If you could give your children just a few minutes of “normalcy” this year, would you take it? We did. We escaped to Skytop Lodge for a few days and it allowed us to enjoy time away from the walls of our home.
Up until the minute we got into our car, the kids had no idea that we were going. We got into the car and my son was confused as to why we were in the car when he had school that day. We then told them that we were going on a trip. They were so excited. My son turned to his sister and said, “we are going on vacation, aren’t you excited.”
Upon arrival at Skytop Lodge, we were greeted by the staff who told us to leave our bags in the car. Robert told me that he would take care of everything and would bring our bags right to our room. This was ideal because with a family of 5 and all of our bags, it can be a lot. The kids also were so excited and wanted to take a tour of the resort. It was Christmas week while we were there and they felt like they were in Santa’s Workshop.
Skytop Lodge is completely decked out for Christmas. Garland and bright red bows border the landscape leading to Skytop Lodge. It looks like a winter wonderland with snow covered trees and rooftops. Then you drive to the main entrance and are automatically captivated by the breathtaking lodge. The exterior of the building has a huge Christmas tree with gifts and Santa’s sleigh. The entrance has a garland cascading the door, lit reindeer and a tree. When you enter the doors, every way you turn, you see decorated Christmas trees. The ceilings have lights and garland hanging. It is pure magic and still gives me the chills thinking about the pure beauty in every inch of the resort.
When you think you have seen it all, you then see a giant gingerbread house in the middle of the lobby. There is a life-size gingerbread house that has become a tradition at the lodge. Each year, the lodge decorates a brand new house that is full edible. It was built and decorated with more than 3,000 pounds of fresh gingerbread, over 300 pounds of icing, and approximately 150 pounds of candy. This year’s gingerbread house was available for viewing beginning November 29.
When we got into our room, there were two bottles of cold milk on the table with freshly baked and decorated cookies. The kids sat right down and enjoyed their treat. You can just tell how happy they were from the smile that stayed on throughout the entire trip. The room also had a beautifully decorated tree for Christmas. We were able to get two adjoining rooms, which was the perfect amount of space for us. The room also included a refrigerator, which is a must with kids (also beneficial for moms with little ones).
Activities
Skytop Lodge featured many family activities during our stay including: ice skating, crafts on the hour, Christmas cookies and hot cocoa, tea time, Santa parade, campfires and a yule log ceremony and a hayride tour. There is also a beautiful outdoor area for drinking a cup of coffee and so the kids can run around. While restrictions were in place during our stay, we felt very safe and can’t wait to go back when they are lifted and able to provide all their activities.
Dining
For our stay, we chose the Holiday Cheer Package for our stay, which included a fully decorated Christmas tree and a delivery of milk and cookies. We also received breakfast in our room every morning. I put in a call at 7:30 in the morning with our order and it was delivered at 7:45. You had the choice to pick up your meal or have it delivered to your room. The portion size was perfect. The kids enjoyed the fresh fruit, Cinnamon Bun French Toast and Buttermilk Pancakes.
Thank you
Skytop Lodge is definitely a place to begin a family tradition. We cannot wait to go back and the kids continue to ask when we are going every day since we left.
