Taste the Tradition: Hudson Valley Maple Syrup Season

We may be dealing with some serious winter weather, but there's a light at the end of this cold, snowy tunnel- we know for certain that spring is on its way because our local maple syrup producers have started tapping their trees!

That’s right- it’s maple syrup season, and that means plenty of opportunities for you to experience the maple syrup harvest yourself! 

Local maple producers throughout the region are inviting you to come visit and enjoy their exciting hands-on programs exploring the journey of maple syrup from the tree to the table.

Did you know that the process of making Maple Syrup hasn't changed much since colonial times? Producers begin by drilling a small hole in the trunk of the Sugar Maple tree and inserting a small tube.

The clear, slightly sweetish maple sap collected from these “taps” is then boiled down to create the beautiful amber syrup we all know and love.  Would you believe that it takes more than 40 gallons of sap to produce just 1 gallon of syrup?  

New York is now the second largest producer of maple syrup in the US, and this proud tradition is gaining more momentum in response to consumer demands for healthier options.  Did you know that ounce for ounce Maple Syrup contains more calcium than milk, and more potassium than bananas?  Sweet!

Come and taste the tradition.  Check out these exciting maple syrup events happening this March and take part in the delicious heritage of the Hudson Valley maple syrup harvest.  Spring is on its way, and there’s no sweeter way to celebrate the season!

Kids’ Day in the Sugarbush at Mohonk Preserve  March 11th

Join the Mohonk Preserve for a short hike leading to a sweet treat.  Learn how to make maple syrup the traditional way.  This fun and educational woodland excursion includes an easy 1-mile hike so be sure to wear boots. Reservations are required. 

Ashokan Maple Fest March 18th
Join in for an all-day pancake breakfast hot off the girl with Ashokan Maple Syrup. Learn to tap a tree, make syrup and more. Live music with Jay and Molly, hiking and fun for the entire family.

Open House at Catskill Mountain Sugar House  March 25 & 26     

A fun open house where visitors can see how maple syrup and other related products are made, this family oriented event is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Visitors can sample and purchase the maple products in addition to participating in a variety of interactive activities to make your visit more memorable.  

Demonstrations at Corey’s Fall Harvest Farm  March 17-18 & 24-25

Visitors will enjoy tours of the sugarbush and demonstrations of how the sugar shack operates as well as a sweet treat: samples of different grades of syrup will be offered and all maple products will be available for purchase.

Log Cabin Sugarhouse at Marty’s Maple Farm  March 18, 19, 25, 26

Gather in the cozy log sugar house and watch as syrup is made using a wood fired 2'x6' evaporator.  Explore the variety of maple equipment on display and a live tapping demonstration.  Enjoy free samples of syrup with maple popcorn, apples in maple syrup, maple tea, lemonade and maple donuts available for purchase.   

Of course, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is at the center of it all!  You can come and enjoy all of these Hudson Valley maple syrup season events because we’re offering some sweet deals.  Want to experience the season without sapping your savings?  Visit www.hudsonvalleyresort.com today!

Hands-On History: Explore our Local Antique Shops

Antiquing has become a popular pastime in the historic Hudson Valley Catskills and many travelers enjoy the opportunity to discover tangible treasures from the past which speak to our region’s rich cultural history.

You never know what you'll find hidden among the shelves of a great country antique shop!  From vintage clothing, furniture and jewelry to pre-industrial farm implements, tin toys, old-fashioned technology and unusual curiosities, our local antiques and collectibles dealers have something for everyone.

So where to begin?  Our guests simply love these nearby antique shops and vintage dealers- they’re just minutes away and you’re sure to find a special treasure you’ll cherish for years to come.

Old Brick House Antiques 
5858 Route 209 Kerhonkson, NY 12446 (845) 626-5206
Interesting, fun, relaxing shopping experience with something for everyone to enjoy. Antiques, collectibles and home accents. Americana, art, country, ephemera, furniture, glass, primitive and textiles. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or later. Year-round, except Wednesday.

Rose Hill Antiques
5066 Route 209 Accord, NY 12404 (845) 626-7155
Buying and selling antiques and collectibles. 1500-square-feet of 19th and early 20th Century antiques and used furniture. Something for everyone.

The Vintage Barn
174 Lower Whitfield Road, Accord, NY 12404 (845) 706-5796
Antiques and collectibles, vintage housewares, ephemera, toys and more.  Open most weekends, noon - 5 p.m., or by appointment. Closed December - April.

Downtown Antiques 
23 Main Street Accord, NY 12404 (845) 706-1070
Primitives/rustic to decorative for home, cottage and garden. Cupboards, ironstone, lighting, art and more. Open Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by appointment.

Want more to explore?  Head to the nearby town of New Paltz where you’ll find a half-dozen more exciting shops to check out, including The Antiques Barn, Medusa Antiques, Horsefeathers, and more!

Antiquing is a great way to spend the day while visiting the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, where there’s always something new to discover just around the corner.

With a full-service health spa on site with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms as well as tennis, basketball and more- you'll feel a world away just 90 miles from NYC.  Give us a call today, and we'll help make the most of your stay.

Hudson Valley Fall Foliage and Autumn Attractions

It’s nearly leaf-peeping season here in the Hudson Valley Catskills region, and our gorgeous mountain views and quaint country roads will soon be dressed in spectacular hues of gold, burgundy and crimson while we welcome visitors from all over New York and beyond to view the fall foliage and to take advantage of our awesome autumn attractions!

 

The foliage this year is expected to be especially lovely, and with so many fantastic fall activities and harvest attractions to explore there’s never been a better time to plan a visit to the Hudson Valley.

Nearby Minnewaska State Park offers visitors a chance to witness unparalleled autumn beauty.  The stark white austerity of the Shawangunk Ridge affords sweeping panoramic views of sapphire blue sky-lakes contrasting magnificently against regal gold and burgundy foliage- it's truly a sight to behold..  

Of course, visiting the Hudson Valley in Autumn offers more than just beautiful scenery, and visitors can take advantage of exciting harvest attractions while enjoying the views.  

Offering traditional October activities like pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and more, a visit to nearby Kelder’s Farm and Saunderskill Farms is a great way to get out and experience the height of the season.

Of course, Halloween is right around the corner- and there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the holiday than a terrifying trip to the Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses.  Now celebrating 25 years of terror, this horrifying Halloween scream-park has been named “#1 on the Planet”.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the magnificent beauty of our gorgeous fall foliage while taking advantage of traditional harvest happenings- or if you prefer to hurtle headfirst into Halloween horror- we're here to help you experience the best autumn attractions and activities the Hudson Valley has to offer.

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is ideally located within minutes of these and other exciting opportunities for fall fun!  That's why we're offering guests a free Hudson Valley Fall Foliage driving tour to help you celebrate the season!
Winding along the beautiful Shawangunk Ridge, our driving tour features majestic mountain vistas, gorgeous fall foliage, quaint country farmer's markets, apple and pumpkin picking, wineries, and excursions through pristine nature preserves and historic landmarks.  Take it at your own pace, and enjoy your upstate leaf peeping trip like never before!

You'll find gorgeous mountain views, a full-service spa, tennis and basketball courts, a game room and more at the Hudson Valley Resort- make it your home away from home while exploring the Hudson Valley.

So call or click today, and we'll help you make the most of your stay!

Celebrate Summer: Explore the Outdoors

Summer is here and we’re getting out to explore the outdoors this season by Hiking the Hudson Valley!  With so many unique opportunities for outdoor adventure just minutes away, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect base-camp for hiking & mountain biking in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains.

You’ll find five exceptional forest preserves within easy reach of the resort which offer hundreds of miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking through some of the most unique natural landscapes in the Northeast.

Visitors will find a myriad of exciting trails to explore, each with its own allure.  This favorite woodland hike allows visitors to explore some of the most interesting and beautiful features of Minnewaska State Park.

Mossy Glen/Blueberry Run/Castle Point Carriageway Loop

(9 mile loop hike, Moderate Difficulty.  Allow 5.5 Hours)

The Shawangunks are known for their varying terrain and unique micro-habitats, so it can be difficult to experience all they have to offer in just one visit.  The little known Mossy Glen / Blueberry Run / Castle Point Carriageway loop takes hikers on an exhilarating whirlwind tour of the park.

The hike begins on the Mossy Glen footpath, accessable via the Awosting parking lot.  You’ll walk along the cool Glen through a silent forest of hemlock and mountain laurel, crossing and then following the golden Peter’s Kill brook.  Be sure to enjoy the secluded wading pools as you continue through the shady glades.

With little warning you’ll emerge from the forest and find yourself crossing a brilliant white exposure of bedrock.  This is an extraordinary example of the famous Minnewaska barrens: a stark, alien landscape punctuated with scrub pine and blueberries.

Now the Peter’s Kill cuts it’s way gently across the exposed bedrock, babbling softly as it flows.  Continue along the trail, past small waterfalls and inviting wading pools before entering a dense and shady rhododendron  thicket.  The blueberry run trail is just ahead.

You'll emerge from the thicket suddenly to find yourself standing in another slab barren.  Turn left and follow the Blueberry Run footpath.  This moderate ascent will lead you steadily up the ridge through endless wild blueberry bushes, dwarf pitch pine, and stands of mature mountain laurel.

As you gain elevation, you begin to catch glimpses of the park’s famous ridgeline cliffs, standing in stark contrast to the blue sky.  Now you emerge on a massive rock slab offering a stunning northern view of the Catskills which will leave you breathless.  Don’t be fooled: the best is yet to come.

Continue along the Blueberry Run to an open rock ledge at the highest point on the trail, and the Castle Point Carriageway is just ahead.  Turn left onto the Carriageway, and you’ll find yourself emerging at Castle Point, a steep promitory with astonishing panoramic views.

From here you can see the majesty of the Shawangunks and the Hudson Valley:  Lake Awosting is below, Sam's Point may be seen looking to the southwest, Hamilton Point is ahead, and the sheer cliffs of Gertrude’s Nose may be seen to the east across the dramatic Palmaghatt Ravine.

Turning right back onto the carriageway, you’ll descend gradually along the ridge, with intermittent viewpoints from along the ledge affording gorgeous views of the ravine and the face of Gertrude’s Nose.  Continue to Kempton Ledge and enjoy the view.

Soon, you’ll reach  Lake Minnewaska, a crystal clear high-altitude glacier carved lake with dramatic white cliffs rising in sharp contrast to the brilliant sapphire water.  Swimming is allowed in season, and you’ll be thankful for the opportunity to refresh yourself after the long hike.

From here, you’ll follow the scenic Sunset Carriageway a short distance back to the gatehouse.  If you have time for a short side excursion before departing, turn right before the gatehouse for a quick walk to Awosting Falls, one of the most impressive and iconic images in the park.

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is just minutes from Minnewaska State park and other popular Hudson Valley hiking & mountain biking areas.  The Mononk Preserve, Sundown Wild Forest, Sam's Point Preserve and the Catskill Forest Preserve are all within easy reach, and each offers visitors exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation.

After a long day on the trail, there's nothing better than a relaxing visit to the spa, and our guests enjoy the use of our Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms as well as our beautiful indoor and outdoor pools!  With a fitness center, tennis and basketball, and a golf driving range on site, the Hudson Valley Resort is the perfect place to stay when exploring the Hudson Valley.

Explore the Outdoors for Health and Well-Being!

Recent studies suggest that spending time in nature may be crucial for prime physical health and emotional well-being.  The Hudson Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and we have a few exciting ways the whole family can get outside to explore the outdoors this summer to reconnect with nature without breaking the bank!

The Great Outdoors

Day hikes are an excellent way to get outside and appreciate the grandeur of the natural world while discovering the true beauty of the Hudson Valley. These fun outings allow you to relax and re-energize while learning about our unique environment.

Just minutes away, Minnewaska State Park offers visitors miles of nature trails, carriage roads, crystal clear sky lakes and stunning views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.  You can learn more about Minnewaska and other nearby park preserves here: hiking in the Hudson Valley.

Get Your Game On!

If you’re looking for a great weekend activity, a good round of golf may be the perfect choice.  Leaning to play golf can be as fun as it can be challenging, and it affords an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy nature while improving your game.

The 18-hole golf course at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is a great place to begin.  With a driving range on site and private instruction available, the Hudson Valley Golf Learning Center will help you get the most out of your time on the course. 

Other popular summer activities at the resort include tennis, basketball and volleyball- all of which offer players a chance to get outside to enjoy the sun! 

Splash the Day Away

Swimming has always been a popular summertime activity, and there’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than having fun enjoying some time in the pool. 

The beautiful outdoor swimming pool at the Hudson Valley Resort is available for guests to enjoy all summer, and we welcome local residents to purchase day-use pool passes for very reasonable rates!

Summer provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, which may be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. With a little planning you can enjoy these and other exciting summer activities for health and well-being without spending a fortune.

Sizzling Summer Savings this weekend only: Just $79 per night!

Recently named a Top 10 US Travel Destination by Lonely Planet, there’s never been a better time to visit the Hudson Valley- by taking advantage of this sizzling summer special, you can beat the city heat this weekend for only $79* per night! 

Perfectly situated in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains and surrounded by gorgeous Catskill views, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect weekend escape.

Explore the beautiful Hudson Valley while staying in style and enjoying our resort amenities!

With a challenging 18-hole par 71 Championship golf course and a full service health spa on site, enjoy our indoor or outdoor pools, fitness centers, tennis and basketball courts, an arcade center, and more!

However you choose to spend your time, you can beat the city heat and get away to the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa while enjoying the best deal around!

Awosting Falls at Minnewaska

Located just 90 miles from New York City and adjacent to Minnewaska State Park, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect escape from summer in the city.

Deals this good don’t come along often, so act now! 

Call our reservations department today at 888-948-3766 and be sure to mention “Sizzling Summer Savings” to receive this special rate!

Download and Read complete details about this Sizzling Summer Savings special here!

*This is a limited time offer, subject to availability.  Does not apply to existing reservations.  Rate is per room, per night for July 27th, 28th, and 29th.  Meals are not included. NYS taxes and resort fees apply.

Check out Foursquare and "Check-In" at the Resort!

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is a pretty big place, and with so many things to do it can sometimes be a challenge to keep track of your friends and family while at the Resort or exploring the Hudson Valley.

We know how frustrating it can be trying to track someone down in an unfamiliar place- so we've created "check-in" points at many of the Resort's features and amenities using "Foursquare", a mobile social sharing App!

"I think Janie's at the pool... Michael said he was going to the Golf Course, but he might stop by the Arcade Center first.  John went to play Tennis (or was that basketball?).  Mary... well, I'm not sure where Mary is!  Maybe at the Spa?"

Sound Familiar?  Enter technology.  

Foursquare lets you share where you are with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers using your iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or other mobile device.  It’s a fun way to keep track of your friends and family, share venue tips, and explore local attractions!

How it works:

If you haven’t already, download the Foursquare App to your mobile device at foursquare.com- it’s completely free, and sign up is quick and easy!  

Foursquare uses your mobile device’s geo-location (gps) service to pinpoint your location upon request.  You can then choose to “Check in” at that location and let others know where you are, learn about local events and attractions, share venue tips and photos, and more!

Best of all, you can allow Foursquare to post your check-ins to your Facebook timeline and Twitter feed- what better way to let folks back home know how much fun you’re having at the pool?

Foursquare isn’t just a valuable tool, it’s also a lot of fun!  Points are earned for each check-in, badges are awarded for various achievements, and the person who logs the most “check-ins” at a particular place is declared “Mayor”! 

Try it out on your next visit to Hudson Valley Resort & Spa! Visit foursquare.com for more information, or to download the App!