The Cavalier
Hotels have always been my thing. Ever since I was little I’ve collected (ok, stolen) hotel keys from all the places we’ve ever stayed in. Hotels are so fascinating to me. They have the ability to transport you from the mundane to a place of excitement and luxury.
Every year at the end of August my girlfriends and I take a “Girls Trip.” We started this tradition just a few years ago. So far we’ve made it to the Tides Inn and the Homestead. Schedules didn’t allow for us to go somewhere far and we were running out of time to make something happen so the annual trip was looking doubtful.
Until…we realized we had this beautiful, newly renovated historic hotel, The Cavalier, right in our backyard! No but really…it’s less than 10 streets down from my house at the beach.
We booked a room and a few weeks later made the long trip down Atlantic Ave. to The Cavalier. We arrived and were greeted by the kindest, most hospitable gentlemen. It was as if we had taken a step back into the Roaring Twenties, but with a 21st century twist.
Shortly, we were sipping cocktails by the pool. Life was very good. We wined and dined at Becca, enjoyed a few lazy, sunny days at the beach and pool, ate fried conch fritters (jury’s still out on that one), explored every nook and cranny of the building (without trespassing of course!), and even attempted a game of croquet (it took all of about 5 minutes before we were bored).
It was truly incredible.
I could go on about how stunning The Cavalier was and what a fantastic job they did with the remodel, but when I think back to those quick 24-hours “away,” I think about the quality time & conversations we were able to have together. There’s nothing like the people that know you and get you. The people that automatically know, when I say “Mama Jean,” exactly which grandma I am referring to and on which side of the family she belongs. The people you can let down your guard with and make a fool of yourself in front of. And the people that when there is silence, there’s no need to fill it so it doesn’t feel awkward. Stacey, Lauren, Kelsey, and I have walked through many years of life together. They are “my people” and I’m thankful for the ways they challenge and encourage me in my faith, relationships, job, and just life in general.
So although we weren’t able to explore new territory this year, I would say this little piece of luxury is all we needed to just be together. And that’s all that really matters.
