We’ve mainly lived in the mega-states of California and Texas, so moving to Indiana has been a change. It’s really shrunk the country as I’ve mentioned in other posts. My wife and I have taken advantage of the driving proximity to neighboring states as there are many cool cities and towns within an 8-hour drive. Even the South, Washington DC, and Big Apple are within a day’s drive and we’ve made it to New York City with all five kids. But it’s the closeness to fun getaway towns and destinations that I’ve found surprising. The midwest doesn’t get its due! Below is my running list of some resorts, B&Bs, and hotels we’re trying to see or stay at while we’re living in the area. (So far, my favorite states to visit have been Wisconsin and North Carolina!)
The Omni Grove Park Inn (North Carolina) – A throw-back resort, rich in history, with a Donald Ross mountain golf course an Gothic-meets-Old-English looking spa nestled next to it.
Glen Laurel (Ohio) – Gingerbread-style cottages with a unique hickory golf adventure next to it in the rolling Hocking Hills. Would be pretty cool to stay around Christmas.
Grand Hotel (Michigan) – A mystical island setting where you ride bikes, horse-drawn carriages, or drive golf carts to get around town. It feels like you could write a best-selling book here.
The Greenbrier (West Virginia) – This golf and outdoor lifestyle destination actually has a bunker built to house the president in times of nuclear war. And the PGA Tour plays one of its golf courses. Enough said.
The Omni Homestead Resort (Virginia) – This place had me at the picture on its site. Another beautiful spa and golf resort in the mountains where 23 U.S. presidents have stayed.
French Lick Resort (Indiana) – Just a few hours from our house. We don’t gamble so the casino won’t take our money, but the golf course could certainly make my wallet lighter while my wife reads Jane Austen in the grand dome.
Nemacolin (Pennsylvania) – A beautiful resort in the woodlands of PA with gorgeous scenery, pools, restaurants, and amenities. Or so I’ve heard!
The Abbey Resort (Wisconsin) – A quaint lakeside resort in an awesome town, Lake Geneva, WI. We could have looked at the mansions of Chicago’s elite society that line the lake for days. A favorite memory of mine.
Eagle Ridge (Illinois) – A luxury golf and spa resort next to great shopping in the hip town of Galena, IL. We haven’t visited yet but hope to.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa (Michigan) – Great resort. Great golf. Great lakes. And views for miles. Seems like a really grand place to traverse beautiful scenery and Lake Michigan really does feel like an ocean!
