Celebrating a Birthday Milestone
Earlier this week Kelly turned 4-0. Ten years ago I was the fairly new girlfriend at his 30th birthday celebration and just like that I’m the wife of seven years, three kids in tow, planning for the big FOUR – OH! We always planned to take a big trip to Ireland to celebrate the occasion…it’s a country most avid golfers have on their list – but like countless others, plans were put on hold (thank you, 2020).
We visited Barnsley as a family back in July and for a romantic getaway this past February. Our July trip gave us the upmost confidence in how the resort is handling COVID-19, so we knew it would be a great place for another 2020 escape. Barnsley has become our home-away-from-home at just an hour’s drive – so we booked a sitter, called a few friends and returned for a quick overnight.
Activities for the Occasion
We come to Barnsley at least three times a year, and there’s no shortage of things to do. But I wanted to do something extra special this round to make Kelly feel celebrated. We booked time at the Beretta Shooting Grounds, which sits on 3,000 acres of the historic southern estate. With a few friends in tow, we opted to shoot clays at their 5-stand. It’s perfect for small groups of beginners and we had an absolute blast! Our instructor was amazing and a little friendly competition set the day off to a great start. We aren’t always able to fit this type of experience in with the three kids in tow – but I highly recommend it if you’re able.
Golf was obviously on the birthday boy’s list – the Jim Fazio-designed course is one of his favorites. So much so, that before kids – he would drive up every Saturday for a standing tee time! I have little interest in playing myself, but the course is so beautiful with it’s mountain views that I often sit shotgun in the golf cart with a mimosa. This time, I sent Kelly off with the boys and enjoyed coffee and my book by the fire.
Celebrating with Friends
One of my favorite parts about Barnsley is how easy the resort makes it to gather with friends and family – but still have your own space. We’re in a phase of life where we so rarely get time alone to chat without little ones interrupting, that even if we are including friends in a celebration – I want some quiet time with Kelly.
We opted to stay in one of the cottages, but our friends wanted to check out the Inn. We’d rendezvous at the fire-pits outside and then head our separate directions at the end of the evening. If you’re looking to visit with friends or family in a COVID-friendly way, this is a terrific option. Now that our family boasts nine children between my sister and brother-in-law, we’ve got Barnsley on our mind for our next reunion – there’s not a single home elsewhere that’s big enough to accommodate that chaos!
For Kelly’s birthday dinner, the Woodlands Grill set up a private meal for us in the wine library. We must have enjoyed more than 50 meals at the Woodlands Grill over the last 1o years, but they made the occasion feel unique and the man of the hour celebrated tucking us away in such a cozy setting.
The Resort at Christmas
Even though we’re Barnsley regulars, we had a first this visit…Christmas! We’ve never visited the resort so close to the holidays and it was gorgeous. If you can sneak away for a night or two this month, do it. I often get asked the best season to visit Barnsley – and the honest answer is all of them! Each season has something to offer and in December, the lights at the ruins and cozy firepits are king!
You can take advantage of their Warm + Cozy promotion and get a $100 activity credit. Go ahead and bookmark this page for all their promotions – they have so much to offer whether you’re looking for a guys’ golf trip, romantic getaway or babymoon.
Writing this post sent me down a rabbit hole of old pictures from past trips at Barnsley and now that I’m refreshed after a kid-free getaway, I’m eager to return with the whole crew (our four-legged daughter, too!).
Thank you for another wonderful trip, Barnsley. I fall more in love with you every visit!