Here's a summary of work travel that has happened in the last year that hasn't already been documented in individual posts. This compilation has been drafted for a LONG time and it's time to finalize it! I've slowly added to this as I've had more work travel. Some of these trips happened as far back as last summer. While I would not necessarily pick some of these locations to travel to by choice, I was glad to have the opportunity to see new places and visit a few states that I had not yet been to.
Fairfield, Iowa - August 2013
(new state visited!)
There really isn't much in Fairfield, but I do find the fields to be beautiful. I'm not trying to be funny, but over the course of being there a few days, I believe I ate in most restaurants in the town. This one scored major points for having gluten free carrot cake. Two thumbs up, Fairfield!
Isle of Palms, South Carolina - October 2013
Based on the fact that we probably would find a new destination in 2014 for the annual work meeting I plan in the spring, I got the opportunity to visit a few resorts in the hopes of finding a good replacement for the crowd favorite, Hammock Beach. The top candidate for our meeting was Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms outside of Charleston in South Carolina. The resort was on the beach so it was already a Kim favorite (and it's obviously where we ended up).
This was the view from my room. The main hotel is slightly off of the beach but you can still catch a glimpse of the ocean if you look out past the houses.
Driving around the Wild Dunes property and golf courses and I spotted this! Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to get out of the car to take a picture.
After the tour of Wild Dunes, I made a pit stop in Charleston to tour Charleston Place (for a potential meeting spot as well) and to eat lunch at Magnolias, of course. I couldn't pass up shrimp and grits in Charleston. Yum!
Greensboro, Georgia - November 2013
This trip has become an annual one that I truly look forward to each year. I plan a golf event for 16 guys, I make sure they get to the correct course and place for dinner each day, and spend the rest of the time on my own. I usually spend some time each day working, napping, walking around the property, enjoying lunch on the lake, sitting on the beach, etc. It is always a welcome break from the schedule that I normally keep and it's nice to have quiet, down time.
I'm not sure how it happened, but I ended up in one of the best rooms (I thought) at the hotel. One on the bottom level with a view of Lake Oconee. The next 2 pictures show the view from my back porch.
I think my room was the middle one on the bottom floor below...
Most years I spend a little time on the small resort beach but I'm often wearing a jacket and/or covered in towels. Even though it was November (and there was already risk of frost on the courses some mornings), the temps were perfect and I was able to enjoy the beach without having to bundle up. In fact, I remember wishing I was wearing a bathing suit!
As you may be able to tell, there weren't many people around the resort while I was there. I suppose this is a popular destination for work meetings or golf so not many folks are at the beach during the day. I was thankful for the peace and quiet and a perfect napping spot.
Gluten free pizza on the room service menu....such a treat!
Evidence that it really was fall...changing leaves
This property definitely has a lodge/cozy feel hence the fire pit down below as you look out of the main lobby of the hotel.
New Orleans, Louisiana - January 2014
(another new state for me)
Despite an impending snowstorm on the east coast and many cancelled flights, I managed to get out of Richmond just in the nick of time to get down to New Orleans. The work meeting was in late January and it is typically for less than 20 of my co-workers.
The clouds were threatening but none of my travel was delayed.
Group dinner while in New Orleans
Given the time of year, we usually opt for a southern location where the temps are warmer. Our destination of choice this year was south but it did NOT prove to be warm. New Orleans barely gets close to or below freezing temps, but of course, we were there during the rare occurrence! We woke up one of the mornings to ice everywhere, school and bridge closures, and a city that was freaking out. So much for a warm(er) getaway!
Dinner at K-Paul's in New Orleans after the meeting was over
Tampa, Florida - March 2014
At this point in the year, Hammock Beach knew that our organization was not returning to their location for our 2014 meeting. As a way to lure back our business, I was invited for four days to check out one of their sister properties in Tampa called Innisbrook.
So nice to see spring and greenery
Man made beach at the resort pool. May not be a real beach, but it was still nice and did the trick (got rid of the winter blues).
The empty pool chairs reveal how early I headed to the pool. This was prime book reading time...especially when I was so focused on getting my book club books read on time. No more delinquent member status for me!
The draw to visit this particular long weekend was the Valspar Championship taking place there at the resort's Copperhead course. Meeting planners (like me) who were guests for the weekend were offered multiple complimentary rounds of golf and tickets each day to the tournament. Unfortunately, I do not play golf and couldn't take advantage of the offered tee times, but the pool was just as lovely and entertaining. I did, though, take advantage of the tournament tickets seeing as I had never been to a PGA tournament before. It was much more interesting than expected and very enjoyable watching the PGA players up close. Of course, it was a little disappointing to not be allowed to take any pics of the event.
Another work trip croc spotting...
While I sometimes feel as if work is too stressful, I am still thankful for my job and the opportunity to travel. Even more, I am so thankful for trips that give me a taste of warm weather when it's cold at home.
