Holy Cross Monastery is just that -- the historic mother house of an order of Episcopalian monks. I visited there for retreats a number of times, particularly when I was a seminarian (which was longer ago than the date above). But anyone is welcome, even those whose purpose isn't especially religious. The setting, in the Hudson valley, is beautiful; and the dining room (at least at times in the past) was managed by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, which is just across the river. Sleeping accommodations are what you'd expect from a monastery, austere but comfortable. Guests are welcome at all liturgies, of which there are five per day.

Aside from the chapel, a library, and a gift shop, there isn't much to do on-site. That's fine if your purpose is prayer! For everyone else, the area has antiquing, outdoor activities like hiking, and so on.

For what this is -- a religious retreat house -- this is one of the better ones you'll find.
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