Author Archives: Kat Summers

Five for the Fourth: Five Exciting Places to Visit this Independence Day

Make Big Sur Lodge your long-weekend getaway this Fourth of July. Take a stroll or hike on one of the many trails within walking distance of the Lodge and observe the fireworks from the peak of the mountain tops. Don’t want to hike? There are tons of nearby activities perfect for the celebration:

From Big Sur Lodge to Carmel-by-the-Sea for an Independence Day filled with live music, food, games, and fun! Enjoy a picnic or delight in our delicious dining options at Big Sur Lodge.

When: July 4^th, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Looking for a parade in the Big Sur area? Look no further! Head 30 miles to Old Monterey for a day jam-packed with activities for you and the kids! The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast, followed by the annual Monterey parade and lawn party beginning at 10:00 AM. Here you will find BBQ, live music, carnival games, and so much more! Purchase your tickets here.

When: July 4^th, All Day

Seeking spectacular fireworks this Fourth of July? Make the City of Seaside your Independence Day destination! With FREE live music, arts & crafts, pony rides, bounce houses, prizes, food, and a grand firework finale, this day will surely be one to remember!

When: July 4^th, beginning at 4:30 PM

Boating in DC: Key Bridge Boat House

Take a front row seat to America’s most legendary fireworks display, right in the Country’s capital. At the Key Bridge Boat House in DC, you can reserve a single or double kayak and watch the fireworks show right on the water and underneath the action!

Reserve your boat here. Hurry, these tickets go fast!

When: July 4^th, 6 pm – 9:30 pm

Boating in Boston: Wakefield Boating House

Start your Fourth off by taking a trip to Wakefield Boating House where the all-day rentals mean you can spend the holiday relaxing on the water kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing. Afterward, be sure to head over to Main Street for the largest Independence Day parade in all of Massachusetts. Finish your day with our 9:30 pm fireworks spectacular!

When: July 4^th, All day

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs | Florida

Want an entire weekend to get away and relax with the family? Visit one of the country’s most historic hotels, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs! From swimming and hiking to boat tours and sight-seeing, you will find plenty of activities to keep busy. Awaken the adventurer in you!

Book a room here.

When: Through July 4^th Weekend

Echo Bluff State Park | Missouri

Visit Echo Bluff State Park this Independence Day weekend and stay in a fantastic room in the lodge or camp under the stars for the perfect view of nature. Enjoy the holiday floating, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, picnicking, and more! Keep the kids occupied at the children’s adventure playground and splash pad. Be sure to attend the Fourth of July BBQ celebration!

Book your stay here!

When: July 4^th, All day

Father’s Day Activities for the Enthusiastic Dad

Need fun Father’s Day activities for your Dad that the whole family will enjoy too? We have a few suggestions that consist of all of Dad’s favorites – food, fun, and family. We can already hear the Dad jokes in the distance.

Cook-out in Paradise at Mount Rainier | Ashford, Washington

Nothing says “I love you, Dad” more than going to Paradise and having a cook-out – especially when the food includes local bison bratwursts, Annex Angus burgers, veggie burgers, and a gourmet hot dog named “The Mountain.” (It must be good if there is a nickname for it.) The kiddos also have great options for their burgers and hot dogs. Did we mention beer yet? Whatever you choose, you also get Tim’s Cascade Chips and a choice of refreshing blackberry lemonade or a tall glass of Paradise Signature Pale Ale.

The best parts are that no reservations are required and it’s outside on the Patio at Paradise Inn from noon to 2 pm. The cost is only $29 for adults and $14 for kids (includes tax and gratuity)! Dads always love a good deal! You can find out more information about this event on Mount Rainier’s website.

Fill Your Stomach at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs | Wakulla Springs, Florida

The world’s greatest dad deserves the world’s greatest buffet. Eat ‘til your heart’s content at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs Father’s Day Buffet from 11 am – 4 pm. Dad will feel the almighty power while he fills his plate up with rosemary-crusted prime rib at the carving station, piling high the southern fried chicken and fried gulf shrimp while trying to leave room for the scalloped potatoes, rice pilaf, fresh steamed vegetables, creamed spinach, breadsticks, and even salad! But don’t forget to remind him that it is a buffet, and he can get multiple plates to fit everything he wants or go up for seconds or thirds.

It is truly a spectacle to see Dad in his food element, and he will love it even more since it is with the family. Adults eat for $26, kids between the ages of 6-12 are $15, and children under 5 eat for free! The Edward Ball Dining Room at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is the perfect one-stop shop for all Father’s Day foods. Call 850-421-2000 for reservations or visit their website.

Biking and Hiking at Echo Bluff State Park | Eminence, Missouri

Echo Bluff State Park is inviting you to be all up in their BBQ grill for this Father’s Day starting at 11 am. In addition to the BBQ, Echo Bluff has a variety of outdoor activities, perfect for the whole family. Make a dent in your #100MissouriMiles at Echo Bluff State Park with 4.23 miles of hiking and adrenaline-filled mountain biking trails, or include the scenic Current River Trail for more than 8 miles of trail adventures. Link up in Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, and you’ve got more than 30 miles of wilderness trails at your fingertips.

Not only does Echo Bluff State Park have a multitude of activities, but it also has a variety of lodging options – from the Echo Bluff State Park Lodge to Park Cabins and campgrounds. Make a weekend out of it and see more information on their website.

See the Sights at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin | Stehekin, Washington

Your Dad may want to relax but also see the beautiful sights around Washington State. Well, the Red Bus provides scenic tours to Rainbow Falls and shuttle services to the High Bridge and Pacific Crest Trail; that way, you don’t even have to leave the bus to see the sights! Starting on June 15^th, the Red Bus has two trips daily for these excursions, so you get to choose what time of day you get to go. You can use the time not on the Red Bus to explore Lake Chelan’s upper estuary by kayak or canoe. There are guided trips to help you maneuver around.

When you are done adventuring outdoors for the day, grab a bite at the Lodge at Stehekin restaurant, or treat yourself to the delicious, homemade ice cream found in the general store on-site. Dad will enjoy this secluded stay at Stehekin, and you can find out more about it on their website.

Relax and Unwind at The Lodge at Breckenridge | Breckenridge, Colorado

After being the best Dad every day, he deserves to relax. Bring your Dad to The Lodge at Breckenridge’s Alpine Spa. Allow Dad to replenish his soul in an oasis of please, relaxation, and peace. The teams’ expertise in all aspects of the health and beauty industry allows them to uniquely cater to your Dad’s specific needs through the wide variety of services offered including signature massages, facials, waxing, and specialty treatments.

Though Dad is like a tough-guy, we are sure he would love to be pampered for the day. After a day at the spa, visit the Traverse restaurant. Combine the relaxed feeling from the spa with the view and delicious foods from the restaurant, and Dad will feel like he is on Cloud 9. Check out their website for more information.

All these places are perfect opportunities to appreciate Dad and all other Father-figures in your life. But, we can’t end this blog without one terribly-good Dad joke.

Why did the kids give their dad a blanket for Father’s Day? Because he was the coolest dad.

#UniquelyInLove: Top 7 Locations to Get Married

Love is found everywhere, so it may be difficult to choose your perfect wedding location! Guest Services has a variety of unique wedding locations that are perfect for any couples’ desires in all areas of the United States – rustic, mountains, cozy accommodations, large venues, outdoor set-ups, indoor sites, and more. Take a look at our top seven places to get married and be #uniquelyinlove!

1. The Lodge at Breckenridge – Breckenridge, Colorado

Get married on top of the world at WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award Winner for the last two years – The Lodge at Breckenridge! With the Rockies as the backdrop and the lodge as the stage, your wedding day (and photos) will be magnificent. Nestled cliffside overlooking Breckenridge Ski Resort, The Lodge at Breckenridge is a boutique hotel with rustic Colorado charm and breathtaking views. Guests will enjoy a relaxing mountain-top getaway and alpine adventures while just a quick shuttle ride from historic Main Street Breckenridge for shopping, dining, festivals, and more.
The private wedding deck, reception room, and rehearsal dinner location are available year round. The deck can accommodate 220 guests, and the main lodge offers 3,000 square feet of space, perfect for the reception. With a wide selection of packages, the catering menu is fully customizable with the support of our culinary team and on-site event planner.

Did we mention that The Lodge at Breckenridge is dog-friendly?! Here comes the pup down the aisle after the beautiful bride. Find out more information, here.

2. Echo Bluff State Park Lodge – Eminence, Missouri

No detail is overlooked for your wedding at the Echo Bluff State Park Lodge. Many wedding goers appreciate the extra mile our skilled staff takes to ensure everything is perfect for each wedding. At Echo Bluff, they pride themselves in working closely with each couple to custom design each wedding. They specialize in planning an exquisite reception menu, helping the couple choose the perfect ceremony location, offering stunning embellishments and recommendations – all this to achieve your goal of creating an unforgettable wedding and memories to last a lifetime.

Echo Bluff State Park provides the perfect natural setting for your wedding – with all the comforts and conveniences of our full-service hotel and catering team with a twist of Ozark-rustic luxury. Find out more information, here.

3. Bear Mountain Inn – Tomkins Cove, New York

Bear Mountain Inn has the rustic-style wedding vibe that many couples love! This historic venue is the idyllic destination getaway. Guests can enjoy everything available in the venue including fun outdoor activities and a relaxing spa! The Inn offers many services to create a memorable and stress-free wedding experience. They also provide all needed barware, china, flatware, glassware, linens, and even a chocolate fountain. Three wedding venue locations on site accommodate groups ranging from 75 – 250 guests! There is even their Merry-Go-Round Pavilion in a stone and timber rotunda to create a memorable atmosphere for the big day! Everywhere you look, it’s inviting, cozy, and romantic, which is exactly what you need for your wedding.

Bear Mountain Inn is listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America, so your wedding will be a part of history! For more information, visit their website.

4. Lodge at Wakulla Springs – Wakulla Springs, Florida

Offering a southern flair, The Lodge at Wakulla is a peaceful location for weddings! The Lodge is surrounded by nature and located right next to one of the country’s largest springs. It isn’t a rare occasion for you to see manatees as they love to visit throughout the year. There are so many activities for guests to enjoy such as swimming, riverboat tours that give guests a glimpse of Florida wildlife, and more. For wedding events, they accommodate up to 250 guests. Also, the variety of in-house catering services is something to note – buffet style, cocktail reception, plated options, food stations, and more.

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs provides the perfect natural setting for your wedding – with all the comforts and conveniences of their full-service hotel and catering team. Find more information on their website.

5. Big Sur Lodge – Big Sur, California

Picture your special day in a lovely lodge setting surrounded by majestic redwoods and the calming tranquility of the Big Sur River. At Big Sur Lodge, they have four lovely venues that provide indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate up to 120 guests. It offers charming and comfortable accommodations, including family-style rooms with kitchenettes and fireplaces to enjoy during your guests’ stay for your big day! Their on-site Event Coordinator makes your wedding day planning a breeze by providing helpful insight for everything – from recommended service providers to planning the rehearsal dinner in Pfeiffer State Park.

At Big Sur Lodge, they are happy to help you plan your special day and go the extra mile to ensure it exceeds all expectations. Check out their website for more information.

6. Giants Ridge – Biwabik, Minnesota

Giants Ridge is WeddingWire’s 2019 Couples’ Choice, and we can see why! The new Giants Ridge chalet is the hottest location to host your upcoming wedding or special event! They have over 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor gathering space, along with beautiful scenic outdoor areas – perfect for any couple! Giants Ridge offers full-service event planning that includes meticulous attention to detail including menu selections ranging from simple buffets to elegant multi-course meals. Giants Ridge also features two on-site lodging facilities, each offering guests a unique experience with the safety, comfort, and convenience of staying right within the resort village.
At Giants Ridge, guests experience extraordinary connections to nature through their first-class, four-season recreation resort situated in the true north woods of Minnesota. Make giant memories on your big day! Find out more information by visiting their website.

7. Flamingo Everglades – Homestead, Florida

Weddings on the water are the next big thing! So, get married on a houseboat on the water at Flamingo Everglades!! Flamingo Adventures has 42-feet houseboats that are ready to get the party started! They sleep up to six people (four adults and two children) and are fully equipped with all the necessities as well as essential amenities you and your guests will need. Have a mermaid gown already picked out? It will match perfectly with this vibe!

Flamingo Adventures has a Captain on-site and can serve as your officiant if you wish. Set sail on your perfect water wedding! Find out more information about their houseboats on their website.

Congratulations on your engagement and make sure to choose the best location that fits for your wedding! Interested in any of these places? Check out their websites.