Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Small Town Southern Charm to simplify what is really important ~ ~ the TWO of you!

Our next little romantic getaway takes us to Watkinsville, GA ~ just around the corner from Athens
Last year I stumbled upon a truly unique B&B, Ashford Manor is situated on a beautifully landscaped 5acre estate that overlooks Watkinsville's Main Street. Shopping, eating, drinking, antiquing and spa-ing are all right there just steps from the manor. With large wrap around porches adorned with plenty of seating, you will find it hard to resist pulling up a rocking chair with a good book and a refreshing glass of sweet tea by your side. As far as romance goes ~ all six rooms are themed to keep it spicy ~ from adventure in the Safari Room, a middle eastern expedition in the Asian Room to a quaintness that is hard to explain in both the English Room and the Garden Room. The owners of the B&B add personal touches to make your stay even more special from sprigs of fresh flowers snipped right from the garden to a scrumptious breakfast (when we were there we had Creme' Brulee French Toast, I am drooling just remembering it). If you investigate a bit and plan ahead you can book your stay during one of the Summer Concerts on the Lawn that takes place right on the grounds.
http://www.ambedandbreakfast.com/
http://www.amconcerts.com/

Directly across the street you will find what appears to be an upscale small town hair salon but don't let appearances fool you, they are a FULL SERVICE spa right upstairs! Last time I was there I had a massage and facial ~ blissful! Next time I go back to Ashford Manor I will return for another hour of heaven at Towncenter Salon and Spa!
http://www.salonandspa-towncenter.com/

When you are romancing your man and looking for a little sustenance but want it to be close by and affordable look no further than just across the street - MIRKO Pasta, the food is so good you can't believe it is quite so reasonable. Don't let the counter ordering process put you off. The made from scratch meals are just like a little Italian Bistro only super wallet friendly. FYI- we are getting a MIRKO Pasta right in here in the ATL in the old Ribs Etc. location on Roswell Rd.
http://www.mirkopasta.com/

If you are looking for more of an upscale dining experience head across the street yet again to Girasoles Fusion. Where Chef Jose' will cook you up something imaginative. He is a colorful chef that is passionate about his culinary creations. Dining at Girasoles is an experience.

Wanna grab a bite for lunch the Krimson Kafe' is where it's at with delicious salads, sandwiches and soups made fresh from fresh ingredients. They make their own HOMEMADE chicken salad, egg salad, pimento cheese, hummus and ham salad everyday.

What to Do What to Do -
You are here for romance so maybe you don't end up leaving the Manor at all but if you decide to venture out there are so many surprises in store for you. I recommend contacting our friend Peggy Holcomb at the Oconee County Office of Tourism- she is a wealth of information and just a pleasure to chat with. Your options range from historic sites (just down the street from the manor in town is the Eagle Tavern an old stage coach depot) to art (so many galleries of so many mediums) to produce picking (pick your strawberries or blueberries, what could be more romantic?). Another lovely romantic thing to do is get a picnic lunch and head out to see one of the 12 remaining covered bridges in the state of Georgia just south of Watkinsville.

When you visit the Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, Georgia you get a great glimpse of warm southern charm and hospitality at it's best in a small town setting ~ a great place to reconnect with the one you love!

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