Mohonk Mountain House, a Beacon in Stone Ridge

As I ride the local roads in Stone Ridge and Cottekill, I can see Mohonk Mountain House high above. This old resort has been a vacation destination for more than 100 years. Guest from the past included John D Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie and Presidents Hayes, Roosevelt and Taft. It was built by the Smiley Brothers between 1879 and 1910 and still remains in the Smiley family. It also has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Great Hotels and America’s Castles. To those who live around here it is like a beacon high above especially if you are lost on one of the many back roads. Not likely unless you are new to the area.