Not far from the big cities of New York, Philadelphia, and Hartford is an area in upstate New York ready to help you escape the stress and strain of your fast paced life. As you cross the threshold into the land of Washington Irving it may seem as if you’ve suddenly been transported into a dream. The breathtaking landscape, the silhouette of the Catskills, and the absence of city noises evoke feelings of stepping into the past rather than waking from a 20-year Rip Van Winkle nap.

Mother Nature
From hard core sports enthusiasts to those who prefer to passively soak up some rays, anyone will benefit from all Mother Nature has to offer in this “neck of the woods”. If you prefer to rejuvenate calmly, make plans to sway on a hammock with the soft breeze, catch some sunshine and sand on a local lake shore, or let your canoe drift languidly with a river current. Prefer some action? Roar down some river rapids, water ski to your heart’s content, or put on your hiking boots to blaze a trail from beginner to advanced. Golf courses, tennis courts, and

Pampering Indoors
After a day of sunshine and activity you can take advantage of the many amenities offered by a local resort. Or, perhaps indoor pampering sans any outdoor activity is your preference. Whatever your inclination,resorts at the cusp of the Catskills know how to indulge their guests. For a sampling of what you can expect, check out the Mohonk Mountain House facebook page or one of a dozen others. You will find such indoor indulgences as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and whirlpools. Saunas and indoor swimming pools can’t be forgotten, either! If you favor indoor sports, you will find there is no shortage of what you can enjoy. Fitness centers for the all important weight bearing exercises will keep you in shape or off to a great start for the back home gym. It’s also a great way to wear off the calories from excellent gourmet meals.

Tantalizing Dining
No resort would be complete without fine dining. Top chefs and their crews have your taste buds at the center of each mouthwatering meal they prepare. Top off your meal with a delicious dessert and unwind with a classic drink or fine wine under the starlit sky or flickering warmth of a fire.

For some, nothing compares to Mother Nature’s soothing effects for erasing tension. For others, nothing beats relaxing indoors near a fireplace after a day of massage and enjoying the hot tub. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy and by staying at an area resort, you will have the best of both the outdoor and indoor worlds.