Secret Summer at Mohonk Mountain House is the getaway you’ve been dreaming of
By StoryStudio on July 1, 2024
Who says summer ends when school begins? Those who appreciate total escape know that at the iconic Mohonk Mountain House, summer keeps going long after kids are back in class. Dubbed “Secret Summer” by those who’ve experienced it, August to October is one of the best times of year to visit this National Historic Landmark resort. The weather is warm, the sunsets are long, and the natural beauty is unparalleled. With the chill vibes and slower pace, it’s in these later months that guests can truly immerse themselves in total relaxation.
There’s so much to do during Mohonk’s Secret Summer. Go hiking amongst 40,000 acres of pristine woodland, take in stunning lake views while feasting on barbecue, and enjoy nightly cookouts, engaging activities, memorable events, and some of the best farm-to-table cuisine you’ll find in the Hudson Valley — all included in your stay. It’s no wonder Mohonk Mountain House was voted the #1 resort in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Here are the must-do events and activities that will make you want to make Secret Summer at Mohonk a yearly tradition.
Communing with the natural world was a fundamental part of the Quaker family who founded Mohonk. They understood the rejuvenating power of time spent amongst the trees, rivers, and lakes. Secret Summer’s slower pace makes Mohonk’s serene location in the Catskills an ideal natural getaway. The Hiker’s Holiday is the perfect opportunity to get back in touch with the earth. Bring good hiking shoes and some binoculars for the breathtaking vistas and wildlife and join like-minded hikers for Mohonk’s annual celebration of its remarkable trails. Mohonk’s 40,000 acres of mature forests, sweeping cliffs, and mountain streams offer some of the best hiking trails in the region.
The perfect place to learn at any age
Take a lesson with Diamond Peak's professional instructors to learn or improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. The resort offers group and private lessons options for ages three and up.
After a full day of hiking, rock climbing, or unwinding, you’ll likely work up an appetite. The Granary is Mohonk’s outdoor dining venue where guests can enjoy a classic summertime cookout. This nightly tradition features grilled favorites and seafood, including crab cakes, salmon, and steamed clams. As you enjoy epic views of the Sky Top Tower, feast on barbecued chicken, spareribs, and burgers, with a side of buttery corn on the cob. Save room for dessert —options include traditional sweets like ice cream, cake, and pie, as well as gluten free and vegan options — and don’t forget to make reservations. These cookouts are a highlight you won’t want to miss.
SPONSORED BY Mohonk Mountain House
Founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House has always prized tradition. Nearly a century ago, Mohonk hosted its first Garden Holiday. The tradition continues today at the 90th anniversary Garden Holiday. This year’s theme of ‘An Artist’s Garden’ transforms the lush flowerbeds into tributes to acclaimed masters like Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Hieronymus Bosch, Georgia O’Keefe, and Vincent Van Gogh through vibrant colors, abstract concepts, and varying textures. Guests can connect with these timeless artists through drawing, painting, and masquerade workshops, paired with horticulture lectures and musical performances. This August 25-30, be part of the enduring legacy of the Garden Holiday.
Make history at the 90th anniversary Garden Holiday
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Secret summer means letting loose all season long. At lakeside lawn parties on alternating Wednesday nights, get your groove on for Disco Night with a live DJ or costume up for the Mohonk Masquerade. These nights are known for their carefree decadence, delightfully adorned with artisanal cheese, wine, beer, and spirits and energized by captivating musical performances and live theatre troupe entertainment. Enjoy a late summer’s eve under the stars and dance the night away.
Dance the night away
Celebrating the harvest is a time-honored tradition. In Bavaria, the annual harvest centered around fermented beverages, meads, and beers. Mohonk raises a stein to this rousing tradition with a celebration of its own, the Mountaintop Oktoberfest this September 22-24. The weekend begins with a Tapping Ceremony and Cannon Commencement, then flows from there with a showcase of the best brews, wines, ciders, and spirits of the Hudson Valley and beyond. Local partner Yard Owl makes sure your experience honors both the Catskills and Bavaria. Come celebrate Oktoberfest the German way with intoxicating polka music, the sizzle of German bratwurst, and plenty of stein games — you could even take home the wooden trophy. Day passes for Saturday will be available, so day guests are welcome to get in on the action too.
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Explore the Hiker’s Holiday
Revel in Oktoberfest on a mountaintop
Secret Summer means letting loose all season long. At lakeside lawn parties on alternating Wednesday nights, get your groove on for Disco Night with a live DJ or costume up for the Mohonk Masquerade. These nights are known for their carefree decadence, delightfully adorned with artisanal cheese, wine, beer, and spirits and energized by captivating musical performances and live theatre troupe entertainment. Enjoy a late summer’s eve under the stars and dance the night away.
Dance the night away
Those craving a memorable adventure must visit Mohonk’s Via Ferrata, the East Coast’s premier rock-climbing destination. Ascend steep exposed mountain routes by way of Via Ferrata’s matrix of fixed cables, rungs, and ladders. Touch the quartz conglomerate rock common to the Shawangunk Mountains. See the valley below like nowhere else. This once-in-a-lifetime experience features aerial bridges and sky ladders, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs, forests, and mountains. Defy gravity with the sensation of being suspended in the air between earth and sky. Via Ferrata is an adventure like no other.
Find adventure at the Via Ferrata
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Unwind at the Granary
Elevate your stay
Explore the Hiker's Holiday
Celebrating the harvest is a time-honored tradition. In Bavaria, the annual harvest centered around fermented beverages, meads, and beers. Mohonk raises a stein to this rousing tradition with a celebration of its own, the Mountaintop Oktoberfest this September 22-24. The weekend begins with a Tapping Ceremony and Cannon Commencement, then flows from there with a showcase of the best brews, wines, ciders, and spirits of the Hudson Valley and beyond. Local partner Yard Owl makes sure your experience honors both the Catskills and Bavaria. Come celebrate Oktoberfest the German way with intoxicating polka music, the sizzle of German bratwurst, and plenty of stein games — you could even take home the wooden trophy. Day guests are welcome to get in on the action, too.
Revel in Oktoberfest on a mountaintop
No Secret Summer would be complete without Lake Mohonk. Fun and relaxation await as Mohonk’s inclusive pricing model ensures guests can enjoy the vast array of lake activities without the stress of hidden fees. Take a kayak out at sunset or fish on the lake’s glassy surface at dawn — or simply unwind with a book on the private beach — there’s no bad day at the lake. Paddleboat with a loved one or row yourself around the glacial waters while you gaze at majestic mountain peaks and enchanted forests. Rest easy knowing it’s all included with your stay.
Enjoy Mohonk Lake
Secret summer means letting loose all season long. At lakeside lawn parties on alternating Wednesday nights, get your groove on for Disco Night with a live DJ or costume up for the Mohonk Masquerade. These nights are known for their carefree decadence, delightfully adorned with artisanal cheese, wine, beer, and spirits and energized by captivating musical performances and live theatre troupe entertainment. Enjoy a late summer’s eve under the stars and dance the night away.
Dance the night away
No secret summer would be complete without Lake Mohonk. Fun and relaxation await as Mohonk’s inclusive pricing model ensures guests can enjoy the vast array of lake activities without the stress of hidden fees. Take a kayak out at sunset or fish on the lake’s glassy surface at dawn — or simply unwind with a book on the private beach — there’s no bad day at the lake. Paddleboat with a loved one or row yourself around the glacial waters while you gaze at majestic mountain peaks and enchanted forests. Rest easy knowing it’s all included with your stay.
Enjoy Mohonk Lake
With all the amenities of a modern resort and the historic charm of a Victorian castle, Mohonk Mountain House is the late summer getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Well-appointed rooms, spa treatments, golf, indoor heated pool, horseback riding, lake swimming, plus all the dynamic events and majestic surroundings — there’s too much to list. Best of all, this Hudson Valley paradise is just 90 minutes away from the city. Plan your Secret Summer getaway today.