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200nm Weekend Excursions
Kick-Back • Relax • Unwind
by Jan Gerner
 Mohonk Mountain House, NY
Since 1869, members of the Smiley family have been welcoming guests to the majestic Mohonk Mountain House, NY Since 1869, members of the Smiley family have been welcoming guests to the majestic Mohonk Mountain House. Fly into the Stewart International Airport (KSWF) and you can rent a car for the twenty-five mile drive, or make arrangements in advance with the Mohonk Transportation Department to be picked up for a fee.
Thousands of acres of forests and trails surround this castle perched above the blue waters of Mohonk Lake. Along with relaxation and recreation, you will get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea included in your room rate.
Breakfast and lunch are lavish buffets, and the new Sunday brunch is a combination of both. Gentlemen are expected to wear jackets for dinner or, if you prefer, you can dine in the privacy of your room. All meals are prepared by award-winning chefs and the really health conscious have a “Sound Choices” menu.
In addition to fine cuisine, the resort has award winning gardens. No matter what time of year, a tour of the grounds and greenhouse will thrill gardeners and ‘wanna-be’ gardeners. Then for some old fashioned fun, get lost in the Victorian maze.
When you find your way out of the maze, head for the Mohonk Mountain Spa where you and your sweetie can have simultaneous massages in front of a fireplace. Then take a dip in the outdoor heated mineral pool or the indoor swimming pool. This worldclass spa offers guests a long list of signature treatments including guided power naps.
While calm and tranquility are being restored at the spa, children will be kept happy and busy at the Mohonk Kids Club. Children are always welcomed here and at certain times of the year, they stay free. Also check out the special theme weekends offering workshops on gardening, cooking, ballroom dancing, or rock and rolling with New York radio legend “Cousin Brucie.” Northeasterners will love this easy to get to and hard to leave escape.
 Salish Lodge & Spa, WA
A majestic waterfall, lush pine forest, elegant accommodations with feather beds, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs come together at the Salish Lodge & Spa. Rent a car at the Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT) for the 40-minute drive to this excursion in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
If you so desire, chilled champagne and fresh flowers will be waiting for you in your room.
On certain Fridays local chefs, artists, and musicians present interesting programs and entertainment. These “Fireside Fridays” include complimentary wine and cheese tasting, and are a great start to your weekend.
Outdoor enthusiasts can have it all--hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, white water rafting, biking, golfing, and more. Indoor types who just want to kick back, can have it all too. A trip to the tranquil, Zen-like spa with treetop views, heated river rock massages, a eucalyptus steam room, and therapeutic pools will restore your sense of well being.
The Snoqualmie Falls are considered a sacred place by Native Americans and the splendor of this rushing water over granite cliffs can be viewed from the resort’s cliff-top gazebo. Since 1919 a lodge has been on this site offering rest and food to those visiting the falls.
The original fireplace is in the resort’s dining room and the same traditional country breakfast that has been served for generations can still be enjoyed along with a roaring fire. Dining here is casual, elegant, and wholesome. For a unique taste treat, sample amazing cheeses and coffees, teas, and sugars of the world.
Amelia Island Plantation, FL
For those living in the southeast, the Amelia Island Plantation offers a perfect blend of southern charm, hospitality, relaxation, and activity. Centuries-old live oaks, maritime forest, salt marshes, grasslands, sand dunes, and savannahs cover this 1,350-acre barrier island in northeast Florida.
The Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (55J) is four miles north of the resort. With 48 hours notice, transportation can be arranged in advance through the Amelia Island Transportation Department for about $7 per person each way.
Guests have the option of rooms with an ocean view, villas overlooking the championship golf courses, and numerous packages to meet their needs and desires.
 For those wanting to improve their golf or tennis game, this is the place to get top instruction from the pros. Golf Magazine has called this the “Silver Medal Golf Resort.” Tennis Magazine has put the Plantation in the top 50 greatest tennis resorts in the country and the number five resort for junior tennis.
Amelia’s Wheels will get you out and exploring the island. Rent a bike, motorized golf cart, or Segway to see the sights. If teaching the kids how to ride a two wheeler has been on your ‘to do’ list, enroll them in the “Learn to Ride” program. When it’s time to dine, a team of award-winning master chefs are ready to please. Choose from fine dining at the Ocean Grill or several casual venues. All restaurants at the resort are family-friendly and feature special items for the younger set.
The newest hot-spot on the Plantation is the Falcon’s Nest. Stop by for happy hour or dance into the wee hours of the night. Military and civilian aviation memorabilia line the walls and a replica of Sky King’s Songbird, a Cessna 310B, hangs from above. (For those who weren’t watching TV in the 1950s, Sky King was America’s flying cowboy).
For the ultimate in relaxation, try a Watsu. Enter the heated waters of the Watsu pool and stress, aches, and pains are replaced by a feeling of balance and wellness. For those needing an attitude adjustment, this water massage may be just what the doctor ordered.
Blackberry Farm, TN
There’s no better place to unwind and gain a new perspective on life than Blackberry Farm. This exclusive mountain retreat situated on 4200 private acres in the Great Smoky Mountains is a working farm providing guests with marvelous combination of luxury, scenery, world class cuisine, and the very best Tennessee traditions.
The resort will send a chauffeured sedan to pick you up at the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (KGKT) for a fee. Or you can rent a car for the 50 minute drive.
There is a two-night minimum stay at this resort, so don't plan on popping in and out. You'll want to stay in any event.
Travel & Leisure, Zagat Travel Guide, and Southern Living have bestowed many awards on this elegant hotel - world’s best small hotel, world’s best service, and world’s best cuisine. Rooms and cottages feature English style antiques, fine art, feather beds, and rocking chairs so you can rock, relax, and savor the view.
Along with savoring the mountain views, you will get to enjoy the acclaimed “Foothills Cuisine” developed by Executive Chef John Fleer. “Foothills Cuisine” is described as a blend of haute cuisine and “down home” cooking. Breakfast, lunch, and a five-course, candlelight dinner are included in your room rate.
The majority of the ingredients and products are produced on the farm. And if you’re interested, you can learn from start to finish how the end product on your plate is produced. The concierge will customize a farming experience to meet your desires.
You can be as active or as inactive as you want to be. Settle into a hammock and while away your stay gazing out at the Smokies or try the complimentary fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and tennis.
The 1800s historic farmhouse, which is now a world class spa, is also a great spot for gazing at the mountains, horses, and creek. Try the signature water treatments that will leave you energized and ready to tackle life when you get back home.
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