Hey y’all! I am excited to share our first ever “staycation” experience with my readers. This past weekend after I had 2 big launches on Friday, Grant and I decided to take a weekend to focus on rest and rejuvenation. I had launched my Christmas Decor Reveal blog as well as the Southern Jewlz Holiday Collection.

I have heard about staycations from other people, but I wanted to do ours locally in College Station, TX. I love to support local, plus it saves the drive time and makes the packing a little less stressful. Getting out of the house and away from my office would make me not have to do any work and truly spend quality downtime with my hubby.

Friday evening we headed to Cavalry Court in Century Square. It’s pet friendly, so Bucky got to come along with us! This totally meant he had to get his own bath robe (you can order here) for his very first staycation. Cavalry Court has a very 1960’s Barracks/Military feel that fits right in with the Core of Cadets aspect of Texas A&M University. It’s a one-of-a-kind retro boutique hotel right here in Aggieland. You may know of Lonestar Court in Austin, which is a similar property. We stayed in a suite that had a porch balcony, a living room, a kitchenette (with a legit remodeled refrigerator from the 1960’s), a bedroom, and a large bathroom with a claw tub. Being on the second floor, Bucky got to take his first ever elevator ride. He handled it like a champ! There is a courtyard, pool area and cabanas in the middle of the hotel where dogs are allowed to be outside.

For dinner, Grant and I headed down to the Cavalry Court Canteen to meet some local friends. We enjoyed the quail bites for appetizers, and then my entree was the Roast Beef Sliders made from local Beef raised at 44 Farms in Cameron, TX. (Fun fact: I actually got to go sort through the Angus cattle towards the beginning of 44 Farm’s operation opening while I was a member of the Livestock Judging Team at Texas A&M. This is when Grant would refer to me as “Rodeo Rhonda” lol). My drink of choice was the Reveille Margarita, even though I was secretly eyeing the rooter float. We listened to live music at the restaurant, and then headed outside to the campfire. Each guest receives a complimentary S’mores packet, and I couldn’t wait to make ours. We brought Bucky down to enjoy with us before we headed to bed rather early.

On Saturday morning we slept in! Then we headed back down to the Canteen where there was a beautiful complimentary spread of breakfast. We also ordered the steak omelette and pulled pork eggs benedict. Grant and I each liked each others so much that we actually switched! We then took our time over cups of coffee by the fire place before we headed back to grab Bucky.

We took Bucky touring around the Cavalry Court property with his little Aggie sweater because it was a little chilly. He was so friendly to everyone he met and we were so thankful he behaved well enough to be asked to come back!

Since The George Hotel is right across the street, we decided to stay there on Saturday night for a little different feel. Grant took Bucky home since it’s not a pet friendly hotel while I got us all checked in. I couldn’t wait to check out the exercise facility while I had a little time alone. They had a Helix Lateral Training machine, and even though I lift more weights than I do cardio these days, I couldn’t wait to try. This machine focuses on a full circular range of motion rather than the typical cardio machine that goes only front and back. This requires more work on all of the leg muscles. I ended up spending an hour and a half in the gym since I had no time constraint! With that hard of a work out, I was ready to cheat the diet. Then I met Grant back in the room for a nap before Dinner.

Grant loves the George Hotel. We got to do a bridal shoot there when it first opened and he fell in love with the Texas feel it has. When you walk in there is a huge Texas flag artwork composed all of books that all have something to do with the State of Texas. In the seating area, there’s a large rope wall that has all been stained in Texas Sweet Tea! Then past the front desk is the 1971 Whiskey Bar.

The Poppy Restaurant (named after George Bush’s nickname) was not yet open for us to go try for dinner, so we walked around Century Square to see all of the new shops and restaurants. We chose Blaze Pizza to each customize our own pizzas. I was so impressed with the quality, options and even the size of the pizza that we received for only $8! We brought them back to the lobby of The George to enjoy more live music. I love Christmas music and there was an old jazz blues band playing! We ordered drinks at the bar and socialized with local friends both old and new. My drink of choice was the sparkling rośe wine which I highly recommend. After I had my wine, I walked back to the Canteen to get that root beer float I had been eyeing. They even have a spiked version and if you’re a guest at Cavalry Court or The George, you are allowed to take it with you back to the hotel!

There was a football banquet happening at the convention hall of The George and I told Grant there was a slight chance we would get to meet the new head football coach. Then guess what? It really happened! Grant was so excited because he is legit the biggest Aggie football fan I know. I had to ask for a selfie even though Grant seemed shy. However, as soon as our meeting was over Grant was sending our photo to our family members right away.

On Sunday morning, we woke up to a beautiful balcony view over looking University Drive and Texas A&M University from our suite. It was actually the same suite that I had gotten ready in on the day of our bridal shoot at The George. We got dressed to take a few photos before we left. The staff was so hospitable the entire weekend, and they even helped us to take a few photos so I could have them for my blog to share with y’all!

It was so nice to get to experience some new amenities in town while also having a relaxing weekend with my husband! We will definitely staycation there again!

We enjoyed our Staycation so much that I want to give one lucky follower a chance to WIN one for themselves!g> Here’s your chance to win a 1 night pet-friendly stay excluding Holiday and Texas A&M Football Weekends.

To Enter:

1. Be sure to LIKE Cavalry Court on Facebook.

2. Either Share my Giveaway post on Facebook or Tag 2 friends on my Giveaway Post on Instagram. (For a bonus entry, do both!)



3. Or Tag 2 friends on my Giveaway Post on Instagram (For a bonus entry, do both!)

4. Comment below (on this blog) why you want to win this giveaway.

Winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day, February 14! Prize must be redeemed within 1 calendar year. Good luck!

Here is our little Bucky Bulldog with the Owner’s two beautiful Australian Shepherds! This place is a dog’s dream get away place and the staff is so welcoming and loving to the fur children!

xo,