One of the Catskills’ premier boutique hotels makes it easier than ever to enjoy the season with a full menu of scenic wonders combined with golf opportunities at some excellent courses in the area. The Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper has teamed up with the Woodstock Country Club and Lazy Swan in Saugerties to arrange guest play at the nearby courses. The resort is about a two-hour, colorful fall drive from Westchester.
Photo courtesy of the Emerson Resort & Spa |
The perfect autumn day might well include breakfast at the resort’s new signature restaurant, the Woodnotes Grille, followed by nine holes at Woodstock CC or 18 at Lazy Swan, where tee times will be cheerfully arranged by the Emerson concierge.
After your round, head for the newly remodeled Emerson Spa for a massage or treatment using stones, high-grade essential oils, or other customized integrative treatments. The 6,193-square-foot spa was updated this year as part of the resort’s larger renovation of its guestrooms and public areas. One of the first things you’ll notice is how inside feels like outside, with open spaces and large windows showcasing expansive views of Mount Tremper and Esopus Creek.
“We’re thrilled with the renovation and wanted to change the overall theme of the property to more closely reflect the name of Emerson [the resort was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson], and to prominently feature the beautiful mountains and river at our backdoor,” says owner Emily H. Fisher. “Every experience is individually customized.”
That can include golf on either daily-fee Lazy Swan or private Woodstock Golf Club. Lazy Swan was overhauled itself in 2012 with the opening of nine new holes. It now plays to par 70 at 6,184 yards. It’s a player-friendly layout, but no pushover, with water, elevation changes, and well-contoured greens to keep you on your toes. Woodstock is a relaxed, casual, friendly place beneath the slopes of Overlook Mountain at the entrance to the town of Woodstock. It has nine challenging holes that play a shade under 3,000 yards. As you might imagine, it rewards accuracy over the long game.
Either course would make a fine family outing, but if your gang wants something to do besides playing pasture pool, the Emerson has some really unique family friendly features, including shopping in the Country Stores and a sight you absolutely have to experience, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Bring the family dog, too, since the Emerson welcomes four-legged guests.