This summer our family went back to Windham Mountain Resort to experience all the fun minus the snow. As you may recall we had our first ever family ski trip to Windham Mountain this past year. It was an experience we will never forget and my son is already planning another winter ski trip for us!
One thing we love about Windham Mountain is the close proximity from the city. We are able to make the drive in just under 2.5 hours. Located in the beautiful Catskills, we found ourselves in the scenic mountains in no time. It did take a little extra convincing for my 5 year old to explain that we would not be seeing any snow on this trip. Ha!
The summer is a perfect time to take a much needed weekend getaway and escape the hot city. The weather is always a little cooler in the mountains and you can really experience the breathtaking views better without all the snow. You can still see the ski trails which my son pointed out and of course it won’t be long until it’s that time of the year again.
We lodged at the conveniently located Winwood Inn. We had such a great experience the first time and were anxious to check out the new swimming pool that opened in June. We stayed in a much larger 2 bedroom condo at the Inn which my entire family loved! There was a kitchenette with full amenities, 2 bathrooms, and a living room area with enough furniture that my family of 5 was plenty comfy.
Upon arrival we made our way outside to check out the new pool. The pool is located directly across the street for convenience to guests staying at The Winwood Inn. There is a stunning patio area and a poolside snack bar that will be open soon. My 2 older kids played in the the pool for hours while our youngest played on the children’s play set behind the pool. We also managed to witness a magical sunset which was so nice!
In the Winter it can be too cold to stay outside for long, but with the warm summer months, we were able to dine “al fresco” at my favorite restaurant, Rock’n Mexicana. After eating, the kids were able to move around as the adults unwound while taking in the views. Rock’n Mexicana is connected to The Winwood Inn which is perfect for guests.
After dinner we checked out the game room and 100 person movie theater. My kids could not agree on a movie so we called it a night and prepared for our next day of fun!
My 5 and 9 year old were lucky enough to experience a full day of Adventure Day Camp. I was thrilled my “city kids” were getting a dose of fresh mountain air and plenty of outdoor time. The camp is geared for kids ages 5-13 and activities range from hikes in the woods, exploring streams, crafts and more. The camp is M-F 9am-4pm and runs through August 24th.
After checking our 2 older kids into camp, my husband and I headed over to the nearby Windham Path for a picturesque morning hike with our youngest daughter. The winding path was something out of a novel and a dream come true for me with all the wild flowers. Unfortunately my daughter didn’t have the same early morning sentiments and our morning stroll was cut short! I’m definitely coming back here to walk the entire mile and a half..bucket list!
My husband doesn’t really have access to brush up his golf game, so this was the perfect opportunity to get some pointers from a golf pro at The Windham Country Club. With spectacular views, this 18-hole public golf course is very popular with beautiful greens and fairways. My husband learned several tips in a short amount of time and recapped everything afterwards in a private room with the golf pro.
Mulligan’s Pub is connected to the the golf club and has a great patio to enjoy a bite or have a drink while looking out at the golf course. It’s almost sensory overload with such sights everywhere you turn!
With the threat of rain the entire weekend, we had to alter our itinerary to fit everything in. My must do item was to ride the “Sky Ride“. I strapped my youngest in a baby carrier and we set off on the two mile chairlift ride. Without snow underneath your feet, it feels much higher up. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit which is 3,050 feet up. Any fear of heights you may have will be rewarded with the astonishing Catskill Mountain views! I went a total of 3 times and loved every minute!
We picked our kids up a little early at Adventure Day Camp and I joined them on their own Sky Ride to the summit. Kids are fearless, so they were less nervous than I was which was a relief! Once we arrived at the top, we walked to an overlook area in which you literally feel as if you are on top of the world! My daughter was too busy gathering wild flowers to notice the magnificent views but luckily I was able to grab one photo with them to remember the moment!
Mountain biking is very popular at Windham Mountain Resort during the summer. There are many trails and the Windham Mountain Bike Park offers the longest jump trail on the East Coast. If you don’t have your own bike you can rent one and I loved how the bikes fit securely in the chair lift so riders don’t have to pedal uphill. I don’t claim to know a thing about mountain biking but it looked as if the riders both young and old were having a blast!
There are many special events happening this summer but music on the mountain is a great one for the entire family. With an outdoor BBQ and music on the deck, everyone can have a great time! Feel free to bring your own blankets and chairs for a memorable evening. For a full list of happenings click here http://www.windhammountain.com/events-calendar/. With a chance of rain we stayed indoor and were lucky enough to hear the great country music of Devon Franks.
My best experience of the weekend was saved for last and I took my final Sky Ride to the top of the mountain for Yoga on the Summit. It was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. I will never forget the peaceful vibes I had during my practice. The yoga instructor was really excellent as she taught to a varied level group of us. The pristine outdoor setting was completely new to me and now I can’t imagine being in a stuffy space again. The vinyasa style yoga class was truly a combination of mental, physical and spiritual practice. The class is $20 and includes the Sky Ride.
There is something to enjoy in every season at Windham Mountain Resort. I’m so happy our family discovered the warm weather activities and can honestly say we had a blast! Be sure to check out all of the activities offered and more at windhammountain.com
xoxo,
Suzanne