The August 7 Inn, Good Medicine For The Soul
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much when we booked our room at the August 7 Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sure, we looked at all the pictures on the website and even commented on the beautiful decor, but I was still skeptical all the same.
There had been too many B&B's that we have visited in the past where their website looked top notch and elegant, taken before the place was opened and was fresh and new. But upon arriving we found them to be run down, smelly, even unkempt. Truly as if we were visiting an elderly relative.
Not so at the August 7 Inn...
Upon our arrival we were greeted by the Innkeeper and Owner, Joe. ("Hi, I'm Joe. Welcome, please come in...") His demeanor was welcoming and quietly comforting, like we were old friends. I liked him immediately. One layer of the stress onion peeled off and I began to look around.
Inside the house it is serene and beautiful. And tastefully decorated. Joe showed us about the first floor explaining about each room. The massage chair room, (no, no, too tense for that yet...more on that later) the elegant Victorian inspired living room, which led into the dining room, then the wonderful outdoor wrap around porch.
An array of treats awaited us in the kitchenette, including coffee, tea, sodas, popcorn, water, even an entire bookshelf of DVD's to choose from were available 24/7. ("Help yourself to drinks at your leisure, two for a dollar. We operate on an honor system, so just drop the money in the honor box, which is hanging on the wall".) Wow, he trusts us.
Each room was sparkling clean and looked as if they were never sat in or used. But Joe assured us that we were welcome to enjoy and relax wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. (Not at all the controlling, stuffy innkeeper who forbids you to touch this or sit there.) "It's just stuff, you are welcome here, please make yourself at home." Another layer of the onion peeled off, and magically a little more stress evaporated into thin air.
Joe graciously answered all of our questions and gave a brief overview of the "story of the Inn". It's quite a story, you'll have to ask Joe to tell you sometime.
By the time we were heading upstairs to visit our room, my husband and I were beginning to relax, feeling as if we were going to enjoy this place. "Oh, by the way, can I get you a complimentary bottle of wine?" Joe asked.
Oh yes, we are definitely going to enjoy this place...
Our room, the 1022, was exotic and comfortably roomy. It was elegantly decorated in a safari theme, not at all tacky and sparkling clean. (I have to admit, I looked under the bed and behind the furniture for dust, and there was none.) Dark woods, elegant fabrics and soft fluffy pillows made this room perfect for relaxing and spending quality conversation time with the one I love. Ahh, and the jacuzzi tub...Perfect! The mood of the room lifted our spirits another notch. Another layer of the stress onion gone...(In fact, I was so inspired by the theme of the room, that upon returning home, I redecorated our own bedroom in a similar fashion.)
In the evening, Joe puts out a buffet of snacks and candies for his guest to enjoy. Soft music is playing. The lights are dim and romantic. It was a perfect April evening, just cool enough to sit comfortably on the veranda and sip a glass of wine and nibble on Joe's homemade treats. Our favorite spot was the corner overlooking the lawn watching the world go by...
What, are there any layers left to peel away? No, I think we have reached the core...
No work, No Kids, No pets, No obligations, No stress...
"Really?" I ask myself, "No Stress? Check again."
I look over at my husband who is smiling and say to myself, "Yup, it's gone."
Breakfast on the veranda is a wonderful experience. Joe puts out a spread you wouldn't believe. With 5 different types of pancakes, fresh fruit, fruit and nut breads, cereal, juice, not to mention bacon, waffles, and pastries. He goes all out to make sure his guests are satisfied.
Before embarking on our day of exploration we treated ourselves to a visit in the massage chairs. Ahh, what a magical experience. The room is a relaxing garden theme, the chairs are state of the art "Human Touch" massage chairs which are remote controlled to massage every muscle in your body exactly the way you want it. The experience was heavenly and left me rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
Two days later, I began to feel that feeling you get when it's time to go home. "Can't we stay?" We ask Joe. "Of course," Joe says.
"We'll put you on speed dial." we say.
"Yes, certainly, come any time." Joe says.
"But I don't want to go." I say to my husband.
"I know, me either."
Now, one month later...What is that feeling in my stomach? There is a tightness, an unwelcome feeling that I don't like. Something that has been building up for a few weeks...Ahh, yes. It's Stress...
Time to go visit The August 7 Inn again.
Dawn and Steve Hendrickson are busy talent agents and the owners of Tropical Music International. They live in Orlando and supply entertainment and talent all across world, as well as being wholesale distributors for Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Kenny Chesney and the finest Hawaiian Artists and Steel Drum Bands. Clients include the Ritz Carlton, Sirius Radio, the PGA, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Orlando Magic, Miami Dolphins, City Walk, and the Islands of St. Lucia, Grenada, Caymans, and the British Virgin Isles...
Learn more at: http://TropicalMusicInternational.com
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