Published Articles
The following articles and blog posts were written for various publications by Wanderlust Tours owner, Shawnie Kelley. All content is copyrighted and can not be reproduced without consent.
The Homestead: America’s First Resort
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 [...]
Omni Bedford Springs Resort, PA.
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 [...]
The Power of Pampering: Springs Eternal Spa, Bedford Springs Resort
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 [...]
Destination Grand: The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
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 [...]
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: Create Your Own Experience
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 [...]
Chicken Consommé for the Soul: Grand Hotel
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 [...]
The Bedford Bath Ritual at Springs Eternal Spa
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 [...]
Modern Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel, Boston
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 [...]
Omni Bedford Springs Resort: The Grand Dame of Cumberland Valley
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, [...]
Up the Lazy River: JW Marriott Texas Hill Country
I haven't spent much time in Texas (like, zero). So, it was exciting when an opportunity arose to visit San Antonio, of which I've heard all sorts of wonderful things. My typical M.O. is to [...]
Malabar Farm: Agricultural Legacy & Living Classroom
Malabar Farm “As soils are depleted, human health, vitality and intelligence go with them.” ~Louis Bromfield To say Louis Bromfield was a strong advocate of scientific agriculture is an understatement. Bromfield not only championed the [...]
Taking the Waters: A Spa Day at the Greenbrier
Taking the Waters. A Spa Day at the Greenbrier, West Virginia When in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, it only makes sense to do what the Native Americans and travelers, including George Washington, have done for [...]