30th Birthday Restaurant & Lodging

[Chrissle1]

Hello everyone!

I'm looking for a weekend getaway for me and about 15 friends somewhere 1-2 hours away from NYC to celebrate my 30th birthday. Ideally, I would love to rent a big house in Hudson Valley somewhere and do dinner at a really good restaurant featuring local produce and food (a la Blue Hill Stone Barns). I know it's a long shot, but does anyone have any ideas of housing options and restaurants?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Elisa515]

At what time of year will you be doing this? We had a great time, with terrific food, at the Full Moon Resort near Big Indian, NY (Catskills) a few years ago. I just looked at their website (www.fullmoonresort.com) but don't see any special events going on during the winter. When we went there was music each weekend.

The sleeping facilities are rustic but perfectly fine, and the main lodge is lovely. You'd probably have the place mostly to yourselves.

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Full Moon Cafe
38 Wells Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

[Chrissle1]

This would be for mid-march. Do you think there's anything to do in the catskills/hudson valley that time of the year? Or is it too cold?

[Elisa515]

I'd ask the resort. When we were there--which was mostly to see the music group performing that weekend--they had cross country skiing, snowshoeing, lots of games indoors, birding, and other activities that I don't remember. I'm sure they'd be glad to arrange a variety of things for your group.

It would be a great private get away.

[demifast]

If the Mohonk Mountain House experience is not your thing - but want something nice in the same area - check out the Minnewaska Lodge. It's a beautiful 26 room lodge right next to Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk. There's great food in New Paltz and the surrounding towns.

[Sra. Swanky]

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz might be very close to what you're looking for - gorgeous mountain views and great food.

http://www.mohonk.com/

[wincountrygirl]

There is no comparison between Blue Hill and Mohonk Mountain House. Though it is beautiful, the food is plentiful but definitely not great.

[Sra. Swanky]

Ok - at least the beautiful lodging is covered! Ulster County is bound to have some good options with delicious local food. I was at Mohonk with my hubby and 18 month-old last summer, so we were a little limited to sticking by MMH.

[wincountrygirl]

We stayed there too and quite enjoyed it - a beautiful setting.

[chowdom]

Yes but you are paying for the food weather you eat it or not if you stay there.

[wincountrygirl]

Probably, but some places do have the option of no food. Breakfast there was great.

[chowdom]

Are you referring to M M H ?

[wincountrygirl]

Yes

[chowdom]

thx

[wincountrygirl]

Stay but DO NOT EAT at the Castle in Tarrytown (except maybe breakfast/lunch). Short ride to Blue Hill.