Here’s to Timeless Traditions and New Experiences on the Mountaintop
As the first flowers peek through the dry grass and the occasional day above 50° has us feeling ecstatic, it’s impossible not to start dreaming and planning for summer getaways. Perched atop the Shawangunk Ridge, the historic Mohonk Mountain House has activities and experiences all year round (from ice skating to tours of their epic Via Ferrata), and the panoramic views there are spectacular in every season. But summer is the peak of glory for the 157-year-old resort, and Mohonk Mountain House summer activities kick off Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25.
“Every season at Mohonk is special, but summer truly shines,” says Eric Gullickson, president and fifth-generation owner of Mohonk Mountain House. “As a family-owned and -operated resort, we invite guests of all ages to step back in time and enjoy a classic summer vacation full of outdoor activity.”
Visiting the historic New Paltz resort, nestled within 40,000 acres of protected forests, feels momentous. The first month of summer at Mohonk is a special moment for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. This is the time when the sun’s out and the bathing beach is open, yet most schools are still in session—a glorious slice of summery goodness with just a touch more peace and quiet.
Along with the boat dock, campfires, and 85 miles of cleared trails for summer hiking and biking, The Granary, Mohonk’s outdoor dining venue, opens for the season with a flourish of red-and-white-checkered tablecloths spread over picnic tables. The picture of dreamy summer nostalgia, complete with bathing suits and barbecues, sunscreen and corn-on-the-cob, the season at Mohonk offers a classic vacation.
Early Summer Activities at Mohonk
This year a few exciting new experiences help ignite the summer season at Mohonk.
Mohonk’s Wellness Weekends have become so popular that the resort has created its first full-week wellness retreat. The inaugural Wellness Week will take place May 25–29 and will offer centered activities like yoga and dance fitness sessions, crystal bowl meditation, qi gong, and nature walks. Guests can also enjoy spa treatments—which even utilize some of the botanicals found on the property—in the Lakeview Summerhouse, otherwise known as Mohonk’s outdoor sanctuary. Completely immersed in nature, the space offers stunning views of the lake, Sky Top Tower, and the endlessly beautiful Shawangunk Ridge.
Guests to the mountain can raise their glasses and toast “Cin Cin!” with an Aperol spritz as the first Italian Festival is added to the Mohonk summer calendar, May 29–31. It’s all about the cuisine, culture, and spirit of Italy and la dolce vita with events like a pasta-making class with Chef Alessandra Ciuffo, a wine and cheese party, and a dash of opera.
June 5–7 will welcome a bit of the Wild West to the mountaintop for Mohonk’s first Country Western Weekend. Country music and cooking will take the reins, giving everyone a reason to dust off their boots, mount up, and tip their cowboy hats.
It’s not all new events this year: Music on the Mountain, which returns June 12–19, is one of Mohonk’s most anticipated summer events. The festival will bring a full week of lakeside concerts, musical evenings in the world-renowned Parlor, and cover a variety of genres from Broadway classics to West African, jazz, folk, and country tunes.
And last but certainly not least, the opening of summer season at Mohonk would not be complete without a special weekend for Dad. Father’s Day weekend, June 19–21, will have him grinning from ear to ear with endless opportunities to golf, swim, hike, canoe, rock scramble, play tennis, practice archery, throw tomahawks, ride horses, and more. And if he wants to just watch the stars while enjoying a cold one, he can do that too.
“We once again look forward to welcoming guests to our mountaintop for the summer season,” President Gullickson adds. “We hope they enjoy our new events and experiences that complement the timeless traditions we’ve offered year after year.”
