As I look outside, there are still tiny signs of snow on the ground, so I found it fitting to share a little about our latest trip to Snowshoe, WVa. 

For many of you reading this, your family may be regulars on the slopes. However, you might be interested in new idea on a place to consider when booking your next trip.

Snowshoe, WVa is just over three hours from Roanoke, VA. In the car, that equals to about two “shows” according to our 5 year old daughter Charlotte.

As a little girl our family grew up skiing with my parents out west, and ski school was just part of what you did. This is where you learned “Pizza” for stopping and “French Fries” for going.

To this day, I can remember the mini white chocolate candy bars given to us as we would go up the ski lift. I also remember the time I failed to get off the ski lift with my Dad. I think I had to ride back down the entire thing alone…not awesome.

My little sister, Kristin and me at Snowmass in Aspen, CO on a family trip. 

When we decided to plan our trip this year, we knew my Dad (who will be turning 70 this year) had to be a part of the planning. For the last 10 years or so, he and his buddies would go out to Big Sky, Montana for a week’s trip. Dad could not wait to go with us and ski with his 5 year old granddaughter, Charlotte.

As a Mom, one of the biggest challenges when planning a trip like this was finding the “right” place to stay. Before Stephen and I had kids, most places we stayed weren’t exactly the nicest, and often times there will be a lingering smell of mildew and sweat from the snow sport. Again, this was well before kids, and we really didn’t care!

When we found Soaring Eagle 102, we knew it was going to be perfect for our family and here is why…

This 2 bedroom - 2 bathroom condo is located at The Top of The World at Snowshoe…which is well…at the very top of the Snowshoe Mountain.

When researching, we realized that the condo was conveniently located on the first floor of the building, and it came with all the amenities you would like to have in a weekend getaway space without even having to think about skiing. Especially when taking children, you have to consider that you might end up spending more time inside that you might think. Of course, these are things we Mom’s think about.

Being on the first floor, it was so nice to be close to things like the heated covered parking garage, locker room for gear storage, rental and retail shops, trash disposal area, the on-site restaurant, three outdoor hot tubs, a gym, sauna, treatment room for massages and the Soaring Eagle Hearth Room and Bar.

Y’all, the Soaring Eagle Hearth Room and Bar was BEAUTIFUL! All you needed was a good book, a blanket and a hot cup of tea to chill in this space. I immediately imagined how beautiful a small, intimate wedding there would be.

Charlotte checking out the view inside the Soaring Eagle Hearth Room.

Other things that I found especially impressive about the Soaring Ridge 102 condo were the spacious kitchen and dining area. There was plenty of room for all of us to sprawl out. I loved how the kitchen was open, updated and there wasn’t anything they didn’t already have there! IT WAS CLEAN and overall just incredibly well kept.

Spacious kitchen area

The spacious living/dining area with the fireplace and large TV.

It was also magical to have the gas log fireplace to use when we wanted! Oh and of course a washer and dryer is ALWAYS a crucial tool. Can I get an AMEN!?

The bedrooms each had separate bathrooms and are located on the opposite sides of the condo. Another thing awesome thing to point out was that the rooms had blackout shades…so important for when nap time rolls around. Then another thing we never had to worry about noise in this building!

Master Bedroom

Mater Bathroom that included a shower and large tub. 

Then we move on to quite possibly the best part…

Yall…the view was breathtaking. It was the most incredible view I have ever seen in all of my visits to Snowshoe. The back balcony sits directly in front of the Soaring Eagle ski lift, and it was so cool to see everyone coming down the lift throughout the weekend!

Soaring Ridge ski lift just off the balcony. 

Beautiful sunrise

Again...so beautiful!

It was so beautiful to see the sun come up and go down each day. I loved catching up with my Dad who I haven’t seen in months. Watching our daughter in ski school - doing her thing is a moment that makes me smile. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings that our God has given to us was such a gift. Personally, I think bouncing around to the different outdoor hot tubs with the family WHILE it was snowing might have been my favorite moments in the entire weekend.

Charlotte and I enjoying the hot tub while it was snowing!

Charlotte ready to get after it!

BuckDawg (Dad), me and Stephen on the ski lift. 

Charlotte and Daddy off to Ski School (it's so worth it!)

Last night after supper. 

Kids or no kids ...skiing or not, I believe most of us can appreciate these qualities of this beautiful condo when considering a weekend get-away. The owners were lovely to work with and would love for you to check out this property during your next visit to Snowshoe. If booked, mention that you read this review and you'll receive 10% OFF your stay! 

Follow this link to check out the full property listing: https://www.vrbo.com/329241

xoxo,

Saralyn 

What is...The Well?!

I know…we all have our stigmas and hang ups with social media.

Yes, it can be a total rabbit hole, a distraction, a place for rants, bullying and often times….nothingness. Or it can help connect you to like-minded people, inspire you, help you, and sometimes show you places that you don’t even KNOW that you NEED to be.

I couple of months ago was surfing around on Instagram and saw a simple post – “The Well - It’s Tonight!” I had NO idea what this was, but I was intrigued. I took a look at the followers on The Well account and there were a couple friends that I knew, so I reached out to them about it.

That is exactly how I found The Well.

Just discovering The Well, I was unable to attend the gathering in January. Looking back on photos, it was a packed house at the Grandin CoLab and the energy looked AMAZING! I KNEW I had to attend the next gathering!

The Well is a monthly night of worship, fellowship and truth for women. It’s a chance to be refreshed and experience living water. The Well is inter-denominational and not affiliated with any one church. There is an awesome piece of scripture that is inspired for the name of this group gathering for women:

John 4:14 - “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

At the February gathering, I felt just that and more!

I decided to go with one of my best friends who is a strong Christian and someone I look up to, especially when it comes to her walk with Jesus. We were both greeted with open arms and hugs at the door. Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and color were in attendance. Each of us took a name tag and enjoyed the lovely spread of snacks and drinks!

With one of my best friends, Randi Earls! Enjoying an evening away from the babes!

The beautiful ladies in attendance at The Well at the Grandin CoLab!

There is a leadership and prayer team at The Well. Once everyone was settled; one of the members of the leadership team greeted us and opened up in prayer. She was super bubbly and her love for the Lord was so contagious.

The Well Leadership Team Member, Sarah Rachel Janney welcoming everyone. 

There was a beautiful praise band that literally brought me to tear up more than once during the gathering. The three girls singing where AMAZING! They have the most angelic voices – you could actually FEEL their love for the words pouring out to us.

I cannot fully describe it, but there was the sweetest energy there! I know that everyone had to feel the same way I felt. What we were feeling was God’s presence.

The beautiful and talented Praise Team!

It was time for the speaker to hop up on stage, and that is when I realized that I left my notebook at home. I NEVER leave the house without my notebook, and I was so mad that I couldn’t take notes! On this night, I didn’t need to take notes; I needed to just listen…

The speaker was a tiny, beautiful mother of three boys and she wanted to talk to us about Fear. During her talk, she walked us through what it looked like not to have confidence in God to get us through our fears.  

The Well Leadership Team Member and Speaker, Abby McClellan.

·       How many times have I been afraid, scared or anxious and not leaned into God to help me with that situation? 

·       How often do we get caught up in the “what if’s” of life or thing we can do it all on our own?

·       How many times have you gone to another substance to cover up the fear or pain?

·       How often have you woken up feeling shameful or sad because you didn’t rely on Him to get you through the fear?

I can certainly relate.

By relying on God, she shared how she no longer has to be afraid, anxious, dependant or shameful. This girl and her vulnerability captivated me and sent my wheels into motion. She was phenomenal!

In closing, there were 4 questions put up for us to ponder over:

1.     Have you experienced God radically change your life? If so, how does knowing and remembering His faithfulness change you?

2.     If this is the first time you have heard about God’s love, what would stop you from taking that step in believing it?

3.     If you know and believe in God, do you let the truth that: He Loves You No Matter What, be the anchor for how you operate daily? (Interactions with others, decisions, etc.)

4.     In what ways has God made you brave?

I am personally still thinking about these answers as I type them out. Maybe one day I will dive in and share them with you.

More people have to hear stories like hers! More women must come to The Well and hear these amazing stories of struggle and good news!

The next gathering is Tuesday, March 27 at the Grandin CoLab at 7:00pm.

For more information, follow them on Instagram at @thewellroanoke and on Facebook at The Well Roanoke!

The Well Instgram and Facebook pages

I welcome any thoughts or questions you may have about The Well! You may also email them at thewellroanoke@gmail.com! 

Maybe we can go together in a couple of weeks! I hope to see you and your friends there!

xoxo,

Saralyn