holy moly!. vacation is all about escaping reality, getting away from it all. this is exactly what you get the second you drive ontoresortlands. the drive is long and winding, the wildlife is plentiful (we got to several coyotes, rabbits, and deer), the valet is engaging (and certainly seems like he's actually happy to see you), and theresortentry is quite possibly one of the most relaxing places on the planet.
when you enter the restaurant area you are immediately treated like royalty. talk about checking out of reality! it doesn't matter who you are, if you're there these folks are treating you like a million bucks. yes, you're paying a serious tab for your meal, but it's well worth it.
the service is excellent, the food is excellent, and the view is unimaginably amazing. get a reservation for right around sunset and they open the drapes and let mother earth put on a show. as the sun falls beyond the horizon, the night takes over and is equally as gorgeous.
the food is like nothing you'd expect if you live in the midwest. keep an open mind, and get ready to have your taste buds pushed. you will walk away wishing you could eat like this everyday. each course is perfectly sized. at first you think you're not getting nearly enough food. and it's all so good that you want to keep eating more. but by the end of the experience you feel perfectly satiated, rather than bursting at the seams.
be sure to check ahead of time. there is about a 4-6 week period during the summer when they close down. i think they use this time to do research, recharge their creative juices, and build the new menu for the coming season.
think i can talk the family into going back? i sure hope so!