Celebrating the First Day of Summer
I first encountered the one and only Mohonk Mountain House quite a few years ago as an invite from my long time friend Paul McIlhenny, CEO of Tabasco to speak at one of their themed foodie weekends. Ever since, I've been a lover of this well preserved resort. At first I was torn; tape my TV shows there and let the world know about this jewel of an destination in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, or keep it to myself as a relaxing get-a-way place. I decided it's better to share.
Built on the deep-blue waters of Lake Mohonk in 1869, this grand 266-room Victorian castle is one of America's oldest family-owned resorts. The National Historic Hotel property with thousands of acres of pristine forest, is just 90 minutes north of New York City with over 85 miles of hiking trails.
Start your day off hiking the trails and be-one with nature after a bountiful breakfast. Be sure to indulge on a stack of fresh blueberry pancakes! Take a stroll after a satisfying lunch touring Mohonk's award-winning gardens and get lost in their Victorian Garden Maze with someone special. Midday is tea time at the Lake Lounge; try Mohonk's Own Tea Blend! Take a short stroll to the Antique Barn which is filled with neat objects—I found a real treasure to take home with me, an antique cottage dresser with some authentic patina.
Pampering expands beyond being ensconced in nature at Mohonk. At their world class spa I've enjoyed some peaceful hours of treatments that have totally recharged me for a twilight round of golf; which is complimentary for guests on weekdays.
One of my favorite dining venues while staying at Mohonk Mountain House is the outdoor Granary overlooking Lake Mohonk. The Granary offers breakfast and a daily barbecue for lunch and evening lobster-bake cookouts three nights a week, during the summer season.
See how I could fit in all these activities and still find time to recharge. I also met up with another chef also named George:
To View TV Segment: click here for video clip
