Prose & Company

Barnsley Resort | A Summer Tradition

Our visits to the Barnsley Resort over the 4th of July each year have become a special family tradition!

We are counting down the days until we make that scenic drive North. I’m sharing a few of our favorite things about the Barnsley and some new additions. You can read about our very first visit here.

What makes the Barnsley so special? I get this question a lot, and my answer is, you just have to experience it with your family! Aside from being a beautiful historic estate at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many activities to enjoy! And over the 4th of July, they bring out the southern charm, patriotic style! Not to mention, the resort has been named a top resort in the country in Condé Nast, Forbes and more!

4th of July Bike Parade

During this fun tradition, families are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, and scooters for a parade around the center of the village. Last year poor Max was in a cast and couldn't ride his bike but they invited him to be the Grand Marshall! Did I mention the staff is amazing? For a full look at the calendar of events, click here! This year, there's a slip-n-slide and water balloon fun!

All American Cook-Out & Fireworks

After a fun day of activities and pool time, the center of the village turns into a big outdoor bbq party, complete with a blue grass band! Reservations are required for this special event, but it's one you won't want to miss. To make a reservation at any of the restaurants on site, click here. I also highly recommend The Rice House!

Shortly after sundown, families can gather around the beautiful Jim Fazio designed golf course to watch a fantastic firework show to close out the 4th of July!

In the days leading up to the 4th, they've also held a sparkler salute. Inviting families to light sparklers along the center of the village.

Additional activities at the Barnsley

Aside from the beautifully renovated pool overlooking the Fazio golf course, there's so much to explore. Families can visit the Manor House Ruins & Gardens, (admission is included in your stay) outdoor adventures including horseback riding, clay shooting and archery, and the 10 acre lake for canoeing and fishing. Our boys love fishing in all of the lakes surrounding the property. Canoes, fishing poles even bikes are available for use at the Outpost.

Our family also loves visiting with the animals at the Barnsley Farm!

There's no shortage of fun for families to enjoy together. It's also the perfect place for lounging on the porch of your cottage and reading a book. One of my favorite things about the resort is the slow pace to really rest & relax! I also love the spa! ;) Hint, hint husband.

S'more kits are available each night for families to enjoy at the end of each day in one of the community fire pits in the village.

If you're looking for the perfect family getaway, I couldn't recommend the Barnsley Resort enough! It's a 7 hour drive from Tampa, but there's also easy flights through ATL! We love this tradition for the 4th of July. Who's joining us this year? To book your stay visit Barnsleyresort.com

** These opinions and photos are my own & are the property of Prose & Company. No photos shall be taken with out the permission of the owner of this blog. **

Secret Hashtags | Daytime TV Topics

Did you know there are secret hashtags shared by teens? We get into this and other parenting topics on the latest segment of Maggie & The Moms on Daytime TV!

Maggie & The Moms airs on Daytime TV on Mondays at 10 am on local WFLA Channel 8!

National Plan for Vacation Day | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Have you made Spring Break plans, yet? If not, check out theses awesome new packages from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

In celebration of “National Plan for Vacation Day,” Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is offering a limited-time deal to travelers planning their next vacation to Tampa Bay. For a limited time, all vacation packages booked from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 will receive a complimentary one-time Quick Queue voucher for use at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Vacation packages booked must be redeemed by June 30, 2023.

There is no better way for guests to enjoy a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay vacation than with one of the popular hotel package deals offered by the park. Each vacation package is thoughtfully designed with bundle ticket offers and extras that guests won’t find anywhere else. Travelers looking to book accommodations can choose a package that will include special benefits and choice of accommodations from hand-selected hotel partners. Fan-favorite hotel packages include:

*Kids Free Package

*Eat Free Package

*Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free Package

The National Plan for Vacation Day offer is redeemable from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, 2023. Be sure to visit Buschgardenstampa.com for more information!