Hudson Valley Hiking: Minnewaska State Park

With the winter weather growing warmer, we’re getting ready to explore the outdoors this spring with some exciting Hudson Valley hiking!  With so many unique opportunities for outdoor adventure just minutes from the Hudson Valley Resort, it’s the perfect place to experience hiking in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains.

You’ll find five exceptional forest preserves within easy reach of the Resort which offer hundreds of miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking through some of the most unique natural landscapes in the Northeast.

Visitors to Minnewaska State Park, the Mohonk Preserve, Sundown Wild Forest, Sam’s Point Preserve, and the Catskills Forest Preserve will find a myriad of exciting trails to explore, each with its own allure.  Here’s one of our favorite Hudson Valley hiking trail, which brings the hiker through some of the most interesting and beautiful features of Minnewaska State Park.

Mossy Glen/Blueberry Run/Castle Point Carriageway Loop
(9 mile loop hike, Moderate Difficulty.  Allow 5.5 Hours)

The Shawangunks are known for their varying terrain and unique micro-habitats, so it can be difficult to experience all they have to offer in just one visit.  The little known Mossy Glen / Blueberry Run / Castle Point Carriageway loop takes hikers on an exhilarating tour of the park.

The hike begins on the Mossy Glen footpath, accessable via the Awosting parking lot.  You’ll walk along the cool Glen through a silent forest of hemlock and mountain laurel, cossing and then following the golden Peter’s Kill brook.  Be sure to enjoy the secluded wading pools as you continue through the shady glades.

With little warning, you’ll emerge from the forest and find yourself crossing a brilliant white exposure of bedrock.  This is an extraordinary example of the famous Minnewaska barrens: a stark, alien landscape punctuated with scrub pine and blueberries.

Now the Peter’s Kill cuts it’s way gently across the exposed bedrock, babbling softly as it flows.  Continue along the trail, past small waterfalls and inviting wading pools before entering a dense and shady rhododendron  thicket.  The Minnewaska blueberry run trail is just ahead.

You'll emerge from the thicket suddenly to find yourself standing in another slab barren.  Turn left and follow the Blueberry Run footpath.  This moderate ascent will lead you steadily up the ridge through endless wild blueberry bushes, dwarf pitch pine, and stands of mature mountain laurel.

As you gain elevation, you begin to catch glimpses of the park’s famous ridgeline cliffs, standing in stark contrast to the blue sky.  Now you emerge on a massive rock slab offering a stunning northern view of the Catskills which will leave you breathless.  Don’t be fooled: the best is yet to come.

Continue along the Blueberry Run to an open rock ledge at the highest point on the trail, and the Castle Point Carriageway is just ahead.  Turn left onto the Carriageway, and you’ll find yourself emerging at Castle Point, a steep promitory with astonishing panoramic views.

From here you can see the majesty of the Shawangunks and the Hudson Valley:  Lake Awosting is below, Sam's Point may be seen looking to the southwest, Hamilton Point is ahead, and the sheer cliffs of Gertrude’s Nose may be seen to the east across the dramatic Palmaghatt Ravine.

Turning right back onto the carriageway, you’ll descend gradually along the ridge, with intermittent viewpoints from along the ledge with gorgeous views of the ravine and the face of Gertrude’s Nose.  Continue to Kempton Ledge and enjoy the view.

Soon, you’ll reach Sky Lake Minnewaska, a crystal clear high-altitude glacier carved lake with dramatic white cliffs rising in sharp contrast to the brilliant sapphire water.  Swimming is allowed in season, and you’ll be thankful for the opportunity to refresh yourself after the long hike.

From here, you’ll follow the scenic Sunset Carriageway a short distance back to the gatehouse.  If you have time for a short side excursion before departing, turn right before the gatehouse for a short walk to Awosting Falls, one of the most impressive and iconic images in the park.

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is just minutes from Minnewaska State park and other popular Hudson Valley hiking areas.  The Mononk Preserve, Sundown Wild Forest, Sam's Point Preserve and the Catskill Forest Preserve are all within easy reach, and each offers visitors exciting opportunities for outdoor adventure.

After a long day on the trail, there's nothing better than a relaxing visit to the spa, and our guests enjoy the use of our Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms as well as our beautiful indoor and outdoor pools!  With a fitness center, tennis and basketball, and a gorgeous 18-hole golf course on site, the Hudson Valley Resort is the perfect place to stay while exploring the Hudson Valley.

Taste the Tradition: Hudson Valley Maple Syrup Season

Growing weary of winter weather?  For many people in the northeast, spying a Robin may be the first sign of spring- but here in the Hudson Valley we know for certain that spring is on its way when our local Maple Syrup producers start tapping their trees.

That’s right- it’s maple syrup season here in the Hudson Valley, and that means plenty of opportunities for you to experience the maple syrup harvest yourself! 

With demonstrations and festivals beginning this weekend and continuing through the end of March, local producers and nature conservancies throughout the region are offering exciting hands-on programs which explore the journey of Maple Syrup from the tree to the table.

First innovated by the indigenous people of the Northeast, the process of making Maple Syrup hasn't changed much since colonial times.  Producers begin by drilling a small hole in the trunk of the Sugar Maple tree and inserting a small tube.  The clear, slightly sweetish maple sap collected from these “taps” is then boiled down to the beautiful amber syrup we all know and love.  It can take more than 40 gallons of sap to produce just 1 gallon of syrup!  

New York is now the 2^nd largest producer of maple syrup in the US, and this proud tradition is gaining more momentum in response to consumer demands for healthier options.  Did you know that ounce for ounce Maple Syrup contains more calcium than milk, and more potassium than bananas?  Sweet!

Taste the Tradition!  Check out these exciting maple syrup events happening this March and take part in the delicious heritage of the Hudson Valley Maple Syrup harvest.  Spring is on it’s way, and there’s no sweeter way to celebrate the season!

Maple Fest at Ashokan Center   Saturday, March 5
A tree-tapping experience in an old-time setting. Tap a tree, learn the history of syrup making, taste the results!  Activities include: live music; hands-on colonial crafts such as blacksmithing, tinsmithing and broommaking; living history programs; Maple syrup-inspired food and drink. www.ashokancenter.org

Kids’ Day in the Sugarbush   Sunday, March 6
Join the Mohonk Preserve for a short hike and a sweet treat.  Learn how to make syrup the traditional way. Includes an easy 1-mile hike. Reservations are required. Wear boots and warm clothing. www.mohonkpreserve.org.

Maple Sugaring at Frost Valley   March 19, 20, 26 and 27
Experience the elements of sugaring with a forest hike, brisk mountain air, tapping trees, the heat of a good wood fire, and the sweet taste of maple syrup.  Learn to make delicious maple syrup with traditional sapping techniques and modern day practices. www.frostvalley.org

Learn about other exciting Maple Syrup Season events at http://www.nysmaple.com/

Of course, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa is perfectly located for enjoying all of these Hudson Valley Maple Syrup events, and we’re offering a sweet deal so you can experience the Maple Syrup Season without sapping your savings!  Check out www.hudsonvalleyresort.com/season-of-savings for details.

Rock n Roll Resort v3: Tiny Rager

We’re gearing up for another exciting installment of the premier indoor Hudson Valley music festival, Rock n Roll Resort!  This 3-day, 2-night immersive multimedia performance experience is brought to us by Wicked Cool Productions, and will feature the best and brightest in live entertainment, ranging from electronic, funk, bluegrass and progressive jam band performers!

Offering more than 40 hours of live music, Rock n Roll Resort v3: Tiny Rager will feature performances from an eclectic mix of artists including Soulive, Ryan Montbleau Band, Kung Fu, Pimps of Joytime, and more than 30 other mind-melting musical innovators!

Between sets, fans will have ample opportunity to socialize with their favorite performers off-stage while enjoying fine catered foods, collaborative live art, an epic golf tournament, transformative yoga, celebrity poker competition, spray paint clinic, intimate workshops, theme nights, cyberistic euphoria, and even a festival vendor row!

Of course, attendees will love the unique experience of a festival atmosphere in a resort setting, where they will be able to take advantage of, Jacuzzi  sauna and steam rooms, fitness centers, heated indoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, championship golf course, and other exciting amenities at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa!

With inclusive 2-night room packages starting as low as $220 per person, the Rock n Roll Resort is a festival you can’t afford to miss!

Click here to learn more about the event, rooming options, performers, activities and more, or visit the Hudson ValleyResort & Spa to learn all about the resort!

Current event lineup includes performances from: 

Soulive (2 nights),  Ryan Montbleau Band,  Kung Fu,  Pimps Of Joytime,  Alan Evans Trio,  Nigel Hall Band,  Ghosts Of Jupiter,  Nephrok! Allstars,  Dub Apocalypse,  Jeff Bujak,  Ultraviolet Hippopotamus,  Akashic Record,  Goosepimp Orchestra,  Normal Instruments,  Lespecial.,  Fikus,  Viral Sound,  Cosmic Dust Bunnies,  Higher Organix,  Primate Fiasco,  Mr. Breakdown,  Arclite,  Ryan Hommel Trio,  Nardy Boy,  Lucid,  Danny Pease And The Regulators (Dpr),  Turbine,  The Kind Buds,  Mother’s Wine,  Digital $torm,  Newton Crosby,  Tony Lee Thomas Band,  The Hornitz, and Cosmal

A Brief History of the Holiday Fruitcake

The ubiquitous holiday fruitcake- love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: this traditional holiday staple has become the stuff of legend and lore.  

In this article, we’ll explore the surprising history of the Fruitcake and share our favorite holiday fruitcake recipe with you- give it a try and you just might change the way you feel about fruitcake!

A Brief History of the Fruitcake

The first documented recipe for fruitcake dates back to Roman times.  The high calorie content and long shelf-life made it the perfect choice for sustaining warriors on long journeys.

The fruitcake came to be regarded as a delicacy when it first made its appearance in Northern Europe, where the scarcity of fruits and nuts reserved the treat for special occasions .     

Many people agree that correctly aging a fruitcake will greatly enhance it’s flavor.  Traditionally, fruitcakes are prepared up to a month in advance and preserved by the periodic addition of rum or other “potent potables”.

Managed this way, a fruitcake can remain edible for many years.  The oldest known fruitcake was baked in 1878 and is kept and maintained as an heirloom by a family in Michigan.

The first mailorder fruitcake hit the market in 1913, and the rest is history.  Each year, nearly 2 million fruitcakes are shipped across the nation by well meaning friends and family hoping to preserve this venerable holiday tradition.

Unfortunately, most fruitcakes that hit our tables during the holidays bear little resemblance to the delicacy our ancestors enjoyed.  

Saturated in high-fructose corn syrup and extruded onto conveyor belt ovens, Perhaps the once-noble fruitcake owes its recently maligned reputation more to mass-market factory production techniques than to its own humble nature.

If you’ve never tasted a real homemade fruitcake, you may be missing out!  Try our favorite holiday fruitcake recipe, and you just might find a new holiday tradition of your own!

Our Favorite Simple Homemade Fruitcake Recipe

What you’ll need:

• 3 cups whole candied cherries
• 3 cups candied pineapple, diced
• 1 pound shelled walnuts
• 10 ounces golden raisins
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 eggs
• 4 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

How it’s made:

• Combine the cherries, pineapple, walnuts and raisins in a large bowl and set aside.
• Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy in another large bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
• Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Pour over fruit mixture and stir to coat.
• Transfer to a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan.
• Bake at 300° for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Wrap tightly and store in a cool place.
• Slice with a serrated knife; bring to room temperature before serving. 

Yields 16 servings.  For the grownups, kick it up a notch or two by drizzling with Rum or Brandy.

Do love or do you hate holiday fruitcakes?  Have a favorite holiday recipe, or an improvement on ours?  Comment below, and tell us about it!  

Planning a holiday party?  Take a look at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa! Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Shawangunk Mountains and surrounded by gorgeous Catskill views, our professional event planners and world-class catering team can help you create special holiday memories in our 41,000 sq. ft. conference center and banquet hall!  Visit us at hudsonvalleyresort.com, and give us a call at 845-626-8888 to begin planning your next party or group event today!

Hudson Valley Holiday Parties: Beating Holiday Stress Top Ten

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and “The Holidays” aren't far behind.  If you’re like most people in the Hudson Valley, holiday stress can significantly impact your enjoyment of the season.  With the family on their way, holiday parties to plan, gifts to buy, and endless cooking and cleaning, stress can quickly add up for a less than happy holiday.

The Hudson Valley has so much to offer throughout the holiday season that we shouldn't let stress get in the way.  Take a look at our Top Ten Ways to Beat Holiday Stress, and learn some effective techniques to keep your holiday stress in check.

Top Ten Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

10. Breathe Easy!

When holiday stresses mount, our bodies can react with a fight or flight response which includes excess muscle tension and increased breathing rate.  Practice this deep breathing technique and short-circuit your holiday stress.

•  Recognize that a situation is triggering your stress symptoms. 

• Break into a big, sparkly smile.  If you are in a public place then this can be an inward smile. This triggers a release of endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemicals. 

• Make a positive affirmation.  For example "I can do this" or “Be calm.” This counters the typical negative thoughts that may accompany stress. 

• Take an easy, deep breath. Imagine this diaphragmatic breath coming up through the soles of your feet and filling your abdomen. 

• As you exhale, let your jaw go loose, unclench your teeth, and allow your shoulders to relax. Imagine a wave of warmth flowing through your body.

9. Get Your Groove On

Listening to music while decorating for the holiday or preparing for company can be a great stress reliever by providing a mental distraction, reducing muscle tension and decreasing stress hormones. Crank up the volume and let your mind be absorbed by the music, not by your to-do list.  

8. Start a Holiday Journal

Writing out our thoughts and feelings can be a good release for otherwise pent-up emotions. Don't think about what to write — just let it happen. Write whatever comes to mind. No one else needs to read it, so don't strive for perfection in grammar or spelling.  Once you're done, you can toss out what you wrote, or save it to reflect on when stresses mount next holiday season!

7. Go to Bed!

Stress often makes getting quality sleep difficult. Your sleep can suffer when the stress of holiday party planning leaves you with too much to do and too much to think about.  But missing sleep prevents your brain and body from recharging, and can adversely affect your mood, energy level, concentration and overall functioning. If you experience trouble sleeping, make sure that you have a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine, listen to soothing music, put clocks away, and stick to a consistent schedule.

6.  Visit the Spa

There’s no better way to melt away holiday stress than treating yourself to a soothing soak in a spa Jacuzzi followed by a relaxing massage.  The Hudson Valley Resort’s spa professionals can help you select just the right holiday massage therapy or body treatment to ease your tension, revitalize your spirit, rejuvenate your mind, and regain a true sense of well-being and relaxation.  

5. Delegate, and learn when to say no!

You can’t do everything yourself, at least not without paying the price. Learn when to say no, and effectively delegate tasks.  Taking on too much at once may prevent conflict, but it can also lead to stress, anger and resentment when your needs and the needs of your family get lost in the holiday hustle. 

4. Try Yoga

Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular stress reliever.  Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Try yoga on your own or join a class:  Hatha yoga, in particular, is a good stress reliever because of its slower pace and easier movements. 

3. Laugh it off

A good sense of humor can’t cure what ails you, but it can definitely make you feel better- even if you have to force it through your holiday grumpiness. Laughing lightens your mental load and actually causes positive physical changes in your body. So read some jokes, tell some jokes, watch a holiday comedy or hang out with your funny friends.

2. Get Moving!

Virtually any form of exercise and physical activity can act as a stress reliever. You do not have to be an athlete or even in great shape. Physical activity pumps up your feel-good endorphins and refocuses your mind on your body's movements; improving your mood and helping your holiday stress fade away.  

1. Let someone else do all the work!

Give us a call, and we’ll take care of it all!  Planning your holiday party at the Hudson Valley Resort is the easy and affordable way to beat holiday stress!  With over 41,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, banquet halls, performance venues and ballrooms, there's no better place to share the holiday spirit with your friends, family, or coworkers! 

Our professional event planners are with you every step of the way to help create the perfect holiday party this season, and our world-class catering team can custom tailor your menu to suit your group's tastes and holiday wishes.

Gracefully set on more than 400 wooded acres in the heart of the Shawangunk mountains, we're perfectly situated just 90 miles from NYC, just over the river and through the woods!

From intimate to grand scale, we'll work with you to create lasting holiday memories which suit your tastes, and your budget.  

Give us a call and find out just how easy and affordable your holiday party can be at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa!