By Dan Murphy
My recent quest to find rest and relaxation close to home took me to the Emerson Resort, only 90 minutes away in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. What I found at The Emerson was a hidden treasure that gives visitors and families the options of unwinding by simply looking out at the splendor of the 20-acre facility; enjoying the award-winning spa, signature restaurant and country stores; or exploring the family-friendly activities on the resort and nearby.
This luxury boutique hotel features 53 rooms and suites, with several options for all sizes and budgets in your party. The contemporary inn features modern rooms and larger suites, with balconies overlooking the Esopus Creek and mountains. The Emerson’s Adirondack style-lodge features more traditional rooms in a rustic setting.
The resort brings the Catskills inside with stunning views, open spaces and an earthy color palate inspired by its namesake, poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose influence and quotations can be found throughout the resort, which adds to its peaceful and relaxing tone.
With the fall season fast approaching, The Emerson is the place to enjoy autumn’s vibrant foliage, with a variety of hiking and walking trails on-site along the Esopus Creek, as well as Catskills-themed outdoor activities nearby for nature enthusiasts.
Rail Explorers are pedal-powered vehicles that ride along the railroad tracks under a canopy of maple and birch; and Mushroom Walks (available only select dates in September and October) are two-hour guided hikes with the region’s “Mushroom Man,” John Michelotti, who can talk about the healing properties of fungi while taking in the outdoors. Fly fishing is available with the Catskill Mountain Angler for both beginners and experienced fly fishermen and women.
Hudson River Cruises provides a first-hand view of the historic shoreline of the Hudson Valley from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle, and the Mountain Top Arboretum is comprised of 178 acres of public gardens and northeastern U.S. native plant and tree displays.
The Emerson also offers a one of a kind, World’s Records largest kaleidoscope, which includes a 10-minutes show inside the kaleidoscope – built inside a former barn silo.
The nearby Town of Phoenicia offers a quaint stop for a bite to eat or light shopping, while Woodstock, about 20 minutes away, is a great day trip and location to explore.
My recent visit to The Emerson coincided with a desire to play a few more rounds of golf this year. Guests who stay at the Emerson Resort & Spa can enjoy a special stay-and-play package at three nearby golf clubs – Woodstock Golf Club, Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club in Saugerties, and Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston.
I was able to take advantage of this special and play two courses in two days. Traveling up the New York State Thruway to The Emerson, I stopped to play Wiltwyck Golf Club, designed by the noted Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Wiltwyck Golf Club is a semi-private facility located about a 20-minute drive from The Emerson. The 18-hole championship challenge weaves through the Catskills’ natural beauty alongside breath-taking vistas and terrain.
“Wiltwyck has two signature holes, the ninth and 15th,” said Wiltwyck head golf professional Luke Burbach. “The ninth is a challenging dog-leg right par 4. Players must feed their second shot to the green between a row of pines on the left and water on the right. The ninth challenges all aspect of a player’s game including their ability to curve the ball and hit long irons with accuracy. The 15th tee shot reminds me of the 18th at Augusta National. A narrow chute opens to a fairway with water along the right-hand side. The two-tiered green makes both your drive and approach shot very challenging. You’ll have a beautiful view of the Catskill Mountains.”
The following day I played Woodstock Golf Club, located just outside the historic village. The motto at Woodstock Golf Club is “Golf in Peace,” and my round was peaceful and challenging. This private facility is a nine-hole, 2,812-yard, par-35 gem that prides itself on superb playing conditions, lightning-fast small greens and picturesque mountainside views. Back nine tee marker placements make many of the holes distinctly different for your second nine holes.
I enjoyed my round at Woodstock most of all. The course was immaculate – a surprise for any course at the end of the year, and the views from the sixth hole had you hitting into the Catskill Mountains.
“Other than the feeling you get by playing on a historic course that has hosted such players as Gene Sarazen, Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, just to name a few, the most appealing quality at Woodstock Golf Club is the peace and tranquility,” said General Manager Brent Powlison. “Since we are not open to the general public, many times it will feel as if you have the entire place to yourself.”
Woodstock Golf Club is also home to the annual Woodstock Open, sponsored by the Emerson. On my next trip to The Emerson, I plan on playing Lazy Swan Golf & Country Club Village in Saugerties.
My stay at The Emerson was memorable and my wife and I are planning our return visit. Our dinner at its signature restaurant Woodnotes Grille included an enjoyable “Catskill Creative Cooking” experience, with locally sourced foods prepared with a twist, and craft cocktails that included an after-dinner Portuguese wine.
The staff was welcoming and accommodating . The Emerson is also a true, pet-friendly and accommodating resort.
Several packages are available for the fall foliage season, including – for those who can get away mid-week – a “leaf peeping” value offering guests a three-night stay that starts at $672 (savings up to $240) and includes a $100 resort credit.
Located in Mt. Tremper, this $6 million renovated boutique hotel is worth your consideration for special events, including corporate retreats and destination weddings – or for just a memorable, yet affordable weekend getaway.
For more information, visit www.emersonresort.com and for reservations call 845-688-2828.
