All in Grand Fun

We enjoyed vacationing at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala., over Memorial Day weekend. Holiday events included a petting zoo and carnival rides by the lagoon and a nighttime bonfire on the beach with s'mores and sundaes. We loved taking part in these special events, but many of the resort's regular activities were just as enjoyable. As a family we divided into pairs to go kayaking in the bay one afternoon.

These girls loved lounging in the hammock. What a perfect spot for snuggling!

Riding bikes was my favorite leisure activity. Christian, Mary Ashley, Emma and I ventured beyond the gates to follow along the shore. There are some beautiful old properties with stunning views of the Gulf!

Here is a view of the pool, as seen from our balcony. This was a great gathering spot and place to cool off.

Lawn games were a pleasant diversion. Croquet, anyone?

The boys enjoyed playing horseshoes also.

Sunday brunch was such a delight, I couldn't resist snapping a photo of my sampling of desserts. These delightful morsels would be perfect for teatime. And speaking of that, afternoon tea and cookies are a daily pleasure here.

Although we wanted to linger, too soon it was time to head home from our marvelous weekend on the Gulf Coast. In a few short days we packed in enough beautiful moments to last the whole summer!

Be sure to stop in next week for some creative projects on the home front, including a preview of our screened-in porch makeover.

A Single Grace Note at Victoria

"Hospitality should have no other nature than love." ~ Henrietta Mears

Time does not always allow us to meet our lofty ideals for entertaining -- a challenge that can cause us to miss opportunities to share life's journey with others. I'm on the Victoria blog today pondering the power of a single grace note to inspire us to seek connections through hospitality. I hope you will take a moment to join me here.

And stop in Friday for my final post on memorable moments at The Grand Hotel.

Grand Grand Views

"I question not if thrushes sing,
If roses load the air;
Beyond my heart I need not reach
When all is summer there."
~ John Vance Cheney

Around every corner, beauty abounds at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala. From lush gardens to sandy shores, every turn offers something new to discover. Here are a few of my favorite images from our recent visit.

Look for fun family moments in my next post.

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." ~ Celia Thaxter

Fairhope Shopping Favorites

A trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast would not be complete without excursions to the quaint community of Fairhope. During our recent weekend at The Grand, I spent a leisurely afternoon shopping with Carson and Mary Ashley.

We enjoyed strolling the downtown streets in search of mementos of our family vacation.

This charming statue caught our eye outside the city's welcome center.

A number of merchants make their home here. Find a complete list of clothiers, antiques shops and specialty stores here. Here are a few of our favorite finds.

All this pink caught my eye at M&F Casuals.

Deja Vu was brimming with feminine, bohemian style.

This clever dress form arrayed in fabric flowers drew me in for a closer look.

Unfortunately, we happened upon Sew Unique Monogramming and Gifts after it closed, but window shopping here was a treat. Nearby, we found tees for the boys at The Fairhope Store.

For classic home decor, Ole Bay Mercantile does not disappoint.

 Blue-and-white vignettes offered plenty of inspiration.

When we travel, we like to find a blown-glass ornament to commemorate each destination, and Christmas Round the Corner offered several possibilities. Ultimately, we chose a shimmering canoe to remind us of kayaking in the Gulf.

Relaxing with Carson and Mary Ashley was great fun -- especially in the beautiful setting of Fairhope!

"Every man who possibly can should force himself to a holiday of a full month in a year, whether he feels like taking it or not." ~ William Jones

A Grand Garden Stroll

"Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed." ~ Walt Whitman

Our recent trip to the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala., afforded opportunities for strolling the grounds at dusk. What a peaceful setting the gardens provide for contemplation and relaxation. Here are a few of my favorite views, captured during an early evening walk around the pond.

"How fair is a garden amid the trials and passions of existence."' ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Grand Moments with Family

The greatest blessing of our recent escape to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala., was enjoying unhurried family time. In upcoming posts, I will share the beautiful scenery of the area, but the photos below show what was at the heart of our time together.

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life." ~ Albert Einstein