Monday, October 13, 2008

The Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Virginia

Take a close look with me at this place. It is huge!
Look at the columns, fountain, flags and paladian window main entrance. You know you are going to get a special treat when you go inside the building.
But stop and turn around and look at the view from the front porch. The tall slender palm trees are framing some of the views of the mountains of Shenandoah National Park that we just exited.
And look over to your right and see Gentleman Jack relaxing in a chair on the front porch. Where are we you ask. Why we are at the Mimslyn Inn which is located at 401 West Main Street in Luray, Virginia.
When Jack and I left Skyline Drive that runs through Shenandoah National Park at exit? at milepost #65 we took state route #340 north to Luray so that we could check out the newly renovated Mimslyn Inn on Main Street in Luray, Virginia. This is a gorgeous (This was what I was typing when the power went out last night.) old hotel that is huge and has the most beautiful white Corinthian columns on the front. Twice we have come here for brunch on the weekend but we have never stayed here overnight. Now this resort has just reopened after a major multimillion dollar renovation. All that white trim had to be both scraped and primed and painted fresh white. A lot of work. I bet new windows went into the hotel too.
I would love to spend the night at this old resort hotel. Can you picture doing it with me? We would slowly drive up the curved driveway going up the hill and park the car by the entrance to go check-in at the front desk. The uniformed man by the front door would direct us to the front desk and we would smile and say we have reservations.
After we check in at the front desk we would walk over to the fireplace to warm ourselves while the hotel help delivered our bags to our room.
Then we would plop ourselves down on this red velvet loveseat amidst the lovely tapestry cushions and look around the room at the beautiful furnishings and the lovely oil paintings on the walls.
Then we would notice this grand wrought iron staircase that leads up to the large mezzanine level sitting room. The backside of this curved staircase leads down to the both The Speakeasy Bar and Grill and the Hotel's luxurious spa. We already know the password to get into the Speakeasy Bar for a drink before dinner. We decide that tomorrow morning we will have a total spa treatment before checking out. The grandest dining room with white linen tablecloths faces you as you descend the stairs from your accommodations on one of the upper floors. When we go to the dining room we will start with the soup of the day and proceed thru several courses with wine until we end the meal with something dark and sweet and extra chocolaty. Then we can take a turn around the gardens while the hired help turns down our bed for the night. It was just a dream but did you enjoy yourself anyway?



1 comment:

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joann: Great photos, I know you stayed there and your just teasing us.