Winding Roads, Resort Trails, and a Spa…
Winding Roads, Resort Trails, and a Spa = Weekend Getaways are EVERYTHING!
Driving up the mountains in the deepest part of the night with no lights and only a few cars on the road, in a rainstorm! That’s how our foray into the little town of Blowing Rock, NC began. Sounds like the start of a potential horror movie, right? Thankfully our stay at Westglow Resort and Spa was nothing but relaxing and revitalizing. As her birthday month kickoff, I invited one of my best friends up to the Carolinas for a little rest and relaxation, with a heavy dose of laughter! My friend, Samarie, is by far one of my more adventurous friends who will go anywhere and try anything! *(Always have one friend who pushes you past your insecurities and fears, makes life more fun!)
Night 1: We arrived at the resort’s entrance and after quickly learning the winding mountain roads extended to the entrance way also, we jumped out in the rain and were met by a friendly valet who provided a complimentary golf umbrella to use. We checked in effortlessly and kudos to the staff who called to check on us as we were arriving late and they made sure we didn’t get lost! Service was one of the highlights of the trip. We followed the BMW driven by the valet to our lodge and even though Deer Suite was not my first choice, it was perfect for two ladies just trying to get away from it all.
We went back down the mountain to the main street area to find a midnight snack or meal. Luckily we found a friendly tavern, The Town Tavern, who were opened late and were welcoming. We got some basics and some drinks, then headed back to our suite to eat! The bartender received a nice tip because I appreciate when people don’t act like people of color are intruders, very different from the blatantly racist people down the street at the English pup. They don’t deserve to be mentioned by name.
Day 1: Well, with activities from hiking to yoga to massages planned, we realized we had only so much time. So we chose working out at the expansive gym, but first breakfast was delivered exactly at 9am to our door. You order the night before and tell them what time you’d like it. All breakfast meals were included in our Bed and Breakfast package, which was great. Full from breakfast, tired from the workout, but ready to explore. We started down a little walking trail that was shorter than expected and deer tracks were visible from after the rain.
I am a fan of nature, but from afar only. *(Cautiously walks by little dog house called, “Westgrowl”. Adorable, but the overgrown bushes gave me my initial belief it was empty.)
Spa appointments were set at 3pm, so after working out and showering, we explored the art and crafts fair. It was a very lively area with many beautiful pieces from handcrafted wood carvings to colored pencil paintings.
Ready finally for our spa treatments and the relaxation room almost put me to sleep. I almost didn’t want to leave, open skyline and views to the mountains in this beautiful all white furniture glass room. Literally, how I believe every relaxation, pretreatment room should be. We both had some fruit infused water and rested briefly before our appointments. My hot stone massage, foot scrub, and her deep tissue 2 hour massage were both excellent services. The resort offers day spa services and several salon services, it really is all-encompassing as a proper resort should be. Both ladies deserved the additional tips we provided because we came out relaxed and in great spirits before dinner.
Relaxation is difficult for someone like me because like many, I wear many hats and I try to remain productive continuously. Resting and relaxing is rare, but I’m trying to open myself up to more of it.
Night 2: Dinner and drinks with one of my best gal pals was of course fun. We laugh until we cry at the silliest things and that hasn’t changed over the past 7 years. We dined at Rowland’s Restaurant on the main property, enjoying the Miso Marinated Mero Sea Bass and the Grilled Ora King Salmon, respectively. With the drinks flowing, pictures were few (sorry!) The food was delicious and the drinks well made. It was not super busy during the time we visited, but quickly became packed as the evening went on.
By the time Sunday rolled around and after watching Netflix late into the night on the awesome tv we had in our little suite, I didn’t want to leave. There is a peace and a calm from breathing fresh mountain air. Receiving great service and leaving some (if not all) of your cares behind you for a few days.
Day 3: We decided on brunch to cap off our trip before checking out and I must say, it did not disappoint, except for the pesky “no liquor before noon” law. (Come on!) We enjoyed ourselves nonetheless in the beautifully appointed sunroom.
Sadly, the time had come to leave and even though we plan on visiting many other resorts and spas across the country (yes, we are making it a thing!), I will never forget how kind everyone was at Westglow Resort and Spa. Definitely a treasure in the Blue Ridge mountains of Blowing Rock, NC.
Bonus: We saw the oddest signage up in the mountains about ducks, baby ducks, winding roads, and a road that literally went into a cliff, so lol, fair warning! Don’t be distracted by the signs! It’s part of the charm!