13
V&T DECEMBER 4-10, 2019
VACATION &TRAVEL
AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
A Mountain Retreat BY JENNIFER FAUCI
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
H
igh up in the mountains of New Paltz, lies a dreamy lodge in a quiet, rustic landscape. But what may look like a Bavarian castle is Mohonk Mountain House a historic spa and resort surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest and wildlife. Founded by the Smiley family in 1869, the Victorian Castle Resort is in the midst of celebrating its milestone 150th year. And just because it’s nestled deep in the Hudson Valley doesn’t mean you’ll be short of activities.
History
In 1869, founder and hotel proprietor Albert Smiley purchased a 10-room inn on Lake Mohonk, eventually expanding it into the sprawling, marvelous Mountain House that exists today. Smiley’s vision was to preserve a natural paradise for guests, a place for rejuvenation from the stresses of work and city life. His twin brother Alfred also played a heavy hand in the success of Mohonk but it was Daniel Smiley, the younger half-brother, who became the
key figure in the entrepreneurial development of the home’s buildings and grounds and overall financial survival. Then, Albert Smiley purchased 300 acres and a 10-room inn by a majestic glacial lake in the Hudson Valley. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Smiley family are still involved in Mohonk, truly making the house a family-style resort. History tours are available for guests to learn more about the family and the home, a recommended activity for
first-time visitors to Mohonk. Also new for media lovers is Hidden Histories, an augmented reality experience that immerses guests in the history of the storied resort. A mobile app was specifically developed for Mohonk and sends visitors on a journey to locate 12 pieces of artwork that act as trigger points for the app.
Dining
Come hungry and leave full. The National Historic
see MOHONK on page 22A
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