I still owe you stories about our adventures in New York City but let’s take care of SPA, first, mmmkay?
In case you didn’t realize it, SPA was originally started about 12 or 13 years ago by a small group of women looking for a respite from the winter doldrums. They chose a hotel in Portland, Maine and went for the weekend. They brought their knitting and their spinning and they hung out together, swimming in the pool and eating good food and enjoying each other’s company. Since that time SPA has moved to Freeport, expanded to 3 different hotels (each filled about to capacity from what I understand) and now includes vendors to supply us with yarn and fiber.
But the essence of SPA? That need to take a break from winter and hang out with like minded friends who enjoy fiber pursuits along with a good cocktail and delicious food? That hasn’t changed a bit. And that’s what I spent my weekend doing.
Sharon and Jo-Ann and Vivian (Jo-Ann’s sister-in-law) headed to Maine first thing Thursday morning. We had lunch at Gritty’s, per tradition. We broke with tradition for a visit to Halycon yarn but after that everything was pretty much second-verse-same-as-the-first.
The same good friends.
The same great restaurants.
The same awesome vendors.
It’s no wonder I look forward to it all year.
Looks like it was as good as a winter escape can be if it doesn’t involve warm sunny beaches.
That sounds like so much fun. I need to go one of these years. Great photos as usual.
A beautiful group of friend having a wonderful time together…it’s a perfect weekend!
What a wonderful weekend you’ve documented! I love the whole relaxed, hang out with friends, eat, knit, and drink premise of SPA. Some day …
We just happened to stumble across that seafood place for lunch. I’m glad we did. I’m looking forward to next year!
Jealous. I spent the weekend flat on my back sick. Next year!
Great stuff Carole! And that seafood chowder…OMG.
I had no idea it had gotten so large! How fun! And Free-fing-port!! Did you go to LLB? I miss New England!
Spa sounds wonderful! I can’t look again because the doodling is embarrassing!
It was great fun , great friend and I look forward to it every year.
Thank you for underscoring the spirit and bones of the event, Carole. Thank. You for clinging to that, and for sharing wonderful images from the weekend. kiss. (Keeping it simple, sweeties)
Great photos! It was a terrific weekend.
The best part of my weekend was spending time with you girls. Love you!
What a perfect way to beat the winter blahhhs! It just looks perfect in every way. (And how WAS Halcyon, by the way?)
*green* (but just a little bit 😉 seriously it sounds like and looks like the very best kind of mid-winter getaway. did you come home with anything new?