Emerson Resort & Spa Debuts NEW Look

Essence of the Catskills

The Emerson Resort & Spa

If you’ve never visited the Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills,  2016 is the year to go!  So, we did!  Yes,  The Hudson Valley Story just spent a couple of days experiencing the resort, spa and new restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, and we were impressed by the service, accommodations, spa and Catskill inspired cuisine. 

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Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort & Spa

After a multi-million dollar renovation, the resort has a new look that is more reflective of the properties namesake, legendary poet  Ralph Waldo Emerson.  His famous essay “Nature” was the incentive for the development of the Catskill Forest Preserve surrounding the Emerson grounds. Emily Fisher, the owner of the resort worked close with designer Rosyln Cama. Together, they were inspired by the Essence of the Catskills. They brought the outside in with open spaces, large windows that expose stunning outdoor views and an earthy color palette of browns, blues, whites and greens. The resort also commissioned a variety of new NATURE based artwork that includes sculptures, art pieces and paintings by several notable artists.  

Emerson Resort & Spa

The Great Room at the Emerson Resort & Spa

We toured the new looking contemporary resort, and stayed at the Adirondack-Style Lodge which overlooks the Esopus Creek. Tamara Murray, Marketing Director for the resort tells us that guests that come up from the metropolitan area are surprised at how big the rooms are. The Lodge is one of two accommodation styles.  Guests can stay at  the contemporary style Inn and the mountain inspired Lodge. Both types of accommodations have multiple room styles, including suites with 2 floors.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Downstairs is a a big living space with a big fireplace, vaulted ceilings,  a full bath and includes a porch and grounds that lead to views of the creek. Upstairs is the loft with and a full bath that includes a Jacuzzi.

The Inn rooms were renovated and include  new furniture, light fixtures and carpeting. Renovations to the Lodge include converting the old Front Desk area to a seating area with couches, tables and the grand fireplace. It’s a great place for families and groups to gather.

Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort Spa & Resort

Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort Spa & Resort

The lobby of the Lodge is picture perfect and an additional space to soak up the atmosphere with friends or just read a book. The Emerson is a place for families, couples, wedding parties, escapes from the city or a great place to stay while visiting family and friends in the area. Some rooms are pet friendly. The grounds feature the Catamount Dog Park,  a place to picnic, play volleyball and bonfires on Friday + Saturday night during Summer.

If you live in the Hudson Valley or upstate this is also a great place to get away for a night and experience a Stay-cation in unique relaxed surroundings, get spa treatments and enjoy delicious  Catskill cuisine. 

Emerson Resort & Spa

The Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

The Spa renovations will be complete in June 2016.  In the meantime,  spa services are still being offered on-site. Traditional Massages + European Facials + Luxury Spa Pedicure’s are available by appointment. The HVStory suggests you make as many of these appointments as you can! The Emerson Resort provides an experience of relaxation  and well-being in a picturesque setting. The new Spa will debut a new menu of treatments that will combine their natural surroundings with the deep relaxation effects of stone therapy.  A fitness center, steam room and sauna are on premises and yoga classes are also offered.  This is a place to go rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Spa Treatments Are Part of the Emerson Experience!

Emerson Resort & Spa

Besides the views from indoors, the Emerson offers paths to walk and places to sit with views of the Esopus Creek and the peaks of Mount Tremper.

Woodnotes Grill 

Woodnotes Grill

Photo Courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa

Catskill Creative Cooking

A highlight of the renovation is the launch of The Emerson’s new restaurant Woodnotes Grille.  The Woodnotes Grille features traditional American dishes. Catskill Creative Cooking is Food you know done the Emerson way, with fresh locally sourced foods, unforgettable flavors and ingredients with little innovative twists! Burgers, Steak, Seafood and Vegetarian fare are all available. The locals as well as tourists are surprised of the level of wine selection. You will find a lot of small batched made wines and spirits. Many guests from Brooklyn, Long Island and Connecticut love the redesigned restaurant and menu.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

 Dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm.

Cocktails are served Friday – Sunday starting at 3pm.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

Woodnotes Grille puts a spin on the classic cocktail by using high-end artisanal spirits, bitters, fresh squeezed juices and the finest ingredients.  Hand Crafted Cocktails are offered. Tell them your favorite spirits and flavors and they will create an original cocktail paired to your tastes.

Happier Hour is served Monday thru Thursday from 5-7 + Friday from 3-7  with $5 Appetizers.

Thursday Night is Oyster & Wine Night

Woodnotes Grille

After spa treatments, It was time for those hand crafted beverages and an appetizer. I chose a selection of air dried + cured meats appetizer that was delicious.  My spirit of choice that evening was Tequila.  Greg Gagne, General Manager of Woodnotes Grill made me a SMOKY Mezcal Molasses Gimlick.  This blended and complimented the meats, cranberry chutney and old fashioned mustard very well!

Catskill Creative Cooking, I like it!

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Menus do change seasonally and a new Spring menu is about to be released for May.

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Breakfast is served from 7am to noon. The Veggie Benedict was delicious!  Poached eggs served on sweet potato kale hash with avocado, salsa Verde + Pico  Degallo. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was particular sweet, fresh and flavorful.  Other Breakfast entree’s include: Smoked Salmon Omelette’s, Cinnamon Challah French Toast Stick served with Catskill Mountain Maple Syrup and Quinola Granola with seasonal fruit and a complete offering of juices are available.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Breakfast  or Dinner the mood and views are very relaxing at Woodnotes Grille

Woodnotes Grille

 Before or After Breakfast or in the evening is also great time to walk around the grounds of The Emerson Resort & Spa along the Esopus Creek. Esopus Creek Country Stores + Worlds Largest Kaleidoscope 

The Emerson Resort & Spa

The Country Store is a must stop! It’s a place for coffee and light sandwiches and fresh baked cookies, as well as Catskill Mountain local products like Phoenicia Honey and Ariston Gourmet Olive Oils.. There are tastings on the weekends.  You will find something for everyone here in terms of shopping. The Toy Chest, the Emerson Men’s Shop, a  Home & Garden Shop and Melina’s Boutique.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Ah, But one of the most unique things about the Emerson Resort & Spa and The Country Stores is that it is home

to the  World’s Largest Kaleidoscope   

Whether you are a collector or a tourist, you will want to see this! Standing 56 feet tall and 38 feet in diameter, the silo from the original farm (which was once an ice cream stop) built on the former Risley Flats was transformed into the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.  The connected barn on the property was built in 1860 and is now home to the Emerson Country Stores.  Collectors + Tourists make this a destination stop, not only to view the show but to collect unique kaleidoscopes.

Emerson Resort & Spa

A 20th Anniversary celebration is planned for Saturday, July 9th to debut a new Kaleidoscope show. Viewings that day will be complimentary and many events are planned for the 1 day celebration. The Spa will also be completed with it’s renovation. This is a great kick off to Summer and just another reason to plan your visit to The Emerson Resort  & Spa.

To Learn More About The Emerson Resort & Spa + Make Your Reservations Click Here

To Learn More About Destination Weddings at The Pavilion Click Here   

 A Conference Room is Available for Corporate Functions

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Photos By Melissa Tyler Except Where Noted

Supplied Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

 

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Melissa Tyler

Melissa Tyler

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