DOMESTIC BLISS

While the Big Apple offers many experiences, the most unforgettable adventures sometimes lie in nearaby locales. Whether you seek tranquil nature escapes or culturally rich towns, the areas surrounding NYC are brimming with excitement. Why is venturing to nearby destinations a delight for New Yorkers? Let us count the ways.

So, whether seeking tranquility, culture, or adventures, the surrounding regions beckon with endless possibilities waiting to be explored and cherished. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey, and let the nearby wonders captivate your soul.

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
For more than half a century, the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York were the premier vacation spot for families from New York City. Lavish resorts, including Grossinger’s and The Concord, offered all-inclusive luxury vacations. Think Dirty Dancing and the more recent Netflix hit The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Once air travel became popular, the Catskills fell out of favor as families vacationed elsewhere. Many original, iconic resorts fell into disrepair, but plenty of family-friendly resorts remain in the region for a relaxing getaway.

How To Enjoy It The unspoiled natural beauty of the mountains offers a serene place to camp, hike, or relax. Plenty of lakes and streams are prime spots for fly fishing. A stop at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a fun experience. The preserve offers over 24,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, dense forests, serene lakes, and dramatic cliffs. Be sure to spend time at Howe Caverns for outstanding underground adventure. Exploring the caverns provides a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable geological formations that have been millions of years in the making.

Where To Unwind The Emerson Resort & Spa is ideally suited for families. The resort offers two types of accommodation: Rooms at the Inn are designed to bring the outside in with oversized windows and private decks that highlight the peaceful views and natural beauty of Mount Tremper and Esopus Creek. Nestled amidst tall pines and shading maples, the mountain-inspired Lodge has a cozy, rustic design that features detailed wood carvings and animal figures. Most rooms include flat-screen televisions, Keurig coffee makers, and other luxury amenities. Take guided nature walks and explore the area on various hiking trails or take to the trails on a mountain biking trip.

POCONO MOUNTAINS
This corner of Pennsylvania has been catering to lovers of natural surroundings for decades. Things heated up in the 1960s after heart-shaped tubs appeared in Life Magazine. Today, the area continues to attract thousands of couples and families each year.

How To Enjoy It You are in the mountains, so prepare to inhale fresh air. During the summer season, raft the Delaware or Lehigh Rivers. Also, explore the region’s charming village (Hawley and Jim Thorpe). They are filled with antique stores, flea markets, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants to satisfy any appetite.  

Where To Unwind The Lodge at Woodloch Resort is the award-winning resort that has satisfied family and friends since the 60’s Woodloch Resort is like a cruise on land—their all-inclusive packages provide three delicious meals daily and endless family-oriented activities and entertainment. With a championship golf course, luxury destination spa, and a variety of rooms ranging from traditional standard to waterfront suites, you may not want to leave! Summers are enjoyable when families can splash around in their outdoor pool, go boating on Lake Teedyuskung, or hike and view wildlife and nature in the surrounding areas.

Info: thelodgeatwoodloch.com
For more information on the Pocono Mountains, visit poconomountains.com 

THE HUDSON VALLEY  From its days as a haven for George Washington to the Gilded Age, when barons built majestic mansions along its banks, the Hudson River Valley is steeped in history. From Tarrytown, Cold Spring to Boscobel and Hyde Park and beyond. It’s a virtual history book about discovering early America. 

How To Enjoy It In Hyde Park, make time for the FDR National Historic Site, where you can find Springwood, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s former home, and the Presidential Library and Museum, which houses 44,000 books and the President’s White House desk. FDR and First Lady Eleanor’s gravesites are in the Rose Garden. You can also visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, a 50-room Beaux-Arts house built in 1895 for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. After your history lesson, shop for Americana (quilts, lanterns, folk art) in nearby antique shops. 

Where To Unwind About 10 miles from Hyde Park is Rhinebeck, where you will check in for the night at The Beekman Arms-Delamater Inn, which can genuinely claim that George Washington slept here. This historic inn, with its wide-plank floors, beamed ceilings, and massive fireplace, has been a Hudson Valley hub since it opened in 1766. Guest rooms are housed in several buildings, with those in the main building boasting Americana quilts, locally crafted furniture, and folk art. 

Info: beekmandelamaterinn.com
For more information on the Hudson Valley, visit travelhudsonvalley.com