Once upon a time, there was an estate known as Cheekwood full of beautiful blooms, rolling green hills and lush gardens. One summer, the locals decided to build a group of enchanted castles and the estate was transformed into a magical fairytale land full of whimsical fun.
This summer, come enjoy Cheekwood’s gardens full of vibrant summer blooms while your kids climb magical fortresses and escape into a world of make believe where they become heroes slaying dragons in a fantasy land. With names like Dragon’s Den and Flower Fairy Palace, these enchanted castles are sure to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in both the young and the young at heart.
SIXT is a German car rental company that has over 2,000 locations across 100 countries. My first experience with them was on a recent trip to Scotland and I have been renting from them ever since.
Why? Because they truly do offer luxury vehicles at non-luxury prices. I have been able to rent high end premium vehicles like BMWs at rates that were the same or less than economy car rentals here in the states. Plus, they rarely have the long lines you sometimes find at airports with companies like Hertz, Avis or Budget, and their customer service is fantastic.
With Memorial Day only a couple of weekends away, many of us are busy starting to make plans for a fun-filled three-day weekend. Although Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer, family BBQs and time to start wearing white again, it is actually quite a somber holiday.
It was originally called Decoration Day to honor fallen Civil War soldiers and is said to have begun in May 1865, when thousands of former enslaved community members in Charleston, North Carolina held a ceremony and parade at a former racetrack where a mass grave of 260 Union soldiers was reported. They reburied the soldiers laying them to rest in individual graves, decorated the area with spring time blooms, sang songs of freedom and picnicked as a community to honor their sacrifice. This was the start of what has now become a recognized holiday, and it has since been expanded to include honoring all who have served.
Every year at 3 pm on Memorial Day, there is a Moment of Remembrance. So, be sure to take a moment at that time, stop what you’re doing, and remember the fallen service men and women who died protecting our freedom.
Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve.
VACATION GIVEAWAY
My next vacation giveaway starts May 31st. Win a dream trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the sleepy little town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Winner receives a 2 night stay at The Embers and so much more!
