My Birthday Getaway

A very wise friend of mine gave me invaluable advice a few years ago which was to plan your own birthday and create your own happiness. I’ve taken her suggestion and it works like a charm! There are no disappointments nor expectations. Each year, from the moment I wake up till the clock hits 12, I have my day planned out.

This year, I decided to spend my birthday with my hubby at the luxurious Glenmere Mansion in the lower Hudson Valley. Located only an hour away from Manhattan, it was the perfect overnight getaway. This mansion, which dates back to 1911, sits on a sprawling 150 acres of gloriousness.
We arrived at the hotel the afternoon before my bday and were welcomed by our butler who awaited our arrival outside. The setting could not have been more perfect with light snow magically dusting the pristine property. After we checked in, we were taken on a tour and I felt as if I were on set at a Tuscan villa where aristocrats and socialites in tuxedos and ball gowns would soon emerge.

After we settled in our magnificently decorated rooms, we unwound with deep tissue massages at their elegant spa, relaxed by the fire place and then had dinner at their casual and cozy restaurant. A dear friend of ours surprised us with a bottle of champagne which was downed with our yummy appetizers of deviled eggs, roasted cauliflower and sautéed mushrooms. We then graduated to a Cabernet for our main course along with butternut squash ravioli and fluke.

After our delicious dinner, we played a few games of backgammon in the drawing room and then off to sleep it was. The next morning (my birthday, cue the fireworks) we ate our breakfast at the Supper Room overlooking the picturesque Glenmere Lake. We had plans to hike afterwards but because of the chilly and windy weather we were advised not to venture out. Instead, we took a drive to the nearby Dia Beacon. Though I was bummed about the hike, I was excited to check out Dia as I had never been before. Situated in an old Nabisco Factory, this museum is home to a distinguished collection of contemporary art. My favorite works of art were by Dan Flavin and Walter de Maria.

After our tour, we headed back to NYC where I celebrated the remainder of my birthday family with cupcakes, family and dinner! I can’t wait to pay another visit to the Glenmere Mansion in the spring or fall when I can truly enjoy there lavish gardens, and get my hike on! Definitely worth a visit!

For more on Glenmere Mansions visit: glenmeremansion.com