Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My Night In The Castle...Not The Disney Castle!


     On our way home from Orlando, we decided to stay at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort in Hoover, Alabama. For the past 4 years, we have been traveling home from Florida on our wedding anniversary. We generally stay at nice, but nothing fancy type places. Last year because of losing hours on the road due to a traffic issue, we ended up spending the night at a Country Inn and Suites and having our dinner at a Waffle House. I wanted to try to do something a little better this year, so we made our first visit to Ross Bridge. The resort is a golf resort, sitting just outside of Birmingham. There is nothing within about 10 miles other than a beautiful residential area leading to the resort. I took pictures of a couple of the homes. They were all gorgeous and at night the Christmas decorations made them even prettier.

  

     After checking in, we pulled around to park the car and I could hear the sound of bagpipes playing. I grabbed the camera and ran to the back deck of the hotel.


     Every night at sunset, the bagpipes are played in various locations around the hotel. It was really interesting when we talked to this gentleman. His daughter was my daughter's manager at Disney until leaving recently to go to work elsewhere. Small world!


We took a stroll around the hotel lobby.
The decorations were beautiful.


     I loved this "tree". They had a storybook on a stand and there were holes in the tree at different levels. When you looked in the holes, you saw scenes from the story.


See how cute?


I loved this take on the traditional poinsettia tree.
 It is mixed with bromeliad plants.





Our room was very nice. The lighting for pictures wasn't!



The view from our balcony was stunning!


The early morning frost made it picture perfect.



     We can't wait to go back when we have more time to explore the area. The pool area is wonderful, so maybe next time a trip in warm weather would be nice. They also have a lovely spa. We didn't eat dinner at the hotel, but our breakfast buffet was outstanding. I give this resort 5 stars!




I am joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.



19 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

This really looks like a lovely place to stay, Sue! I'm glad you found it. I like that tree with the holes in it...very cool! This would be a nice place to take a mini vacation...go for it!!

XO,
Jane

Donnie said...

What a wonderful way to spend a special occasion.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sue, this looks like an absolutely wonderful place to stay. Thanks for sharing. If I get up the way, I'll remember it.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sue, what a beautiful place. We used to stay at four and five star resorts before the economy flopped. I sure miss those trips, but at least my husband still has a job! Happy Late Anniversary!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty place to stay.
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy your evening.

Patrice said...

A great find!

It's a Small World, after all...LOL!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love that place Sue!
And that storybook tree is just the cutest thing too!
Great pics, thanks for sharing with us!
Cindy

La said...

I'm glad you took the time to pamper yourself a bit this year.

It's amazing how small this world is. Last time I was in Florida, I met someone who used to live in Marion.

Anonymous said...

Sue what a great place. I love it. Thanks so much for sharing the photos. Great post!

koralee said...

How beautiful...glad your stay was amazing. Thank you for sharing...midweek hugs to you. xoxo

Pondside said...

What a treat that must have been!

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Sue,
Happy Anniversary!! and what a lovely place to stay. The view was wonderful, so pretty!!
Hope you had a Wonderful Christmas and New Year hon!!
Have missed you while you were away!! but so glad you had a good time, and how was your family???

Have a great week ahead,
Blessings, Nellie

bj said...

Happiest Anniversary. This is such a beautiful place. Your photos are extra good.
Glad you are back. :))
<<>>
xo bj

bj said...

I just read about your in-laws and wanted you to know I will add them and all of you, to our prayer list.

Light and Voices said...

Happy Anniversary! You sure picked a wonderful hotel and area to spend time together.
Joyce M

Linda said...

What a nice place...it looks like you had fun.

Terri Smith said...

What A Beautiful Place! Especially Loved the Bagpipe Picture! I too would have given that resort 5 STARS! Happy Anniversary Sweet Sue!

Angie said...

Wow, it looks very beautiful and serene! Love the Christmas decorations :)

Shellbelle said...

I love the "trees" at this place. Bromeliad are one of my favorite plants and mixing them with poinsettias is a brilliant idea.

When I lived in Indian Rocks Beach, we had a neighbor who would go out on his dock several times a week and play his bagpipes. The sound was so soulful and perfect for unwinding in the evening.

So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, I know that is such a blow for your family, especially at this time. Positive thoughts coming her way.

Hugs