Recapping My Father’s Day Trip to 1000 ACRES
Bedtime Story… My Shabbos in a Bob Ross Painting
Recap of my weekend at 1000 Acres Kosher Ranch Resort in the Adirondack Mountains
As you probably saw my family and I went north for a Father’s Day Shabbos. We were invited by the resort to check it out, give feedback and answer any questions you guys have. And you had a lot.
So let me summarize the actual weekend.
First, here’s the website with all the info and pricing you will want to check.
Second, how far is it and who’s behind it?
Without traffic, it’s about a 3.5 hour drive from NYC, 4 hours from Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, 3 hours from Monsey, Catskills and Montreal, and 20 minutes from Lake George.
The resort has been in existence for 40 years but taken over more recently by power couple Joseph and Chani Stansky, who live on premise during the season.
Joe, who I interviewed, is actually well known having run and managed camps for decades and both husband wife duo are extremely hands on. They are present, they are accountable, they are on, which is so important for a place like this with so many moving parts.
Ok, let’s get to the details. We got there after 3am Thursday night since my wife had work on Thursday and the kids had some end of the year parties. But I for one, like to get to my destination, as late as it may be, and wake up in the bed where I’m staying.
So here’s the deal with the rooms.
They are sturdy, clean cabins with AC and heating. Layout is usually 2 full sized beds, and a bunk bed, all solidly built. Beds are firm and comfortable. Bathrooms are a bit small and nothing fancy, but it does the job. If you’re 4 people in the room, ask for more towels. Each room has a lock, Shabbos lamp, dresser, night stand, porch, very quaint and cozy.
Meanwhile, Friday got off to a later start with the late arrival the night before. Still, we managed to get up, daven, get ready and went for lunch. Meals during the week are not included in the package and you can purchase them individually. For Shabbos pricing, the meals that are included are Toameha, Friday Night dinner, Tea Room Table, Shabbos breakfast, kiddush, lunch, Shalos Seudas, Melava Malka and Sunday breakfast.
But back to Friday lunch. They had a menu that consisted of mozzarella sticks, pizza bagels, sushi poke bowls,salads and tuna steak, which was grilled perfectly medium rare. We sat outside and it was breathtaking. The kitchen, which has both dairy, meat and parve sections, is run by long time chef Mordy Spero of Chicago who has also moved in from the summer. I have an interview with him too.
After lunch, there were many options of what to do. Since you’re literally steps from the Hudson River, you can take a kayak, paddle boat, go tubing on the water which is very calm and peaceful. You can also go on the ropes course, go zip lining, play axe throwing, which are all included amenities with your stay. For an additional charge, you can ride horses and also purchase tickets to paddle a railway car for 2 hours round trip.
Knowing me and my son, we chose to go swimming in their indoor pool and jacuzzi 
After that, I checked out the Toameha which had Kugel, franks in a blanket and low mein. I never grew up with that but a Taste Before Shabbos is a nice tradition.
Anyway, Joseph invited me to a pickleball match with his friend and was an hour+ of pure exercise and lots of burned calories. Don’t worry, Shabbos was coming to gain it back.
After the match, I went back to the room and got ready for Shabbos. Let me now explain a little about the crowd. It was a mix, but majority of Chasidim, a few Chabadnicks, some Yeshivish and some Modern Orthodox like me and Tamari Jacob and family.
Now, there’s Syrian time, Persian time and Chassidishe time. They’re all the same. They take their time. So while Friday night davening may have been called for 8:30, we didn’t start davening until before 9 and until we sat down for dinner it was 9:45. So I think they’re going to have to figure out a more rigid schedule either 2 minyanim or get everyone on the same page.
Friday night dinner. Heimishe. On the table was gefilte fish, salmon, dips, large challot and fresh out of the oven sliced sourdough bread. Then came a beef soup with the fluffiest matza ball. Tons of flavor. For the main, we had a buffet of boneless ribs, roast chicken, kugel, etc. My son who is usually a very big critic, was impressed and so that tells you a lot. Dessert was an apple strudel with ice cream. By then it was after 11:30pm. Btw, often if you’re a small group of 5 or less they may sit you with another small family. Let them know if you want that or sit by yourself. But it’s nice to sit down with others. Everyone was very nice, friendly and united as Jews.
Anyway, the nights are beautiful and cool, since you’re in a valley. But we went to bed for a good night sleep.
Woke up refreshed, birds chirping, crisp country feel. Meanwhile, I don’t eat breakfast on Shabbos (or during the week for that matter) but my wife said there was cereal, pastries, coffee, etc. Shacharis was called for 9:45. Didn’t really begin till after 10. But it was nice and we davened outdoors in a covered pavillion. After davening, there was a kiddush at 11:45 of gefilte fish, herring, tuna, egg salad, more salads, including kani and a variety of pastries and some good booze. I told them to add something hot like a potato Kugel.
Lunch was at 1:30 and we had all types of rolled deli, Kugel, Chulent, chicken fingers. They’ll have grilled chicken as well. But food was replinshed and plentiful.
For Shabbos activities, there is also a lot to do. Ping pong, fooseball, board games and some kids were playing basketball. There’s a full Eruv surrounding the ranch, and close to the water. We relaxed, and had a nice nap, then walked around the 1000 acres and before you knew it, it was mincha then Shalos Seudas. More salads, fish, etc.
There was a breakaway Maariv and then late a Maariv. Love them chassidim. After Shabbos, Max and I hit the pool again and jacuzzi. Then there was a Melava Malka of pizza, pasta and salad. I went on a mechanical bull and there was a bonfire till 1am near the beach.
Sunday morning, breakfast was chafers of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, French toast, bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, cereal etc. I suggested omelet station would be a nice touch.
After lunch, we checked out of the room (11am) and after I went on the zip line and played basketball and pickleball with the kids. A perfect Father’s Day.
We left soon after lunch which was pasta, poke bowls, and french fries.
Overall the place is definitely a rustic, outdoor paradise experience. The air was fresh, the view of mountains and river was spectacular. You definitely feel a calmness and tranquility you don’t get in the city. The fact that this place is fully kosher, with minyanim, makes it very desirable and convenient. It’s just a great getaway that’s a few hours drive.
The beach in the Bahamas is great, but feel like a kid again in camp, let your kids see nature. There is wifi but you’re going to want to unplug. It’s a time you’ll want to spend with your family and make memories for a lifetime. I know we did and hope you will too.
