We were swept off our feet as we approached the entrance circle of The Omni Homestead Resort and its vastness. The snow-covered buildings and lawns shone off the brick buildings and we felt as if we were entering a winter wonderland. Being President’s Day weekend, it was extra great to see all of the references to past U.S. Presidents and First Ladies as educational opportunities for the boys. We were ready for the fun to begin!

Although Barnsley Resort has been in the directory for what seems like a while, I was completely, pleasantly whisked away to a Christmas Wonderland while visiting Barnsley Resort during the Christmas season. With numerous family-friendly activities to enjoy year-round, Barnsley Resort quickly became a family favorite.

The Hotel: Louisville’s Only Waterfront Hotel, The Galt House Hotel is in a wonderful location in downtown Louisville. We loved the balcony in our room over the river but then also being walking distance to so many great things in the city.

The Hotel: With an accessible location to great shopping and sightseeing, Belmond Charleston Place is a great choice for couples and families alike. The hotel lobby screams elegance and Belmond Charleston Place carries that elegance into their on-site restaurants, cocktail lounges and guest rooms.

In 2020, travel industries around the world were hit with unprecedented closures, layoffs and financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People around the world cancelled travel plans around the world leaving hotels scrambling to follow guidelines yet also safely reopen when possible.

“Why did you start a hotel directory?” is a common question that I’ve received in the past year. For those that I’ve just met through a one-time Instagram interaction or women that I’m meeting in our new state of South Carolina, I try to summarize my love for hotels and people in one simple concept: Go and Do Good®.

We were so in need of a vacation but seriously, aren’t we all? We based our destination choice off a goal that Logan has always had: to zipline. I also preferred the idea of staying somewhat close to the good ol’ USA since we still had two young boys at home to {occasionally} worry about while gone.

Writing for a Go and Do Good® hotel that gives back is one thing, but actually experiencing it is entirely different. This past weekend, Logan and I took a mini-trek to Music City, Nashville, TN, where we spent two wonderful nights in East Nashville at The Russell.

I remember the moment that I found Hotel Sol y Luna. This beautiful Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of Sacred Valley, Peru nestled between vast mountains was immediately calling my name.

As we all experience an unprecedented change in travel plans due to COVID-19, I wasn’t quite ready to give up our dream of finding the perfect destination for our 2020 Trek with Kids this summer. With international travel unlikely, I began exploring options in our own new backyard of the SC/VA/TN area knowing that beautiful mountain resorts and activities were abundant.