madi

Hello

My family would like to spend a weekend for a celebration of my mom's birthday.

As we all live in the NYC area, I am seeking an advice about where to go?

As my mother cannot travel too far, I would like the place to be within 2 hours of NYC and we are planning this for April-May 2015?

Any suggestions for a nice place, hopefully with things to do.

Thank you all in advance for your suggestions

rizzo0904

How mobile is your mother? Will there be any children? What are your interests?

rizzo0904

Not really knowing what you are looking for, this is my first thought:

http://www--mohonk--com.rztrkr.com/?...ut&rzsource=nc

SusieQQ

How about a stay at the Hewitt Wellington Hotel in Spring Lake, New Jersey? Lovely hotel, Beautiful town, non-commercial boardwalk, restaurants, shops, etc.

www.thehewittwellington.com

madi

my mother can walk but slow and no children are involved. Interest are hiking rafting and any activiny as the idea is to spend time together. We can just relax

many thnks

rizzo0904

What are your plans for your mother while you hike and raft? I'm assuming she can't do either if she "can walk but slow". Would she be interested in a spa day while you are out? Or would she shop? Or gamble?

madi

she will enjoy a spa or just enjoying the view and reading. No gambling or shopping.

Thanks again

starrs

What about Hyde Park?
She may enjoy visiting one of the Roosevelt locations -
http://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/elro/index.htm
http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/teachinger/q-and-a/q17.cfm
http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/

Or the Vanderbilt mansion -
http://www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm

It's a lovely area. Maybe zip-lining for the rest of you.
http://www.bigbearziplines.com/

UTH_LTD

I have good idea for your destination where you can spend a fun filled weekend with your family and celebrate mom's birthday also. You may be drive to Long Island village of East Hampton. Visit Port Jefferson village which is so beautiful.

rizzo0904

What about something in the Berkshires? Maybe Canyon Ranch in Lenox?

Ackislander

Late May is going to be better than early May in all the places suggested but avoid Memorial Day.

The Berkshires meet a lot of your criteria: strollable towns, historic houses, good places to eat, beautiful scenery, museums, hiking. I would stay in Stockbridge or Great Barrington. Good day trips if you want them (Hudson NY for antiques, Williamstown MA for Museums, Hancock Shaker Village nearby).

I would not take my family to Canyon Ranch unless I had just hit it big in the Megamillions lottery.

I think it is too likely to be cold and foggy along the coast. At least it is in Nantucket at that time of year.

rizzo0904

I know nothing about canyon ranch...just saw it was gorgeous with a spa and outdoor activities.

emalloy

For a relaxing get away, look at the Ocean House Hotel in Watch Hill, RI. Pretty location, spa, etc.

Not far from the Stonington/Mystic area, a little farther to Newport, or one of the CT casinos.

nytraveler

While the Hamptons are charming many places are closed until Memorial Day. April is way too early for beach - as is most of May. Not aware of anything like rafting although you can rent boats or bikes in some places and there are cute town and some small museums to visit.

starrs

nytraveler, what is your recommendation?

Fra_Diavolo

I would second the suggestion of Mohonk Mountain House, which offers a range of activities and has a spa for the less active.

Despite the exorbitant tab, I think it still comes in less expensively than Ocean House (a beautiful place, but yikes!), as they offer full board. http://www--mohonk--com.rztrkr.com/?...=1&rzsource=nc

Liz5959

My parents went here for their 60th anniversary and loved it.

http://www.gracehotels.com/mayflower

starrs

Liz, that is gorgeous! 58 acres. wow!