The Morning After

No Time to Relax

Our trip to the Grove Park Inn was a very last-minute plan because of work that had been scheduled at the house as well as questionable weather.  But we managed to sandwich it in between two family Christmas celebrations.  So we are heading back to The Glade early this morning.

But not before sharing more of the GPI experience with you.

Southern exposure

First is the incredible elegance of this grand hotel.  It's the rare experience where you go DOWN to your room.  The modern wings were built to take advantage of the hillside and not compete with the historic entrance on the north side.

Every corridor is filled with theme Christmas trees and this one with a farm theme and lots of chicks and pigs made me think of Gayle/mangofeet.

Gayle is into yarn, as well!

GPI is also host to the National Gingerbread House Competition you may have heard about on The Food Network or GMA.  The absolutely incredible top 10 entries in each of four categories are on display in the corridors, as well.

Gingerbread "house"

A few perks are included in the 3-day Christmas package, like a unique ornament ...

2018 GPI Christmas ornament

... and this at your door Christmas morning ...

Santa stopped by

... filled with more goodies, including a loaf of stollen from their bakery.

My mother made stollen every Christmas to give to family friends.  I'm hoping this loaf is not as dry as The Mama's!

Open-air terraces

We have enjoyed cocktails in front of the fireplace in the Great Hall and on the heated open-air terraces, fabulous buffet breakfasts overlooking the golf course, and extravagant dinners.  Not something we would do every year, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 26 in the 31-day challenge