Friday, August 14, 2015

BONNIE SCOTLAND!

One of the best international travel decisions I’ve made was leaving the states early evening due to time change. Our 9-hour journey to London left out of Denver at 8pm mid-July. And after a mid-morning meal and 3 hour layover, we flew up to Glasgow, Scotland.

This is my third trip to Scotland but first time to Glasgow. I was shocked to learn how large it was, with over 1 million people in population. The downtown area is beautiful with so many old buildings and gorgeous architecture.  I found it strange to see so many spaces “to let”. I’ve heard numerous times that Glasgow has a bad rap and is the step-child to Edinburgh but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the city centre and what little we saw.

I found out from our cab driver that people from Glasgow are called Glaswegians and in Gaelic it is translated “dear green place.” After checking into a chain hotel right in city centre, we went on a walkabout to find a pub and a bite. It was late but the sun was still up. We both love Indian food and found a restaurant called Chaeoyaya that boasted some of the best thai green curry I’ve ever had (next to a few spots in Kinsale, Ireland). We had a nice dinner then stroll around the square before attempting to catch up on some sleep from the jetlag.

The next morning we got our rental car and started on our journey… on the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road. Our first stop is a village called Luss, which I’ve been to before but only for a short time in Winter at dusk. This time I was able to walk the cemetery at the Luss Parish in the daylight and could spend a wee bit more time looking at the tombstones from 150 years ago- Vikings graves and all. There are some great little shops in this village and it’s located right on Loch Lomond. We made one of our smartest decisions in Luss- we bought a CD with Celtic music, bagpipes and drums for our week-long journey. Then we had a great cheese sandwich (which is not to be confused with a grilled cheese sandwhich… nope, just grated cheese and bread...And it was delicious) and a pint and continued down the road.

We stopped along the way at a tea shop called Tarbet Tea Room. It was a small space with only one table occupied and a beautiful young lady called Katy came over to take our order. In her sweet Scottish accent she said, “we’ve only tea, coffee and pastries- that okay?”.  She was 10 years old and she and her brother were helping her grandmother out in the shop. There was a table with three ladies and a hilarious Scotsman sitting next to us. The women took turns slagging on the man and he never skipped a beat with his comebacks. It was hilarious and took about 4 ½ minutes for us to strike up a conversation.
Ansley & Margie are from Ireland, Olga from Italy and Bill from…. Scotland. We had a great chat with them and although I turned down Bill’s offer to go with him ;), we all had some great laughs and sweet Margie gave me a prayer card when they left. I simply adore Irish people! We tipped young Katy a large tip and told her she needed to come to Texas one day, then stepped out as we heard her excited voice sharing the news with her brother.

Continuing on our journey, we arrived in another great village I’d previously visited: Inveraray, located on Loch Fyne. The castle in Inveraray is beautiful and still occupied and the town bustles with tourists and locals. When I’d passed thru this lake(loch)-side village in the past I told myself I’d be back to stay a night and 
was intrigued by a spot called The George Hotel right on the main street. The stay (although a little loud because of creaking floors) was grand and the pub in the main building was so fun.

We first met the bartender, a gent named Jordan from Australia. As we chatted with him about travels thru Scotland and Ireland, a few guys at the end of the bar started talking to us. Mike and Mike were from West Virginia visiting for a few weeks- first Scotland and The Open followed by Ireland, specifically, my favorite village in Eire, Kinsale! This led to a 45-minute lecture (given by yours truly) on all of the spots and people they needed to visit whilst in Kinsale. “And you must say hi to Michael Frawley at “The White House” at the end of Main Street”, and “don’t forget to give Anthony at “The White Lady” a hug from us”, etc, etc, etc.

After a pint (or five) with Mike and Mike, we decided it was time to grab a bite. Most of the restaurants in Inveraray were booked so we managed to get the last ressie at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. When we first got in the cab to head over to the restaurant, Jimmy needed to go to “the loo” but he was debating with himself and then with me under his breath trying to make a decision before he got in the cab. “Our reservation is in 10 minutes. Do you think I have time? Eh, I’ll just hold it. Eh, but I really need to go” Curious as to what was taking so long, the cabbie finally turned around and blurted out- “what are ye bustin fer a piss er what?” LOL. We laughed so hard but wound up just speeding off down the road for dinner.

The food was amazing… especially if you like the freshest seafood ever. I am more a of a steak and potatoes kind of girl so I had a quick meal but focused on the best desert I’ve ever had- Honeycomb ice cream. Creamy ice cream with honey and chunks of honeycomb, I’m salivating just typing about it.

After this delicious meal, although we were too full, we decided to go back to The George pub for one more pint. When we walked in about half past 9pm, the Mikes were still there, although they were exhausted from their trip over so were about to head up to sleep. So we bought them another round. And then another. THEN one of the Mikes made the fatal mistake of telling me it was his birthday at midnight… so we made him stay in Pub in The George Hotel and “celebrate” with us until the clock struck birthday. It was too funny.

Naturally, the head was a bit rusty the following morning and naturally we had a 6-hour drive to The Isle of Skye. Fortunately it was one of the most breathtaking and gorgeous drives I’ve been on so that helped curb the ache in the head.

Words and even pictures cannot do what we saw in the Highlands and Glen Coe justice.  I’d been thru the Eastern highlands before on a sunny day with snow on the ground but this was the true Scottish Highlands experience. Fog, a little drizzle, crisp fresh air, bagpipes and drums on the radio and reading about the feud between the Campbell and the MacDonald Clans. Discovering that
so many moons ago the proud people of Scotland that occupied this most amazing land were wiped out and betrayed by their own countrymen. Enchanting and disturbing at the same time but I would drive this road over and over again.

We were so enamored by the scenery and the overwhelming ambiance of the Highlands that hunger snuck up on us quickly. The only problem was, we were out in the middle of nowhere, and just when I started to get borderline cranky hungry, like an oasis, we drove around a curve and there was a lone restaurant in the middle of the peaks and valleys of Glenmoriston. So we stopped into Cuinie Restaurant for a pint and fish and chips. IT WAS SO GOOD and sitting next to us was an adorable, talkative little boy from Miami named Mark. We chatted with him for a bit and then continued on to the Isle of Skye.

The constantly changing topography and weather made for an interesting journey and there was plenty to see.

To get to the Isle of Skye, we drove over the bridge at Kyle Lochen. It was gorgeous scenery and somewhat enchanting to think we were finally heading over the sea to Skye. Unfortunately we were in a big hurry to catch the ferry from Skye to Rasaay where our evening’s stay was (place apparently gets REALLY booked up and is not supportive of our spontaneity ;) so we didn’t get to do much sight seeing at this point. But I can tell you, Skye is a wonderful place.


It’s about a 30 minute drive up to the ferry we were to catch. The problem is… when we arrived in Sconser, we discovered we’d mixed up the times and the last booking had left at 6:45- about 45 minutes prior. Again, with most places being booked we finally got lucky with a B&B in a small village called Kyleakin which is back down by the bridge we’d just crossed. That night we ate at the only restaurant still open called “Taste of India”. It was so delicious and we were famished but realized we didn’t have many pounds left and they didn’t accept credit cards. It was kind of fun to be on a budget again, scraping together all we had to see what we could afford on the menu, naturally ordering pints first…

After our meal we drove into town to get some pounds to pay for the room and stopped at the bridge to walk to the center. There were some locks on the bridge and it reminded me of the bridge in Paris we put locks on earlier this year.

The next morning we drove up to Glenbrittle at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains to the Fairy Pools.

Now here’s where I place my mid-blog disclaimer….
Many times we try to capture experiences, scenes, conversations and even atmospheres in words to share with one another. Well I’ll be the first to tell you words cannot describe the day we had at the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle (but I’ll do my best).

Amazing vast scenery, crystal clear water, staircase upon staircase of waterfalls, bright blue rolling pebbles, surreal remote green surroundings filled with the freshest of air.

After climbing down a hill and up another to the pools, we got in the freezing cold water and walked around for a few minutes while sipping on a nip of Loch Fyne Scotch Whisky. What a day. If you decide to visit Scotland, I have three “must-sees” I will insist on: Edinburgh, Glen Coe Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye/Fairy Pools.

On the way back up came up the hill, we came upon a man who’d slipped and fallen so we helped him back up to the road. He and his wife had just gotten there and begun their journey down and up to the pools. I felt so bad for them because they’d traveled all the way from Aberdeen and had to turn back. Such a nice lad.

After spending about three hours at the pools, we headed down the remote country road back thru Isle of Skye. We stopped at a bite and a pint and then journeyed on, bound for Loch Ness.

The Eileen Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world was on our path so we stopped for some tea and a tour. It was a great ancient castle with tour guides in time-appropriate garb and accents. More history and experience acquired!

This was a fun part of the road trip with the windows cracked to allow the cool Scottish wind in and bagpipes playing on the CD we’d purchased.

Once we pulled into the Loch Ness area, we found our accommodations for the evening at the Clansman Hotel just past the Loch Ness hub. We were right across the street from the loch and had a beautiful view from our humble little balcony. The dining room at the hotel has a wall of windows that overlook the water and we read it’s the largest loch in the UK.  No sign of “Nessie” though.  

We woke up and drove up to Inverness where we stopped for a coffee and some long pants for the golf tourney. We didn’t see much of Inverness because we were in a hurry to get up to Royal Dornoch although it definitely looks like a town I’d return to for a bit more exploring.

Dornoch is an adorable village. Antique buildings, shopping, the golf club is very nice and the bar was bustling with people from all over. We grabbed a pint before Jimmy went off to golf and I drove back down the hill (on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road).

After I went on a wee walkabout in this enchanting town, I checked in and discovered Jimmy had set up a massage in our room in Royal Dornoch Castle Hotel. THIS was a gorgeous place to stay right on the town square with large rooms and a fun pub/restaurant on the bottom floor. We stayed on the top floor which boasts a beautiful view of the garden /courtyard in the back of the property and also provides a strenuous workout of 4 steep flights of stairs to the accommodations! J

After a lovely dinner at the hotel, we walked back up to the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and saw a gorgeous double rainbow over the golf course (although it was 9:30pm and the light was so low our cameras couldn’t capture it very well). Then we went over to the Royal Dornoch hotel pub and after ordering a pint, got some sad news from home that a dear friend and Korean War veteran had passed away. We toasted Harold Weeden and watched the sun set on beautiful Scotland and an amazing life.

The next morning we started heading South to make our way down to The Open. Jordan Spieth is having a great morning (Hook Em). We stopped off the Highway in a wee village called Davinot at a café called “The Dairy” to grab a bite and a pint.
Great little spot tucked away off the highway and in a beautiful setting.

Then when we were very close to our destination, we stumbled on the Dalwhinnie distillery. THIS was a great spot we saw from the highway with an impressive campus and the Scotch whisky was delicious. We had a nip and a bite of chocolate then continued on.

It wasn’t a long journey this day (fortunately) and in no time we found ourselves at the Fonab Castle. This was by far my favorite stay in Scotland.
Absolutely gorgeous five star establishment with an expansive and beautiful suite in a quaint, comfortable and classy setting. The castle was restored and turned into a hotel just two years prior and they boast an amazing menu, spa, pool and are right across the river from the Pitlochery Theatre. Our concierge Mike was very friendly, knowledgeable and a veteran! We had a bite to eat in one of the hotel’s dining rooms (over looking the loch) and then walked over to a showing of “The Importance of Being Earnest”. It was a really special evening.

After a big breakfast and departing Fonab we continued South for St. Andrews and Kings Barns.

We pulled up to The Cambo House just as the long dusk period began. This is a very special place. When we pulled down the long drive it felt like we were miles away from any village. The home itself stands very tall and vast. Inside it is so reminiscent of Downton Abbey. Once passing thru the entrance you come to a huge wooden staircase that takes you up to a large long dining hall set for about 20 people. The fireplace and furniture and even the place settings were antique and beautiful. Right next to that was an expansive sitting room complete with furniture and rugs and wall hangings that you know have been there for over seven decades. Just beyond the sitting room was a ballroom that they have set up with bar and a television (which doesn’t fit the rest of the home but was quite useful seeing as how The Open had already begun).
Our room was very large with a beautiful canopy bed and claw foot tub all in the one large room. Only the toilet and sink were set in a separate space. The ceilings were very tall and I’m not going to lie- I felt like Lady Mary in this room. We had a view out the front of the home so I could see down the drive while in the tub and it was quite surreal.

After we checked on the golf in the ballroom, we took a walkabout on the impressive grounds of Cambo House. The family, we came to find out, owns quite a bit of property so it was a gorgeous walk back through some wooded & spring area. At the back of the property, we realized we were neighbors with the Kings Barns golf course and immediately saw some gents with Longhorn bags (also Speith fans).

With daylight lasting from 4:30am-11:30pm we had plenty of time to run to St. Andrews (about a 20 minute drive) to explore the buzz of The Open.
We stopped at a little Italian pizza place and then walked around for a while.

The Dunvegan Hotel is owned by an Aggie, and in spite of that is a GREAT spot to check out in St. Andrews. The pub downstairs was well-stocked, well-staffed, and overall a really great time. Within 20 minutes of arriving in the standing room only space a Scotsman started a sing-songy chant that the rest of the pub quickly join in on.  “Stand UUUUUUP if you love the golf. Stand UUUUUUUUP if you love the golf. Stand UUUUUUUP if you love the golf.” You get it. But we all stood up and sang/chanted along! (and frankly it a tune that you can’t get out of your head!) It was great atmosphere and we wound up visiting “The Dunny” every day we were in St. Andrews.

We met some people and had a great time but realized that the Legend himself, Tom Watson was about to cross the bridge on 18 and jogged the block over to the course and got there just in time to see him walk up. It was getting dark outside but the crowd was far from thin. He was proud, a little emotional, and beaming. It was a great moment in golf history and an honor to be just yards from him at the time.

The trick to the long days in Scotland is that it’ll be light outside, you’ll start to realize you’re hungry for dinner and then see that it’s 10pm. Most of the restaurants in St. Andrews and other smaller villages close or stop serving at 9:30-10. Yikes. So after an extensive search we found an Indian food restaurant (the Indian food in Ireland and Scotland is AMAZING).

The next day, after Jim played Kings Barns early and then we went over to The Fairmont which has an amazing view of St. Andrews and did a little spa time and lunch before heading to The Open. The wind was ferocious so they delayed play until that evening. So we had quite a bit of time to kill and fortunately my friends Bailey Mosier and Brandel Chamblee are always in town when we are at golf tournaments since they’re with The Golf Channel! Brandel was tied up so we got to meet up with beautiful Bailey at The One Under Pub. This spot offers such a fun atmosphere right across the cobblestones from The Old Course. We met quite a few people from Scotland, Alabama and beyond ;) Bailey is doing so great and it was fun to see a friendly face (although most of them are in Scotland). Including Ricky. What a character.
After too many pints, we decided to go on the nightly search for food and stumbled on an Italian restaurant that was completely packed. We figured there was no way we’d manage a table but got lucky. The manager of Little Italy was running a well-oiled machine, taking advantage of the increase in population and getting people in, fed and out as quickly as possible. To add to the joy of securing a table for two, the food and drink was amazing!

On beautiful sunny Sunday, we headed to the Dunvegan again, early this time, and met some nice people from Edinburgh that had just come up for the day via train.
I was telling them all about Texas traditions (see, most Europeans, when they travel to the states go to Vegas, New York and Miami… One by one I’m converting them). Was telling this couple all about Texas and the Longhorn logo and then we started talking to some Longhorns that walked in- Corbin Casteel and Randy Sparks. Great gents and we quickly realized we had a bunch of mutual friends in Austin. After a few appearances on the tele, we decided it was time for a Piper to play “The Eyes of Texas” on the bagpipes. Fortunately we found young Jake Willis who figured it out and did an impromptu performance for us on the corner. It was pretty epic.

Paul Dunne, a young Irish amateur was the story of this round and I couldn’t be happier. A Texan and an Irish lad in the final running for the Claret jug. While we were at The Dunny, pints were flowing and we spoke to a lot of people- in particular, some gents that are pros at Dunne’s club in Eire! Great lads and we all exchanged info and agreed to hang out on the Emerald Isle in the future.

We decided to dine that evening with our new friends from Texas and headed out to find a spot (since we once again had forgotten to eat and that all of the restaurants closed at 10). I’m so glad we did though because our extensive search led us to Forgan’s. I MUST suggest this spot when you visit St. Andrews because the atmosphere and décor were great and the food was even better. Fortunately they had a table by the musicians playing and acoustic set and although it was packed, the service was first class. Can’t wait to go back to this great spot!

Monday morning we woke up and it was chilly and rainy- not exactly the best weather to attend a golf tournament in. But we bundled up and headed over to the Old Course. Because of the delayed start on Saturday and the postponing the fourth round to Monday, it only cost 10 pounds to get in! There were a lot more children and Scottish people in attendance. We arrived just in time to see Spieth and Zach Johnson and Dunne tee off. We followed each for a little while but eventually got set right in front of the bridge between 17 & 18. As the final round came to a close we were right there to see it all and as you know Johnson wound up bringing home the cup. We were thankful to be there and really proud of the gents from Texas and Iowa representing.

We made the hike back to the car and went on to Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities I’ve been to. This is my third time to Edin (as the locals call it) and the two times prior were in the winter time when the sun comes up at 10:30 and sets at 4:30 in the afternoon…quite opposite of this trip. We booked in at The Inn on the Mile which is right on the Royal Mile which is right down the street from “the castle”. If you haven’t been to Edin, “the castle” is one of the most amazing tourist attractions- not only because it is a GORGEOUS, gothic castle that is quite expansive and impressive- but also
because it sits atop a large hill and from the castle you can see all of Edinburgh and the outlying areas and from most spots in town, you can see the castle. The view is breathtaking and to think of the people and Scots that have graced the cobblestones in and surrounding this historic structure.

One of the things I’ve always found so enchanting about Scotland is the history and the people. The stories are incredible and the people are so proud.

Because this was our third trip to Edin, we have established some favorites and are fairly familiar with the layout of the city centre so we walked over to Thistle Street (right behind Princess and George). Although the first two restaurants we tried were done serving for the evening, we were able to get the last table at Fishers in the City and had a great meal before heading to get some sleep.

Unfortunately our experience at The Inn on the Royal Mile wasn’t a good one. The building was beautiful from the outside and surrounded by monuments and old structures but the room was tiny, loud and it is right in the heart of downtown Edin which, during the Summertime and Jazz Festival… not good. There was a man speaking in tongues at the top of his lungs at 3AM just under our room and between he and the seagulls and the bell clock and the street cleaners and the singers, we were a little more than sleep deprived when we headed to the airport the next morning.


Always bittersweet leaving Scotland. No place on Earth like Texas Home but this is an enchanting destination. I’ll leave you with this quote by J.K. Rowling, who wrote most of the Harry Potter series from Edinburgh…


"It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world, the history is fascinating, the men are handsome and the whisky is delicious. But don't eat the macaroni pies." 

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Jackson Hole

It wasn’t my first time to Jackson and it certainly wont be my last.  This is a very special place and although parts of it can be a little “touristy” it still maintains a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. I grew up in Texas so I love places and events reminiscent of the Old West. Jackson Hole epitomizes this ????.

This trip came at a time when I was in great need for a weekend off and time in the country. Flying in over the green mountains and then seeing the majestic Tetons- I knew I’d arrived.


Wildflower Inn is nestled back in the woods just outside of Jackson in a small town called Wilson. It’s a gorgeous log home with beautiful landscape and walking trails around the property. This was our second visit to Wildflower Inn and Sherrie & Ken are such great hosts. Not to mention, the breakfast is amazing! We’ve also seen Moose in the yard both times we’ve stayed.



The town of Jackson is quaint and boasts shops, restaurants, horse-drawn carriages and very friendly people. At 6pm each day the Playhouse (located just off the town square) lends a few actresses and actors to put on the “Shootout” for tourists and guests. It’s great entertainment for the kids!


The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has a fine restaurant downstairs and a very fun honky tonk on the main floor. Complete with saddle bar stools, a stage and dance floor, pool tables, good country music and cold beer.




Grand Teton National Park is a quick drive from town and an easy access. Within minutes you’re in remote surroundings with amazing views and wildlife. Wide open spaces, winding roads & everything from buffalo & elk to beavers and bald eagles.
There are some great restaurants and spots to stop for a bite to eat or drink along the route and some really great hiking trails around the different lakes. Be sure to be "Bear aware" though on your hikes! 




Ms. Sherrie from Wildflower suggested we call Mill Iron Ranch for the horseback riding trips & we were not disappointed. The ranch is set in a Canyon about 10 miles south of the Hobuck junction and is one of the most scenic I’ve been to (again… from Texas… been to a lot of ranches). The ride was just over 2 hours and our guide Sadie was a 5th generation of the Ranch. She was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, topography & trees. I spent my time on the mountain with Traveler and it was an easy ride. We went all the way to the top of a crest and the view was truly majestic & breathtaking.



Jackson Hole Rodeo reminds me a lot of the rodeos I went to as a kid in Texas. Not a huge production but great fun for everyone in attendance. Team ropin, barrel racing, sheep scramble & mutton bustin were all followed by the Bull riding & then JUNIOR bull riding. That was a first for me but highly entertaining. After the mutton busting champ was given his buckle the announcer said to the 3-year-old young man, “son, where you from?”. The young cowboy replied, “Home.”

Teton Village is a high end resort just outside Wilson that has plenty to do for tourists & families. It is a little pricey but the tram to the top of the mountain is completely worth it. More gorgeous views of the Tetons & the resort although I’ll warn you to take a light jacket no matter what time of year you visit. And if you’re from Texas, take a parka. (kidding).

While out at the Cowboy Bar, I was wearing my Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit (www.chriskylememorialbenefit.com) jacket and a Marine approached us. An hour later, we were hugging goodbye and promising to dine together the next evening.
Fortunately for us, his family, the Humphreys, own the Bar J Chuckwagon establishment. This is a MUST do in Jackson- with or without kids. The food was great, the atmosphere warm & inviting and the show was incredible. I love classic country music so the tunes they sang- cowboy songs, patriotic & even some gospel- were right up my alley. There was even a small presentation by “Granny”…….



 If you haven't been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming do yourself a favor. The people are some of the friendliest I've met and the town and atmosphere are just incredible. It's easy to fill up an entire week of activities any time of year.











DUNTON HOT SPRINGS, COLORADO

Dunton Hot Springs is one of the most special places I've ever been.

Dunton was a mining town in the early 1900's and boasts a remote location in the Colorado mountains (45 minutes from the nearest town), breathtaking views, quaint rustic and remote surroundings and first class hospitality.

The town itself is a revived mining town from the early 1900's.
Wood cabins are speckled throughout the town and are complete with rustic decor and fireplace. A main lodge sits in the center of town where the guests of this all-inclusive resort share family-style meals and dine together.

We arrived at Dunton via Cortez, CO on a Friday afternoon and the snow was falling. It was enchanting. A gorgeous scene to watch as we sat in the Saloon and drank a michelada (a drink I taught them how to make ;) and played checkers before our 4pm massage appointments and the 7:30 dinner bell (yes, there's actually a dinner bell).

Magensium tubs!!!!!!!! This was a fun and very different feature than most resorts I've been to. They were warm and soothing. The magnesium is supposed to act as a detoxifying agent and I can honestly say I didn't have the same "head rush" I do when getting out of a regular hot tub. When you're walking around the resort in a bathrobe and boots (sexy!) all the time, it's easy to pop back over to one of their 3 tubs & bathhouses.

On Saturday morning we woke up and after a nice hearty made to order breakfast.
After breakfast we took a walk to an open field not too far from the main "camp" and did some sledding. A few bloody knuckles later (wear gloves...) we came in and met with our snowmobiling guide, Tom.

THIS was an absolute blast. After a quick lesson on the vehicles (yes, it was my first time- I'm the silly Texas gal that didn't wear gloves sledding....) we took a 20-minute trip thru the woods and out to a WIDE open meadow. It was a gorgeous day as the sun was out and the temperatures had me taking some of the many layers off.  We spent a solid two hours on the snowmobiles and then headed back to Dunton for a late lunch and another dip in the magnesium tubs.


Gorgeous family style dinner with a great group of new friends from all over the country. There were only 10 of us so it was still very intimate. Great conversation and The FOOD! I can't say enough about the food. So well prepared and presented and tasted gourmet!


After such a busy and full day on Saturday, we slept in a little then spent the majority of Sunday lounging in the movie/game room with the curtains drawn and a lot of magnesium tub time as well. When you're at Dunton you don't realize how close to the sun you are- so we sat for a while on the soft lambs wool blankets and lounge chairs soaking up the sun and some vino from the Saloon. I'll admit, I got a little sunburned but in the middle of winter, it was a welcome one!



The staff at Dunton is truly second to none. The crew is so friendly and interesting. It is a perfect getaway for a romantic weekend and the all-inclusive aspect was an added bonus. If you're looking for a remote mini vacation with spectacular views, sunsets, atmosphere and friendly people, Dunton Hot Springs is your place.