I'm a Travel Advisor and will always encourage my clients to seek adventure outside their comfort zone; However, sometimes mini adventures are best found inside our own towns. The husband and I found such an adventure tonight at The Restaurant at RT Lodge in our hometown. It just happens that this is the restaurant that belongs to the Boutique Inn where we got married, and we happen to think it is one of the best upscale restaurants in the area. The ambiance is incredible (the way this place smells when you walk in just takes me to a different state of mind - it's masculine, relaxing, and stately), the service is impeccable, and the food is an amazing mix of classic French and Appalachian fare. Chef Trevor Stockton works his magic with local produce and meats on his seasonal menu and we've never had a bad meal here. If you're looking for gluten free options or have other food allergies, the staff at the Lodge can definitely handle any special needs you might have!

I absolutely adore these gorgeous Spode Woodland Dinnerware. They also utilize the Spode Delamere Collection throughout the meal. It's the little things that add to the overall ambiance and luxury of the RT Lodge.

We decided to treat ourselves and ordered the Crispy Hashbrown with creme fraiche, chives, and Osetra Caviar. This may have been a mistake because it was AMAZING and will now be something we want to order each time we visit.

After the baked oysters, caviar, and entrees (pan roasted chicken breast for me, pork schnitzel for the husband), we were too full for dessert. BUT, fear not...The RT Lodge always has S'mores supplies at the ready by their wonderful fire pit. We ordered some after dinner drinks to enjoy by the fire and munched on some S'mores while sipping on our postprandial beverages.

We took an after dinner walk around the grounds of the Lodge. There are walking paths you can meander around the property with plenty of English Ivy, wildflowers, and even a pond with plenty of koi that will come visit with you!

And last, but not least, for your viewing pleasure...The scene of the crime, where it all started, and all of those silly clichès - the husband and I in the same location, different years. 2015 in the wedding photo, 2024 in the other.