This past summer my family took a trip to New York City for a family friend’s wedding a just a long weekend get away. We did the normal sightseeing that included seeing places such as Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center Memorial, and the Freedom Tower. One day, however, we ventured north to upstate New York to see the Mohonk Mountain House, one of the most historic resorts in America. After spending a few days in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York City, it was nice to spend a day here. It felt almost as if we were at a dude ranch in Colorado or Montana.
The hotel was built in 1879 by twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley, and has been in the Smiley family’s ownership since then. Lining the halls leading into the main dining room are pictures and plaques that tell the history of the Mohonk Mountain House, detailing what was built when, what famous name has stayed there, and even where every single thing is on the 1300 acres. It was a nice get away to say the least.
The pristine condition that the Smiley family has kept the original architecture in is immaculate. It lets you experience what 19th century architecture was like, and the delicate craftsmanship they used. The Mohonk Mountain House is a beautiful resort, nestled in the foothills of the even more beautiful Catskill Mountains.
