I am packing my bags for my jaunt out to Wyoming—complete with camping in Yellowstone, road-testing the latest Subaru and luxuriating at the sublime Amagani resort—but I have to report back on this past weekend’s Sunday jaunt. After a spirited bout of early-morning gardening, I zipped over to two of my favorite spots in upstate New York: the glorious Mohonk Moutain House and the nearby, wildly historic Depuy Canal House for brunch.
Situated in a dramatic setting within the Shawangunk Mountains just outside of New Paltz, the Mohonk Mountain House is a hostelry like no other—seemingly plucked from another era and the drafting table of some marvelous and madcap architect. Built between 1879 and 1910, this National Historic Landmark was the brainchild of the conservation-loving Smiley brothers, and little about the property has seemingly changed. On a perfect fall day, the hotel makes for the perfect stop to walk the stunning, 2,000-acre grounds or partake of a massage at the stunning spa. But should you not be able to book an escape at this crenellated and turreted confection, surf over to Netflix and order the film The Road to Wellville with Sir Anthony Hopkins: Much of the film takes places in and around the hotel.
Seemingly plucked from a fairy tale, the Mohonk Mountain House is all turrets and gables and crenellated roofs hunkered beside a mirror-like lake.
Minutes away from the Mountain House sits the atmospheric and tiny town of High Falls, once the seat of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and now home to charming shops and terrific eateries. I shopped the beautifully edited wares at Spruce Design and Decor and the High Falls Mercantile before settling in for a languid brunch at the circa-1797 Depuy Canal House.
Built in 1797, the Depuy Canal House houses warren-like dining rooms, each with their own fireplace and overflowing with antiques.
Housed within a stunning stone building, the Depuy looks much like it must have centuries past with its wonky wood floors, wood-burning fireplaces and dark-wood antiques. With a Bloody Mary in hand, I relaxed and savored my poached eggs paired with gravlax salmon and fresh-baked biscuits. Although brunch was lovely, I can’t wait to return to the Canal House on a cold winter night and sip a hot toddy in front of the fireplace. Pure romance!