The #TwoChicksAndARoadTrip Northeast road trip adventure continues from Lancaster, onto Bear Mountain, New York. Considering that I grew up about 30 miles west of Bear Mountain, I should’ve visited here at least once in my life, but no — never did. Admittedly, this is kind of strange as I often went to West Point while in high school (long story about girls dancing with cadets), which is only 7 miles away and later lived only 10 miles away. But today on our road trip it was all about the Bear Mountain Inn.
Danielle had read about Bear Mountain and was so excited to stay here and since I had never been, I was up for it. Located inside the 5,025 acre Bear Mountain State Park and only 45 minutes from New York City, the Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect destination for anyone who loves incredible views and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, etc. In the winter you can go cross country skiing or maybe even ice skating.
Arrival At Bear Mountain Inn
Although the weather was great at the beginning of our trip, we endured torrential rains that left the sky grey day and night while at Bear Mountain. None of this slowed down the hoards of people spending the day there with their kids and their grills on full blast, all the while ignoring the rain and dark clouds. You can see why once you take a look at the beautiful Bear Mountain Inn, all worries of a sad and gloomy stay disappear completely from your mind.
Built with materials like the stones from old walls on properties obtained for Bear Mountain State Park, the building was one of a kind when it opened in 1915 and still is today.
Inside Bear Mountain Inn
While it underwent a major renovation for six years in 2005, it still retains its original charm, which attracted the likes of dignitaries, athletes, and entertainers back in the day.
The American Architect said that Bear Mountain Inn was one of the “finest examples of rustic Adirondack architecture in America” in 1915, a statement still holds true today.
Did you know that the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, and New York Knickerbockers used the inn and nearby facilities as their training headquarters in the 1930’s?
Some other notable visitors to the inn include Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra.
Overlook Lodge
While some guests stay in the main building, our room was at Overlook Lodge, located around the bend and tucked into the mountainside.
Overlook Lodge has 24 rooms with double or king beds. The rustic modern rooms include a kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker and complimentary WiFi. The location of Overlook Lodge is perfect if you’re looking to get away for a romantic weekend or honeymoon, too.
Restaurant 1915
After unpacking we drove back to the inn for our dinner reservation. Restaurant 1915 is located on the second floor of the main building where you’ll also find the complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served daily to guests.
It’s hard to miss that gigantic stone fireplace and a ceiling that seems to reach to the heavens.
We sat outside on the patio and I immediately perused the cocktail menu. There wasn’t a question in my mind as to what cocktail I was going to have when I saw “The Spring Awakening” (Hendricks Gin, muddled cucumber, lemon juice & simple syrup). It could’ve been moonshine and I still would’ve ordered it with that title. Why? Because I was a huge fan of the hit Broadway show, Spring Awakening.
When I tell you that it rained for the two days that we were there, I’m not joking. It rained cats and dogs although that would have been so damn adorable, right?
After hours of riding in the car, Danielle and I chose a variety of items for the table as we were nothing short of starving. These included Smoky Polenta Fries with Aioli Dipping Sauces, Patatas (Fried Crispy Fingerlings) reminiscent of Patatas Bravas from Spain, Three Cheese Mac N’ Cheese, Smoked Corn Chowder (local Indian corn, crispy bacon, roasted tomato salad), and Fried Calamari with Spicy Aioli. The food was hot and fresh, our server was charming, and the night was perfect despite the rain.
After Dinner
After dinner we walked back to to the car and it was eerily pitch black outside. Maybe I should’ve brought my ghost hunting equipment? When we returned to Overlook Lodge, we sat in the lounge and listened to the EVP’s (electronic voice phenomenon) from our trip to Eastern State Penitentiary. If we were trying to scare ourselves, we did a great job of it.
The Spa At Bear Mountain Inn
The next morning I had a spa appointment on the renovated third floor of the main building.
I booked my a European facial in advance, which left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated despite my sunburn. Whether or not you are a guest at Bear Mountain Inn, you can stop in at the Spa at Bear Mountain for a massage, facial, or any one of a number of salon services. It’s definitely worth the trip.
The Spa at Bear Mountain
3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Bear Mountain, NY 10911
The Rain During Our Stay
After a few hours of shopping at Woodbury Commons shopping, we returned to the hotel for the night. We didn’t feel like going out so I called around for delivery. No one was having any part of it whatsoever in the rain. I couldn’t take it anymore so we decided to order pizza and pick it up as well as a few adult beverages.
I pulled in front of the restaurant and hoped that the tiny awning over the walkway would protect me. However, the water was at least 2-3 feet high. I thought I was going swimming it was so high. At this point I just gave up and went with it so I ran inside. I paid for the pizza and quickly ran back to the car. I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel to dry off and warm up.
That night we were the only ones in Overlook Lodge. We took over the lounge area, enjoyed our pizza and drinks, and a whole lot of girl talk in our pajamas.
I definitely recommend adding this location to your travel bucket list so you can fall in love with Bear Mountain Inn, too.
Bear Mountain Inn
3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Next up we visit Woodbury Common Premium Outlet for a little shopping . Check out the many pics of our trip by reading all of the road trip posts and also searching the hashtag, #TwoChicksAndARoadTrip on Twitter, Instagram, and FaceBook.
While I was generously provided accommodations by Bear Mountain Inn and a facial from The Spa at Bear Mountain, all opinions and photographs, unless otherwise noted, are my own.
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