We found a retreat amongst the downtown Atlanta attractions at Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park! John and I spent a weekend taking in the sites around Centennial Olympic Park and Hyatt Place Atlanta/Centennial Park is just minutes from them. But, inside you’ll find calm! You’re greeted with some of the friendliest staff we’ve ever had in Atlanta and made us feel at home.
The lobby has tons of lounge seating areas to relax, alcoves with TVs, a space for work, a grass wall with neon sign for selfies, and more! Around the corner is The Place bar and restaurant where they have $5 happy hour (select beer, wine, well drinks) and you can grab a hearty breakfast in the morning. They have everything from eggs to waffles! Next to The Place is their 24-hour market stocked with snacks and beverages for any hour! Speaking of amenities, they also have a tranquil pool for relaxing and a fitness room.
Up in the rooms, you walk into a spacious seating area with full comfy couch. The bathroom is on the way in as well and has a large walk-in shower. The large king bed is one of the most comfy and I need to know where to buy some of their pillows! The best part was our view of the roof of the Georgia aquarium and the Atlanta downtown skyline! Wow!
But the best amenity of the Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park is the location! It is literally across the street from Georgia Aquarium where you can see whale sharks and a myriad of other sea creatures. It is also just a few steps from World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Olympic Park, GWCC, restaurants and bars, and even walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium where you can catch a game or concert.
The SUITE-est hotel in Asheville, NC is the Embassy Suites Downtown Asheville. John and I took a weekend getaway up to beautiful Asheville, NC and fell in love with the downtown area all because we stayed in this brand-new hotel that is just SUITE! It is steps from downtown attractions like Grove Arcade, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and a ton of Asheville’s big breweries!
Beyond the perfect location, the hotel is a stunner! You step inside the sweeping and large lobby and welcomed by lounge vibes with comfy couches, beautiful pendant lighting, marble waterfall features, tons of seating around the electric fireplace, and a large bar and restaurant.
Upstairs in the room, you’ll find clean, comfortable, spacious king suites like our room! You walk into a den and living space where you can relax and watch TV on the large comfy couch. Around the corner is the large king bedroom with one of the comfiest mattresses! There is a gorgeous bathroom with tons of white tile and clean, modern lines, walking shower and large vanity area.
Amenities. One of the biggest perks at staying at an Embassy Suites is their hot free breakfast with omelette making station to customize your own omelette, all the usual breakfast suspects and even banana bread! Another is the 5pm happy hour with 2 free drinks and a bunch of salty snacks, dip, veggies, and fruit! Of course they have a pool, fitness area, and business area.
Soprana Rooftop Cocina
And wait until you see the gorgeous rooftop bar, which is the spot for pizza and views in downtown Asheville, Soprana Rooftop Cocina. It is a gorgeous Italian cucina with sweeping mountain views! Once I saw the space, I was super excited to try it, and it was one of the best meals experiences all weekend! They have staple Italian fare, an extensive brick-oven pizza list, a fun creative cocktail menu, wines, all set to the mountains in the background! To my surprise my favorite dish is the burrata. I do like burrata, but this one was sensational! Think cool and mild cheese encased in a mild cheese shell then served with fresh, local, sweet, ripe peaches and the best earthy yet herbaceous pesto! The entire bite was a flavor train.
The other appetizers I got were the Meatballs and the oven roasted chicken wings. The meatballs are rich, meaty, herbaceous and fall apart tender local beef and pork. Plus, they jam some ricotta in it for a creaminess! Topped and surrounded by a tasty, tangy herbed tomato sauce, fresh herbs and mozzarella, and finally finished with sharp pecorino. The other appetizer is the large, tender, and juicy chicken wings. Rubbed with the local delicious Spicewalla Italian dry rub then doused in garlic butter and a hint of charred lemon. I paired it with their Luxe Limone, their limoncello cocktail. It is an herbaceous gin, house made limoncello, creamy egg white, sweet vanilla, and you can’t miss the sweet meringue on top!
For dinner, the Asheville pizza hit the spot. It is the classic spicy pepperoni and a hot honey combination! It so good! Crunchy yet light and fluffy pizza topped with lots of local spicy pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, local smoky, spicy Asheville bee charmer smokin’ hot honey, and a tangy herbaceous marinara. I got the Honey I’m Blushing cocktail with it. A creamy almond cream with a warm reposado tequila, tangy blood orange, and a hint of lemon. For dessert came the Flourless torte. A rich and deep chocolate dessert in a flaky shell then topped with candied and toasted hazelnut and creamy Nutella.
Grove Arcade
John and I took a day to explore everything Grove Arcade; it is truly THE destination in Asheville. As Asheville’s original mall, with gorgeous 1920s architecture and a hint of New Orleans funk, there is so much to find here. They have shops, dining, and more all in one place and in a building built in the 1920s and opened in 1929! It has a rich history!
Some of the Grove Arcade highlights include, grabbing a coffee or bevy and a beignet at Babette’s to fuel your day. They have so many shops, so peruse the many shops including my favorite, Razberry Threads. After that, grab lunch at Carmel’s as they have an assortment of southern fare. I loved their deviled eggs with candied bacon and a glass of wine.
In the afternoon, sip on suds from Wedege Brewing downtown. I got the dry Irish stout and John got a Pilsner. We visited the original back over 10 years ago and are glad to visit them again! After some more shopping, my favorite spot I found is the Battery Park Book Exchange. It is a champagne and bookstore where I tried their La Grande Tour champagne flight. And this is real champagne from France! One of the ones I tried, Monopole, was a brand served on the Titanic! Finish off the day with dinner at Asheville Proper. The best bite is their tender and rich Wagyu zebuton! I paired it with a boozy Manhattan and their earthy local mushrooms. A great dinner spot.
RV there yet? John and I recently headed up to Lake Lanier Islands to experience summer at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for a fun weekend staying in a spacious luxurious RV, a day at the Fins Up Water Park, a sunset margarita cruise, and brunch. It was the perfect summer weekend!
Livin’ the RV Life
Did you know Camp Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands rents RVs? We’ve always been interested in possibly living the RV life so this was a good way for us to try it out! And what did we find out? We think it is nicer and has more amenities than a hotel room!
When you unlock the door, you are greeted with a large circular desk/table area that is a great place to eat, work, and gather. Then, in front of you is the large, full, plush couch for watching TV, relaxing, or doubling as a bed! And it is next to it is the full fridge with freezer! On the other side of the RV is the full kitchen with tons of cabinet space, full stove and oven, lots of counter space, and sink. I can see why people could live in these.
Down the hall, walk up a few stairs to the full bathroom with sink and vanity, cabinet space, and even a full shower. Behind the pocket door is the bedroom with comfy queen bed and closet system and drawers for clothing and your suitcase! It literally has it all!
Plus, with any 2-night stay gets you access to Fins up Waterpark. There is a tram you can take to the park or ample parking if you choose to drive. On top of that, need a margarita? There is a margarita cart that comes around or you can call to get a frosty bevy!
A Day at Fins up Water Park with itinerary
Grab our full day Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Fins Up Water Park itinerary!
Start out with a lush cabana and a morning at the wave pool. This was my favorite spot and I could have spend the entire day there. The cabanas come with tables, chairs, a sofa, and fan, and two loungers. We also could order from a QR code and get food, drinks, and more! And the wave pool was chill and had loungers where you could sit and the water.
Hit the beach. Just steps through a tunnel from our cabana and we ended up on the beach on the lake! They have places to lounge, a tiki bar, and a few restraints like Mexican and pizza.
Get in line and get out on the lake with aquatic adventure! A fun, floating adventure coarse in the lake! You can also rent water toys to hit the lake as well.
Don’t miss the Fin Dunker Bucket! You can feel the water blowing into your face even from afar!
Take a break at Landshark Landing for a late lunch of spicy and creamy mahi mahi tacos, delicious lemon pepper wings, a booze in the blender like their perfect margarita, or a cool Landshark Lager!
Beat the heat in Parakeet Springs! A fun splash pad next to the beach! I enjoyed the cool water as much as the kids, and you need to wait 30 minutes after eating before you get to the main event…the waterslides!
Enjoy any of the 13 water slides! They have ones the drop to ones that feel like a raging river, my favorite. The other slides includes racing waters, splash down, typhoon, twister serpentine storm, dreamsicle dive, and more. The one that looked and heard like the scariest was the Apocalypso with a large drop to start and Fins up falls to end.
End your day at the park with a drink at the tiki bar either over at Landshark Landing or at the beach.
Margarita Cruise at Sunset
Would it be a weekend at Margaritaville without a sunset cruise with bottomless margaritas? We ended our day at Fins Up Water Park with an easy, breezy Margarita Cruise that went out of Harbor Landing. We sipped on bottomless margaritas on the rocks. We enjoyed a delicious buffet with jalapeno poppers, meatballs, pulled pork, burger slides, chips, cookies and more. As the night wears on, the sun will set beautifully over the lake and dancing will break out on the upstairs deck! It was the highlights of our day.
They do these cruises every Saturday from 6-9pm. And, they also have a brunch cruise every Sunday with buffet at Landshark Landing, then board the board with bottomless mimosas and Bloddy Mary’s from 11:30-1:30pm!
From Friday night Hawaiian luau to a beach day at Robin Lake Beach to exploring the gardens in a golf cart to self-care at the spa. This is your ultimate Summer at Callaway weekend itinerary.
Friday Night Hawaiian Luau
Say aloha to summer at Callaway by attending the new Friday Night Luau! They have a delicious Polynesian buffet that includes a smoky, rich and meaty whole hog that’s so tender, a tuna poke and all the fixings from lettuce to dressings and more. Plus, grilled mahi with mangos and peppers to go over the pineapple Hawaiian fried rice! Don’t miss the creamy hearty macaroni and potato salad and I mixed it with the pineapple coleslaw for best bite! On top of that their Huli Huli chicken is so tender and flavorful, load up on coconut shrimp, and pile on the Polynesian style veggies. For dessert enjoy one of their sweet and tangy pineapple upside down cakes, silky creamy coconut pudding, or a piece of cake!
To drink, you’ll get a welcome Mai-tai that’s sweet and fruity and topped with dark Myers rum for an extra kick and then go back for one of their sweet smoking volcano cocktails with boba!
Fill up and then enjoy Malhealani’s Polynesian entertainment! It includes exploring different dances from all of Polynesian islands from New Zealand to Samoa to Hawaii. As well as the Hula is performed and you’re asked to join in and learn it, and Blue Hawaiian is performed (Elvis classic). My favorite part, though, is the fire dance with one and two firesticks. The two fire sticks was the perfect finale.
Wake up to relaxation on the spa
When the only thing on your agenda is relaxation, you’re at the Spa at Callaway. This is a must do during your Summer at Callaway list because you deserve a little relaxation among all the noise this summer. Right?
For my session, I booked the new salt room! I’ve been hearing how it works miracles (when done regularly) for skin and hair and who doesn’t need glowing skin? It was super relaxing. The room had salt on the ground and in the air for maximum exposure. They gave me a weighted hot eye mask and hot neck warmer, and blanket and I literally lost myself to sleep. It really was the best start to the day!
In the women’s lounge with a treatment, you can enjoy the quiet room, which was gorgeously tranquil with glowing candles and soft music. They have a sauna and steam room to enjoy, hot tea, and snacks, as well for a full morning of pampering.
Spend the late morning and early afternoon golf carting around the gardens
The golf carting adventure we had was the best adventure you can have this summer at Callaway! We picked up our golf cart when we arrived and didn’t stop using it all weekend! It’s so much fun with the open air, go at your pace, and all the friendly golf cart waves from other golf carts! Here is your most see itinerary.
Find new trails all along the gardens like the Azalea or the Azalea bowl and get a good walk in.
Near the overlook we found Callaway Outdoors next to the golf course AND in the lake next to it is where you can find a beautiful fishing spot or take out a canoe onto the lake! Can you find it? It is hidden!
The drive between the overlook and azalea bowl is relaxing and beautiful. Once at the Azalea bow, walk to the bridge and waterfall!
We’ve been to the Discovery Center many times, you can get educated on birds and see a birds of prey show, but this time the Treetop Adventure was open for us to watch people amongst the trees and then zip line! If you’re brave enough, you could do the treetop yourself.
One of my favorite, most relaxing spots is the chapel. Stained glass and wood intertwine! And on Saturday and Sunday 1-3 they have a drop by organ concert!
End up at the Butterfly Center to find all the exotic (and local) butterflies! It is like being on a topical island! And they have turtles, tours, and education if you want to learn!
If you don’t get to it all in one day, you can go back before checking on the next morning!
Spend the afternoon until Dinner at Robin Lake Beach
Only a few steps from the lodge, Robin Lake Beach is the perfect way to wind down for the afternoon. Here is the Robin Lake Beach day essentials:
First things first, you need shade for those hot days, so they make it easy to rent a pair of chairs and an umbrella, a group of chairs and umbrellas. Or you could just go all out and spring for one of their posh cabanas! They’re so nice, they have a TV! And even a fan!!
Beat the heat in the water!
Through Labor Day, enjoy Aqua Island: An inflatable island with mountains to monkey bars out in the lake!
Paddle board or pedal boat for a great way to see the lake.
With admission or overnight guests, there is a free mini-golf course for you to score a hole in one!
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite from the pavilion, they have the best waffle fries!!
And you’ll need a bevy to go with those fries! They have a full bar, water, and more at the new Lake View bar overlooking Robin Lake Beach!
Fun until the sun goes down. (or 7pm). If you go to the left side of the lake, you can watch the sunset over the trees!
You’ll find inner peace at this newly renovated Buckhead hotel, The Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead! Recently, John and I stayed the weekend at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and were stunned by its beautiful renovation! Everything about it was calming and opulent from the beautiful rooms to the sweeping bar, to the lush Zen Garden and pool.
The lobby greets you with a grand chandelier and posh art deco seating! The lobby has marble floors, flashes of colorful artwork, and artwork creating movement. Inside The Fabled bar in front of you, the bar soars to the ceiling and the marble top seems to go on forever. On the opposite side of the bar are storytelling artwork and columns reminiscent of Italy or Greece with seating that overlooks the Zen Garden and waterfall!
Speaking of the Zen Garden, take a stroll! Go up to floor three and out the double doors to take a walk through their Zen Garden. Lush plants, Japanese accents, sitting areas and it all overlooks a waterfall that you can see from the lobby and bar. The Zen Garden leads to the pool where you can relax by it and even order a bevy. To access the waterfall, head to down to the lower level during Cassis breakfast hours. You can even sit outside by it with your breakfast.
After that, retreat to your room. John and I got treated to a suite where you walk into a living room all dressed up with a cozy, comfy couch and chairs, and a small wet bar. Loved the art deco like 20s lighting, as well. In the bedroom, the large king comfy bed is accented by a gray scale garden and tree scene which was calming and a small siting area. The bathroom is a stunner with marble floor, vanity and shower! It was like a spa!
The Fabled Bar
John and I enjoyed a meal here while we visited! Here we found out more about myths (cocktails named after myths) on their amazing drink menu and epic journeys like their locally sourced scratch food. All enjoyed in the relaxed, beautiful ambiance of the bar.
To start we opted for the creamy, slightly smoky deviled eggs that also had a good tang and a pop of salty fish roe on top. To go with that came the Tuna Tataki. It is crunchy, sesame encrusted seared tuna with a bright seaweed salad and a delicious soy glaze! For dinner, I had to try the Zen Garden bowl because it sounded so good. I added well-seasoned and cooked salmon to the top of this favorite dish. The bowl is bright lemon vinaigrette, sweet potatoes, cool cauliflower rice, spicy arugula, and crunchy pepitas. To wash it all down, got the Oracle’s martini. This is a vodka martini with floral elderflower, sweet and tart pear, and bright lemon.
Told you! You can find inner peace here at every turn.
On May 1, 2025, Denver’s Dead Pioneers brought their punk energy to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, opening for Pearl Jam in a night that blended rebellion with rock legacy. Picked by Pearl Jam bassist Ament, the indigenous-fronted band, led by Gregg Deal, delivered a performance that was thought-provoking. Though the early crowd was small, those in attendance were treated to a performance that was a discovery. Dead Pioneers’ set was a reminder of punk’s power to inspire, and their selection by Ament underscored their rising status in music.
Taking the stage around 7:30 PM, Dead Pioneers —featuring Shane Zweygardt on drums, Lee Tesche on bass, and guitarists Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan—launched into a raw and real set. Their performance drew mostly from their sophomore album, PO$T AMERICAN that was released April 11, 2025. As well as their 2023 self-titled debut, offering a blend of punk’s raw edge with social commentary.
For the highlights, the band played “PO$T AMERICAN,” the title track of their new album, setting the tone with its driving rhythm and Deal’s large vocals. Tracks like “My Spirit Animal Ate Your Spirit Animal” and “Working Class Warfare” embraces the band’s disruptive spirit, while “Tired” from their debut album showcased their ability to balance melody and aggression. Leading us to “Rage,” an anthem that left everyone prepped for Pearl Jam. All of this while, Deal, took the time to weave in his political spoken poetry with themes of indigenous resistance and inequality.
In conclusion, Dead Pioneers’ appearance at State Farm Arena was more than an opening act—it reflected Pearl Jam’s social advocacy. Their raw politically charged performance introduced Atlanta to a band unafraid to challenge the status quo. This is one to watch.
Sources:
Colorado Springs Independent, Setlist checked from Setlist.fm, Dead Pioneer’s band members and background pulled from deadpioneers.band , YouTube
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Luxury meets southern living at Buck Creek BNB in Helena, AL! John and I spent the weekend in the stunning Buck Creek boutique bed & breakfast this is only 20 minutes south of Birmingham and 2.5 hours from Atlanta. And we think this one is going to charm you! Its southern flare meets modern opulence but has an outdoorsy twist. Epic waterfall views from the balcony, gorgeous decor, spacious bedrooms, lavish kitchen and baths, and it is all within steps of historic downtown Helena!
The property is two-story new build has all the amenities from large outdoor yard filled with game and a putting green. A spa hot tub for unwinding. Tables and swings for lounging with views of the creek. A large Firepit and outdoor entertaining space. All with views of the creek!
As for our unit, I entered the front door, and my jaw dropped. I followed down a long hall to find a stunning, opulent kitchen with a peninsula with seating for four, large farmhouse sink, and gorgeous grey cabinetry. It opens into the living space with a large couch and two lavish chairs. That opens to the second-floor patio that overlooks the large yard below and a view of Buck Creek and its waterfall. We sat out with champagne for hours chatting and taking in the view. Up the stairs back inside is the cutest children’s loft with first mural, bunkbeds, and play area.
The two bedrooms are off the main hallway. A charming second bedroom off the primary is spacious and clean. It has a bathroom adjacent with stunning black floor tiling. As for the primary, it is in a league of its own. Large king bed flanked by pendant lighting and a can’t miss accent wall with a ton of textures, wood, and color. To the left is the main bathroom with two sink vanity and a walk-in shower.
The town is literal steps from our unit; downtown Helena is quintessential southern charm. Quaint downtown dotted with local restaurants and a brewery, shopping, and more! We really liked the Brewery in the heart of old town, downtown Helena, Oversoul Brewing. Good beer and friendly staff with live music for the win.
Relax amongst the vines at the beautiful Bent Tree Lodge. John and I took a weekend getaway recently to Bent Tree Lodge & Vineyard only about 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta and just down the road from downtown Jasper! Retreat to a cozy bed & breakfast nestled in the North Georgia Mountains that offers a hot breakfast and a day exploring wine.
The main house/lodge boasts a beautiful living space with towering fireplace, lounge area, and tables for the morning’s complimentary hot breakfast. The morning we were there they had a blueberry French toast bake with compote blueberries, a sweet cream cheese icing, and paired with fruit and sausage. I got to see one of the rooms, The Garden room, that has a swing bed outside to take in the winery views!
Behind the lodge is the Cairn View Winery, where we stayed above the tasting room in the Gibbs Suite. A large room where you open to an opulent bathroom with two vanities, a large walk-in shower, and the best dual soaker tub for relaxing. But, the centerpiece of the room is the large comfy king bed, floral accent pillow, gorgeous green accent wall and decor! It screams garden. Plus, you can walk out the door and right into the founders and members den to watch the winery action below. The den is decked out in cow patterns, dark leather, and is plush and inviting. Don’t forget the snacks! All snacks, cookies, water and soda in the room are complimentary to overnight guests.
Cairn View Winery
This north Georgia winery experience is all about wine for happy trails! THE premier boutique winery, you’ll enjoyed a unique tasting experience with a relaxed, spacious tasting room filled with wines made by cairn in Washington state, but this year, they will have their first crop grown right there in their vineyard! Outside, they have a beautiful wrap around porch with seating, outdoor fire pits and live music on select days!
You can opt for a wine tasting to find your favorite like the ones that John and I did. Our first tasting was The Bucking Broncos includes crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with aged cheddar, floral Mountain Laurel Rose (second favorite), tasty Weeping Willow White, and my favorite the Springer Mountain blend with pepper jack cheese. Our second tasting was CVW Reserve Tasting includes Burnt Mountain Red reserve, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Malbec, and Panther Creek Red blend. All paired with aged cheese and chocolate. We had our wine tasting on our exclusive VIP tour, exploring the vineyard, the barrel room, and behind the scenes with a one-on-one tasting with the tasting room manager in their VIP room.
Beyond the tours and tasting, they also have wine by the glass and an array of snacks, like their amazing charcuterie board! It includes Pepper jelly, an array of cheese, olives, a mix of meats, crackers, and grapes. As for activities, they have live music, sip and paints, wine and cheese, and food truck Fridays to name a few of them.
It is the perfect little getaway near the mountains!
It’s all about comfort at the Element by Westin new Cartersville, Ga location! John and I recently headed just 30 minutes north of Atlanta to check out the new Element hotel located in Emerson, Ga next to the Lake Point Sports Complex and only minutes from Downtown Cartersville.
When you walk into the bright lobby, you’re reminded of home, large plush couches and chairs with three distinct spaces to spread out. Think comfort from calming colors, warm and cozy fabrics to name a few. They also have a snack wall and provisions, some bikes if you would like to use them, an outdoor pool for the warm months, and a fitness room.
Upstairs, relax and unwind in a crisp and clean room. You’re greeted with a white, comfortable bathroom with glowing vanity and mirror, wood elements, and a nice large shower. In the main space, the large king bed is the focal point with wood accents, warm lights and a calling teal blue accent wall. You also have a small reading area and a wood paneled wardrobe and wet bar combo!
On the 5th floor is their restaurant and bar, Skyline bistro. They have a great view of the playing fields from their patio, and the sunset on sunny days. They have a full menu, but we were blown away by their cocktail presentation. Their spicy margarita is tangy and spicy with the rim flavor of your choice but smoked and presented in a dome! Then, couldn’t get over the Umpire smoked old fashioned served in a chest, opened to reveal smoke, and handed to you.
Just north of Atlanta in Braselton, there is a pair of castles where you can enjoy wine and a winery tour, accommodations in a beautiful Inn, gorgeous grounds to explore, and relax in a spa. Chateau Elan is one of the best Georgia resorts for a romantic getaway night or weekend getaway.
Inn of Chateau Elan
Inn of Chateau Elan will make you feel like royalty. Passing by rows of wine vines, the Inn of Chateau Elan sits just steps beside one of Georgia’s best known wine makers. As you walk through the main entrance, you’re greeted with an opulent expansive lobby space, gorgeous marble, three massive fireplaces, a plethora of comfortable lounging areas, and soaring ceilings. You will feel like a queen or king arriving to your palace.
Then, around the corner from the lobby, the atrium space shared by the restaurant and conference center is breathtaking. Take a large spiral showpiece staircase down to the lower level. In front of you is a cascading water feature. To the right is Versailles, one of the most stunning hotel restaurants I’ve ever seen with sweeping ceilings, soaring bar, and wood detailing. To the left is several cozy seating areas to relax in the space. My favorite is the blue reading nook filled with books and a beautiful blue wall. And don’t forget to look up. A flock of twinkling lights illuminate day and night. Stunning.
In the room, spacious accommodations wait for you to retire for the day. Large, comfortable beds are the centerpiece of the room. The bathroom is gorgeous with marble sink, shower, and a huge soaking tub. And don’t miss out on the very large closet and stocked mini fridge.
On the Inn grounds, they also have a large pool and fire pit area. The front desk has games and equipment for the many amenities that Chateau Elan has to offer. There is never a dull moment when you explore Chateau Elan.
The Winery
The central and main amenity at Chateau Elan is their winery because that is where it all started. When John and I visited, we enjoyed their premium classic tasting in the elegant chateau in their property. The winery is the heart of Chateau Elan! They have tastings of all sizes, wine by the glass, and bottles to take home from muscadine grapes grown on sight and a wide selection of varietals grown in California. You will be on cloud WINE here!
The wines we got on the premium classic wine tasting included bubbly and bright brut sparkling wine (fave), followed by the Pinot Grigio Reserve with notes of pear and apple (second fave). We also enjoyed the fruity, sweet rose sparkling wine, citrus and minerality sauvignon blanc, light, crips, and slight oak Chardonnay reserve, and the Greco with notes of olive oil. John’s favorite was the sweet Moscato sparkling.
Chateau Elan Dining options
While we were there, we explored the many dining options they the resort had to offer and were over the moon! Each had its own flare and inspiration for every taste and palate.
Starting with the Versailles Restaurant, it is one of the most beautiful hotel restaurants from soaring wood paneled bar, marble dotted with bright blue booths, and soaring atrium ceiling! This casual-ish spot serves up some tasty appetizers like a full-on meat and cheese plate, or decadent, smoky smoked salmon deviled eggs. We’d highly recommend the silky and melt in your mouth sea bass loaded with an earthy pea risotto and dousing of creamy white wine cream sauce. Or you can’t go wrong with their rich and meaty lamb shank with mashed potatoes!
Our favorite of the restaurants on the Chateau Elan grounds is second, Marc Restaurant & Bar. Here you can dine in the winery castle at this restaurant with their southern-inspired chophouse and brunch fare. We had brunch here on the first morning and loved it. It has something for everyone from the spicy and sweet hot honey chicken biscuits or my favorite the duck confit hash loaded with potatoes, fried onions, and savory egg. John opted for the stellar sweet crunchy waffle board loaded with fruit, nuts, chocolate and whipped cream, then drizzled with syrup.
For dinner on our first night, we enjoyed the best dining experience at the Marc Restaurant, as well. We started with fried green tomatoes that are crunchy outside and tender inside. It is paired with a delicious spicy jalapeno ranch sauce and some funky goat cheese. On top of that we tried the BBQ braised short rib, a sweet barbecue pulled short rib on top of a tasty baguette, rich balsamic and a sweet and tangy tomato jam. Plus, the Herbist floral gin cocktail is refreshing and light. Floral and herbaceous green chartreuse, a hint of honey, sage, and lime.
The main courses we tried at Marc’s were the tender grilled lamb chops and the perfectly cooked ribeye steak. The lamb chops were my favorite, thick and tender, seasoned lamb, that is one of the best I’ve had in a while. The ribeye steak is again, perfectly cooked and seasoned! They send out a bunch of sauces for their meats and I really enjoyed the tangy and spicy horseradish cream and herbaceous chimichurri for the lamb and the rich demi for the steak. On the side, I got the brussels sprouts that are tender, sweet, but have a kick on the end and the flavorful, rich, braised collards. We ended the night with the delicious, sweet, brown sugar port they make at Chateau Elan. And we can’t get over the service at Marc’s! It was perfect.
One afternoon, we took a stop for lunch at Paddy’s Irish Pub. It was originally built in Dublin and moved here and reconstructed on the property in 1997! This cozy little pub offers phenomenal Irish fare from their crispy, flaky, well seasoned fish and chips to hearty, creamy, and tangy Reuben sandwiches to pints of beer, a pineapple whiskey sour, The McCully cocktail, and a killer creamy and decadent Irish cream cocktail!
When we were leaving, we stopped by Le Petit Cafe for a to-go bite. It is located in the lobby of the Inn, a quick coffee and pastry spot for grab and go! Delightful banana bread, sweet muffins, and a large choice of coffee options. While you’re there take in some retail therapy in the little shop attached or take your coffee outside and relax in the patio.
Chateau Elan Amenities
Chateau Elan is all about their amenities. When we arrived and received the resort inclusions, we were blown away by just how much they give you for your time there.
The Spa at Chateau Elan is the premiere one available for purchase with spa treatments, day passes, and even a clean restaurant, Fleur de Lis! They have so many things to do during a day pass like a hot tub and indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, spacious and gorgeous locker rooms where you’ll get your slippers and robe for the day. On top of all that, free welcome champagne, hot teas, and a snack bar. All of this is with a small lake backdrop outside. They have hammocks for relaxing outside, as well as small cabanas so you can gaze at the lake.
Overnight guests are invited to a free noon winery tour where you’ll go behind the scenes to hear more about the property history and how it became a winery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see where they ferment, barrel, and hold private tastings to learn more about their process and their wine. The tour guide is extremely funny, and we enjoyed every minute of it!
Other amenity highlights include a resort pool and firepit area around the Inn. They have a recreational club with tennis, basketball, bocce courts, and volleyball with equipment available! They have a driving range with access to use it and receive one complimentary range token. If you love golf, use the par 3 golf course with a $15 green fee. they also have resort bikes for use and a one-hour tennis court reservation. But one of the coolest is the complimentary 8 am wellness class Monday to Saturday.
