Mountain resorts have always been at the top of my list for family getaways, but getting away to one in the Rockies or up North isn’t easy when you’ve got two kids under 6. So when we had time to take over a long weekend, I looked and found a family-friendly spot close to home— Minerals Hotel in Vernon, New Jersey. Perched within the scenic Kittatinny Mountains, this resort offers loads of kid-friendly activities to appease my littles and a peaceful escape for parents, with fresh air and views for that mountain vacation feeling in the Garden State. Our family loved splashing in the pools, exploring the nearby hiking trails, and partaking in entertaining activities over a long weekend stay. Read on for what we did and how we plan on making a weekend away at Minerals a regular thing. (Photo Credit: NJ MOM)
A comfortable and scenic stay at Minerals Resort
Walking into Minerals Hotel, I immediately felt that cozy mountain lodge vibe with warm wood tones and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There’s a menu of different room types that appeal to any size family—from their cozy deluxe guest rooms to a more spacious condo-style suite with a kitchen and fireplace—and each room exudes a comfy, make-yourself-at-home feeling. We stayed in a spacious mountain-view room with stunning views that made sipping coffee on the balcony a dream (at least for the few minutes before the kids woke up!). The resort itself is easy to navigate, which is a huge plus when you have little ones who aren’t fans of long walks to get anywhere. That, combined with the calendar of over 30 daily activities, made our stay easy, with stress-free family fun not having to map out where to go and what to do off-site.
Dining at Minerals: delicious and convenient
One of the best things about staying at Minerals is that you don’t have to leave the resort for great food because, after a long day, no one wants to wrestle overtired kids into the car. The resort offers several dining options, with something for every taste (yes, even the pickiest eaters in my family found something they could enjoy). For breakfast, we enjoyed the beautiful buffet spread in their grand ballroom with stunning mountain views. Kites Restaurant was our go-to for lunch and dinner. My husband and I had fish and steak while the kids went for their usual chicken tenders, and everyone left happy. We made a few stops each day at Zinc Cafe for coffee, quick snacks, gelato, and other treats. If you want to stay in your suit, there’s also the Pool Bar, with tiki-style cocktails and snacks. During the summer, they have some other options, including the modern country outdoor bar Moonshine and the seasonal Farmstand restaurant.
Endless activities for all ages
My kids were thoroughly entertained at Minerals during our stay, thanks to the fun and age-appropriate activities they offered each day. We climbed the rock wall, swam in the indoor pool under a waterfall, met some furry friends at an animal encounter, played bingo, and roasted marshmallows around the fire pit. The resort is just minutes from Mountain Creek Resort, making it a fantastic spot for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter and hiking, biking, and zip lining in the spring, summer, and fall. For the adults, there are plenty of activities like ax throwing, laser clay shooting, and the Elements Spa, where I snuck away for some much-needed me-time while the rest of the family played in the pool. I also made it a point to get up early and head to the fitness facility with every machine you can imagine, a basketball court, rock climbing, and yoga classes, which I loved taking in the early morning as the sun rose over the mountains. Though we spent time in the winter, we’re looking forward to returning in the summer, especially with the outdoor pool with a cave, grotto, and mini-aquarium, which I know my kids will love. And with a mountain vacation this close, I know it’s a place we’ll come to time and again.
What to know before you go
Minerals Hotel, a four-season destination, is part of Crystal Springs Resort. It is located in Vernon, NJ, just 5 minutes from Mountain Creek Resort, making it a great home base for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. It’s about an hour’s drive from NYC and easily accessible from most of North Jersey. While summer and ski season are the busiest times, fall is also a hidden gem, with stunning foliage and plenty of outdoor activities. The hotel offers standard rooms, suites, and condo-style accommodations with kitchens and fireplaces. Room rates start around $250 per night but vary by season and room type. Free on-site parking is available for all guests, and there’s plenty of space even during peak seasons. If you’re not staying overnight, day passes for the pools and spa start at $60 per person on weekdays and $80 on weekends (pricing may change seasonally).
Learn more about Minerals Hotel through their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Minerals Hotel
2 Chamonix Dr.
Vernon, NJ 07462
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