As many of you know, I love visiting the Great Smoky Mountains yearly.
When we travel to the mountains, we escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and marvel at the scenic views.
Usually, my family takes our vacation in either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, but this year, we went to another side of the smokies.
For a two-day getaway, my family and I stayed at the Historic Tapoco Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Cheoah River in Robbinsville, North Carolina.
This hidden gem has been a mainstay for outdoor adventurers, gearheads, and nature enthusiasts since 1930. It is located on the peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains, with few tourists, so you'll have a relaxing getaway from all the crowds and noise.
I live 30 minutes north of Atlanta, so the drive to Robbinsville, NC, took about 3 hours. So, traveling from Atlanta would be 3 1/2 hours.
The drive up the mountains was a thrilling adventure, especially when navigating through Nantahala National Forest and the winding roads of the Tail of the Dragon, a favorite among motorcyclists and sports car drivers.
And the wow factor doesn't stop there!
Upon entering, the classic decor is prominent throughout, and the sweet scent of maple-pecan fills the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Historic Tapoco Lodge has several guest rooms to choose from. They offer nine elegantly furnished rooms and suites in the lodge and 18 cabins throughout the 120-acre property.
Only two adults can be in a room, so we got two rooms, one for Mr. M and me and one for my daughters. Since each room has only a king-size bed, our daughters took the suite that had a living room so one of them could sleep on the couch.
Our guest rooms, called Laurel and Rhododendron, which are named after flowers, are beautifully decorated with a retro twist.
I love the exposed bricks and pipes detailing, the classic-style refrigerators and microwaves, and our favorite, the black and white tiles in the bathrooms. And boy, the bathrooms are a room in itself; it's enormous!
The rooms offer comfort, with plush beds, cozy seating, and breathtaking river views in each suite. Our stay was a tranquil retreat, and the girls loved having their own suite! But we were just across the hallway, keeping a watchful eye on them.
And heads up, there is no elevator, and the guest rooms are on three floors, so you must carry your luggage up the stairs. So, I suggest to pack light. But I'm sure someone from the lodge can help you take your belongings to your room.
I noticed one room on the first floor, the Evergreen, for those needing an accessible room.
Another thing to note is that the lodge rooms are for adults only; however, some of the cabins are family-friendly.
Several dining options at the lodge include an on-site tavern, fine dining on the weekends, and breakfast served daily. The on-site tavern offers a casual dining experience with various American fare, including burgers, pizzas, nachos, wings, and quinoa bowls. The fine dining option on weekends provides a more upscale experience.
Breakfast is served daily and includes various options to suit all tastes. I tried all three dining options, and our meals were scrumptious! We didn't need to leave the property to find something to eat; Tapoco Lodge had meal options that everyone enjoyed.
The Tapoco Tavern offers indoor and outdoor seating along the river for a delightful dining experience.
There's rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking for the more adventurous types. And for those seeking relaxation, there are spa services and 15 hiking trails to explore.
We attempted a couple of hiking trails, but our shoes were unsuitable for hiking. The path was filled with puddles, and we didn't want to damage our footwear.
Next time, we need to have good pairs of hiking boots.
Also, the lodge offers several weekly events to keep guests entertained. These include live music performances, movie nights, and guided hikes.
These events are a great way to meet other guests and make the most of your stay at Tapoco Lodge.
Our stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge was great due to excellent service, beautiful rooms, delicious food, and lovely landscaping and scenery. The experience left us not wanting to leave.
I highly recommend booking your next stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge!
You can visit their website or call their front desk to make a reservation.
They offer a variety of room types to suit different needs and budgets, and their friendly staff are always ready to assist you with any questions or special requests you may have.
Historic Tapoco Lodge
14981 Tapoco Rd.
Robbinsville, NC 28771-688
There is a new Korean BBQ in town called Thrill Korean Steak & Bar! And when I saw the sign on the new building in Buford, in The Exchange shopping center, I knew I needed to check them out. Plus, since it's in my area, I like to try each new food establishment at least once to give my support.
I'm not going to lie; when I read the Thrill Korean Steak & Bar sign on the building, I thought it would be like a steakhouse.
Honestly, I wish it was. The reason is that there are so many Korean BBQs all over Duluth and Suwanee, and now trickling into Buford.
It's not that I don't like Korean BBQs; I actually eat at different locations with my family three times a month because it's so good and fulfilling. I just wanted a new Korean dining experience and style of cuisine.
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I visited Thrill Korean Steak & Bar with my youngest daughter during their soft opening weekend. Walking inside, I loved the sophisticated atmosphere and the dark, contemporary, modern decor. The perfect setting for date nights and parties.
When we arrived at our table, I found out it was a Korean BBQ since there were grills at each table.
Then, looking at the menu, I saw that it was an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. I try to avoid all-you-can-eat Korean BBQs because they are notorious for serving poor-quality meats.
But we were already seated, so I kept an open mind and did not try to be biased.
When I looked at the menu, I noticed a variety of unmarinated and marinated proteins, including beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, and calamari, as well as a wide selection of appetizers.
And I can't forget the sides! A great selection of side dishes that automatically serve at your table.
So, everything on the menu, including soft drinks, sides, appetizers, and proteins, are all included for $45 per person (Dinner Price). A good price! And you can eat up to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to try out all the foods.
Now, a la carte items like fried rice, wings, and desserts are on the menu for an extra fee. (I've never seen dessert options at Korean BBQs).
Now, it's time to eat!
We could only choose two proteins at a time, and the protein size is the number of people at your table; for example, we picked marinated Galbi, and our server brought out two slices of beef ribs and then cut them up on the grill.
This goes for all meats, like the thinly sliced briskets, which are enough for how many guests you have at your table.
But no worries, you can keep ordering proteins over and over for two hours, and to be honest, I was full way before that time.
My favorite meats on the menu are the marinated Galbi bone-in, Beef Belly, Beef Bulgogi, Cajun shrimp, and Beef Brisket.
And I was very impressed with the quality! These meats are premium, just more thinly sliced and in smaller portions. The marinated meats are seasoned very well and full of flavor.
The service is excellent, and I noticed that the servers work as a team. I sometimes had a few servers helping with food requests and cooking our food on the grill so there wouldn't be any wasted time.
Due to this, you'll notice the servers running around different tables a lot. This restaurant is definitely fast-paced.
Remember my concern about the meat quality since it's an all-you-can-eat establishment?
I met the owner, and she assured me that the meat quality would stay the same, just like her popular Sandy Springs location, which has been around for several years.
That's great to know. I now have a new Korean BBQ spot to add to my growing list of favorites.
I noticed that Thrill appears more Americanized and doesn't quite offer the actual Korean BBQ experience. Even the majority of diners eating there seemed to be Americans.
I mention this because, in my experience, seeing other Koreans dining at a Korean restaurant is a good sign that you're getting an authentic experience. Therefore, I would recommend Thrill for those who are just starting to explore Korean cuisine.
And even if you are a Korean BBQ enthusiast like myself, it's still a great place to eat. I even went for a second time during the grand opening weekend with both of my daughters in tow, and they loved it!
Good food, excellent service, and fun experience! I highly recommend it!
And if you like breakfast foods, make sure to check Snooze across the parking lot of Thrill.
Thrill Korean Steak & Bar
2925 Buford Dr. Ste# 1300
Buford, GA 30519
Are you looking for a peaceful getaway without all the crowds and noise?
I recently came back from our annual end-of-the-year/beginning-of-the-year trip, and I must say, our family trip was much needed. It has been a hectic year, and it seems like things were going non-stop, but we are thankful we all had a break and escaped our busy lives.
Usually, we would go to Florida, specifically Orlando, but I wanted a change and something that was closer driving distance from Atlanta.
I mentioned we visited either:
Hilton Head Island and Savannah were the runner-ups since Michelle went to Charleston for a field trip a few months ago.
With these locations next to each other, we can travel to both, but the question is, which place will we stay during our trip?
I preferred to stay in Savannah as there are more activities to enjoy there, and our trip is mainly our daughters' shopping using their Christmas money.
Mr. M suggested staying in Hilton Head at the Omni since it's a resort with rooms for up to five people. Plus, he wanted to use the rewards points he had accumulated from his credit card so our stay would be free.
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I'm always the one who books the hotel/condos. So, it felt different passing the baton to Mr. M. He is the one who rents cars. But, with me buying a new car for my birthday, I wanted to use my car for the first time on a road trip.
It felt great not having to do all the planning and leaving it up to Mr. M. All I had to do was drive us there and back.
Before booking, Mr. M showed me how our suite would look at Omni Hilton Head. It would be a King Room with a living room with a sofa bed, and we can request a roller bed at the front desk. The only downside is one bathroom.
He could have chosen the luxury suite with one 1/2 bathrooms, but the price was almost $800 a night. Way too much! And he needed more reward points to cover that.
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is a beautiful resort located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The resort offers a variety of amenities, such as pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and a spa. Its rooms are spacious and provide a comfortable stay for families. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, including the HH Prime Steakhouse and the XO Sports & Spirits bar. The Omni Hilton Head is great for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
The drive from Atlanta is about five hours, and it didn't take long to get to Hilton Head. However, it would have been only a 4-hour drive if we stayed in Savannah.
If you have been following me for a while, you remember I visited Hilton Head and Savannah years back.
Hilton Head is a tranquil coastal town, which I consider to be more of a retirement community. I didn't appreciate the peacefulness during our last visit because my daughters were younger and preferred a more lively atmosphere. However, this time around, we are enjoying the slower pace. The serenity of the town is truly soothing for the soul.
Regarding Savannah, it is known as a party town, particularly at night.
Before arriving at Omni Hilton Head Resort, we had to drive through a country club-like community with other homes and resorts on the property.
The oak trees surrounding the community provided a pleasant, soothing touch and ample shade during hot summer days. I wish the weather had been better so I could have walked around or rented a bike to explore this small town.
When we arrived at the Omni, we got our keys and complimentary bottled waters and went to the hotel's south side, where our room was. The north side of the hotel was under renovation.
Once in our room, I was surprised to see a studio suite with two queen beds. Our room was only 530 sq ft; what happened to the king room suite we were supposed to have?
I came to find out Mr. M booked the wrong room.
Lauren was furious! She did not want to be in a cramped room with all of us for several days and definitely did not want to be in the same bed as Michelle. It's bad enough we all had to share a bathroom.
Mr. M called the front desk and requested that we be placed in a new room that we wanted in the first place.
It's a good thing that there was a room available; however, it was a handicap-accessible room, meaning the bathroom only had a shower and no walls to prevent the shower water from getting all over the bathroom floor.
While waiting to be moved to our new room, I looked at the exterior of our current room and noticed that the furniture was chipped and peeling. Additionally, the room was quite small and appeared to be dated. It's possible that these issues are why the hotel is currently undergoing renovations to achieve a more modern look.
When our new room was ready for us to move in, I was happy that the furniture looked better and had more space for us to move around.
Even though it's a king suite with a small kitchen area, there was a queen-sized sofabed, and the hotel provided us a roller bed, so everyone had their own place to sleep.
I must say, fantastic customer service and their jumping into action to satisfy our needs.
Michelle claimed the sofabed as hers, and I helped her fold out the bed.
After I made the bed for her, she told me she saw a fingernail or a toenail that popped off the couch. I couldn't find it, and neither could she. Maybe she was seeing things.
But, sleeping on that sofabed was so uncomfortable for her, and the bedding was so thin that we had to go out and buy Michelle a blanket to keep warm.
Lauren thought the bedding on the roller bed was thin; however, the mattress was comfortable.
Mr. M's and my bed had thin blankets and sheets as well. Despite this, the bed was comfortable, especially the soft pillows.
My complaint about our suite was the bathroom. There was no ventilation, so the bathroom became foggy and wet every time we showered. As a result, the air quality in our room was musty and damp.
Besides the issues we had with our room, the resort was serene and aesthetically pleasing, providing ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.
The Omni had plenty of on-site activities, eliminating the need to drive far looking for things to do. Here is what they offer:
Since we were there for Christmas, Omni had festive activities like ornament making, s'mores by the fire, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, sweet culinary treats, movie night, and more!
They even hung a Christmas stocking on our door with yummy treats inside.
Omni offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your taste buds, whether you're seeking a casual lunch or an elegant dinner.
We had our Christmas dinner at HH Prime, and it was one of the best specialty dinners we've ever had! Our dinner came with a starter and entree and finished with a dessert.
I had the Roasted Beet and Chestnut Salad for my starter, my entree was a delicious Halibut, and I had a sweet Eggnog Swiss Roll for dessert.
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is a peaceful and beautiful location for a getaway. The resort offers various amenities such as pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and a spa, providing guests with plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment. The spacious and comfortable rooms make it an excellent place for families.
However, my experience with the room mix-up and the dated furniture in the first room could have been better. Nonetheless, it is possible that these issues are being addressed during the current renovations. Despite this, I would still recommend the Omni Hilton Head Resort to anyone looking for a serene and relaxing vacation spot.
I rate this hotel a 4 out of 5.
Savannah is just an hour away from Hilton Head Island. We drove there a couple of times during our trip.
One evening, we went out for dinner in the Historic District and encountered individuals using drugs and the pungent aroma of urine. It was a terrible experience!
Michelle got food poisoning after we had dinner at Flock to the Wok in Savannah. Although my food was okay, it was too oily, and I had to watch my diet closely.
On the day we were heading back to Atlanta, we stopped at Savannah so the girls could shop on West Broughton Street. Despite the wet and cold weather, we had a lot of fun.
Dottie's Market, located on West Broughton Street, is an excellent spot to grab a quick bite while strolling the strip. It is a charming cafe and wine market that sells artisanal foods. I highly recommend visiting this place!
The Toyota Crown has made a triumphant return with all its glory intact!
After leaving the US market in 1972, the new Crown was reintroduced in 2023, boasting a sleek and modern design, advanced technology, and cutting-edge safety features that make it one of the most desirable cars available. In addition, the Toyota Crown is a midsize luxury vehicle that features a hybrid drivetrain. (Starting price is $40,000)
The reason behind Toyota Crown's departure was the lack of demand for luxury cars at that time. And now, it's replacing the Toyota Avalon as the new leader of Toyota's luxury lineup.
During Toyota's End of the Year Luncheon hosted at 5Church Buckhead restaurant, I had the opportunity to take a first look at the 2024 Toyota Crown.
I must say, it's a sharp-looking crossover. Although I still require the space of a Highlander, I could see myself driving this vehicle once I become an empty nester.
Based on its appearance, I can tell this car would be enjoyable to drive around town and on road trips. Additionally, I appreciate the large moonroof that allows all passengers to enjoy the breeze and sunshine.
I noticed that there is ample legroom available for everyone in the car. However, I still need to check the cargo space. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to see the trunk and take the car for a test drive soon. This will allow me to get a better understanding of the vehicle.
I love seeing the evolution of Toyota's lineup of cars. Some of the Toyota vehicles come and go, but when they return, they return better than ever!
And I also like the fact that Toyota gives consumers options, like choices of Hybrids, EVs, and Gas powered vehicles. They have vehicles to fit everyone's lifestyle.
During lunch, I learned about Toyota's new Beyond Zero. Producing a diverse range of electrified vehicles moves them closer to this vision because it helps them maximize their use of limited battery resources while reducing carbon emissions.
"Beyond Zero" is Toyota's ambitious goal to go beyond carbon neutrality through its products, services, and operations and discover innovative ways to positively impact our planet and society. Currently, they offer more low and zero-emission vehicles combined than any other automaker. This gives customers a variety of choices to reduce their carbon footprint.
5Church Buckhead is a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, artistic decor, and outstanding service.
The restaurant offers modern American cuisine with global influences in an upscale atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and serves both lunch and dinner.
Also, 5Church Buckhead offers a brunch menu on weekends and a happy hour menu from Monday to Friday.
The restaurant's interior is also notable, featuring a stunning stained-glass window sunroom, floral garden displays, with a beautiful skyline view of Atlanta.
Our lunch was served family-style. It started with a mixed green salad, followed by two entrees, including seared salmon and grilled hanger steak, two sides of whipped potatoes, and broccolini, and ended with Chef's Choice of Petite Fors.
Although the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing, I thought the food was okay, as if I could get a meal like this from any other upscale American restaurant.
One of the dishes I didn't care for was the broccolini; it had a weird, bitter taste.
Since I wasn't impressed with the food, I didn't stay for dessert.
I have noticed that certain restaurants prioritize the establishment's appearance over the quality of their food. Besides, 5Church, located in the heart of Buckhead, is bound to receive a lot of foot traffic regardless of how the food tastes.
The restaurant would be suitable for lunch meetings and events, but not much else.
A new restaurant called Snooze, an A.M. Eatery in Buford, Georgia, serves various flavorful breakfast options.
For months, I've been watching this restaurant at The Exchange at Gwinnett, driving past it and wondering about its opening date and brunch menu. Finally, the day came when it opened, and I knew I was in for a delicious treat!
Snooze an A.M. Eatery is a breakfast and brunch restaurant chain in Colorado, California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The first Snooze restaurant opened in Denver, Colorado, in 2007. Snooze is known for its creative and tasty breakfast dishes, such as the "Build Your Own Breakfast Bowl," the "Huevos Rancheros," and the "Carnitas Breakfast Tacos." They also have a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, French toast, and other breakfast pastries.
In addition to their food, Snooze is also known for its fun and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurants are decorated in a retro style, and there is always a lively energy in the air.
My daughters and I were invited to Snooze's soft opening charity event to try out some of the foods on the menu while Snooze's employees were training before the big opening day.
The place exuded an energetic and inviting atmosphere with its colorful, retro-modern vibe. I knew then I was in for a great experience.
What makes Snooze different from the other brunch establishments? When I asked my friendly server about Snooze, they told me that the restaurant prioritizes food allergies and is passionate about using natural ingredients from sustainable sources.
Hearing that excited us to eat at Snooze, especially since I have been on a health and wellness journey and ensure I eat healthy.
Looking through the menu, it took a lot of work to choose! But I narrowed it down to their Fall Menu and requested the Pumpkin Pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, and a side of fruits. And wash it down with their freshly made Strawberry Lavender Lemonade.
My daughter Michelle had Pineapple Upside Pancakes with Hashbrowns and Chicken Sausage Patties. And my other daughter Lauran chose the 3 Egg Omelet meal.
Our food arrived quickly and was fresh and hot despite everyone being in training. I was impressed because I expected long wait times since the restaurant was packed.
I have to say, the pumpkin pancakes Snooze made were absolutely scrumptious! They were soft and fluffy, bursting with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, and had a tasty cream cheese filling in the center. They made me feel warm and cozy, perfect for the fall season.
I also had to get some of Michelle's absolutely delish pineapple pancakes! It's like the softness melts in your mouth! Perfecto!
After eating our meals, we didn't feel bloated or tired and still had the energy to go on with our day.
Snooze is excellent for a casual breakfast or brunch with friends or family. They offer a variety of dishes to satisfy everyone's taste, and the atmosphere is always fun and inviting. I highly recommend it! And I can't wait to stop in again and try their other meal options.
And for those who like cocktails, Snooze has a full bar to order mimosas, bloody marys, and other brunch cocktails.
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
2925 Buford Dr Suite 1100
Buford, GA 30519
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