Bright Lights, Big City

So, friends, I won't be posting much this week because I'm getting ready to head here for a conference:

If you've been to Sin City, any suggestions on where to go and what to do? (Keep it clean, folks.) Would love some recommendations. Aside from horse racing, I'm not a big gambler, but everyone tells me I should at least throw down one bet while I'm there.

Best of all? I'm heading there on VALENTINE'S DAY. Yeah, I get to fly out with all of the couples on the way to their quickie weddings. Can you smell the romance? I'm sure the line at the drive-thru wedding chapel will be at least 10 cars deep.

I do hope to spot an Elvis or two while I'm out there. And, if he's performing a wedding, all the better. That alone would make the trip worthwhile.

Have a great week, friends! Talk to you soon!

P.S. - Congrats to Adele for her many Grammy Awards last night.  Well deserved, girlfriend!

Image from Travel National Geographic

Virginia Recap

Well, we're back after a whirlwind three-day weekend in Lexington, Va. We attended a family reunion, which was great fun. Our kids had the chance to reunite with beloved cousins, as well get to know new ones, which in kids' time, is an estimated 5 minutes before they're fast friends.

This is where we stayed while there - fabulous place.

Besides swimming at the pool , we made it down to the Maury River and enjoyed dipping our toes (or for some folks, their entire selves), into the refreshing mountain waters.

Miss E. escorting a little cousin. Little Man in the background, running the driveway.

Miss E. with Aunt A, her godmother and Hubby's sister. A's also an awesome tennis instructor. If you live in the Charlotte, NC region, definitely seek her out!

It was a great weekend, but I, for one, am pretty darn tired of Interstate 64. Road trips - ugh. And, we have another one in the near future, but, I'll just focus on the destination. Family, fun and good memories to be made.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and you're ready for the new week. Cheers!

All photos property of JMW A Place to Dwell

The Grand Dame

In this past weekend’s New York Times, Dwight Garner wrote about his recent visit to the Greenbrier with his family. While he seemed to like the experience overall, his article was full of back-handed compliments. Garner’s wife didn't seem to leave the resort a big fan. According to her, overnight was more than enough and she would have like to have left the next morning. Well, hon, clearly you’re not cut out for the Grand Lady.

While the Greenbrier has had its ups and downs (filing for bankruptcy in 2009), it still carries a magical aura that you will likely never find at another resort. Hubby and I celebrated our 10th anniversary there last October and it was wonderful. I enjoyed many of the Greenbrier's long-time traditions: tea time, dressing for dinner, the over-the-top Dorothy Draper interior design ; it was all so fabulous.

Garner did note the recent addition of a casino, which I'm not crazy about. When we visited last fall, they were in the process of building the 40,000 foot underground facility. And while its the new owner's attempt to paint a newer, shinier face on the Grand Dame, it's not what I care to see at the Greenbrier. And, apparently it's only accessible to overnight guests. So, that surprised me a bit. Then again -- and here's the snob in me surfacing -- glad to know that the Vegas/Atlantic City/gambling boat crowds won't be converging on the Greenbrier for day-trips.

Have a great day y’all. ;)

P.S. - Today was "Meet Your Teacher" day at our daughter's school. She dropped off her supplies for kindergarten, saw her new room and got a feel for her new school. I can't believe we start this new adventure on Wednesday!

Holiday Road Trip

Off to visit Hubby's family in North Carolina - talk to you early next week. In the meantime, good luck to everyone on their holiday preparations. And, if you get some time for yourself during this busy season, take it! Cheers!
Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Happy Trails...

Hubby and I are heading to the Greenbrier tomorrow to celebrate our 10th anniversary - yea! I am sooooo ready to unplug, relax and just enjoy some time alone with Hubby. It's hard to keep my mind focused on work today, but I'll make the effort.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week and the weekend. Talk to you when I get back!
Photo courtesy of Waterford.

Countdown to Next Week

The Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia, where the Greenbrier Resort resides.

Hubby is out of town on business until Thursday, so I’m playing single mom this week and it’s already wearing me out. The kids have gotten into this habit of climbing into bed with us in the middle of the night, so our sleep is constantly interrupted with little ones trying to vie for space and then one of us carrying them back to their own rooms. So, last night, I just let them snooze with me because I was too tired and there was enough room for the three of us. Oh, well.

So, as I deal with lack of sleep this week, it just makes thoughts of next week even sweeter, because we’re going to The Greenbrier for our wedding anniversary. Yea! I’m going to sleep late, take a nap each day and take it as easy as I can. The only thing on the agenda right now is a spa session for me, hunting clays for Hubby and high tea each day at 4 p.m. I may do more, but what we have planned so far sounds like heaven right now.

I’m going to miss my kiddos very much, but Mommy needs some R&R. And, it’s our 10th anniversary – a big one to celebrate. So, I’m looking forward to having Hubby to myself for a few days. I can’t wait!
Image courtesy of The Greenbrier

Need your opinion...

The Greenbrier

Blackberry Farm

The Homestead

In October, Hubby and I will celebrate our 10-year anniversary. I blogged about this a few months ago, talking about grandiose plans of Belize or some other exotic locale. Well, now that Hubby has a new job, his vacation time is limited. And, in rethinking some of our spending of late, so are our expenses.

So, in order to save costs we’re considering three resorts that are within driving distance. But, we also want a first-class experience. So, if any of you have been to these locales, please share your thoughts – would love to hear about it!

The Greenbrier (White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia) – Fine dining, outdoor activities (including a gun club and fly fishing for Hubby), spa, shopping, afternoon tea and more set amid the Allegheny Mountains.

Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tennessee) – Another luxury resort situated in the Great Smokey Mountains. Spa, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing, clay shooting, horseback riding, and fine dining.

The Homestead (Hot Springs, Virginia) – This grand hotel is located in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia and boasts luxurious accommodations, golf, outdoor adventure, spa, and much more. It’s also well-known for its skiing. (The farthest away of the three, the Homestead likely won’t make the final cut, but maybe another time).
Images courtesy of The Greenbrier, Blackberry Farm and Homestead resort Web sites.

Over the river and through the woods...

Safe travels to all of you hitting the roads or skys this Thanksgiving holiday! We're packing into the wagon and heading to my aunt's house, but just for the day. That reminds me, better take the travel DVD player for the kids (and my sanity).

Happy Thanksgiving!