One of my favorite quotes is, “Life is a journey, not a destination”—Ralph Waldo Emerson. I love to pop into an antique store or walk around a park I happen upon in my travels. I never set a goal to get there in less time than Google Maps initially stated it would take. Think of the joy we might miss along the way if we never leave ourselves open to possibilities.
A couple of years ago, Mr. Mickey and I were on our way to lunch in Abingdon, VA, as was the case many times before. I saw a sign for Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, which we had not yet discovered. He knew from experience that a detour was likely in his driving future. My excited, “Oh, let’s go take a look!” led us down meandering roads until we saw the entrance. After a short drive through the woods on the property, we were captivated by a view of vineyards and a stunning lake lodge.
The approach to the lodge takes us past the vineyard with a view of the mountains beyond.
The front of the lodge is also impressive.
A path through a grove of trees in front of the lodge always provides a lovely soft light for photos.
We’ve returned to stay in the lodge and enjoy many Saturday lunches after long drives in the countryside of Southwest Virginia. On this very steamy summer day, we stopped to enjoy a salad and split a smash burger at the fine dining restaurant Hickory inside the lodge.
Mr. Mickey’s socks feature a fox enjoying a martini.
I wore my favorite white straight-leg jeans here and a comfortable blue and white striped shirt here. My wedge shoes are here. A similar bag is here. (Mine is by Lauren Ralph Lauren from a couple of years ago.)
A similar silver belt is here. The silver earrings are here. The pearl and silver link bracelet is here. Get $10 off your Beauty in Stone Jewelry purchase with my code, SAS10.
My nail color is Big Apple Red by OPI.
We first met Ahmad Eccleston about ten years ago when he was a valet at the Martha in Abingdon. He was fresh out of college then, but now he is the Guest Services Manager at Nicewonder. There could not have been a better choice for this position. Ahmad remembers our names and greets us personally when we enter the lobby. He is always the epitome of elegance and professionalism. He was happy to oblige when I asked if he would mind giving me a little tour of the Spa and a yurt. So grab a cup of tea and enjoy the tour of this fabulous property.
The lobby provides an expansive view of the vineyards and offers comfortable seating areas to relax on the terrace. The double doors in the center of the glass wall open as you approach them.
The fresh orchids and other live plants are always perfectly maintained.
An infinity pool is located to the left of the terrace. A private birthday party was being held while we were there, so I didn’t take photos of the pool area.
A serene small lake is behind the lodge. This is the view from the lobby terrace.
He never looks as happy for the salad as he does fresh bread.
Mr. Mickey became anemic a few months ago, so red meat was occasionally added to his diet. All is well now. We share a high-quality burger made from grass-fed beef about once a month since neither enjoys large servings. The fries at Hickory are made with thick-cut fresh potatoes and are light and fluffy on the inside, with the perfect crispness on the outside.
Abundant hydrangeas around the lodge were in full bloom.
An excellent Technogym Fitness Center is in the same building as the new Spa.
The Spa is open to the public. All the pampering amenities are offered in peaceful, elegant spaces.
The grand entrance to the Spa includes a winding staircase with natural light streaming through.
A backlit metal sculpture of a tree is on another wall in the entry.
Pictured below is one of the seating areas where you can relax between services.
The products you enjoy during your stay at the Spa are available at the front desk.
The dressing rooms are well-appointed, and every need is anticipated.
The makeup table is perfection!
As you relax between treatments, gaze into the fire feature.
Put your feet up and enjoy the moment.
Stay hydrated between your massage and facial.
After you visit the sauna, you can soak in the jacuzzi in a private courtyard.
A luxury yurt village is in a woodland setting near the Lodge and the Spa. (Yurts originated in Mongolia.)
The yurts are elegantly decorated and surprisingly roomy, with private decks beneath a canopy of trees.
Everything you need to enjoy your stay is included.
You can sit on your private deck and enjoy an early morning cup of coffee from the Nespresso station inside your yurt.
While I couldn’t begin to think about affording a luxury stay at Nicewonder, I do appreciate your sharing your relaxing journey with us.
Wow, what a beautiful, serene setting! Thank you for a wonderful post and pictures of a beautiful atmosphere. I will have to set aside a day and visit there! My daughter and her boyfriend go to a wine tasting occasionally, I see why they keep goin back!
What makes the white pants your favorite?
The jeans’ quality and fit make them a good choice for me. The length is good with either heels or flats. They don’t hug any part of my legs too much.
Oh my gosh sign me up. That looks like such an amazing place. Thank you so much for the tour.
A wonderful venue! Thank you for sharing your visit. I enjoy seeing the sites in your area. It always gets me thinking about exploring places close to me. Have a fine week!
Wow what a gorgeous venue I am absolutely envious of your trip also something I would never afford but can visit through your posts. Your outfit looks so cool and elegant and it was so nice to see Mr Mickey looking well and handsome. Just love the socks!!
God bless.
ELIZABETH SA
We spent USD 69, which included a bottle of excellent prosecco. So many of the amenities can be enjoyed even if you aren’t lodging or visiting the Spa. Just sitting in the lobby is a sensory delight, with the sight of the vineyards beyond. Enjoy what you can when you can and as often as you can, no matter your age or circumstance. Life is a gift to savor.
I would never leave. That place is fabulous! Good gracious, they’ve anticipated every possible need or desire.
Love those shoes, the belt, the striped shirt, and how it all looks on you. And sporty Mr. Mickey is looking so fine!
I would never want to leave either! What an amazing place. What a lovely day you must have had. Love Mr Mickey’s socks. (how many different pairs of novelty socks does he have? Has he counted them?)
He has a drawer full of black socks, another with tan socks and another of novelty socks. We’ve never counted but I told him he will never need to buy socks again.
Thanks for your posts, Susan. I always love the pictures and info.
I know that you were/are a consultant for Beautycounter products. Have you found replacement products for the ones you used from Beautycounter? If so, do you mind sharing your discoveries.
I have returned to the Lancome products I used for years. Beautycounter is slated to return via their website in the last quarter of this year.
Love the photo of you taking a picture! It’s so perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom…looks more like an art print on the wall than a mirror. Thanks for sharing all your photos.
What a beautiful place to visit and enjoy! You look wonderful with your tan. Love your hair length.
Susan, as I go through life, I find that your statement: “. Enjoy what you can when you can and as often as you can, no matter your age or circumstance. Life is a gift to savor.” is so true.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with Mr. Mickey. You two are truly an inspiration.
If we are ever in the area this destination will definitely be on our list.
I do really like your outfit.
As usual you wear it well.
Cheers, Kim
Fabulous post you look in your white perfect style jeans , great lenght not baggy or to slim, Blue next to your
face is definitely your colour you look so pretty. Mr Micky a foxy fella for sure..
The venue is to die for what classy deco, and stunning scenery , as always thanks for sharing .
Pamela UK.
Thank you for the list of Lancome products, Susan! Do you wear foundation now? My coloring is similar to yours so I might try your 090 Ivoire N shade. I noticed your jeans are high-rise. Are all of your pants high-rise? I’m only 5’1″ (hourglass shape) and need high-rise slim/skinny pants and find it so difficult to find the right fit. I’m in awe at how your clothes fit you so perfectly. I love your posts.
I don’t wear foundation.
The high-rise pant is always the most flattering for my shape. Not too tight is a priority for me now.
Thank you for the amazing pictures. I wouldn’t want to leave that place. I love your outfit and Mr. Mickey.
Wow what a beautiful place and you both look so wonderful! BTW you aren’t wearing as many dresses this summer as last summer…? When you get a chance can you post your exercise program or direct me to that post? Thanks and enjoy the beautiful weather.
When the humidity and heat are high, I wear dresses during the day, but usually, by the evening, it has cooled down enough to wear pants, which I prefer.
My summer exercise routine includes walking at a fast pace for two hours every morning at dawn. I swim laps in the pool when the weather allows, but I am mostly active all day. Sitting too much makes me “rust.”
In the winter, I do yoga and pilates and take long afternoon walks as often as possible. I also use five-pound weights to work my arms.
Morning. A question not related to this post but one you shared regarding your facial care. I love Beauty Counter products but sadly they are no longer available. What products are you considering using/going to now? Thank you for your help, inspiration and guidance. JoAnn, Ohio
I’ve returned to using my favorite Lancôme products here as I run out of Beautycounter items. Beautycounter is slated to return to their website again in the third quarter of this year.
Wow! Another destination for my adventure list. Thank you Susan. You two look fabulous as always.
Lovely place. Especially like the yurts.
I love everything about this post! You look fantastic, as does Mr. Mickey. The Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards looks and sounds wonderful. What a great place to go for a romantic getaway or a spa weekend with my daughter.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. What a wonderful get away you planned. I love bread too and understand Mr. Mickey’s excitement about eating warm, fresh bread. haha I don’t even need butter to enjoy bread.
Loved your outfits too plus the socks. Enjoy your summer.
Patty V
What a perfect gorgeous get away. If you had not been adventurous you never would have discovered this place! Thank you for sharing. I’ve never been in that area of the US, but you never know. I know I’ve said this before, but I think Mr. Mickey’s socks are a hoot!
Looks like a beautiful place! If I lived closer, I’d be there in a minute!
Love your outfit as always Susan.
Susan, thank you for not pushing the sales season on your readers. It is overwhelming to see influencers and bloggers encouraging spending on constant purchases. I love how you present your wardrobe which has been curated over the years and does not require excessive consumption. I am curious about your hair. I love how you change styles instead of clutching on to the same look year after year. What are your plans for your longer style? Thanks
I don’t plan to let my hair grow longer than shoulder length. It is easier to deal with at this length since I can go eight weeks without going to the stylist. Putting it in a ponytail while walking, swimming, or working in the flowers or around the house is easy.
Thanks for this tour! Years ago before Google reviews, our family vacationed near a restaurant that was always crowded, but we dismissed it as a “tourist trap” until we actually tried it once and realized there was a reason the parking lot was always full! Not quite the same experience you had turning down an an unknown road, but the same idea that you don’t always know what you might be missing out on – unfortunately, we can’t do and try everything but a little curiosity often yields good results when the opportunity presents itself! Detours aren’t always a waste of time.
I would love to know where Mr. Mickey purchases his socks. I sure my Hubby would love them.
Check men’s clothing stores, large departments stores, golf shops, and Amazon.com.
What a gorgeous venue. Thank you Susan & Ahmed for the tour. Looks like the perfect place to stay for a honeymoon!
Thank you for the tour. It is a beautiful place. Again I miss that area. It looks like the Nicewonder’s did a beautiful job. If I still lived there I would definitely check it out. The Spa looked amazing.
Thanks for sharing. The photos are amazing. What a great place to visit.
I myself will be experiencing Asheville, NC for the first time this week to visit my daughter & son-in-law (they just moved there in April}. I have seen your posts about Asheville, Weaverville, and many other places. I am excited to experience it all for myself. Thanks for doing what you do and sharing all your experiences AND your clothes.
Thank you for the wonderful tour!
I always think that color of blue looks fabulous on you.
I would love to stay at one of the yurts. So natural in their surroundings yet so elegant.
Susan,
You have so many great places within driving distance to visit. Nicewonder is my idea of a perfectly peaceful place for relaxing. I saved the information on it for future reference!
Despite the hot weather, you look wonderful and cool as a cucumber in your outfit. You have convinced me to wear white jeans more often and even on dry winter days I have off-whites. A nice change from dark colors in winter.
Thanks for your posts!
Thank you for taking us on your travels. My husband died this past year and I will no longer be traveling so to be able to vicariously travel with you and Mr, Mickey is so up lifting. I can almost taste his delicious burger.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mimi.
Hi Susan,
I had so many interruptions while I was reading your post this morning.
What a wonderful and delightful surprise that you both decided to take a detour. That is part of lives exciting adventure right?
Nicewonder Farm and Vibeyard has extraordinary beautiful ambience, the grounds are beautiful too. What a great find. Ahmad Eccleston looks like an exceptional gentleman. Your friendship goes way back, that makes it extra special.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Dear Susanne, please help me find the posts in which you show the composition of the summer 3-5 day travel outfit more easily.
It’s easier for you…
I am thankful.
Sincerely, Éva
Here are some posts I’ve done about packing for travel. https://susanafter60.com/summer-packing-tips/ https://susanafter60.com/packing-for-short-trips/ https://susanafter60.com/packing-light-tips/
I love your hairstyle. I was wondering if you ever wear it up in a chignon or bun for evening ware?
I put it in a low ponytail when walking or working in the flower gardens, but I usually wear it down otherwise.
YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL. Tell Mr. Mickey I LOVE HIS SADDLE SHOES!!
Tudo maravilhoso!
Abraços de SP/Brasil (with ‘S’)!!
Thank you for keeping your posts classy and not jumping on the baggy clothes fad.
Hello Susan, you look lovely as usual. Love the tour. Would you be more specific about the Lancôme products that you’re using. I click on Here and there was a lot of different products. I use Génifique. Thank for sharing!
I use the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream SPF 25, Galatée Confort Comforting Milky Creme Cleanser and Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin.
What a beautiful place. I feel 100% more relaxed looking at your photographs.
Lucky, lucky people who are able to visit and stay there. Thank you for the tour.
This is a beautiful place. I do have a non related question. Are you still able to purchase Beauty Counter products? Here in Canada not so and difficult to find on line. I hear they are in the midst of changes!!
Thankyou enjoy your emails
Denise
I have been told the Beautycounter brand will be available again through their website in October. In the meantime, I’ve returned to my favorite products from Lancôme.
I use the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream SPF 25, Galatée Confort Comforting Milky Creme Cleanser and Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin.
Great blog
Great article
Looks like a beautiful place!
Question: have you found some good replacements for Beauty Counter products? I’ve been so disappointed with the closure of the company. Thanks. Crista
I have been told the Beautycounter brand will be available again through their website in October. In the meantime, I’ve returned to my favorite products from Lancôme.
I use the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream SPF 25, Galatée Confort Comforting Milky Creme Cleanser and Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin.
3 weeks since your last post – I hope everything is OK . You are missed
Thank you, Ingrid. I’ve just returned from another solo vacation. I’ll share more with you soon.
The white jeans with the blue striped shirt is a good look on you – very youthful!