A North Hills Olympic Experience
Lake Placid, Sarajevo, Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer, Nagano, Salt Lake City, and Turin are all places that hosted the Winter Olympics since I was born (not to date myself or anything). And I have only been to one of them, Lake Placid. Although to be honest, I went there in 2001 and in the summer. This year I’m adding another city to my list – Vancouver, the host of 2010 Winter Olympics.
This year is different though because I have found a way to join in the fun without leaving Raleigh, spending lots of money or dealing with the crowds. And all I have to do is to spend a day or two at North Hills.
So far I worked out the following itinerary:
I’d check into the new Renaissance Raleigh North Hills. I’ve heard lots of great stuff about their rooms (flat-screen TVs in the bathrooms were mentioned most often) and been looking for an opportunity to stay there.
Since I would have about 3 hours between the check-in and the Opening Ceremony, I thought I might use hotel’s complimentary pass to Gold’s Gym next door. I’d spend half an hour on a treadmill while imagining myself training for a cross-country race at Whistler Olympic Park.
My next stop would be at one of the two spas at North Hills – Natural Body Spa & Shop or Von Kekel Salon Spa. Both offer massages – something I would definitely need after my work-out – as well as facials (no, those don’t make me a better athlete, just a better-natured person).
With the Opening Ceremony only a few minutes away, I would stop by the Fox & Hound Restaurant for their Alpine Burger. The place boasts 28 TVs, 11 of those being big screen; so chances are good for me to catch the beginning of the Ceremony if I’m running late.
With the Games officially open, it’s time to celebrate. In keeping with the theme – sports and winter – I’m going to stop by Ben & Jerry’s, conveniently open ‘til 10pm on Fridays. Back in my room, I’d reflect on the day’s events, make myself a promise to make it to Sochi, Russia in 2014 and enjoy the hotel’s ultra-comfortable (or so I’ve heard) bed complete with luxury linens.
What do YOU plan on doing for this year’s Winter Olympics?
About the Author: Yelena McManaman of OneClickVA is a Social Media Specialist, helping small business owners implement their social media marketing strategist for measurable results.
Can’t Make It to Vancouver
Lake Placid, Sarajevo, Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer, Nagano, Salt Lake City, and Turin are all places that hosted the Winter Olympics since I was born (not to date myself or anything). And I have only been to one of them, Lake Placid. Although to be honest, I went there in 2001 and in the summer. This year I’m adding another city to my list – Vancouver, the host of 2010 Winter Olympics.
This year is different though because I have found a way to join in the fun without leaving Raleigh, spending lots of money or dealing with the crowds. And all I have to do is to spend a day or two at North Hills.
So far I worked out the following itinerary:
I’d check into the new Renaissance Raleigh North Hills. I’ve heard lots of great stuff about their rooms (flat-screen TVs in the bathrooms were mentioned most often) and been looking for an opportunity to stay there.
Since I would have about 3 hours between the check-in and the Opening Ceremony, I thought I might use hotel’s complimentary pass to Gold’s Gym next door. I’d spend half an hour on a treadmill while imagining myself training for a cross-country race at Whistler Olympic Park.
My next stop would be at one of the two spas at North Hills – Natural Body Spa & Shop or Von Kekel Salon Spa. Both offer massages – something I would definitely need after my work-out – as well as facials (no, those don’t make me a better athlete, just a better-natured person).
With the Opening Ceremony only a few minutes away, I would stop by the Fox & Hound Restaurant for their Alpine Burger. The place boasts 28 TVs, 11 of those being big screen; so chances are good for me to catch the beginning of the Ceremony if I’m running late.
With the Games officially open, it’s time to celebrate. In keeping with the theme – sports and winter – I’m going to stop by Ben & Jerry’s, conveniently open ‘til 10pm on Fridays. Back in my room, I’d reflect on the day’s events, make myself a promise to make it to Sochi, Russia in 2014 and enjoy the hotel’s ultra-comfortable (or so I’ve heard) bed complete with luxury linens.
Visit Ben & Jerry’s to start, then hit Starbucks to warm up (it is Winter, and I did just have ice cream). But opening ceremonies would not be at Fox & Hound… Based on the service I’ve had there (they are 2 for 2 on this front), if I stopped for something to eat for Opening Ceremonies, my food would arrive around the time Closing Ceremonies came around.
I enjoy being in the NH area, and am looking forward to the offerings of the newest section, but F&H is the one weak point.
Leave your response!