, activities, relaxation and spas, and dining facilities.
Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa, Ellenville, NY – this resort is located at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains in Ellenville, NY, New York’s majestic Catskill resort region. The town of Ellenville was listed at number four on the ABC television game show, My Kind of Town, which premiered in August 2005.
The Mohawk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY – voted as one of the World’s Best Award for resorts in 2015 by Travel & Leisure, a New York-based magazine, this place boats over 250 rooms. The resort has been family owned and operated for almost 150 years and it resembles a Victorian castle carved out from a rocky cliff.
The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing, NY – also voted as one of the World’s Best Award for resorts in 2015, this resort represents historic luxury on the Lake George and it epitomizes the Adirondack experience. This AAA Four Diamond rated resort sits on the shores of Lake George, poised on the southern end of Green Island where breathe-taking views maybe had while taking in the natural splendor of the Adirondack.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, NY – this resort is located in the same town as the baseball hall of fame. This resort is situated on the shores of a picturesque lakeside setting and the hotel provides elegant, luxury accommodations and American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded their coveted Four Diamond Award. You can enjoy an era of a bygone era where first-class dining, premier recreation, heated outdoor pool, fitness room, lake swimming, canoeing, rowboats, tennis courts, and the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course.
Pinegrove Dude Ranch, Kerhonkson, NY – if you’re tired of staying in hotels or resort and want a unique experience to be had by the whole family then try this ranch. This family-run, 600 acre ranch is dedicated to family fun of all kids and for all seasons as an all-inclusive family resort.
The Inn at Kettleboro, New Paltz, NY – take in the majestic views of the Shawangunk Mountains. The “Gunks” as they are commonly referred to is a 12-mile long escarpment that is 300 feet high in the surrounding farmlands like God’s own billboard.
The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, NY – trip advisor lists this resort as the number one place romantic hotels out of three in Lake Placid. In 2014, this resort received multiple accolades including the American Automobile Association Four Diamond Award for hotels.
The Turning Stone Resort & Casino,Verona, NY – the Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers Restaurant received the AAA Four Diamond ratings. Thisis the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse in upstate. Condé Nast Johansens named Turning Stone the “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 and The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009.
Windham Mountain, Windham, NY – this resort has been in existence more than 50 years and is located in the Northern Catskills. They have initiated $7 million in improvements designed to enhance the year-round guest experience and they now offer so much more than just a “mountain.” Come and enjoy the multiple restaurants and lounges, a summer and winter Adventure Park, hotel, and an 18-hole public golf course.
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, Kerhonkson, NY – this resort, nestled in 400 acres of the Shawangunk Mountains, they offer 270 well appointed rooms, an impeccable 18-hole championship golf course, and full service European health spa. The resort was recently named a “Top 10 US Travel Destination” by Lonely Planet. Explore the exciting events and area attractions which draw so many visitors to the region year after year.