When I think of a winter getaway at a Spa Lodge, I imagine this:
When my longtime friend, Yvonne, invited me for a weekend retreat in the mountains at the 4-star Emerson Inn Resort & Spa, I was thrilled. Yvonne had reservations for 2, and needed someone to go with. Recently breaking up with her "ne'er-do-well" boyfriend, it was too late to cancel her trip and get a refund. So, she sought a trustworthy friend. Since I'm gay, it was a comfortable assurance to her that we could safely share the king-size bed that her booking provided.
Our excursion began in the frigidity of New York City, and she drove us out of Queens County to go upstate.
Two hours north of NYC, the Catskill Mountains comprise an area of nearly 6,000 square-miles and encompass a 700,000-acre forest preserve. As we got closer to our destination, the sky became cloudy, and evidence of snow bedecked the scenery. It was a slushy ride to get there.
The spa-hotel was nestled in the Hamlet of Mount Tremper, in Ulster County. (Honoring its Dutch origins as part of the New Netherlands Colony, the county flag has historic Dutch colors).
Near the famously artsy small-town of Woodstock, NY, Emerson Resort occupies a revamped farm on the Esopus Creek.
(It also looks pretty in summertime).
The New England farmhouse, barn, and silo were connected and expanded into a hotel/restaurant/spa.
Adjoining that (but not seen in the picture) is a log cabin guesthouse called The Black Bear Lodge. Our room was in the Lodge, which was filled with "woodsy" flair. Its lounge had a log-burning fireplace (always going), and complimentary jugs of hot cider and cookies (always full).
Log cabins originated in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and were adopted for North America's frontier settlement.
Below, you'll see me cozily by the fire.
Our "Luxury King Room" had charmingly rustic décor. A welcome basket of local wine, cheese and bread awaited us!
The Lodge's section has its own restaurant, the Catamount, which serves unimaginatively basic fare.
Not our style, we preferred to walk across to "The Inn", which has the Spa, Gift Shoppes, Coffee Shop, Bar, and a fancier restaurant.
Rooms at The Inn are "Eastern-inspired"...
The owners "reclaimed" Tibetan monastery doors and sprinkled them throughout the main complex of The Inn.
Below, Yvonne walked through one of them to the Lounge for our "afternoon tea" reservation. We were the last ones!
Reminiscent of a chalet, the Lounge was empty, and we admired it's spaciousness. A waitress greeted us and began the tea ceremony. A man brought in a scuttle of logs to get the fire roaring for us. Yvonne and I had the entire room to ourselves! We noshed on cheeses, grapes, scones, homemade preserves & clotted cream. Darjeeling tea was poured for her, and I sipped an organic orange tea. Delectable!
*If you want to see other experiences when Lewis and I enjoyed lovely teatimes, please go here:
and use this link, too..
Feeling nourished, we immediately went to the Spa treatment.
Being a quick rejuvenator, I let Yvonne enjoy another treatment by herself, and I changed clothes, in preparation for dinner. I told her that we'd rendezvous in the restaurant's bar. A gin martini seemed like the perfect reward for feeling so relaxed!
The bartender and I were the first to occupy the area. I savored that serenity... and the eventual "local gossip" that ensued, as other guests arrive for "Happy Hour". Absorbing the good vibes, I snacked on venison meatballs! (I like wild-game meat).
Yvonne arrived, looking splendid in a snug wrap-around dress, and with makeup freshly done. We were seated in a cozy banquette. We ate the chef's seasonal menu, made with locally-sourced ingredients: a salmon fillet for Yvonne, and a roasted pork tenderloin for me. Their wine selection was delectable.
After dessert/coffee, I took the advice of "the locals" to enjoy a Hot Toddy as a nightcap/digestif. (those countryfolk certainly love their spiced/citrus/bourbon drinks)!
Front desk staff invited me to take my drink back to our Lodge. They also suggested that I borrow a book from their "balcony Library", above the Lobby (seen below in daylight).
Below, my toes enjoy soothing warmth by the fireplace in our Lodge.
Other guests enjoyed bonfires on the deck, overlooking the illuminated babbling brook.
Overnight, the windows frosted, and a chilly day dawned.
The gym is a good way to get the blood pumping (in absence of our boyfriends).
You don't have to walk far for breakfast. Brunch is served in the Inn's restaurant, but their Country Café features freshly-made baked goods and coffee from local Monkey Joe's Roasting Company.
Adjacent are the Emerson Country Stores, which we perused.
After check-out, we were still in the mood for more shopping. Hopping in the car, Yvonne drove us to Woodstock for hours of antiquing. The town is named for the market-town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England, which was first mentioned in 1086. The streets were still decorated for Christmas.
As the daylight waned, we witnessed an ice-sculpting display! The craftsmanship and artistry were amassing!
Dinner back at Emerson's restaurant braced us for the trip homeward.
Grand memories! And all because I said "Yes" and let the unknown weekend unfold as it did.
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