Staycation

There. I used the word that I hate. Staycation. I've heard that word so much lately in the media that I've come to cringe at its every utterance. Hubby and I finally crumbled and decided to take a night "away" from our Durham home and baby Caleb to travel the not-so-long distance to North Durham.
We had the rare opportunity to do so because we have been spoiled this summer with live-in childcare from our respective mothers – Grammie (Debbie) and Mimi (Maria). They are the most wonderful women in the world for making our lives so much easier these past two months.
The culmination of our summer with such valuable childcare was marked with hubby's and my staycation to The Arrowhead Inn, a bed and breakfast in North Durham.

Built in 1775, the inn sits on six acres of beautiful landscaped property and parts of the home are still original. It is the only AAA Four Diamond and Select Registry property in the Triangle.

Hubby and I chose the Benson Room, one of the manor house's original rooms. We really liked the fireplace and jacuzzi tub in the room.

We were invited to enjoy snacks right after check-in. We especially enjoyed the fresh baked cookies while sitting under the shade of a 200-year-old magnolia tree.

Then hubby and I explored the grounds.

Hubby and I played horseshoes while sipping a nice white wine. Side note: I am beyond horrible at horseshoes.

We then got ready for our elegant tasting dinner, which was prepared by chef and owner Phil Teber.

First course: Shrimp Pernod

Second course: Arugula salad with tomatoes, almond, shaved parmesan, and lemon vinagrette

Third course: A mango sorbet intermezzo

Fourth course: Garlic crusted rack of lamb and Filet of Beef in Roasted Shallot sauce, Roasted asparagus, Lemon stuffed tomatoes with boursin cheese, Arrownaise potatoes, corn casserole

Fifth course: Decadent flourless chocolate cake with caramel sauce

And Panna Cotta with Fresh berries

Breakfast the next morning was fresh fruit...

Homemade vegetable quiche, spinach sausage, roasted mushrooms and tomatoes, and brie.

Hubby and I were so impressed with this visit we are now big fans of the Arrowhead Inn, and its owners Phil and Gloria Teber.
They recommended we drive up the Indian Trading Path (Mason Road) into Hillsborough after checkout for a scenic drive before heading home.

We saw some beautiful sights as a grand finale of our night/day away. What a staycation!!