Hi friends!
Happy Monday! How was your weekend?
The hubs and I were back at Barnsley Resort late last week through Saturday. He had another business trip on site, and I tagged along. Anytime I have the chance to stay at a nice hotel, sign me up! He went to this same conference last year, and I was really looking forward to going back.
Barnsley Resort is actually a small “neighborhood” of cottages that surround gardens and greenways like this.
For most of the mini trip we stayed in a larger cottage with my hubby’s co-workers. However we stayed a night longer than the group, and moved to this deluxe and adorable cottage, which we had all to ourselves for the last night.
The actual gardens were not as spectacular as they were last year. I asked around and I think the area had a late freeze that zapped most of the perennials. However, they filled in the beds with plenty of annuals and I probably would not have noticed if I had not seen it last year.
This is one flower that survived the freeze and I am dying to get one! Anybody know if this will live in Asheville?
Another cool thing is that they grow some of their own food for the two on-site restaurants and you can explore the gardens on your own. I had never seen a tomatillo plant before!
While the hubs was at meetings, my day started off with a yummy breakfast buffet.
After catching up on the computer, I went for a nice run on their nature trails.
I even saw this little turtle. I’m just glad it wasn't a snake!
After lunch I spent the afternoons at the pool. Not bad at all!
When the hubs was done with the conference, we both got to spend a little time relaxing.
The restaurant on site was yummy and we kept lucking out by getting a table with a golf course view!
My fave lunch were these yummy tuna sliders.
We spent time by the pool and also took some long walks around the property.
And of course, waited out some crazy afternoon Georgia thunderstorms in rocking chairs on the wide southern porches. You know you're a weather geek when you get excited about watching a thunderstorm.
This definitely was one of the calmer trips we’ve taken in recent memory, but it was just what we needed!
If you want to see more of the property including the historical ruins at Barnsley Gardens, don’t miss last year’s Barnsley Resort post. There were lots more pictures of pretty flowers as well. I called it grown-up camping because it has that vibe with all the outdoor activities and the fire pits. Very, very luxe camping with fancy hotel rooms though- haha!
I hope you all had a marvelous weekend as well!
Come back tomorrow because I’m sharing a healthier twist on cannoli! My Cannoli Stuffed Strawberries will quickly become one of your new favorite treats.
And of course, have a Marvelous Monday! Thanks for the linkup Katie.
Your turn!
How was your weekend?
Jenny @ apples & kale says
What a cute place! I love when I can tag along on business trips, or vice versa. I'm headed to Nashville this month for work and the husband is staying home, but he just got registered for a conference in Prague this fall...so I will be stowing away for that one, for SURE! 🙂
Jess @hellotofit says
I've only stayed at one fancy B&B type place and loved it. Hope I get to explore some more! Looks like you had a great time! Cannoli filling is one of my FAVORITES! Can't wait to read 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jess! I hope you get to go more too 🙂
Farrah says
By Asheville, do you by chance mean...Asheville, NC?!? There's a residency program I've been looking into over there and it seems rather awesome! (Everyone I know keeps telling me I'd really like that town, haha.)
That food looks delicious! I want tuna sliders! *-* You're also very much making me want to frolic outdoors, but there's a torrential downpour going on over here right now, haha.
JulieWunder says
Yes 🙂 I've lived in Asheville for 12 years and love it here. It's a very unique place that thrives on locally owned/produced things. It has a hippie flair too, which I love. If you need any information on Asheville, I'd be happy to help.
jill conyers says
What an awesome place to stay. It looks so relaxing.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jill! Very cool place.
Donna Jolly says
They have these at The Home Depot Garden Center
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the tip Donna! I'm going to go check it out!!
Gingi says
Ahhhhhh, this makes me want to vacation sooooo bad! looks lovely! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
Thanks Gingi! I always want to go on a trip- haha!
Gail Bell says
Still not too late to plant this season. I'm sure you can find at a local nursery. FYI-they can get quite tall and with our Western NC winds it is necessary to stake or plant in an area that is buffered from the wind.
Enjoy this beautiful day!!
Gail
JulieWunder says
Oh!!! Good to know! I thought it would be too late. I'll be making the rounds to find one. I have the perfect sheltered spot for it!
I hope you have a beautiful day too.
Jaime says
I need a weekend away at this place. 🙂
JulieWunder says
yes you do!
Cailee says
This is beautiful!! Looks like such a lovely time! My weekend was great (thanks for asking!) And I love this weather, don't you?!!
JulieWunder says
Love it! Summer is my favorite... hands down!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Getting away is awesome. I can't believe they even have freaking swans! Though I have heard that swans are really mean....
JulieWunder says
That's what the hubs said as I got closer and closer for a pic... then starting backing away even slower... haha!
Danyelle Musselman says
Look so pretty and peaceful there... how nice to get a weekend away with your hubby!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Danyelle!
Jamie says
Such a fun weekend . And I absolutely love watching thunderstorms roll in. I live right by the water, so it's fun to walk down and sit on the beach to watch the clouds roll in. My weekend was pretty great - got to see Zac Brown Band live which was absolutely incredible. I hope you have a fabulous Monday!
JulieWunder says
Oh, I'd love that!
So happy for you about Zac Brown band this weekend! What a great treat!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
That looks like so much fun!! What a beautiful place and love that they grew their own produce! I love watching Thunderstorms, although we don't get the chance much anymore because the boys HATE them!
JulieWunder says
Aw!! Poor kids! Growing up in Florida they were so commonplace that I was never afraid of them for some reason.
Glad you had a good weekend too.
Annmarie says
Looks so amazing! Those trails look like they are perfect for a run too- what an awesome little getaway!
JulieWunder says
Give me running trials and pool and good food and I'm a happy camper!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
The resort looks so charming! I love the little cottage. Healthy cannoli bring it!
JulieWunder says
Very charming! Such a unique place.
Shelley says
Hi Julie, the other poster, Maye D'Amico is almost correct. The flower is a Hollyhock. There are many different varieties and colors. They will grow just fine in this territory. When I lived in Michigan, they grew like crazy. They will have a tendency to fall down though in heavy rain like we get around here. Many folks will tie them up or cage them to protect. Or you can plant them as a back drop close to a fence so they have something to lean against too. They are one of my favorites.
JulieWunder says
So gorgeous! I was wondering if they would fall over. I'll have to keep that in mind when I plant them... if I can find it!
I want one!
Gail Bell says
Hi Julie-
Have been reading and enjoying your blog since Day 1, but this is my first time commenting...no doubt because you asked a question I can answer;--)
The flower is a Hollyhock, Alcea rosea, a short-lived perennial that reseeds itself. It will grow in Asheville.
Thanks for sharing your trip.
Gail
JulieWunder says
Gail--
Thanks for reading for so long and commenting today!! 🙂
I am so happy to know that the flower is. I'm in search of it to have one next year. It's sooooo pretty!!!
Have a wonderful day!
Julie
MAYE D'Amico says
I believe the beautiful flower at Barnsley Resort is Hollyhawk. I'm sure it will thrive here. Maybe variety of this plant also grows as very hardy shrub? Enjoyed the blog today!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Maye! I'm going to have to look into getting one of those. It is spectacular!!!
Blane Sherer says
Glad you and the hubs had such a nice time. My favorite shot was the one of the swan. How different do you find your interest in weather to be now that it truly is an interest versus it being your job and career ?
JulieWunder says
I actually enjoy watching the weather more now that it isn't a job! Bad weather meant LONG LONG hours before and now it is just interesting to watch. 🙂