The 4th of July is celebrated by Americans with fireworks, BBQ's, parades and outdoor fun. Today marks the 245th year of our independence from King George III and Great Britain. This Americanized country is relatively young when we think about the settlements in Europe that are thousands of years old. Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence? It is worth taking the short period of time necessary to review this important document. Click here to read! Here is an excerpt.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
These are the principles that our government and country were founded upon. It is a foundation of strength and fairness for all. Happy 4th of July to everyone!
Touring The Grand Hotel
Last week I took a tour of the iconic The Grand Hotel in Point Clear. I am visiting sites for a business conference I plan to host in 2022. This property opened in 1847 and has just undergone a recent renovation. It has a huge conference center that is ideal for business meetings. In addition to the space, the staff offers a variety of team building events including cooking class, s'mores around the fire pit and a boat regatta competition.
Guests can enjoy a full service spa, golf, tennis, horseback riding and numerous other amenities at this luxury resort. The hotel is open to full capacity and is welcoming families and business travelers back to the space. The staff of this hotel is well versed in luxury language and they are quick to greet everyone as they meander around the hotel.
If you have never visited The Grand Hotel, I suggest you book a spa treatment and enjoy an escape to this historic property. In fact, you can pay a small fee to use the spa facility for the day without booking a service. Click here for more information.
Another option is to have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants on the premises. Reservations are strongly recommended for evening dining. The hotel is fully booked at this time so actually staying on the property may not be possible in the near future. Of course, cancellations happen, so checking in regularly is a good idea.
It is amazing that a luxury resort of this caliber is nestled along Mobile Bay. I completely understand why people from all over the world book a stay at this hotel. It reminds me of The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. with the central fireplace and cozy seating for guests. It is definitely worth a visit as a guest, a spa guest or as a diner! Enjoy! (Please note: at this time The Grand Hotel is not pet friendly however The Grove Park Inn does welcome dogs)!
Adventures with Adrienne
Adrienne Tate, travel expert and owner of Unique Destinations is going to be a guest contributor to the blog. She will be sharing some amazing travel tips. As the world opens back up to adventure there are some things that you need to know.
When traveling to a destination where COVID tests, travel Authorization forms and any other preapproved documentation is needed, make multiple copies and staples each set together. You will probably have to show it 2 or 3 times through the duration of your trip. If it is stapled together, it will keep you from having to scramble to get it together. It makes the process easier and quicker when there is a line either at the check in counter at the airline or the health protocol officials in your final destination. Travel Document holders come in real handy for this. It holds your passports/IDs, travel documents (i.e., COVID tests, boarding passes, and etc.).
Whenever traveling, if you are checking a bag make sure you have a set of clothes in a carry on. This is for a few different reasons. What if your baggage is delayed or lost? At least you will have one set of your own clothes to change into until your baggage is located or you have time to purchase additional items needed. What if you arrive at your final destination and your baggage is not delivered to your room in a timely manner. You can pack a bathing suit or other clothes to change into out of the clothes you travel in. Especially if you are traveling in long sleeves and pants and you are in a tropical destination.
Flight Attendants are your friends. Show them love when you fly, especially when during this crazy times. When I fly, I bring goodies and snacks for the flight attendants. I bring M&Ms, Skittles, trail mixes for them to snack on throughout the day. They really appreciate it, and it makes your flight a lot better. All by just being nice.
How do you get in touch with Adrienne? meetdaboss.com/uniquedestinations
Medicare 101 with Jessica Zoltek
Jessica Zoltek of Healthcare Resource Center would like to invite you to her Medicare 101 seminar on Tuesday, July 13th at 10AM. This FREE session will be held at the AlaCoast Insurance Agency's conference room, 4430 Government Street in Mobile. Call to reserve your spot at 225-751-5434.
Topics include:
Basic Medicare Coverage
Eligibility requirements for extra help
Education on supplemental insurance
Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plans
Mark your calendar and make plans to attend this information meeting. Jessica is ready to answer your questions and guide you to the right coverage. Open enrollment starts in the fall!
July has started out as a rainy one along the Gulf Coast. Fortunately the temperatures are not in the 100's like so many parts of the country. Most residents are used to the oppressing humidity of our summers and we tolerate the mid-90's with loads of sweet tea and air conditioning! I hope everyone is enjoying the freedom of travel, spending time with friends and a long holiday weekend! ~ Charlsie