The countryside was awake with the glow of late autumn. Stillness surrounded except for the intermittent chatter of children playing in the gardens. The landscape was regal in its color of golden-brownish hues and fresh air was plentiful. Inhaling the scent of autumn mixed with the hint of chocolate from Hotel Hershey provided a euphoric sense of contentment.
With autumn in the air, my 2-year-old granddaughter and the family made memories at the sweetest place on the East Coast. Wide-eyed and energized with excitement for each new experience she saw, Sierra strolled Hershey Gardens overlooking the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. There she found a hall of trees exquisitely decorated for the holidays, a tropical butterfly room filled with brilliantly-colored butterflies and exotic moths, a children's garden, winding paths, and huge trees, one named Sierra Redwoods which delighted her.
Sierra, summed up her feeling with a hilarious statement, "I'm going to party all night!" (...and that she did until the adults were more tired than she.)
Sierra Kathryn standing next to Sierra Redwood
All of this countryside beauty, the warmth of family, and so much more provided the perfect setting for my birthday and Thanksgiving celebration of life. What more could I ask for? Plenty of chocolate surrounded me, a massage therapist at the spa awaited my arrival, and interesting delicacies were plenty. It was a picture-postcard holiday with family. Sierra, summed up her feeling with a hilarious statement, "I'm going to party all night!" (...and that she did until the adults were more tired than she.)
🍁🍂🍃
While we visited Hershey when my adult children were young, we never experienced the full Hotel Hershey experience. During this trip, I found Hotel Hershey to be a true historic treasure, rightfully named 2018 "Best Historic Resort" by Historic Hotel of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Lovely accommodations, beautiful views, gourmet food, an amazing museum of historic facts, memorabilia, and story, and plentiful activities allowed me to make delightful memories that I will cherish for years to come. Will my granddaughter remember this holiday? Perhaps, not every part but her digital photo album will provide a look back at a wonderful family memory.
🍁🍂🍃
#TravelTuesday is approaching so I am moving over to Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Tuesday. Join me in celebrating a slice of my life. Then, look for my Abundant Autumn Gallery of Artistic Expressions to arrive on social media. 
So much joy in this post. I don't know that she'll remember the same way you do, but the pictures will help, and she'll remember love and joy.
ReplyDeleteLove and joy is what my little Sierra should remember. Family memories are always touching. I am so glad that we met up at NCTE 19, Melanie.
DeleteEven at my age I still enjoy the Butterfly Garden. Our Writing Project used to hold writing marathons at the Hershey Gardens. One of our favorite places to eat is at the Harvest which is behind the Hotel Hershey.
ReplyDelete
DeleteI think writing in the Gardens with other writers sounds like an awesome experience. My son and I spent a good deal of time in the Butterfly atrium chatting with one of the butterfly keepers. I learned so much. Yes, the Harvest was so delicious that we went back for lunch before we left.
Mmm... she may not remember, but you will. What a lovely description of a moment of fullness. And Happy birthday to you, fellow Sagittarius - I should have guessed it. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe glow and glory of autumn, the chilly morning, chocolate perfuming the air - I am right there soaking it in! Your imagery is so vivid, and your artwork and photograph, as always, are stunning. I am mesmerized by Sierra with Sierra, little girl with big tree; this is just the kind of thing that stirs "story" in my soul. Beautiful, just layered in blessings, Carol - and happy birthday! What a lovely way to combine celebrations.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time with family!
ReplyDelete