Into the Woods

Looking for a fun getaway with the girls or a relaxing couples’ weekend away from the wedding chaos? I think I may have a solution: Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Nestled in the woods of Connecticut, this resort features everything you could possibly need for a weekend away. I recently visited this property for a Ladies’ Weekend and it was amazing!

I stayed at the Grand Pequot Tower, one of four hotels at Foxwoods, which also includes the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. After I explored the nooks and crannies of my room, I decided to climb into my bed and rest a little before meeting everyone for cocktails. Let’s just say it was one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever been in—made it very difficult to leave my room.

My oh-so comfy beds. No, I didn't jump from one to another--but I was tempted.

A view of the other side of the room.

The view from my window.

I took this pic while I was waiting for the elevator. Look at all those trees!

I eventually made my way to the hotel’s award-winning restaurant Paragon. Chef Scott Mickelson delivered a delicious meal. I chose the Lobster Chowder and Petite Black Angus Filet with Truffled Duxelles, Haricots Vert Forestière, Olive Oil and Whipped Celery Root. Another favorite at the table was the Black Sesame White Tuna with Fresh Chilies, Pickled Ginger, Yuzu and Daikon Slaw. Everything was amazing. I think everyone pretty much cleaned off their plates.

Next on our Ladies’ Weekend itinerary was the New Kids on the Block concert at the MGM Grand Theater. Yes, you read that right—I attended an NKTOB concert and it was fun! Although I didn’t recognize many of their new songs, they did sing all the great oldies. It seemed like every person in that theater was up on her feet the entire time, screaming and singing along. And yes, I’ll admit it…I may have bobbed my head and mouthed the words to “Hangin’ Tough”—how can you not?!

The countdown before the concert.

The New Kids on the Block doing their thing on stage.

During the concert each member positioned themselves at various points in the theater. My section got Joey McIntyre. You can kind of see him in the middle next to the woman's outstretched arm.

After the concert, we made our way to the Scorpion Bar, Shrine and Hard Rock Café. If a fun bachelorette weekend is what you’re looking for, Foxwoods provides some great nightlife options. From concerts, to clubs to bars to the casino—there’s so much to do. On this particular night, we were able to attend an after-party at Hard Rock Café that was being hosted by Donnie Wahlberg—and yes, I did get my picture taken with him. Unfortunately, the whole thing happened so quickly I wasn’t able to make sure the camera caught my best side. So instead of posting that photo, here’s one of Donnie hanging out with his fans:

Special thanks to Julie for standing on a chair and taking this pic for me. It was a great way to end my week of celebrity sightings.

The next morning I made a visit to The Norwich Spa at Foxwoods for a mani and much-needed pedi. After an entire night of walking in heels, my feet definitely needed to be pampered. The spa is pretty amazing and they offer a whole menu of massages and services. Treat yourself and your guy to a couples massage or get ready for a big night out and get your hair and makeup done at the salon. A couple of the girls got facials and a blow-out before our girls’ night out and they looked fabulous.

We finished off the weekend with a very delicious brunch buffet at Michael Schlow’s Alta Strada at the MGM Grand. After a night out, I was definitely in need of something to eat. They had everything from French toast to chicken parm and it was all so good.

Foxwoods has so much to see and do, you can easily create a trip that caters to your vacation style. Love shopping? Visit the shopping concourse, which features stores like Activa, Bvlgari and Swarovski. Enjoy being outdoors? There are trails for hiking and the Lake of Isles golf course nearby. Interested in a more educational experience? Visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center or take a look at the Titanic Exhibition going on until October 3. Don’t want to do a thing? Lounge around at one of their pools and leave your wedding worries behind.

If this sounds like something you desperately need, check out foxwoods.com and start planning your weekend away!

A big thank you goes out to Foxwoods' PR team, Julie, Nicole and Alicia, for a memorable and fun-filled weekend—it was exactly what I needed.

guest blogger: Lori Francisco, Managing Editor