From Ocean Waves to Mountain Trails: A Family's Evolving Vacation Tradition
Growing up, the Jersey Shore was my ultimate escape, a place of pure magic. My great-grandmother and other relatives resided in a high-rise there, making it our annual summer pilgrimage. From the balcony, the ocean stretched endlessly, and the community pool below buzzed with the joyful sounds of children. My brother and I, armed with boogie boards, rode the waves until sunset, fueled by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that tasted uniquely delicious in the salty air. Evenings were illuminated by the boardwalk lights, culminating in the perfect soft-serve treat. It was, quite simply, my favorite place on Earth.
As parents, my husband and I initially continued the Jersey Shore tradition, packing our SUV with everything imaginable for beach-bound toddlers. While the boys enjoyed the sand and waves, rekindling my own childhood memories, the logistics of managing young children and beach gear, coupled with my multiple sclerosis, proved exhausting. After eight years, with our sons aged nine and six, we decided it was time for a complete change of scenery.
Embracing the Tranquility of Mountain Getaways
Our journey shifted from the bustling coastline to the serene Catskill Mountains, a decision prompted by my husband’s love for hiking and my own need for a calmer environment. The higher elevation and drier, cooler air in the Catskills provided a welcome respite from my MS symptoms, making it an ideal destination. Just a three-hour drive from home, it was as conveniently located as our previous beach retreats, offering an accessible escape into nature.
From our very first visit in the summer of 2020, the Catskills immediately felt like a second home. It was a perfect sanctuary during the early pandemic, providing breathtaking scenery and ample space to maintain distance from others. We quickly realized this wasn't just a temporary COVID-era solution; it was a place we longed to return to. Since then, we've made multiple trips each year, experiencing the mountains in every season. Our routine includes cycling along the Ashokan Reservoir, swimming in the natural beauty of Peekamoose Blue Hole, and savoring meals at our beloved Yum Yum Noodle Bar. We explore the quaint shops of Woodstock, New York, and indulge in ice cream from Sweet Dreams. In October, we attend the Peace, Love, and Pumpkins festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate the historic site of Woodstock 1969. While my husband and sons embark on hiking adventures, I find profound peace in the tranquil surroundings, a calmness I never quite achieved at the beach.
Building Cherished Memories in the Catskills
The Jersey Shore will forever symbolize my carefree 90s summers, and I anticipate future beach excursions for our family. However, the Catskills have now become my children’s own special haven. I hope that when they reflect on their childhood, they will vividly recall the enchanting moments spent in our Airbnb pools, swimming beneath vibrant orange sunsets. Their memories will likely include our preferred bike path with its stunning reservoir vistas and the exhilarating winter hikes through freshly fallen snow. I imagine they'll almost taste the sweetness of roasted marshmallows, transported back to cozy evenings around the fire pit in the crisp autumn air.
Ultimately, my deepest wish is for their Catskills experiences to evoke the same sense of wonder and perfection that the beach has always held for me. I hope these mountain adventures forge an enduring bond with nature and create a reservoir of cherished memories that will last a lifetime, shaping their perceptions of a magical childhood. May these annual pilgrimages foster a sense of belonging and joy, becoming a foundational part of their personal histories.