The World Equestrian Center
On the way home from our son’s wedding in December, we stopped for a few hours at the World Equestrian Center after hearing that they had a spectacular Christmas event. We were blown away by this establishment. Besides being decorated to the hill for Christmas, it had the most beautiful luxury hotel, horse arena, toy store, and bakery. On top of all that it had a brand new RV park on the property too. We knew we would be back with the Airstream and this would be our new favorite place to go - a home away from home.
Since the New Year we have already been back twice and it is only the beginning of March. Everything about this place is a gem. I’m not sure where to begin to tell you about it as there are so many nuggets to it. But since we bring our Airstream - Roamin’ Holiday - let start at the RV park.
Once you come thru the gates you will stop in front of the general store, hop out and go to the back of the store. It is there that you will be greeted and assigned your site number and pick up a property map. The map, however, is even better on your iPhone - so scan the map bar code with your camera and an integrated property map will come up - it is there that you can see menus and make reservations too.
As I was heading out of the store - I made note that this is the place to get anything from pancake mix, extension cords to a Starbucks latte and homemade muffins. We then went to our site and unhooked the hitch and set up the Airstream trailer. It has full hookups. Since our trailer has a big picture window in the back - we learned to ask for a site that has no one parked behind us so we can have the shades open and enjoy the view.
In addition to the general store, the RV park also has a great laundry facility and wonderful bathrooms with showers. The only thing I wish that it had there was a dog park for the dogs to run free, but Selah and Sebi had a wonderful time walking the grounds with us.
One thing you must do is rent a golf cart at the general store. It you are there for only one night - just rent it for a couple hours and take it back before heading to bed to save some money. However, if you are staying longer get it for the entire time. It makes your stay so much easier and more fun to get around.
Since it is an equestrian center - you are going to see lots of horse enthusiasts with their horse trailers and horses. Some come and stay for months. It is truly their home away from home as they compete. The property is full of horse stalls and competition and event centers. Remember as you are whipping around that the horses have the right away.
Our favorite place to see the horses is outside the Stirrups Restaurant. You can watch them jump from your table. The food here is first class. We had dinner and breakfast and both were outstanding. My favorite part was the blueberry compote that arrives with the bread while you wait for your food. It is so delicious - If I had just that I would be a very happy girl. But the French toast was amazing too.
On the topic of eating - it also has many other options: Filo’s Mexican Cantina, Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria and Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop as well as the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden for the pub experience. We tried nearly every quick place and by far Ralph’s cheeseburger was tops as well as their homemade fries and chips. For dessert, head to either the Miss Tilly’s Lollipops for ice cream or homemade fudge or Emma’s Patisserie inside the Equestrian for donuts, cookies and a latte. Lee loves the powdered sugar donuts and I’m crazy for the chocolate chip cookies and of course a cappuccino.
We had a glimpse of the spa and will definitely be checking it out the next time we are there. The idea of a hair wash and blow dry while camping sounds amazing. But a massage or a pedicure would be great too.
Now for the hotel, It is absolutely the most beautiful hotel that I have ever been in and we have seen lots of 5 star hotels. It is beautifully decorated in black and white with marble floors, vaulted ceilings and a huge gorgeous fireplace. The artwork is incredible. As dog lovers, there are framed pictures of every breed across the walls. You could spend hours just in the lobby looking at all the splendid pictures. We have not seen the rooms but from seeing the lobby, I’m sure they are gorgeous too. I did learn some overlook the arena and you can upgrade and see the horse competitions from your room. But I’m sure there is nothing like being down with all the action.
The spa and the bakery that I mentioned earlier are in the hotel. But it also boasts the Lugano Diamonds jewelry store, a boutique featuring apparel and gifts and a toy store for the kids. Around the arena there are also stores for riding gear and boots. And more stores will be popping up on the property in the future.
The hotel also has a beautiful pool and pool bar for the adults and a kiddie pool for the little ones. It also has a volleyball court. But the most precious building is the little chapel a few steps from the hotel. It was closed all three times we were there but the landscape surrounding it was so beautiful and peaceful. The perfect place to take a stroll or to get married.
We will be back again soon so you may see us there with Selah and Sebi. You will absolutely love this place. It is one for your bucket list and could very much be your home away from home too.
Blessings,
Cara