This glorious old resort in New Paltz in the Shawangunk Mountains, just under two hours' drive from New York City: boasts myriad activities to keep you busy all day (but only if desired) and the connection to the Smiley family, who has owned and operated the resort for over 140 years.

That connection reverberates throughout the property, which in recent years has (mostly) been dragged into the 21st century. Bought in 1869 by twins Albert and Alfred Smiley, the 10-room tavern that sat on 300 acres of lake and farmland was over the years expanded to encompass 266 rooms in connected buildings spanning a sixth of a mile, while the property now extends to 2,200 acres.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Fyllis Hockman's post New York State's Mohonk House: Old-World Flavor Tastefully Wrapped in Casual Elegance.