Our group was looking forward to Thanksgiving in the Castle. Once in a lifetime opportunity, right?

We started the morning splitting up: The Grays and Hubby went on a distillery tour. Did you know that if you are driving (or not drinking) and you go on such a tour, they give you all the samples in adorable little beakers to enjoy later?

 

 

My brother, myself and little opted to head to the kid-friendly Landmark Forest Park. We were surprised to find that it was closed due to ice after seeing it advertised many times as “open all year.” There was one fun indoor activity open – the Bamboolzeleum. It was full of camera obscuras, optical illusions, etc.

We were home by noon and ready to begin our feast. The Grays had procured a turkey and my brother had managed to find some great vegan options for his partner to cook up. (I kid – kind of.) We had a great feast and enjoyed each other’s company in the vaulted kitchen of a castle built in 1598. Adulting success!

After dessert and dinner 2.0, the girls decided to walk up to Muckrach Country House to enjoy the lodge, which was dolled up in the most beautiful Christmas gear and had special holiday bevvies to serve. I don’t normally enjoy scotch but on this occasion I had a Scotch Hot Chocolate – perfect to warm me up before the long walk back to the castle in the cold and under the stars.