As a longtime patron of Omni Hotels, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been on my to-go list since they acquired the property in 2013. I appreciate the hotel group's custodianship of beautiful resorts often on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, both of which [...]
I have had longtime appreciation for the Omni Hotels brand and once again, they went above and beyond to help us put together a spontaneous trip to the historic Bedford Springs Resort just a few days out. The property is situated in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of central Pennsylvania, where hot springs have drawn visitors [...]
The Power of Pampering. It's a thing.... I am a huge advocate of self-care in the form of massage therapy, dry sauna and wet steam rooms, therapeutic pool areas with sensory showers, jet treatments, and waterfall massagers. The ability to relax in a beautiful lounge that is comfortable and quiet, while sipping hot tea or [...]
This classic German apple cake is given a hint of fragrant nuttiness by adding almond paste to the batter. Use a variety of tart and slightly sweet apples, but wait to slice them until it is time to add them to the cake, otherwise, the apple's flesh will oxidize and discolor. When it comes time [...]
The Grand Hotel experience begins even before stepping foot onto northern Michigan's Mackinac Island. First glimpse of the stately white columns and billowing flags of the hotel unfurling along the hillside hints at the timeless luxury that awaits across across the bay. The fifteen-minute ferry ride (we used Shepler's Ferry out of Mackinaw City) is just a teaser as the boat [...]
DISCOVER CAPE COD BOOK SIGNING Celebrate Local at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio is hosting a local author book signing on Friday, October 18 as part of their eighth anniversary celebration. Author Shawnie Kelley will be signing copies of her book, Discover Cape Cod from 5:30-7:30pm. Come see us if you are in the [...]
September 26 – 6-8 pm $50 Provençal Cooking with Herbs REGISTER HERE Giant Eagle Demonstration Kitchen, 3061 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington Contact Shawnie with questions: shawniekelley@gmail.com Celebrate late summer’s bounty of herbs with four different sweet and savory recipes from southern France. We learn to cook with herbs using different techniques. [...]
A MOUNTAIN NEST One hour southeast of Pittsburgh is Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a luxurious mountain retreat sprawling across 2,000 acres of scenic hills and valleys. This area, known as the Laurel Highlands, is a storied region where Native American and colonial history runs deep and beautiful, mountainous terrain climbs steep. It is home to Pennsylvania's highest [...]
If ever there is that one bite that becomes burned into your culinary memory, the Grand Hotel's chicken consommé was one of mine. Having spent a few glorious sunny summer days on Mackinac Island, my sister and I took our meals in the variety of Grand-owned restaurants around the property and in town. We chose to [...]
Springs Eternal Spa at Bedford Springs Resort The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is an historic destination spa in the mountains of central Pennsylvania. The abundance of natural mineral springs combined with fresh mountain air has made for a healthful retreat for more than two centuries. In 1796, Dr. John Anderson purchased more than 2,000 acres from [...]
I have been on a bit of an Afternoon Tea odyssey lately. There is something genteel and charming about the formality of it all. Tea cups with roses. Tiny sandwiches. Tiers of minature sweets. While living and working in England for a few years, friends and I sat sipping darjeeling with pinky's out at the [...]
Bedford Springs Resort and Spa The dreamy mountains of Cumberland Valley are conveniently positioned between Pennsylvania's capital of Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Cumberland County is home to nearly fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail, hundreds of springs, ponds and lakes, a few storied universities, and pre-Revolutionary and Civil War history. Boating, hiking, fly-fishing, and touring covered bridges [...]
