Greetings and love from the Catskill Mountains of New York State, which are inspiring to visit in any season as there is much to do and experience. Located in the south eastern region of New York State, north of New York City and south of Albany, the Catskill Mountains covers 5,892 breathtaking square miles. The area has long attracted artists, musicians, and adventurers who come to the area to be inspired by nature’s beauty; we visited Mt. Tremper and Kingston and were inspired as well.
We visited the Catskill Mountains in late August 2018 where we enjoyed its scenic and tranquil beauty as well as indoor and outdoor activities.
Where to Stay – Emerson Resort & Spa, Mount Tremper, New York
Emerson Resort & Spa
We stayed at the luxurious 53-room boutique Emerson Resort & Spa located in Mount Tremper, New York in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Small in stature with only a total of 53 rooms and suites, the resort is large on amenities including their full-service 6,193 square foot spa, that is pure indulgence especially with its large outdoor whirlpool on the deck overlooking the mountains.
Take a ride with us
Their restaurant, Woodnotes Grille features "Catskill Creative Cooking" and Ralph’s Café is perfect for breakfast or lunch for guests on-the-go. Exercise enthusiasts will appreciate the complimentary bicycles to explore the area, aplethora of fitness and wellness activities, and outdoor games. The resort is dog friendly, which is another wonderful treat for guests who like to travel with their pets.
The Emerson Resort & Spa is conveniently located 2 hours from New York City, 20 mileswest of Exit 19 off the New York State Thruway *I-87) on Route 28 in Mount Tremper, New York. Winter sports enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s close proximity to Belleayre, where the slopes are a mere 15 minutes away.
Endless beauty – Emerson Resort & Spa
Watch video clip – Relaxing at the Emerson Resort & Spa – https://youtu.be/RamhhtlU9vA
Visit their website for additional information: www.EmersonResort.com
Read more about our stay at the Emerson Resort & Spa in the Hotels and Resorts section.
Emerson Resort & Spa
5340 Route28
Mount Tremper, New York 12457
United States
Telephone: +1-845-688-2828
Email: info@EmersonResort.com
Website: www.EmersonResort.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/EmersonResort
Things to Do Without Leaving the EmersonResort & Spa
Touring the grounds
Take a bicycle ride – TheEmerson Resort & Spa has complimentary bicycles for guests and we took an early morning ride around the vast property and were rewarded with the opportunity to chat with a fly fisherman who had just brought in his catch.
Watch a video clip of the bike ride – https://youtu.be/UEO40IkPTbY
Go shopping – Located in what was once a barn, the rich diversity of the shops including men’s and women’s clothing, countryshop, children’s game, food shop, and more at the Emerson Resort & Spa kep tus happily browsing their wares.
Boutique shops
Experience the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – Were connected with our inner child at Katskill Kaleidoscope at the Emerson Country Store in Mt. Tremper, New York, which has the world’s largest kaleidoscope at 56 feet tall and 38 feet in diameter Housed in a former barn silo, the Katskill Kaleidoscope kaleidoshows were visual feasts for the mind and the eyes. During our weekend stay we experienced two different kaleidoshows and loved them both.
Adventure Kids – Kaleidoscope
After each show, we spent time in the shop which has an impressive collection of kaleidoscopes on display for purchase ranging from fun and in expensive toys to highly prized and very expensive collectibles and learned about the many differen tstyles of kaleidoscopes. Interesting to note is that some kaleidoscopes use oil or water as the lubricant to move the glass or plastic pieces to create endless patterns. Although the process of making a kaleidoscope is a combination of art, science, and math, whenever we look through one we always feel like there is a bit of magic and wonder in them.
If you have always wanted to learn how to make a kaleidoscope, the Katskill Kaleidoscope will offer a Kaleidoscope Workshop with Cru Chase on November 3 and 4, 2018. Reservations are required. Cost: $250 per person, must be 18 years and older.
Katskill Kaleidoscope at the Emerson Country Store is open Sunday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission to the show is $5.00, children age 11 and under are free. Admission to the shows are complimentary for guests staying at the Emerson Resort & Spa.
Watch a short video clip of the dynamic Kaleidoshow – https://youtu.be/LaL7oCJ7RfI
Visit their website for additional information: Katskill Kaleidoscope
Katskill Kaleidoscope
Emerson Resort & Spa
5340 Route28
Mount Tremper, New York 12457
United States
Telephone: +1-845-688-2828, extension 7654
Email: info@EmersonResort.com
Website: www.EmersonResort.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/EmersonResort
Worth a Short Drive – Kingston, New York
Kingston, NY
We drove to nearby historic Kingston, New York for a day of exploring. Conveniently located 30 minutes (19 miles) from the Emerson Resort & Spa, Kingston is historically noteworthy as it was permanently settled in 1652 and was the first capital of New York State in 1777, before the capital was moved to Albany. It is the third oldest city in New York State and offers visitors many interesting diversions. Kingston is located 91 miles north of New York City and 59 miles south of Albany.
Hudson River Cruises – The best way to experience Kingston is by water and by land, and we explored it both ways.
We took a pleasurable 2-hour sightseeing cruise with Hudson River Cruises aboard the Rip Van Winkle traveling along the Hudson River to experience the scenic beauty andthe rich history of the Hudson Valley of New York and the Catskill Mountains.
Adventure Kids enjoying Hudson River Cruises
It was a glorious blue-sky dayperfect for a day on the water seeing the opulent Gilded Age mansions locatedalong the river bank, seeing its lighthouses, and learning the exciting history of the area. For the past 35 years, Hudson River Cruises has provided stunning vistas and excellent service. The cruises run from mid-May until the end of October, making them the perfect way to experience the beauty during the summeras well during autumn’s annual "leaf peeping."
Roundout Lighthouse
Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise 2018 Pricing: Adults: $27, Seniors (65+): $24, Children (4-11): $19, Infants (Ages 3 and Under): Free.
Visit their website for additional information: www.HudsonRiverCruises.com.
Debra C. Argen and Captain Jim
Read more about our experience with Hudson River Cruises in the Adventures section.
Hudson River Cruises
Dock is located at 1 East Strand Street
Kingston, New York 12401
United States
Telephone: +1-845-253-5709
Tollfree: +1-800-843-7472
Fax: +1-845-340-4702
Website: www.HudsonRiverCruises.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HudsonRiverCruises
Hudson River Maritime Museum – After exploring the area by water, we experienced it by land by visiting the Hudson River Maritime Museum, located next door to the Hudson River Cruises. The museum is a treasure trove of maritime history that captivated our attention with its many fascinating exhibitions.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
"The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries."
The museum is open daily from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm from April 21st until November 21st. During the winter, the museum is open from Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. 2018 Admission: Adults: $7.00,Seniors (62 years+): $5.00, Children (18 and under): $5.00. Family Rate (2 Adults and 2 Children under 18): $20.00, Active Duty Military with ID: Free, HRMM Members and CAMM Members: Free.
"Captain" Edward – "Wait until I get the rest of the boat."
Watch video clip from the Hudson River Maritime Museum – https://youtu.be/9wx3ApkGAPI
Visit their website for additional information: www.HRMM.org
Hudson River Maritime Museum
50 Roundout Landing
Kingston, New York 12401
United States
Telephone: +1-845-338-0071
Email: info@hrmm.org
Website: www.HRMM.org
Where to Dine – Woodnotes Grille
Woodnotes Grille – We had a lovely dinner at the restaurant located in the Emerson Resort & Spa where the focus is on "Catskill Creative Cooking." We dined indoors in the attractive contemporary restaurant, however the restaurant also has a lovely deck for alfresco dining.
Woodnotes Grille – Emerson Resort & Spa
A few of the highlights of our dining experience included their cocktail, The Paper Airplane, made with Medley Bros. Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon, followed by starters of Fried Calamari, and Smoked Gouda Fondue.
Smoked Gouda Fondue
Also nice were the entrées of locally caught Beaverkill Trout paired with a spring vegetable white bean stew, shaved fennel and radish, and the Faroe Island Salmon paired with arugula-dill spaetzle, braised red cabbage, and crispy caper brown butter.
Beaverkill Trout
Woodnotes Grille serves Breakfast daily from 7:00 am until 11:30 am, Lunch from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm, Dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. They also offer a special Sunday Supper 2-course meal. Celebrate "Happier Hour" in their Bar Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and Friday from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm. On Tuesdays, there is Open Mic night.
Woodnotes Grille – See you for dinner
Visit their website for additional information: www.EmersonResort.com
Read more about our dining experience at Woodnotes Grille in the Restaurants section.
Woodnotes Grille
Emerson Resort & Spa
5340 Route28
Mount Tremper, New York 12457
United States
Telephone: +1-845-688-2828
Email: info@EmersonResort.com
Website: www.EmersonResort.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/EmersonResort
The Catskill Mountains offers visitors much to do and spectacular beauty in any season so surround yourself with nature.
Catskill Mountains – a perfect getaway
The inscription on our postcard to Luxury Experience readers reads: With love from the Catskill Mountains; a perfect getaway in any season. Debra C. Argen and Edward F. Nesta
Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.
Follow Luxury Experience on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/LuxuryPair
