And George

When I mentioned in my previous post that we hit up some awesome antique stores in Charlottesville, it was because I did some major blog research before our departure. Much to Scott's dismay I showed up with a map and store hit list in hand.  Usually during our travels, Scott is at his happy place (the golf course) and I am perusing my happy places (museums, antique stores, garden and home tours, etc...). Not this trip. I loved having Scott accompany me on all my adventures, but I'm quite sure that feeling was not mutual :).

The biggest wealth of information came from the Scout Charlottesville blog.  Whooo-wieeee. This was a little gem of a blog.  I found so many wonderful places to pop into, but I have to say my favorite was And George. Check out their website here. This store was so beautifully laid out with treasures old and new. I loved the style, vibe and.... GEORGE!!

Scott, always the animal lover, and George!

Charlottesville

Two weeks ago, Scott and I joined a group of some of our favorite people to celebrate Steve's 30th birthday.  This was one of the most fabulous weekends I have had in a while. Though, I must say, most weekends are pretty wonderful.  From the abundant antiquing, to walking around the UVA campus, to wine tasting (there are 24 vineyards in a 10 mile radius!) , to tailgating on the lawn and visiting Monticello, the whole weekend was an A+.  Sometimes I think we (I for the most part) forget how many wonderful places there are to visit on American soil.  A short plane ride paired with a long weekend and all of a sudden one will feel refreshed and rarin' to go.  Maybe it is because it's election time, or maybe I'm just feeling very patriotic, but I am going to go on a limb and say I'm on a major domestic kick. I am ready to explore America and all our great country has to offer. 

First stop, Charlottesville.

Bermudiful

Well,I have to start out by saying that life has really given me an amazing couple of weeks. I feel so lucky and this clear sense of happiness is just incredibly natural.  Our wedding played out to be such an amazing sequence of events.  I am just glad we were able to provide all of our nearest and dearest a night to remember.  At the end of the day, I feel like while people were all gathered because we were tying the knot, for me it was more about thanking our guests for all playing such an important role in our lives.  The outpouring of consistent love and support that family and friends provide, all in their own unique ways, is a reason in itself to have a party- if not one of the largest things in life we should celebrate. 

Well,  Now it is back to reality, which really isn't so bad when you come back and realize 'reality' can be pretty fun too.  Michigan is a fabulous place to live and easing back into a routine isn't horrible when you can mix it up with lake visits, bike rides (the cruiser now has a pretty cute wicker basket. Only after 14 months.) and a few glasses of wine on the back patio (even better when it stays light until 10).  Anywhoo, the time spent away from reality is why I started this blog post tonight... so I guess I really need to just cut to the chase!

Tucker's Point was absolutely amazing.  Talk about a place to go and kick back and relax! I don't know if I have ever let myself get this relaxed, but let me tell ya, it felt amazing. You better believe I was armed with my new, snazzy Nikon to document ever twist and turn of this hotel, which really felt more like staying in a magnificently designed home rather than a hotel.  The design was intimate and the materials flawless.  It was cozy, classic, and tasteful.  Everything got me excited. From the bathrooms to the menus (to the trim, artwork, flatware... it just goes on and on!) there was not a detail that was over looked. When we first walked in there were orchids, blue and white Chinese porcelain (if you were a guest at the wedding you would know this is riiiight up my alley) and... get this... the butterfly prints that are hanging on the wall of our living room were also adorning the wall of the reception area. Design fate if I've ever seen it!  If you ever wanted to have a personal conversation about this place and the unreal decor I would love to discuss... but, I don't want to risk sounding too boring on this platform. I think when Scott noticed I was taking a photograph of how the bathroom toiletry products were packaged he commented that I had reached a whole new level of a design driven enthusiasm. 

Okay, now to the pictures... 

The view from our room was amazing... I could have almost stayed in the room the whole time!

 Alright, it's time for me to hit the hay. I hope these photos can translate even a fraction of the beauty of Tucker's Point Hotel.  It was so refreshing to go to a hotel when you really just feel like you were on a getaway to an awesome Bermuda estate. While sitting on the beach, under a huge umbrella, sipping on my dark and stormy, I finally had time to catch up on some wonderful design magazines. While reading the June issue of House Beautiful a certain quote caught my eye. When Jeffrey Bilhuber was asked a question on how people connect to his Early American country home he responded, " Oh, the atmosphere. When they leave, they don't remember the chairs or the lampshades. They remember the spirit of the house, its goodness and hospitality".  Mr. Bilhuber, I could not agree with you more. This trip will forever be a very fond memory.