Saturday, July 19, 2008

Have You Ever Longed for a Romantic Getaway?



Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/. (Don't forget to double click the photos for a larger view, then use your back button to return to the blog.)


If you've ever longed for a romantic getaway, I've found the place. During our trip from Florida back home to Michigan, we decided to spend the night at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. This was the original Chattanooga Depot and is now a wonderful spot to enjoy many hours.


Although they have three hotels connected with this location, we opted to stay in an old train car which has been made into an amazing Victorian bedroom with all the modern conveniences. Notice the lovely decor but also the authentic luggage racks near the ceiling with the individual lights.





In this view, you can see the hallway that leads to the entrance and the bathroom. Can't you just image being swept away on an amazing journey in a place like this.



Besides the interesting bedroom cars, they have a restaurant called Dinner in the Diner. It's set around white gazebo and small tables like a garden party. It's a dining car with 50s decor and another lovely place called The Garden where we had breakfast. You can also enjoy a real garden which feature elegant flower beds and flowering trees, fountains and gazebos. We wandered around before dinner and after our meal we sat in the garden and had an ice cream cone.



We opted for dinner at the Station House which was once the baggage storage area. Besides a great meal, they have continual entertainment from the wait-staff who sing all kinds of music in duets, solos, and small groups, music most would love from romantic love songs to folk music to Christian gospel. You can't go wrong.


The next morning it was time to say goodbye. Don't miss this romantic trip if you ever get to Chattanooga. Lovely surroundings, history, music, good food, and the chance to sleep in an old train car decorated like a Victorian bedroom. Nothing wrong with that. Isn't life all about romance?

5 comments:

Anita Mae Draper said...

Hey Gail, the photos are fab. I'm a history buff - might be why I write historicals, eh?

The most exposure I've had on a locomotive like you show is just out side Winnipeg, Manitoba. I think it was called the Prairie Dog Central or something. It only went about 20 mls outside the city then turned around and came back, but the whole thing lasted about 3 hrs or so. It was fantastic. They hadn't updated the hard seats or anything. Everything was bumping and swaying. I still remember the chugging along and listening to the wood creak. Great!

I can't wait to meet you in Minn where I'll be taking in your session.

Have a God day!

Janet Tronstad said...

Oh, Gail -- That sounds like my kind of place. Very unique.

Lyn Cote said...

Loved the photos, Gail!

Gail Gaymer Martin said...

Glad you all enjoyed the photos. Truly this is a fun place with lots to do and enjoy. Anita Mae - it is fun to try out an old railroad car. I've traveled by modern trains but I've had opportunities, like you, to ride an old locomotive with the smoke billowing past the passenger windows. Truly fun. I look forward to meeting you in Minneapolis.
Blessings,
Gail

Lyn Cote said...

Hi Anita Mae,
I didn't realize that you were a writer too. How lovely! I'll be in Minneapolis too. I'll be watching for you.
Lyn