Explore the East Coast with The Best of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania!

While more than 70% of the United States currently has snow on the ground, summer is just around the corner making now the perfect time to plan that summer getaway.   Many are opting for destinations that are a drivable distance away.  Luckily, there are several incredible resorts located within a 3 hour drive of New York City, making them an easy drive for most living in the Northeast.  ​

Crystal Springs Resort
Sussex County, New Jersey

​Photo credit: Crystal Springs

​Crystal Springs Resort is described as a 4000 acre playground for all ages.  This four season resort truly has it all.  The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, 6 golf courses, a lake with fishing and non-motorized water sports, nature trails, 2 spas and a sports club with tennis, basketball, and racquetball. In the winter, guests can enjoy skiing, ice skating and snow tubing.  The activities are endless.  You can even try out goat yoga!

The resort is actually comprised of two hotels.  Grand Cascades Lodge is the more luxurious of the two.  The Adirondack-style lodge creates the perfect harmony of luxury and connection with the outdoors.  Grand Cascades features the Biosphere indoor and outdoor pools, two upscale restaurants and a casual Italian bistro (and the Chef's Garden "garden-to-table" dining experience in the warmer months), an incredible wine cellar and a spa.  Minerals Hotel caters to families and those that are young at heart.  It features the Minerals Sports Club, Minerals indoor and outdoor pools, family-friendly dining options, and a spa.  While generally amenities at either hotel are open to all resort guests, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and New Jersey state restrictions, some access may be suspended so be sure to discuss with your Curated Travel advisor which hotel option best suites your needs.

​Photo credit: Crystal Springs

Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York

Photo Credit: Mohunk Mountain House

​Guests at Mohonk Mountain House can experience the luxury of a by-gone era at the Hudson's Valley's most iconic resort.  Originally built in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House's Victorian castle is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted 5 presidents throughout its history.  

The experience at Mohonk Mountain House is reminiscent of that of the luxury resorts at the turn of the 20th century.  Guest rooms are maintained to preserve the unique architecture and character of the Mountain House.  The furnishings are timeless antiques and most rooms do not have televisions, but do have wood-burning fireplaces.  Three gourmet meals from the resorts awarding-winnings chefs and afternoon tea & cookies (as well as most activities) are included with your stay.  

I fell in love with Mohonk Mountain House when it was featured on an episode of Travel Channel's Great Hotels (and have made numerous visit since).  The resort is stunningly gorgeous, perched on top of a mountain on the banks of a mountain glacial lake with incredible views of the Hudson Valley.  Guests come to Mohonk year-round to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors here.  The resort is surrounded by miles of hiking trails and boasts beautiful Victorian gardens.  Other outdoor activities, depending on the season,  include golf, ice skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, boating, and fishing.  There is no outdoor pool but in the summer guests can enjoy a dip in the pristine, glacial lake.  Mohonk Mountain House is home to a world-class spa with a gorgeous indoor pool.  It's a destination perfect for a family gathering or a romantic weekend away.

Woodloch Pines Resort & The Lodge at Woodloch
Hawley, Pennsylvania

Photo credit: Woodloch

Woodloch Pines Resort and the Lodge at Woodloch are two sister properties located in the Lake Region of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains.  Woodloch Pines is an all-inclusive family resort while the Lodge at Woodloch is an adult-only, all-inclusive destination spa.  

Woodloch Pines is the perfect destination for a multi-generational family vacation.  There are a variety of accommodation types to fit everyone's needs - from traditional hotel rooms to 1- and 2-bedroom suites to private vacation homes large enough to fit the whole family.  With a diverse array of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Woodloch Pines.  Indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor splash zone, an indoor playground, go carts, bumper boats, miniature golf, year-round ice skating, lake activities in the summer and snow tubing in a winter are just some of the activities offered.    

The Lodge at Woodloch is a 58-room, luxury country estate that is limited to guests age 16 and older.  All packages at the Lodge include 3 gourmet meals per day plus an array of activities designed to offer a rejuvenating and stress-releasing experience such as scheduled group fitness classes, cooking and baking demonstrations, group outdoor adventure excursions, a personal spa concierge, and health and fitness amenities.  There are package options that include daily spa services as well.  The Lodge at Woodloch offers over 35 different classes daily to help guests explore their passions or discover new ones.  The Lodge at Woodloch is a place where guests can expand their mind and soothe their soul and is perfect for a couple's or girlfriend's getaway.  ​

Photo Credit:  Woodloch

Rocking Horse Ranch
Highland, New York

Photo Credit: Rocking Horse Ranch

When it comes to family resorts and family fun, Rocking Horse Ranch is number one!  Take the kids here once and I can promise they will be begging to return.  

The entire resort has a western ranch theming.  It's a bit kitschy but it works.  With only 113 rooms, the resort never feels crowded and the staff is able to provide exceptional service.  The food is not fancy but it's good, family friendly and plentiful and the resort is  accommodating with allergies or picky eaters.  

With a name like Rocking Horse Ranch, you can probably guess that the resort centers on horses and horseback riding.  But there is also impressive wide range of family friendly activities beyond the horseback riding.  There are indoor and outdoor aquatic complexes (complete with indoor and outdoor waterslides), water sports on the lake in the summer, skiing, snow tubing and ice skating in the winter, daily activities like bingo and trivia games, family friendly nightly entertainment, kids' club, year-round mountain tubing, and even a spa.  The best part is almost everything, including meals, are included in the daily rate (notable exceptions are spa treatments, alcoholic beverages and children's programming for kids under 3).  Yes, that includes the horseback riding, skiing (including instruction and equipment) and water sports.     If you are looking for a destination to provide good, old fashioned, family fun for all ages, Rocking Horse Ranch is the place to go!

What is YOUR favorite family hangout on the east coast -- totally let me know!!!!