Gregory’s & Inn on the Creek

If you have never been to Gregory’s of Salado, you have truly missed one of the Village’s most elegant galleries, overflowing with the signature style of owner (and close friend) Carolyn Williams. Carolyn and I were asked to co-host this past week’s mixer for the Salado Chamber of Commerce, and it was yet another reminder of how much I enjoy working with Carolyn on any project. Gregory’s new line of art glass is amazing! Unlike anything I’ve seen. So, when we were planning the hor d’oeuvre presentation for the event we had to capitalize on those wonderful colors! Bella, Suzanne, and Cindy worked long and hard in the kitchen to create the beautiful & tasty foods you see in the photos. I am quite proud of how our foods point directly to the artistic pieces surrounding them. Served on fabulous Beatriz Ball platters and taking advantage of the other spectacular colors offered in Carolyn’s newest line, Mustardseed & Moonshine, we were “in our element”. As our fellow business owners began to file in the doors one after another, the atmosphere just got better and better and I think a good time was had by all! The sense of community we enjoy in our little village is unique. I’ve been to many local Chambers. Things are ‘different’ here. (And in a very good way.) Come experience the Village of Salado! –And tell Carolyn , “Will says hi!”–
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Front Desk Excitement

We just added something Inn on the Creek has never really had.  A Front Desk!  Now, this might sound a little odd. . .particularly given the Inn has been a lodging facility for 21+ years now, but in the past guests would simply walk in and visit with the innkeeper wherever they happened to be.  Most frequently this would be in the restaurant kitchen, as there is ususally someone cooking something wonderful in preparation for our full breakfasts or four-course, gourmet dinners.   Bill Ewton (one of the very talented individuals who is responsible for the attention to detail in our building restoration) took one of our antique, wood panel doors and turned it into a traditional Dutch door.  Allowing us for the first time to have a specific spot to meet and greet our patrons.  This photo shows my vantage point, as I can now see when a guest walks through our front door.  Sometimes it’s the “little things” that can mean the most.  So, come on down to Inn on the Creek in Salado, and let me try out this new front desk on you!

900 Gallons of Relaxation

I have to say the new hot tub has got to be our favorite addition to the Inn to date!  Our friends at The Backyard Toystore (located in Salado) exceeded our expectations with the installation of the new 11 seater Cal-Spa.  (And I’m finally posting a picture so guests will know what to expect when they arrive…and to encourage our patrons to pack their swimsuits!)  The jets massage away all the built up tension in your muscles while the combination of watching a beautiful sunset over Salado Creek & enjoying your favorite beverage make a path straight to relaxation!  Inn on the Creek robes are perfect to wear down from your room, and the terry cloth lining is all you need to dry off after your “dip”.

It finally LOOKS like Christmas in Salado!

When we woke up this morning, we knew we would see some ice given the howling winter winds we heard the night before.  We were delighted to see a glimps of the “winter wonderland” you expect around Christmas time.  So, with it still WAY too cold outside for comfort I ventured out and took a picture of the wind-formed icicles covering the Inn’s fountain in the front yard.  Afterward it felt great to be all toasty-warm back in the library of the Inn with a mug of hot cocoa!

A Creekside Wedding from a Storybook

Fortunately I can post a happy ending to the story of our recovery efforts.  In the “nick of time” the grounds were in a completely different condition than just a few days before.  Our young couple was able to enjoy the company of their wonderful family and friends and begin their lives together.  After the “official” festivities of the evening were over and done with, we were able to decompress on the porches with our friends Robert & Sharon (brother & sister-in-law of our groom) and the emotional roller-coaster of the past few weeks finally came to an end.  The most frequent thing I’ve heard from people is the statement, “Well, it’s a good thing the storm didn’t hit a few days earlier!”  And that’s true.  We had prepared for so long to make sure Jenna Bush’s bridal “Creek-Side Yoga and Picnic” went as close to perfect as we could get.  But even if the storm had hit us a week earlier, I can’t imagine those involved could have put forth more deliberate effort to “fix” things.  Our particular story is one of a self-less neighbor and a skilled tree-trimming “artist” whose efforts allowed us to do what we do best – extend the hand of Inn on the Creek hospitality.  Thanks guys! 

 

The Recovery

We will be indebted to our wonderful neighbors Bill & Bonnie Smith for many moons for the sacrifice they made for Inn on the Creek and our first “post-storm bride”.  When Bill learned we were desperately trying to restore the creek-side area because a young couple were planning their wedding on the banks of the creek, he offered the services of a skilled and conscientious gentleman who had been working on their historic home.  He asked the man to stop their tree-clearing and assist us.  (It should be said the Inn had been turned down by two other companies because of the size of our downed trees and the damage being “too big” a job for them.)

 

Monty (our restoration savior) respected our wishes and removed our trees from the Pace Park side of the creek, so as not to further damage our lawn.  He literally worked on the creek-bank from the middle of the flowing creek.  His skill with the back hoe was something to behold.  In fact, one of our corporate clients (who has become a friend) and I had to take a moment and watch him maneuver the huge, unearthed tree stumps from one side of the creek to the other.

From Bush’s to Trees

It was not an overstatement when I told a friend we went from an emotional high to crisis management.  On Wednesday, May 14th (just three days after the departure of our high-profile guests) we received a call at 6am from a friend in Temple.  She said, “Will, there’s a tornado headed straight for you!  You need to go for cover.”  It was less than ten minutes later Chris and I heard the dull roar of strange winds, and when we looked out the second floor windows of the Inn we saw the tall, strong oaks of our creek-side grounds being tossed around like tulips.

When the winds subsided and the morning sun brought into focus the effects of the storm, we walked around – stunned.  I checked on our guests – visiting the country club for their annual golf tournament – and they were fine.  (Wide awake, of course. . . but fine.)  The Inn – along with the majority of Salado – was without power. 

Later in the morning we served breakfast by lamplight in the dark restaurant building.  Our guests enjoyed sugar-pecan crusted pancakes cooked on the gas oven, and we began enjoying “stove-top coffee” with our shocked neighbors and friends who began to come by. 

The following days were completely consumed with assessing the extensive damage throughout the Village and trying to clear debris from our grounds.  I am happy (and amazed) to report there were absolutely no injuries to anyone in the Village of Salado.

A late night in Crawford – an even later night in Salado. . .

5AM.  Yes, 5AM.  That is when the majority of our guests returned from Jenna & Henry’s wedding.  (All our lodging guests this weekend are wedding attendees except for two couples who have been frequenting the Inn for years, and unknowingly got “caught up” in all the excitement.)  This morning I have only seen evidence of five couples stirring.  (Our breakfast staff feeling neglected, as our late-nite-arrival guests obviously prefer a soft, fluffy pillow to sugar-pecan crusted pancakes.)

When asked what “it” was like, our sleepy guests are unanimous:  ”Wonderful.”  “Beautiful.”  “It was SO well-done, but it truly felt like a normal wedding.”  The consensus seems to be that Jenna Bush was able to pull off the closest thing to a normal, private affair as is possible for such a high-profile young lady. 

Now, around 1AM I was awakened from a dead sleep by a lost young woman asking directions to the Inn from a back-road.  I was under the impression ALL transportation to and from the ranch was supposed to be by bus, so I still don’t understand how this young woman was driving around at that hour to begin with, but nonetheless I hope I was friendlier than my very vague memory recalls.

At this point I hope I have the energy to appropriately welcome and entertain our Mother’s Day luncheon guests.  I can’t remember the last time I felt this exhausted, but I am still so excited about the buzz the Village of Salado is experiencing.  Everyone around us is caught up in the spirit of all the festive events that have been going on.

Yesterday I had the opportunity walk the Inn grounds with April Woodard of Inside Edition.  She was absolutely delightful, and I think was charmed by the excitement she observed among Salado residents.  She even kicked off her shoes and dipped her toes in Salado Creek just like Jenna and her friends did the day before. 

This morning I was able to spend a little time chatting with Darla Atlas with People Magazine.  I was so happy to hear Darla comment on her impressions of Salado.  We discussed that residents are very proud of the fact that our community was chosen for such an honored series of events.  Our neighbors will undoubtedly enjoy talking about the events of this weekend for years to come.

Here are some views of the grounds and the interviews that were given to People Magazine and Inside Edition.

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In a small Texas town. . . creekside. . .

Inn on the Creek was honored by the presence of Jenna Bush, her family, and friends as we proudly hosted her bridal luncheon this afternoon on the creek-side porches & grounds.  Guests arrived mid-day and were greeted by brightly colored linens, flowers, and just a touch of crystal and silver.  Mother Nature cooperated with the event for the most part.  It was a bit warm in the afternoon sun so guests were appropriately offered refreshing flutes of champagne with a hint of pomegranate juice.  Before the bulk of her guests arrived, Jenna and her entourage succumbed to the refreshing temptations of Salado Creek and posed for a charming photo of friends frolicking in the chilly waters. 

After a short period of chatting and enjoying the surroundings the girls headed down the steps to a lush, green lawn accented with hand-made wooden flowers; magenta, lime green, & yellow parasols;  and striking hanging baskets of bougainvillea.  All attendees were given yoga mats as party favors and promptly followed the direction of their yoga instructor.  Guests not inclined to experience ‘downward facing dog’ enjoyed chair massages on the porches overlooking the other event festivities.

After about a half-hour of exercise the young ladies were in need of sustenance and returned to the porches to find an eclectic array of food and beverages to tempt their discerning palates.  Large, glass decanters filled with tea and lemonade glistened in the sun and frozen bits and pieces of fresh fruit floated in the tasty beverages as an alternative to traditional ice. 

After lunch, the girls followed tradition by pulling ribboned charms from a beautifully designed King Cake, atop a sparkling crystal cake service.  Jenna, her mother, and all their guests then unexpectedly retreated to the much-cooler creek-side dining room of the the restaurant and toasted the event while exchanging gifts.  As bridal guests (and the Secret Service) gathered their things to depart, we began checking-in and tending to the needs of our lodging guests who were getting ready for the rehearsal dinner just down the street.  Our guests (staying in the Manor and Holland House) were happy to learn they were simply a short walk from the dinner, as well as the evening’s entertainment.  

I was truly delighted by the fact that virtually all event planning was handled by close, personal friends of the Bush family.  This is clearly the reason the events our little village has played host to remained unknown to the general public up until this very day.  Getting to know the real people who have planned these events because of their love and respect for Jenna and the Bush family has been enriching, and certainly has reminded me why Chris and I decided to become part of the Salado hospitality community to begin with. 

To Jenna. . . Thank You for choosing Inn on the Creek and the Village of Salado to celebrate with your family and friends prior to your “big day!”  And to both you and Henry, Best Wishes for a long and happy life together. 

In the Spirit of Hospitality,                               

Will & the Staff of Inn on the Creek

New Web Site

Welcome to our new site with added features and easier navigation for our guests.  If you have a moment, be sure to check out our new packages and conceirge services.

With Spring in the air, the sound of the creek nearby, and flowers just starting to bud out, it’s a beautiful place to be writing from.

We have had so many wonderful comments about the dining experience at the Inn on the Creek, that we thought a blog would be a fun way to share recipes and interact with our guests who are trying out some of our recipes at home.

This environment is all about the art of pampering your family and your guests. Our blog is meant to be interactive, so let me hear your topic suggestions and thoughts about our posts!