Motoring Up to Mohonk

Could a nearly 150 year old resort be so incredible that you need a “Day Pass” to gain entry to the grounds and resort?

My city-slicker engineer friend bailed on Manhattan's mayhem on Monday to discover New Paltz and the Hudson Valley. He'd heard only of a beautiful rustic retreat called the Mohonk Mountain House built in 1868 and wanted to see what it was all about. Being the prototype New Yorker he doesn't own a set of wheels or EZPass but with his old mans' blue borrowed roadster and 200 Grateful Dead concert recordings, he was in luck. He swapped the underground subways and stench for unspoiled wilderness and Victorian splendor.

Grinning ear-to-ear my friend could see the Mohonk a few miles outside of New Paltz. Little did he know that a surly security guard awaited his arrival.

"Drivers license and day pass please" demanded the guard.

"I'm not a guest - just want to see the place before I decide to stay," says happy motorist.

"Can't do it sir. Not allowed," grumps big brother.

My buddy's brain goes into overdrive and manages to woo the guard long enough for a 1 hour curtsy around the grounds. Maybe it was the miserable weather on Monday but the guard let him past the Fort Knox-like interrogation.

In record time, happy motorist enjoys hiking trails, rock formations, views of the lake, tennis courts, golf course, award-winning gardens, horseback riding and the sprawling architecture of an oak-paneled historical landmark. It sounds like the place was beyond all expectations and maybe worthy of the $20 day pass entrance fee.

So, pick a nice day, gather your camera and call 1-800-255-1000 (information desk) to score a $20 day pass and avoid the grumpy dude at the front. Let me know what you find.