Celebrate Autumn: Apple Picking, Scenic Drives, and More!

The Hudson Valley Catskills are poised to celebrate another exciting harvest season, and gorgeous fall foliage is about to set the scene for apple picking, farm markets, corn mazes and more- just 90 miles from NYC! 

Our family owned apple orchards, farms and vineyards are ripe for the picking, where you'll find award winning apples, pumpkins, world-class wines and local craft ciders to enjoy.   

New York City may be “The Big Apple”, but this is the place to be for apple-picking in the fall. Now is the time to plan your autumn getaway, and we've put together some great ways for you to celebrate the season! 

A trip to nearby Jenkins - Luekin Orchards is the perfect way to get out into the crisp autumn air to enjoy the breathtaking fall foliage while selecting from over a dozen unique varieties of perfectly ripe apples. 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Shawangunk Ridge, the orchard market also offers visitors an exciting variety of local gourmet produce, handcrafted jellies, jams, pickles, and more!

You’ll find delicious fresh corn, tomatoes, and other produce just down the road at Saunderskill Farms!  There’s something special at their farm market all season long, including homemade artisanal breads, handcrafted candles, fresh baked pies, and more.  

A great place to bring the kids to pick their own pumpkins, this family owned farm has been growing with pride since 1680!  While you’re there, check out the Corn Maze- kids love this local harvest attraction, and best of all, it’s free!

Guarded by the world’s 2nd largest garden gnome, nearby Kelder’s Farm invites visitors to pick their own pumpkins, apples, corn and more while offering a ton of classic fall activities like hayrides and a petting zoo. 

But their most popular attraction is a mini-golf course designed by artist Maria Reidelbach.  The whimsical course is constructed from re-purposed farm implements, and is lined with vegetables, herbs, grains, and fruit that kids can pick along the way!

Just minutes from these and other exciting autumn attractions, The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay while enjoying the spectacular Hudson Valley Catskills fall foliage.

We're making it easy to get the most from your stay by offering guests a free Fall Foliage Driving Tour featuring majestic mountain vistas, gorgeous autumn leaves, quaint country farmer’s markets, apple and pumpkin picking, wineries, and excursions through pristine nature preserves & historic landmarks.

You can also explore our exciting new Hudson Valley Hard Cider Trail, a sixty mile self-guided tour featuring six of the region's best craft cider producers and tasting rooms!  You'll be able to sample and learn about this popular local beverage while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the Shawangunk and Catskill mountains in full autumn array.

Nestled on 400 wooded acres in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains and surrounded by gorgeous Catskill views, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa offers guests a  European health spa, a fitness center, arcade center, tennis and basketball courts, and so much more! With midweek room rates as low as $99, it's a destination within anyone's budget.

Now's the time to plan your autumn getaway, so give the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa a click or call today and we'll help you make the most 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!

Six Hiking Safety Tips You'll Be Glad You Learned Today

Outdoor recreation has never been more popular, and the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is just minutes away from some of the best hiking areas in the region.  The Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains each have a special allure for hikers from all over the Northeast, and tens of thousands of people travel to the area each year for a chance to explore the outdoors.

Part of the adventure of hiking in the wilderness is the novelty of leaving civilization behind.  Escaping the relative safety, convenience and predictability of our modern world can be exhilarating, but it can also present a few risks for the unprepared.

These Six Hiking Safety Tips can get you into the woods for a great day on the trail- and help you safely return to civilization at the end of the day.

1. Carry a compass and a map, and learn how to use them.  Don’t rely on a GPS or other electronic device for navigation- you can’t charge your smartphone on the trail! Topographical maps of the Shawangunks and Catskills can be purchased from the NY / NJ Trail conference and are well worth the price- some people planning a simple day trip have gotten lost in the woods by hiking just a few minutes away from the road!  Practice with the compass near home, and make sure that it’s in good working order before you head out on the trail.

2. Come prepared!  Bring the proper clothing, necessary safety equipment and a first-aid kit.  Dress in layers so you can adapt your clothing to changing weather conditions. Never underestimated the time needed for the trip, and be prepared for the possibility of the hike taking longer than expected.  Check the weather forecast before heading out, and try to account for any scenario.

3. Take care of your feet while on the trail!  You’ll have a hard time hiking out safely if your feet are cramped and covered in blisters.  While regular fitness training will keep your feet in top shape for the trail, you should rest them frequently while hiking.  Wear sturdy boots and bring extra socks in case you get wet- remember: you can’t call a cab in the woods so you’ll have to be able to rely on your own two feet.

4. Always carry matches and learn how to properly build a fire. If something goes wrong in the wilderness, a fire really can save your life.  People rarely die from starvation in the woods, but they do from exposure. Keep yourself warm and dry when hiking, carry matches, and learn proper fire safety.

5. Let people know where you are going.  If you experience any problems on the trail, it's best if someone knows your plans. Sign in and out of trail-head registers, and always leave an itinerary behind with someone you trust.  It doesn’t hurt to carry a phone, but don’t rely on it!  Fully charge your battery before you head out, but be aware that you may find yourself miles from the nearest cell-tower.

6. Learn some basic survival skills.  Knowing how to get by in the wilderness doesn’t only make hiking more safe, it makes it more interesting!  Try to spot common edible and medicinal plants along the trail and notice possible shelter sites as you hike- it's a fun way to keep prepared for emergencies.

Hiking in the Hudson Valley can be a richly rewarding experience, and with just a few precautions and a little knowledge you can explore the outdoors like a pro.  Reading tips like these can help, but it’s up to you to put them into practice!

If you’re planning a hiking trip to the Hudson Valley, check out the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa.  Perfectly situated in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains and just minutes away from the Catskills- you’ll love returning to resort accommodations after a long day on the trail!

So go ahead, get out of the city and and explore the outdoors- call 845-626-8888 today, and we'll help make the most of your stay. 

3 Essential Keys for Annihilating Stress

The hectic day-to-day hustle of modern living can lead to setbacks in our personal health and well-being.  It’s no wonder: stress can wreak havoc on your body as well as your mind.

The key to a healthier, happier lifestyle is learning to control stress before stress controls you.  While there are many ways to deal with stress- here are three key solutions to help you annihilate it and enjoy a more peaceful way of life.

Exercise Regularly.  Studies show that regular exercise is a sure-fire stress killer. Just 30-60 minutes of exercise performed just three times a week will greatly reduce stress, release muscle tension, and help you feel awesome! Exercise produces endorphins in the brain which create a sense of well-being and happiness, so it’s the perfect option.

Eat for Wellness.  A healthy, balanced diet is another way to help annihilate stress.  Eating fatty, low quality meals is not conducive health and wellness; you are what you eat, so prepare well-balanced meals and you'll feel well balanced, too.  Avoid fast-foods and incorporate fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.

Visit the Spa.  With stress-related illness on the rise, it’s more important than ever to find time for ourselves.  A visit to a Hudson Valley spa can provide peace and relaxation while reducing stress to help you enjoy a healthier, happier life.

The Spa at Hudson Valley Resort offers a full menu of massage therapies to help manage stress as well as an array of amenities designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. Because our guests enjoy complimentary use of the Jacuzzi, sauna & steam rooms, glass enclosed fitness centers and more, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is the perfect place to incorporate these 3 keys for annihilating stress for healthier, happier lifestyle.

7 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Shawangunk Mountains This Summer

Just 90 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City lies a serene, enchanting landscape of unsurpassed natural beauty which beckons visitors to slow down and indulge their senses with an unforgettable visit to one of the world’s Last Great Places.

Here are seven reasons why you need to visit the Shawangunk Mountains this Summer, and one great incentive to get your family on the road!

1. Jaw Dropping Natural Beauty 

The Shawangunks feature crystal clear sky-lakes, unbelievable waterfalls, glistening rock ledges, and miles-wide panoramic views. Visitors to the popular Minnewaska State Park can get a taste of it all with a peaceful stroll along well managed carriageways.

2. Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures

A hike around nearby Sam’s Point Preserve will reward visitors with an unforgettable crawl through unique “ice cave” caverns, a refreshing stop atop a spectacular 180 foot waterfall, unparallelled scenic views of the southern Catskill Mountains, and a tour around a glacial carved sky-lake.

3. Wonderful Wineries

The Shawangunks offer ideal conditions for a number of varietal vineyards, and local wineries have been producing extraordinary vino for centuries. The Shawangunk Wine Trail offers visitors a taste of the region’s best with stops at fourteen wineries offering demonstrations, cellar tours and wine-tastings year-round!

4. Life on the Edge

The impressive ledges of the Shawangunk Ridge have long been regarded as the Northeast technical rock climbing Mecca, and scaling the world-famous routes  throughout "The Gunks" remains a rite of passage for daring climbers everywhere.

5. Historic Houses

A trip to the Shawangunks region offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the Oldest Street in America.  An avenue of centuries old colonial buildings which have remained virtually unchanged since before the country was born, Historic Huguenot Street offers visitors tours and special events throughout the year which are sure to engage the imagination.

6. Hands-on Agriculture

Want to take part in a true farm-to-table experience? The Shawangunks region features dozens of family-friendly farms offering pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the season. Nearby Kelder’s Farm invites guests into their fields to hand harvest everything from fresh greens, corn, potatoes and beans to fresh herbs, raspberries and apples. It honestly doesn’t get any fresher than this!

7. Delectable Dining

With the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in the Shawangunk’s backyard and local growers offering the best fresh produce, meats and cheeses, it’s no surprise that the region boasts some of the most delicious and innovative eateries in the north-east. Offering a surprising array of world cuisines, the funky Shawangunks town of New Paltz has something for everyone, with an emphasis on farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll find a hundred more reasons to return again and again when you explore the Shawangunks this summer, and we're offering an unbeatable $99 midweek room-only rate so you can stay in the center of it all!

Join us in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains this summer and we’ll help you make the most of your stay, so call or click today to start planning your upstate family getaway!