Wine and Spirits Travel

I have always enjoyed trips initiated by a resort. This has been especially true since I’ve been dealing with health issues and don’t do a lot of walking. I can bring my scooter into the place and use it wherever needed – without having to worry to get me (and it) in and out of the car. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois , is made for those of us who like an all-inclusive experience in one place. There is never a need to get into your car, whether it’s Band-Aids, lunch, or activities you are looking for. A lot of the experience at the Illinois Great Wolf Lodge is about bringing the outside in – with the exception of the weather. The outdoorsy experiences and décor make you forget that you are inside a resort. After a hearty breakfast, Brittany, Kyler, Shaun and I toured the lodge, checking out the various suites (they have ones that are even big enough for 12) with the management and those from the public relations firm. Then we were off on our own. We

When I received an invitation to bring my family to the opening of the first Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois , I was excited. I had never been to one of the chain’s properties and I’m always anxious for a press trip that keeps me in one place for food, lodging, and activities. The Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee was actually not a new structure, but the brand updated the resort to be similar to their others-a family-friendly hotel with non-stop fun for everyone in the family. There was a check-in desk set up near the entrance for the press group, about a dozen of us with families. In my case, my “family” for the weekend was Brittany, Shaun, and Kyler. Since Great Wolf Lodge is meant for family groups, they have 13 different types of suites. The largest suite can sleep 12. Our had more than enough room for the four of us, with two queen size beds and a pull-out couch in the living room area.   We explored the property and found there was more to keep us busy the en

It didn’t take me long to feel relaxed and comfortable at the Inn at Bay Harbor, a hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection.  My suite was perfect, and I had slept well. I was ready to take the relaxation to another level. My day was wide open with the exception of the start of it -- at The Spa. I arrived a few minutes before my appointment for the Ginger Glow treatment.  I changed into my luxurious robe and sat down with a cup of tea in the quiet waiting area. The Ginger Glow is one of the signature offerings at the Inn at Bay Harbor, and I can certainly understand why its so popular. I could easily rename it “Heaven on Earth.” It began with a scrub made of ginger, with a hint of eucalyptus, to get rid of the dead cells on my skin.  After that was rinsed off, I had a full body massaged with a ginger oil and hot stones. The next part was probably my favorite as arthritis always has me seeking warmth: my whole body was wrapped in a warm r

I had really enjoyed my time in Sault Ste Marie , Michigan, with Brittany and Jamie. We had seen a lot and learned quite a bit about this important basin that borders the U.S. and Canada. We packed up our things at Superior Place and got ready to head south a bit to our next Michigan stop, but first we had one more Sault Ste Marie restaurant to try. Antlers Restaurant gets its current name from the taxidermy display on the countertops and walls. It was previously known as the Bucket-of-Blood Saloon, a favorite in this area during Prohibition. The original restaurant goes back four generations and we could see why it was so popular. The Poutine (a French dish of fries in gravy) is very popular here. Brittany and Jamie agreed it was one of the best they ever had since it had Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds mixed in. For their main courses, they chose the Whitefish Po’boy and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, both of which were very good. I wasn’t quite