An Anniversary Getaway Surprise!

He had no idea where we were going. I’d just told him we were going away for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. I suggested a few things to pack, but tried to keep it vague so he wouldn’t figure out where I was taking him.

I have to say, the surprise element was a fun factor leading up to the weekend. He kept asking for hints, so I gave him a few to mull over.

1. It had something to do with “us.”
2. It was within driving distance.
3. We’d never been there before.

I think #3 threw him off because he assumed we were going to the beach where he’d proposed to me. Nope!

Going under the Walt Disney World arch completely baffled him because we’ve never done the Disney World thing without the boys. I loved that he still didn’t know…

Finally, we pulled into the beautiful Port Orleans Resort and he was stunned. The surprise was a success!

Our first kiss happened in New Orleans and we’ve returned for several Sugar Bowls and Mardi Gras, and our wedding reception had a Mardi Gras theme as well. So, if we couldn’t get all the way to Bourbon Street this year, I thought Port Orleans would be the perfect romantic getaway to celebrate us.

And it was. The property was gorgeous, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the food was amazing! (And we even found a perfect spot to watch the Gator basketball game!)

I wondered if it would be crowded and loud, being a family-friendly resort, but there were so many sweet, quiet spots that it did truly feel like a “getaway” from our crazy, busy (oftentimes loud) life. And our room was in Building 7, the farthest from the pool, so we definitely had the ideal location for a romantic retreat.

After the game, we spent the afternoon exploring the hotel, eating an incredible lunch, soaking up some sunshine, and walking along the river to visit the Port Orleans-Riverside. It was so nice having the French Quarter and Riverside properties connected by a beautiful walkway, and having access to all the restaurants, entertainment, shops, etc., of both.

(*I left my phone on a bench along the river, and someone immediately turned it in to the front desk! What a sweet gesture from a stranger! Two points for kindness!)

I made reservations for dinner at Boatwright’s over at the Riverside Resort. It was a cool, clear evening so the walk to and from was perfect. And we scraped our plates clean on every course! I should have taken pictures of the food but we were too busy enjoying it! I did snap a pic of the dessert because I had brought along two napkins from our wedding and wanted a sweet memory photo. And yes, the creme brulee was delicious!

After dinner and a hilarious piano/comedy show by Yehaa Bob, we made our way back to the French Quarter and sat by a quiet fountain in the courtyard of our building for some down time and sweet conversation … two things we don’t get a lot of in our house! 🙂

The next day was filled with a huge Nawlins breakfast at Sassagoula, a walk down the biking/jogging trail along the river, some time in the sunshine at the pool, a beignet sundae for two (and a large takeaway container of beignets for our boys), and a sweet farewell to the newest addition on our list of “us” spots.

I’m so glad we took the time, even if it was short and sweet, to celebrate our anniversary, our love, our friendship, our life together. It’s funny how stepping away from everything can make you realize how much you have.

Love (and make a getaway) more,

Dana