Your Stories
Thanks to the Equinox for a beautiful wedding and experience!
By: Rachel Cell
Getting married at the Equinox was everything I'd dreamed my wedding should be. Aside from it being an absolutely beautiful setting, I felt so at ease every step of the way. Jessica Smith coordinated the details flawlessly; it was as though everything fell into place naturally and effortlessly. While we couldn't control how fast it all rushed by in a blink, my husband and I are left with a perfect memory. Innumerable thanks to the Equinox and all who worked to make our October wedding a vision.
A Thanksgiving Tradition- "Orienteering" at the Equinox
By: Beth Lane
Betty Ann Lane, the family matriarch, had five children in the 1940's and1950's. When everyone got married, moved away and began to have families, the big house in Connecticut became the magnet for us to get together once a year for the Thanksgiving holiday. Almost twenty years ago, after the annual competitive family Thanksgiving touch football game, some of us decided that it was time to create a new tradition. A few of us had competed in a sport called "orienteering" and thought we could create an event for the family that might be fun. Orienteering is a sport that requires navigational skills using a detailed map to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain. Each year, from then on, Lane Thanksgivings began to have a different focus. Yes, there was the meal and yes there were occasional football games we watched on TV, but as the years progressed, most of us became much more interested in the orienteering part of Thanksgiving. Having a holiday for all this past Thanksgiving at the Equinox Resort was an exciting and restful experience. The orienteering event was held on property on the lower trails and woodlands of Equinox Mountain. It finished at the Pond Pavilion. We understand the resort has organized orienteering session for business groups for five years now, but we were the first one for a family reunion. It was a wonderful time, thanks again for everything!
20 Years of Wonderful Thanksgiving Memories
By: Carole Spencer
In 1984, my parents took the family to Pennsylvania to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary over Thanksgiving weekend. In 1988, we moved the Thanksgiving reunion to the newly reopened Equinox. Since that time we have experienced many changes in the family and the resort. Our three children have married, seven grandchildren were born, and the older generation has passed on. The Equinox has gone through several restorations, wonderful property updates and new management over the years, and Thanksgiving remains the family’s favorite holiday. The yearly reunion at the Equinox is eagerly anticipated by everyone. Here is the most recent picture of the family gathering in the beautiful new Great Room. Thank you for the memories.
One With The Hawk
By: Lisa Springsteel, New York NY
I visited the resort with my (then) boyfriend, Steve who was a regular at the Equinox in Manchester. Upon check-in, I noticed the list of activities available to your hotel guests. As an avid hunter/jumper horseback rider, we signed up for the horse back trail ride which was phenomenal (forest trail, deer sightings, beautiful cliff and mountain views). When we found out that we could experience flying a Harris hawk in the only school of falconry in the United States, it was a no-brainer for us and I immediately told Steve that we would have to try it out. It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life! I live and work in Manhattan, NY and being one with nature, both with the gorgeous Harris hawks and with the tranquil setting couldn't have been more relaxing for this stressed out city girl. All of the daily reminders of the grind of city working (for me, in the fashion industry) and living dissipated. After my experience, I was inspired to do research and found the history of falconry to be equally as fascinating. Soon after, I read an article in Vanity Fair about Robert Kennedy, Jr. and his own fascination with falconry which has been an interest of his since he was a child. He now trains with white spotted owls, as well as hawks. I cannot wait to go back to the resort and do it again! It was difficult for me to come back to the city after experiencing both the lovely resort (the great food, the spa, the relaxation, the friendly staff, our exquisite room) and this wonderful opportunity to be one with the hawk in this off-the-beaten path, raw and natural setting.
Mountain Biking was Great!
By: Deborah Cioffi
Thank you for your help in finding mountain biking information while we attended a Leadership Meeting at the Equinox. We had a great time. You can tell by our smiles!
The falcon was bigger than I expected...
By: Karen Martin, Montpelier VT
The falcon was bigger than I expected, but surprisingly light on my arm. He sat composed, orange and amber feathers held tightly by his side. We carefully removed the hood, and I’ll never forget those flashing bright eyes staring directly into mine. On cue we released him and he flew fast and high. Moments later, with a simple movement of my arm this magnificent bird descended like a shot and resumed his perch next to me.
Once a year this is home to me...
By: Chris Jetko, New York NY
Once a year this is home to me. The only sound the soft rippling of the water and the melodies of the birds in the trees. Here, sheltered from the cares of the world, lost in complete tranquility, I rhythmically cast to where the stream is calm. But, whether the fish bite or not, I’ve already found what I’m looking for.
No Ordinary Meeting...
By: Larry Mitsch, Newark NJ
This was to be no ordinary meeting. Everyone from the Division Head down was in attendance as we sought to plan out a strategy for the year ahead. Arriving at The Equinox, we were immediately taken in by the atmosphere, starting with stunning vistas and clean, crisp mountain air, contributing to a climate of clear thinking and unencumbered energy. The first session was a great success, and as we took a break my co-workers headed out to the golf course, hiked wooded trails, and I enjoyed the unforgettable experience of the off-road driving school. Relationships were strengthened and new and lasting friendships were established. We left not just with fresh ideas, but with a whole new vision for the company.
My wedding at the Equinox...
By: Sarah Burton, Westchester CT
My wedding at the Equinox was more extraordinary than I ever could have imagined. We walked the winding garden path, my father and I arm in arm. Around us all was green and bursting with colorful flowers. As the string quartet began the first strains of the wedding march we entered an intimate grove of trees, an assembly of family and friends lining the way. I squeezed my father’s arm tighter, overcome with emotion, and while the sight of the pale green mountains beyond was extraordinary, all I could see was my waiting beloved. As we said our final vows, the gentle rustling of the leaves mingled with the applause, and I realized that a single moment truly can last forever.
