Let me tell you about magic… It's the way somehow an all-inclusive makes a frazzled parent feel like a person again - the shoulders no longer hunched by trying to carry the responsibility of feeding and entertaining toddlers, the brows and forehead smooth again from not having to think about the responsibility, the walk straighter from being in fresh air and a new space, the mouth stretched in a perpetual smile because your kids are having a lot of fun and you can actually relax…
Yes, I realize this is very first world problem, at any time, but particularly in these turbulent times. But, I have been to wonderful and disappointing all inclusive as a non-parent and as a parent (fortunately, only the former as I weeded out the no-nos prior!) and the difference is marked! As a non-parent, I looked at the place to offer adult entertainment and cater to my adventurous food tastes. As a parent I am looking at the menu to see comfort food for myself done well, and, familiar food for the kids that they think is done well. The adventure is all in not having a tantrum and walking out with full bellies and ice cream. Vanilla ice cream please! None of the foie gras mousse topped hipster ness. LOL
Mohonk Mountain House, is a special place in this regard. It delivers for the discerning unattached and for the time starved and much-needed-break-thirsty parent. Please note, this is not a sponsored post; I genuinely think if you are in need for a few days of family vacation that is worth the pretty penny, this is a place that ranks high on that list in NE. So much so, that I recommend making it a default vacation spot; not something I would have said four years ago - that was Paris. And, Paris will be again once my TFs are older, and so will Mohonk because it can be a tradition.
Set amidst 400 acres of woodland, backing into the Catskills mountain range, it is a pristine series of upscale cottages set against the beauty of nature. There are tons of hiking trails, from easy to more challenging. The first time we were here was pre-kids and we explored a few of these trails. My favorite was the rock scramble to view the sunset. And there is also a gentle uphill climb that takes you onto a ledge for sunrise, overlooking a reservoir lake. At that time, we also played disc golf and had a turn throwing tomahawks, which, were so much fun!
With the kids, young as they are, we were still able to explore the reservoir trail and for the more challenging routes opted for a carriage ride. The hour long ride was a fun experience for the kids and since we went in Fall, the fresh air was both invigorating and ride lulling. Both kids fell asleep towards the end and woke up hungry for food, as perfect as an outing gets!
As to food, Mohonk in my opinion is one of the best all inclusive resorts out there, on par with Sandals (read my review here). Dinners are three course meals, superbly crafted and hitting the right notes on delight for both children and adults - the comfort seeking as well as the gourmand. Breakfast and lunches are buffets which gave the kids the sense of power in being able to choose what they wanted to eat without overbearance, and us the opportunity to let go and indulge them. Such a win-win. That lack of drama at meal time, by itself, just makes the vacation!
