Traveling with a Toddler: Tips for Keeping Calm and Enjoying the Ride

Close your eyes and imagine you are on a scenic, winding road; surrounded by canopies of trees and foliage, the blue mountains lining your vision through the windshield, your favorite music in the background setting a perfect scene for a roadtrip. Your serenity is suddenly shattered by the wails of a restless toddler in the backset, shrieking because they dropped their favorite plastic train as they kick the back of your seat. The crisp mountain air is clouded by a mystery odor (was that a dead animal or a dirty diaper? Or even worse...vomit...) and as you frantically pour through your disheveled diaper bag, you realize you have only a small baggie of crushed Goldfish crumbs to offer your frustrated little one. You fumble with the radio dial in desperate hopes of finding an uplifting tune, only to be rebuffed by the lack of signal deep in the mountains. You, my friend, are trapped in the Murphy's Law tornado where everything that can go wrong, will.
So as parents, helpless to the onset of Murphy's Law halfway through our roadtrip, what do we do to prevent this downward spiral? This weekend, I did the unthinkable--I braved a 7.5 hour roadtrip to Connecticut on a Friday afternoon after work, during summer rush hour traffic, through the mountains with only myself and a 2.5 year old who detests long car rides.
From the get-go, it seemed that things were just not going to go my way. Despite purchasing a head-rest DVD player, countless activity books and a plethora of convenient snacks far in advance, discouraging obstacles started rearing their ugly heads the week before our voyage. For starters, my trusty Prius failed its' inspection and needed 4 new tires and some cap thing-a-majiggy to pass. They had to order the part so the inspection and release of my vehicle occured the night before the trip. As I scrambled to pack my car in the dark, I felt relieved that I had so carefully and obsessively planned out every other detail of the trip, thinking it would fall into place. The next morning, after an exhausting work mission that entailed 4+ hours of driving, I set up the DVD player, activity box, and snack tray for Rylan. When I went to turn on the DVD player, I was dismayed to realize that it only worked while plugged into a charging port. I pulled out the car charger that it came with and saw that the plug was severed and frayed (worst business ever!)...thus commencing the 1.5 hour scavenger hunt to find a store that carried an inverter to go into the car lighter. The day was saved by my saint of a mother who managed to find one at AutoZone.

We started our voyage and the views were absolutely breathtaking through the mountains. My son slept through the first portion, then we played a game of "I spy the biggest mountain." Everything was smooth sailing and I thought to myself, "hey, this isn't so bad!" We stopped for penny candy at a general store near Port Jervis, munched on sub sandwiches in Poughkeepsie, and the high-pitched voice of Caillou playing on a loop in the backseat kept him content for the most part. That's when the rush hour traffic hit. Every few miles, the GPS would say to me "13 minute slow-down,"..."24 minute slow-down,"..."Your travel has been delayed by 1 hour 32 minutes." I played my own game in my head titled "How many strings of exploitives can I think up?" It was so discouraging and I felt myself starting to get frustrated and antsy, thinking that my toddler was going to start losing it. Praise the heavens because he never whined once, and was appreciative of the steady stream of toys that I handed him while we sat at a standstill.


So, here's what I learned:

1. PLAN PLAN PLAN. Shell out the $60 for the headrest DVD player. Collect every kids' movie you've ever owned in your life and have it within arms reach. Stock up on an assortment of snacks that can be easily accessed and opened that won't end up smeared all over the back of the passenger seat. Strategically place diapers and wipes throughout the car so you can change a diaper anywhere when you stop for a break or wipe sticky fingers. Don't forget about the value of having stickers and activity books on hand. And magnadoodles.
2. Don't get discouraged when everything that you so carefully constructed starts slipping through your fingers. Things will go haywire and you WILL inevitably get stuck in traffic. You are in control and you will make it to your destination. Keep an open mind and learn to laugh it off (instead of being a frazzled curmudgeon like I was at the beginning and end of the car ride).
3. Entertain your kids to the best of your ability. Play "I Spy","Count the Cows" or "21 Questions." Put on energetic music that you can all sing along to. Tell stories together and let them get creative with their imagination. A DVD will only entertain them for so long--this is your opportunity to make memories. I didn't think Rylan would be responsive yet to road trip games, but he had the time of his life!
4. Pit-Stops can be the coolest part of your journey! Research popular places to chart along the way and give yourself ample time to enjoy them. On the way back from Connecticut, we stopped in the charming town of Milford, PA and ate a leisurely lunch at a downtown deli, followed by a short jaunt through town to browse a whirligig shoppe. It helped to break up the monotony of a long drive and re-energized both of us. If you are too tired to finish the journey that day, be the hero by getting a hotel or campsite to sleep in.
5. You are Super Parent. You are an absolute Rock Star for doing the unthinkable and taking your little one on a memorable vacation. Will everything go according to plan? Probably not. But despite the sticky fingers, the poopy carseats, the restless passengers, these are the best moments of your life to share with your family. And keep telling yourself that EVERY parent in EVERY corner of this country has dealt with the same scenario--there is no flawless roadtrip ever reported in history.

Professional Etiquette for Aspiring Innkeepers: My Secret Recipe for Success

Are you an aspiring Innkeeper or just starting out in the business? Here are some of my own personal tips that will set you apart from your competition:

1. As highlighted in my recent post, a small Welcome Basket can go a long way in showing hospitality to your guests! Many guests are paying up to $400 for a night at your Inn, I’m sure it would be nothing to spend a few dollars and a little time to show your appreciation of their patronage.

2. Have a little cove where you can display local pamphlets, maps and coupon books for your guests to rifle through. Make sure that they are categorized by activity, presented professionally and contain current information.

3. Include a well-designed binder/folder full of the quirks/rules of the Inn, local delivery options, TV channel guide, WiFi password, and room service/package options.

4. Designate a preferred window of time for check-ins. Many Inns promise to be on-site between 3 pm and 6 pm, but I find that 3 pm to 8 pm is a more realistic window, especially for Friday evening. Keep an eye out for their arrival so they aren’t standing at the front door wondering if they are at the wrong house. Greet them warmly, shake their hands, call them by their names and congratulate them on their special occasion (this means finding out the reason for their stay when they book their reservation).

5. Provide them with dining out options and offer to make a reservation for them (especially since they will be exhausted from their travels). If they are celebrating a special occasion, jazz up a bottle of Champagne or box of truffles and place them on the bureau in their room. This will show that you are attentive and accommodating.

6. Ask about dietary restrictions/allergies at the time of booking. Many people who are restricted in diet are wary about staying at a B&B due to a reputation for decadent cuisine. Become proficient in gluten-free baking and diabetic needs and advertise this knowledge in your marketing. As far as your non-restricted food? Take the time to bake as much as you can from scratch and decorate it beautifully. People do not spend hundreds of dollars per night to be served muffins from a boxed mix and frozen quiches.

7. Find out their desired breakfast time when you check them in. This way, they won’t have to wait long for a hot breakfast, and you won’t get slammed by the breakfast rush all at once. I've seen people serve breakfasts in courses, but in my professional opinioin, anything more than a "Fruit" course and a "Main" course is anxiety provoking for the guests. Don't make them feel like they have to rush through their courses or sit through a longer breakfast than they anticipated. Plus, less courses, less dishes you have to wash.

8. Offer to put together an itinerary based on the nature of their trip. This way, they won’t be wandering aimlessly around a town, completely unaware of the amazing excursions that exist around them. This is an instance of going above and beyond the call of duty.

9. Leave your attitude at the door! I get it, we all have bad days, especially in the hospitality industry where you are pretty much married to your work. Time and time again, I read reviews about grumpy Innkeepers and it breaks my heart. Hospitality means making people feel comfortable, and you can’t do that with a sour-puss look on your face. If your heart isn’t in the business anymore and all you care about are dollar signs, please sell the business to someone who has the passion needed.

10. Cross-train your employees. I always see Innkeepers bending over backwards to clean 6 or 7 rooms a day, cook breakfast, do check-ins and handle the finances and that will burn you out quickly. Don’t be a control freak. If you hire an assistant Innkeeper or housekeeper, train them in ALL fields of your business instead of limiting them to scrubbing toilets and then complaining that you do too much. Teach them to prepare and plate the breakfasts, interact with guests, handle check-ins, run the gift shop, and reservation bookings. If something happens to you, God forbid, now you know that there is someone trust-worthy that can handle your pride and joy. This does not mean hiring an interim Innkeeper and making them an indentured servant. A good employee doesn’t quit the business, they quit the boss. Be a nurturing and compassionate employer who wants their employees to learn and grow, but also to run their business with professionalism and courtesy.

11. Maximize your Social Media presence. Join Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, everything! Link your blog to all of these and write at minimum one entry a week, which should not only highlight your Inn, but upcoming local attractions, food reviews and decor/style tips.

12. Respond to ALL reviews, not just the bad ones. If you do receive a bad one, DO NOT GET DEFENSIVE. Be apologetic and professional, and always offer a solution or alternative to their complaints to encourage them to give your business a second chance. When you receive a positive review, be gracious and enthusiastic for the guests' return.

13. Hairdryers, ironing boards/irons, and robes go a long way in terms of convenience for your guests. This will also warrant higher ratings from hospitality organizations reviewing your business. Also, consider featuring a gift shop area where guests can buy souvenirs, local products and extra amenities. Designate an actual section of your inn to display instead of strewing your product around the entire inn as "Decorations with Pricetags." Tacky.

14. Consider hosting weddings and events when your business starts to run smoothly. Special events can bring in wonderful revenue, provide stunning professional pictures for your website, and set you in a league apart from the rest. Form business relationships early on with local reputable caterers, cake designers, and party planners and attend workshops centered around event coordinating.

15. Identify your Inn's niche. If you want to market yourselves as culinary gurus, creative decorators, professional soap artisans, dog lovers, whatever you feel passionate about--set yourselves apart from the other run-of-the-mill inns in your area. Keep it simple and master your featured talent. Also, stay up to date with fluctuations and innovations in interior design. Replace sheets and comforters often, freshen up color schemes and revamp furniture when needed.

Join the "Inn-Crowd" with These Helpful Tips to Ensure A Memorable B&B Experience

June is a popular month for weddings, graduations and anniversaries. Many people make reservations at their tried and true hotel chains, or stay with friends (which can sometimes be restrictive of your privacy). While I love the predictability of a hotel or the comfort of an old friend’s home, I will attempt to open your eyes to an often underrated means of accommodation: a Bed & Breakfast (or an Inn).

Bed & Breakfasts are typically owned by a single person or a couple, and you are essentially being welcomed into their lavishly decorated home where they want to cater to you and give you the best experience possible. You would only be sharing their attention with approximately 6 other rooms, which is a pretty good ratio for getting individualized support. Innkeepers have been in the business for a long time and have hospitality down to a science. They know where to send you to get exactly what you want to eat (and will even make the reservation for you, since they know the owner). They can redirect you around traffic and point you in the direction of secret, locals-only hiking trails. They can plan a weekend itinerary for you filled with horseback riding and picnics in the woods, and have flowers and handmade truffles waiting for you in your room when you return. Large hotel chains may win you over with a warm cookie upon arrival, but consider this: When you arrive to a B&B, you are beckoned with lush, empyrean gardens and landscaping; stunning, ornate furnishings and soft, 1000-thread count sheets; doting Innkeepers, who are a wealth of knowledge about the area; and quite possibly, an entire oven full of fresh, warm cookies to greet you. You are guaranteed a gourmet
 breakfast and fresh coffee when you wake up, and by the end of your stay (if the Innkeepers have their hearts in it), you will feel like you just inherited a new extension of your family.

On the other side of the token, I do feel that B&B’s aren’t for everyone. Some people like to be completely secluded with minimal interaction with other parties, others want to accumulate their hotel travel points for valid reasons. I also believe that there are common misconceptions that surround a Bed & Breakfast. An attentive innkeeper will do everything in their power to ensure that you are provided a quiet guestroom to relax in. They will be open and honest about soundproofing quality and will not offer you a room above a noisy kitchen if they know you want a serene getaway to catch up on sleep. Some B&B’s offer family style dining, where everyone sits at a large dining room table for breakfast. I tend to prefer café-style tables set up in a large dining room so that patrons can have their space but still feel the energy of the morning bustle. If this is something that you prefer, be sure to read up on your dining accommodations so that you get exactly what you pay for. A hospitable innkeeper will also respect your intentions of enjoying a private getaway by being available to their guests but not intrusive.

Here are the key DO’s and DON’T’s when considering a B&B:

DO call the Inn before booking to address any specific questions you may have or ask about special rates.

DON’T try to intimidate or bully the innkeeper into giving you a discount. They usually only have on average 6 rooms to rent, and while they will most likely give you a discount on the weekday, a weekend is when they make the majority of their revenue.

DO contact the Inn before your stay to make them aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.

DON’T demand a custom menu or wait until your breakfast arrives to let them know you are a diabetic gluten-free vegan allergic to vegetables.

DO inquire about rooms with private entrances or balconies.

DON’T use that as a way to sneak in guests or throw all-night soirees on the veranda.

DO request to purchase a nice package from the Inn in advance for your significant other to make their stay special.

DON’T wait until the day of your reservation to frantically order a bouquet of long-stemmed roses and chocolate dipped strawberries.

DO provide your Innkeeper with a time of arrival. Innkeepers love to be on property to greet their guests and give them a tour. They take great pride in their business and want to give you a fantastic first impression.

DON’T demand that an Innkeeper wait until 9 or 10 pm for your arrival when you committed to a 3 pm arrival. Oftentimes, Innkeepers have families and dedicate 24 hours a day/7 days a week to their B&B, and it is presumptuous to expect them to put their lives on hold to wait at the front because you had to make an impromptu stop at the outlet mall for 6 hours. There are a few exceptions such as inclement weather or poor traffic conditions that are beyond your control, and any Innkeeper will be more than understanding of this. Be sure to give them a courtesy call if this is the case.

DO ask your Innkeeper to provide extra pillows and duvets or to ensure that your bed won’t be adjacent to a drafty window or door.

DON’T take it upon yourself to rearrange furniture, remove headboards or take amenities from other rooms. I have heard of guests un-anchoring large, heavy headboards because they “made too much noise.” BIG faux pas.

DO ask your Innkeeper to give you a tour of their available, clean rooms for your next visit.

DON’T embark on a self-guided tour of the Inn. Remember, this is someone’s home and also guests may very well have forgotten to lock a door when they left for the day.

DO address any issues with your accommodations while you are on-sight so that they may be remedied immediately during your stay.

DON’T wait until 3 am to ring the Innkeeper about a running toilet or write a snarky review on TripAdvisor after your departure. Small businesses thrive on reviews and inns pride themselves on hospitality and being able to handle any situation as it arises. Unless your stay was absolutely horrid, there is no reason to wait and write a nasty review.

DO interact with other guests at breakfast and partake in lively conversation with the staff.

DON’T insult or belittle the staff; or bring up taboo topics at the breakfast table. Be aware of social cues in case some of the guests just want privacy. Sidenote, showing up in your pajamas to the formal dining room is a huge no-no. You don't have to dress up, but please look presentable.

DO ask your housekeeping staff to provide clean sheets daily or replenish your amenities. If you are staying 3 nights, typically the housekeeper will change your sheets for the 3rd night, but some people prefer extra freshening.

DON’T leave your room a pigsty with trash strewn about and hair clumps in the Jacuzzi. Leave your
 room in a way that wouldn’t embarrass you if your mother walked in. The staff is more than happy to freshen your room each morning when you go out for the day, but often they have a limited window of time to straighten all the rooms, so the tidier you leave it, the more thoroughly it will be cleaned.

DO leave a tip for the staff in your room as you depart. Customarily, if the service was exemplary, $10-$20 per day is standard.

DON’T leave leftover alcohol (many times, inn staff is under 21 years) or uneaten food as a tip.

DO return the next year with your significant other for a yearly getaway. The Innkeepers will fondly remember you and will try to make your second experience even more memorable.

DON’T return later with new “guests” every time. Even though an innkeeper will always show you respect and privacy regardless of your lifestyle choices, it is tacky to bring a different partner to the same place every time. Telephone the innkeeper and ask if there is another local B&B that they could recommend. They would be happy to assist you, especially if it would help them avoid a potentially awkward blunder.

A Bed & Breakfast can be a truly magical experience, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion with your loved one. Enjoying the single life? Treat yourself to a couple nights of pampering and relaxation! Some of my most incredible vacations have been solo ones, where I have the liberty to go off and explore a new area at my own leisure, partake in savory cuisine and meet people from all different walks of life.

Be sure to thoroughly browse your options, reading reviews and asking others for recommendations. If your personal style is more rustic chic, but you are booking your stay at a frilly Victorian Inn, that will not suit your preference. Comb through the online pictures and choose a B&B that is both aesthetically pleasing to your eye and has outstanding reviews for food and service.

Be Our Guest: Part One of an Innkeeper's How-To Tutorial for Summer Houseguests

The number one question I get asked when I tell people about my experience as an Innkeeper is, “How can we make our home look/feel like a bed & breakfast?” This prompted me to start a how-to guide (with multiple installments of course). The guide will feature ways to make your bed look luxurious, how to make houseguests feel welcome, mouthwatering breakfast and dinner ideas (especially for multiple guests), picnic packing, plate garnishing, gardening tips, décor, and flower arranging 101. 

Today’s post will feature Welcome Basket varieties. My next edition will include diagrams on how to fold a fitted sheet like a pro (because it took me 30 years around the sun to even grasp the concept that a fitted sheet could be folded and not just balled up and thrown in the linen closet), and how to make the bed look like it belongs in a boutique hotel.

Part Un—Welcome Baskets

Making your home as memorable and inviting as possible requires attention to detail when it comes to those little touches. I have found that guests at an inn go bonkers for handmade items/amenities (fresh cookies, little soaps), feeling taken care of (itineraries available, maps, brochures, area guides) and out-of-the-blue gifts or tokens of appreciation. My number one recommendation is to present a welcome basket, either upon arrival or on their bed. The welcome basket can contain a variety of necessities or novelty items, but it shows your guests that you took the time to think of them and ensure that their needs were met from the very beginning.

In the hospitality industry, we understand that you may host many different types of guests (some outdoorsy, some higher maintenance, some foodie, some simple). Their personalities and their weekend itinerary should be reflected in the content of the welcome baskets.

It’s a nice touch to add some local flavor from the area that they are visiting. I live in Lancaster, which is a huge farming community with Amish roots, so I like to throw in seasonal fruits, Amish-made baked goods or jam, and Hershey chocolates (given our proximity to Hershey headquarters). If you live near the beach, it may be more acceptable to include salt water taffy, seashells, boardwalk kettle corn and a few postcards. If your guests are coming for a mountain visit, include local beef jerky or roasted nuts. This will entice your guests to explore the area and give them something delicious to snack on. 

Toiletries are an obvious. If you have people staying with you, it’s usually expected that you will provide at least the first night of toiletries. This can include mini shampoos/conditioners (any dollar bin at Target, Walmart or K-mart), soap (I recommend spending the extra few dollars on a bar of handmade, local soap—maybe a neutral scent like Goats Milk & Honey), a washcloth/tea-towel, and toothpaste are the basics. You can also include a toothbrush, shower cap, loofah, razors, pack of tissues, makeup remover packet, nail file/kit, lotion, eye drops, sewing kit, get creative! Really think outside the box and consider anything and everything small that could potentially make someone’s life a little less stressful if they forgot to pack something.

So you have your basic content: the local treats, the soaps, the necessities. Now it’s time to get creative with the fillers. I tend to lean toward adding two water bottles (maybe Perrier or Figi), or a mini bottle of champagne if they are celebrating a special occasion. Some people add cheeses and half a baguette wrapped in artisan paper, others lean toward candles, fresh flowers or a small potted plant. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with artistically packaged snacks or light reading material/crossword puzzles. Fillers should also include things like the WiFi password written on a nice handwritten card, the local to-do pamphlets mentioned above, any coupons for activities they mentioned doing, and a contact card with your information in case they get lost or run into car troubles. I like providing a description of my favorite restaurants because oftentimes guests want the encouragement to go off on their own for a night.

You got through the hard part of figuring out what to stuff in there—now you have to decide what to put it in! Remember, the key to making a welcome basket look professional is the contrast in sizing. You want to put your taller items in the back to give it some height, shorter items in the front and then a mix of short and tall in the middle. If you need to give the contents more height, boost them with fake straw, moss or even colored tissue paper. A basket should look full but not overstuffed, and if you are lacking in content, then go with a smaller container (maybe a strawberry carton).

 
Necessities:

· Local goodies, fresh fruit, baked goods

· Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste)

· Washcloth, hand towel, tea towel

Filler Items:

· Misc. toiletries (toothbrush, shower cap, loofah, razors, tissues, makeup remover, nail kit, lotion, eye drops, sewing kit)

· Beverage bottles (Fiji, Perrier, Champagne, wine, soda, cute plastic drinking cup with lid, mug)

· Gourmet snacks

· Candle

· Plant, flowers, herbs for scent

· Magazines, books, crosswords, newspaper

· Local brochures

· Contact card

Basket Ideas:

· Milk basket

· Small crate

· Wicker basket

· Strawberry carton

· Bushel and a peck

· Large tin

· Painted flower pot

· Large jar or canister

· Colorful box

Looking for a Last Minute Getaway this Weekend? Follow your Spirit of Wanderlust to this Quaint Mountain Town

It’s the beginning of June and summer is upon us—that means time to plan the last minute getaways! For those of you who may be local to the PA, MD, NY, NJ area, I will be sharing my experiences in a scenic little mountain town called Hawley, PA. Hawley is located in the Northern part of the Pocono Mountains and boasts stunning views, a refurbished Silk Mill (which is now home to a bevy of eclectic little shops) and charming places to stay.

If you are whisking your kids away on an impromptu family vacation, there is no better place to awaken your children’s excitement than Woodloch Resort. Woodloch is a sprawling, all-inclusive,

family-friendly resort that is so large it should have its’ own zip code. As you pass through the impressive tree-lined entrance, you will see a variety of lodging options, on-campus restaurants, snowtubing hills, lakes, archery stations, playgrounds, indoor fun-rooms and your favorite TV characters nonchalantly strolling along the wooded paths (Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo, Cookie Monster, Dora the Explorer, etc.). 

Upon check-in, the concierge gives you a colored rubber bracelet which will grant you access into any of their impressive facilities. You can choose from magic shows, indoor playgrounds, lakeside games, water parks, the list goes on and on. The bracelet will also make you an honored guest at one of their all-you-can-eat dinner services (they determine which dining hall you will attend based on the location of your lodging so that it doesn’t get too crowded). The dinners are themed so the characters will make a special appearance mid-way! Rylan’s favorite part of the dining experience was seeing “Bob Bob Pants” (Sponge Bob Square Pants) and eating 3 different kinds of dessert. If you partake in too many activities and would prefer to lounge in the comfort of your spacious guest room (many with lake-front balconies), Woodloch Resort has convenient store options that sell fresh cheese, upscale/healthy snacks, milk and other beverages and souvenirs. 

Every detail is covered at Woodloch and you won’t need to leave the campus for any reason. They even have convenient shuttles that come around every few minutes and take you to your desired location (trust me, the place is HUGE—there is no way it is entirely walkable). Not only do they have amazing amenities and cheerful concierge, but it is completely affordable! My mom, Rylan and I snagged a February special of a gorgeous guestroom for 2 nights, all-inclusive (dining as well) for around $160/night. This includes the kid-friendly activities! And for the exhausted adults who may need a minute to yourselves, Woodloch does offer a few nightlife options as well (though I’m sure you won’t get to see Sponge Bob). 

Hawley is not just a town with giddy children running amuck, though. Hawley is also home to the most charming, cozy Bed & Breakfast, the Settlers Inn. This little mountain inn is located on somewhat of a centralized, main road, but you still get the benefit of the breathtaking mountainous views, while having proximity to the Wine & Beverage store. In all honesty, with the Inn’s elegant and rustic breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, you may not need to venture out at all! 

Even the way the Settler’s Inn smells is beyond delightful. When you walk in the ornate front doors, you are greeted with the oaky musk of the grand fireplace and the sweet floral scent of the soaps in the gift shop (their heavenly hand soap smells like someone bottled clean mountain air and fresh flowers). On the left of you, their cozy Victorian dining room is bustling with relaxed guests and hospitable staff. Every table is full of house-made breads and butter florets, and decadently plated and inventive cuisine. My breakfast experience was pumpkin waffles with a blackberry reduction, topped with curried ricotta and candied nuts. It was a new level of ecstasy. My lunch rivaled my lavish breakfast with a simple shrimp flatbread topped with drizzled balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and artisan greens from their outdoor garden.

   The rooms embrace a vintage Arts & Crafts style décor and are adorned with luxurious sheets, fluffy down comforters and delicate artwork. The color schemes are tranquil and inviting, and the bathrooms are clean and airy with a lavish whirlpool tub, stand up shower and high-end soaps. Although the rooms sit atop the restaurant and main area downstairs, you can’t hear any of the background noise. 

Whether you are traveling with the whole family or looking for a romantic rendez-vous, Hawley has just the right amount of charm and clean mountain air to refresh your spirit. If you find yourself venturing up that way, feel free to contact me and I can give you some pointers on places to go for hikes, kayaking, dining, or shopping. Happy travels, friends!

Call of the Wild: Mourning the Majestic Harambe

If you have any access to internet or television, or are even within earshot of my passionate rants in the breakroom concerning this issue, I am positive you have heard about the tragic death of Harambe, the 17 year old Silverback gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo. I know that the internet is ablaze with differing accounts of the incident and fired up advocates [for both Harambe's life and the child/family affected by this] are getting embroiled in this debate.

I am certainly not here to assert my fierce opinions (I have been consumed by this story since I first saw it all over my newsfeed Sunday morning) and I am not in the frame of mind to argue with the people saying, "What if it was your child?" This blog is about positivity and I can save my opinions to torture my coworkers with during my lunch break. Let's just take a minute to remember a gentle life that was lost. Rest in peace, handsome Harambe. You will forever stay in our hearts and minds. 

On a side note, I have heard an outcry of people saying, "But what about all the other causes, why are we focusing on this?" No. Let yourself feel the passion from whatever you choose to advocate for and go with it, be the change in the world. Think of the awareness for endangered species (or whatever your cause may be) that your involvement can foster. It doesn't matter what your passion is focused on, but do something productive with it and change humanity! It is not our responsibility to compare causes and tragedies in the world, but to harness the fire inside of each of us to facilitate change, step by step. Positivity in the world does not happen overnight but HOORAY YOU for igniting the spark that just may be the first step. Even if I don't share the same beliefs, I still support your enthusiasm wholeheartedly.