Birthday Fun!

This past weekend was my 31st birthday. We celebrated with an overnight trip to West Point, NY. While only 50 minutes outside the city, you feel like you are in a totally different world than Manhattan. However, I guess you could say that about almost any place outside of Manhattan ;)

Matt and I agree that upstate New York must be one of the prettiest places in the US. We went to this same area last fall (and will go back this fall) to see the fall foliage colors. We loved it then, and it is just as pretty in the summer. There are blue skies, gorgeous greenery and scenic river views everywhere you look. It is such a peaceful, calming place to be.

We stayed at The Thayer Hotel, which is actually on the West Point grounds. The Thayer was probably our favorite part of the trip. The staff was amazing, there's an awesome terrace lounge overlooking the Hudson River, the hotel itself is historical and it feels like you're staying in a castle. Also, our package at The Thayer included a welcome bottle of champagne, tour/tasting of a local winery, a yummy breakfast buffet on the outside patio overlooking the Hudson River, a tour of West Point and a coupon book for the close-by Premium Outlets of Woodbury Commons, where we scored some really great deals on Kenneth Cole, Polo and other great brands.

The Thayer Hotel

This is the view of the West Point entrance from the front steps of The Thayer Hotel.

The very castle-like lobby.

Our spacious accommodations with a view of the terrace lounge and Hudson River.

The Winery Tour/Tasting

Birthday Dinner

We were actually a little disappointed when we learned Friday night was Seafood Buffet night, as buffets can be hit or miss. You could still order a la carte, but obviously the buffet is the 'star' of the evening. We were pleasantly surprised that the food was really really good (not buffet-ish at all). AND, there was a dessert buffet :)

As you know, I cannot control myself around desserts, and it was my birthday. So, I tried about 4 of the above delicious desserts. There were all delightfully yummy:)

Saturday Morning Breakfast on The Hudson River

West Point Tour

After all that, what more could a birthday girl ask for? Presents, of course!! ;)

My beautiful pink pearl necklace from my amazing husband :)

A Texas A&M decorative tin from my Dad.

A really pretty red briefcase-like bag from my mom that has come in really handy when I want to study at Starbucks and need to lug my textbooks along.

A very cute wishbone necklace from my sweet friend, Noelle. I wear this to school for good luck on days when I have quizzes/tests ;)