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American Dream Resort & Spa Nemacolin Woodlands In Farmington, Pennsylvania Receives Extraordinaire - Society 5 Stars for a World Class Resort 6 Stripes for Outstanding Amenities The Ultimate Award: Seven Stars and Stripes ™ The Cayenne headed for Nemacolin, an American Dream family business, perched in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. The Chateau LaFayette at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa was our destination. Modeled after one of the most exclusive grand hotels of Europe, the Ritz in Paris, the renaissance-style Chateau offers 125 luxury guest rooms and suites. The making of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa alone is worth an American Dream award. Nemacolin was sold at auction in 1987 to Joseph A. Hardy, Sr., founder of 84 Lumber Company. Within a couple of years Mr. Hardy created Nemacolin Woodlands and turned it into a world-class resort. Chief Nemacolin Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa was named after Chief Nemacolin, a Lanai Lanape Indian chief. In 1740 he blazed a trail through the Laurel Highlands, a route still thought to be the most direct from east to west, and it was used by George Washington during the French and Indian War. In the 1800's the U.S. Congress established the first National Road, extending Nemacolin's trail westward. This trail, is now known as U.S. Route 40. Personal Welcome from Susan McCarthy Riding in the Cayenne was like flying in Trump's jet; we arrived relatively fresh. Our check inn was friendly, warm, professional and at the same time relaxed. Great, we were really not up for formalities, after all, we were here to spa. Our intention was to drop our bags and leave, but, stunned by the dignified old world elegance of the spacious suite with sparkling crystal chandeliers, and drawn to a perfectly chilled bottle of fine champagne, we had to stay, at least for a little while. Sometimes, in the life of a being, one finds oneself in a state of mind where dream and reality become one. The land without time; each lungful of air is forever. I found myself at that place. which had that profound effect on me, where fairies linger in the Woodlands. VIP-Tour with Susan McCarthy Susan McCarthy, the charming Director of Public Relations escorted us on a VIP-Tour through one of the most fascination American Dream Resorts to be found in the US besides Eden. We resisted the call of the sensuous marble bath; heaven had to wait. May we introduce Fat Bird? Simone and I fell in love with Nemacolin's adorable mascot, Fat Bird. He has grown close to the hearts of many guests we talked to. Fashionably in style with the Botero sculpture at the resort's entrance, Fat Bird is a plump little fellow with short legs. Fat Bird supposedly loves to swim, ski, shoot skeet, shop, golf, ride horses and he/she loves to spa. We saw Fat Bird and Mrs. Fat Bird in perfect Woodland Spa style covered in bathrobes, on the way to the sauna. They are a pair of rare birds, indeed ;) John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, nicknamed "Dizzy" because of his zany on-stage antics, one of the greatest Jazz trumpeters of 20th century set new standards for trumpet players with his innovative, "jolting rhythmic shifts and ceaseless harmonic explorations" on the instrument during the 1940's period, which ushered in a definitive change in American Jazz music from swing to bebop. Ed Dwight "DIZZY GILLEPSIE" Bronze 51" x 24" ED DWIGHT-Sculptor, former real estate and construction entrepreneur, former Air Force test pilot and America's first black astronaut trainee, started his serious artistic work with his "Black Frontier Spirit in the American West" project in 1975. After much research and a grant from the Colorado Centennial Commission, he completed the bronze series depicting the African- American contribution to the early West. The art galleries are displayed all over the house, but "DIZZY" is perfectly placed next to the Lautrec entrance, melding body and spirit in perfect harmony. American Dream Cuisine™ The Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands, receives Society - Extraordinaire 6 Stars and 5 Stripes for outstanding Cuisine and Service. The Ultimate Award: Seven Stars and Stripes™ The Lautrec, a French style bistro, featuring contemporary, light cuisine, an elaborate brunch on Sundays and was our culinary domicile for the evening with Susan. We loved Chef de Cuisine Brad Kelly's cuisine. The wine selection is extensive and compares with the Ritz's in Paris. Veuve Cliquot (NV) Champagne The Veuve Clicquot Rich Reserve is world-class champagne. Created from grapes with exceptional finesse, this 'elixir' left a unique aromatic taste on my palette. An excellent choice to celebrate the gourmet food. The Rich Reserve 1996 has a great yellow golden color with an English lawn tint. The effervescence is attractive and whole. I tasted, sun ripened peaches, almonds, lime and some spices that invite the '96 to any End-of-the-Year celebration. 1772 Philippe Clicquot-Muiron founded a wine merchant business under the name of Clicquot. Madame Clicquot, a stickler for perfection, invented the first table de remuage (riddling table) to clarify their wines. It was the forerunner of the racks used in winemaking today. The principle of remuage is to bring the deposit formed as the wine ages in the cellar down to the neck of the bottle by turning the bottle once or several times a day and gradually tilting it to a vertical position. The bottles are then ready for disgorging Amuse I: Kumamoto Oyster Cucumber Vermicelli, Gingered Caviar Mignonette The oysters have an intense yet delicate, creamy taste, very rich with mild saltiness. Veuve Cliquot (NV) Champagne Rich Reserve 1996 is a deep attractive golden-yellow color with light green tints. Effervescence is lively and long lasting it was an excellent choice that supported the oyster superbly. Amuse II: Tasting of Caviars Beluga Eggshell Surprise, Osetra Crab Salad Beluga has the most delicate flavor profile, tastes like the sea with a remarkable, buttery mouthfeel. Veuve Cliquot (NV) Champagne Appetizer I: Purée of Local Corn Soup Caramelized Sea Scallop, Preserved Summer Truffle The nuttiness of the corn combined with the earthiness of the truffle adds depth to the sweetness of the scallop. J. Lohr Chardonnay 2002 - is medium straw in color and has a wonderful balance of crisp citrus and spice with an elegant buttered toast and lingering vanilla finish. Appetizer II: Chilled Asparagus Terrine Heirloom Baby Beets, Beet Juice Reduction, Extra Virgin Olive Oil A garden of flavor in gelee. Sterling Sauvignon Blanc - This Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, pale straw color. It has big bright and grassy aromas, with gooseberry, figs, and lemon grass accents. It has rich, ripe luscious lemony fruit flavors, juicy honeydew melon, with a long seductive finish. Main Course I: Butter Poached Maine Lobster Lobster Ravioli, Lobster Nage, Curry Oil, "Folly of Herbs" A delicate savory pasta accented with a robust curry oil. Dr. Loosen Riesling 2001 - Flowers, grapefruit, peaches and minerals contribute to this great bouquet. All this translates perfectly onto the palate and yields to a lasting finish of citrus and ripe pear. It's dry and crisp, and loaded with understated elegance. Main Course II: Wood Roasted Beef Rib-Eye Bone Marrow Gratin, Caramelized Vidalia Onions, Shallot Potato Cake, Beef Rib Bordelaise Bold and balanced by tradition. Clos du Bois Pinot Noir 2001 - Medium bright red to light garnet; complex, soft, alluring aroma with hints of lavender, rose, vanilla, smoke, orange peel, cedar, caramel, cherries; nice entry, very nice flavors follow nose, slightly leathery, beef jerky-like; nice balance with lively acidity; warm, medium-long finish. Main Course III: Summerfield Farm Lamb Roasted Lamb Loin, Yellow Corn Polenta "Cake", Fava Bean Cream, Thyme Scented Lamb Jus. A perfectly prepared tender treat. Clos du Bois Pinot Noir 2001 Intermezzo I: Chilled Peach Soup Tree Ripened Stone Fruit, Garden Basil Oil With Cherrys, slices of apple, Pineapple and whipped cream Dessert Selection: Baked Alaska, Crème Brule, Liquid Center Chocolate Cake Baked Alaska had Macadamia nut ice cream with raspberry - Simone's favorite Taylor Fladgate 1996 from Portugal - A classic tawny, with excellent balance between fruit and wood; nice caramel flavors In 2002, Brad Kelly joined Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa as Chef de Cuisine of Lautrec restaurant. Chef Kelly is responsible for managing the kitchen, menu planning and design, and recipe development. Prior to joining Nemacolin Woodlands, Kelly was sous chef at Charles-Nob Hill, San Francisco, California; The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia; Chef de Partie at La Cote Basque, New York; and, Chef de Partie at Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Johnson and Wales, Kelly resides now in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Brad Kelly, Chef de Cuisine & Thorsten Piosczyk After an exiting, daring day with a most unusual, and remarkable dining experience we stopped at the cigar bar. We don't smoke, but the place looked so appealing and informal, what the heck. There is always space for a little nightcap. What an out of the ordinary suite, we slept like angels in clouds, fine spun linens, a great mattress, a gorgeous woman. And in no time the phone rang and we were reminded by a female lullaby that another 'stressful' day at an 18-hole golf course was waiting for us. Life is tough. Michael was waiting for us with a Hummer H1 (the real one) and a friendly smile for a unique experience. Simone loved every minute of the adventurous ride in the Hummer on the Nemacolin 18 hole golf tour de force and beyond. Hummer H1 Turbo Diesel engine, Heavy-duty rear bumper, Runflat tire system w/Beadlock, heated windshield, 17" 2-piece alloy wheels, electric locking differential, heated leather seats. Silver MSRP $150,219 A thrill The hummer was a thrill; avoiding giant boulders, over sand-dunes and wicked greens, I had a hard time making myself acknowledge Simon's complaints. American Dream Golf for beginners. Mystic Rock' sprawls majestically throughout Nemacolin's wooded acreage. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, this course promises golfers a challenge like no other. The 6,832-yard course was three years in the making, and it received top honors from Golf Magazine and Golf Digest in its opening year. The John Daly Golf Learning Center features: Private, semi-private, and group lessons conducted by PGA instructors Four temperature-controlled hitting bays, equipped with the latest electronic and video systems to record and play back for swing comparisons Email follow-up lessons Launch machine for fitting and product analysis; ball departure, speed, vertical & horizontal rotation, and launch angle analyzed to maximize distance and direction Split-screen analysis with your favorite PGA Tour player An indoor classroom for 20 students Video connections to all four hitting bays for swing analysis V1 Digital computer system with drop-down screen for post-instruction analysis Instruction in Mind Set Golf Techniques An indoor short game area including putting greens, a chipping area, and greenside bunker shots Club repair systems for all major manufacturers, including Titleist, Ping, Wilson, Cobra, and MacGregor State-of-the-art fitting center to custom fit your clubs and optimize play 22,000 sq. ft. bent grass putting and chipping green 30,000 sq. ft. pitching and greenside bunker facilities Discriminating golf pros insist that Nemacolin is the finest golf academy on the East Coast. It was time; but we didn't feel the urge to go back to the hotel. Michael promised to show us a little more of the Nemacolin fairyland. An unreal, esoteric mist emerged of the nearby fairytale woods. While the wind blew through the woods, it gently sighed its breath, a field of flowers, gentle words, Simone and I felt, and heard the sound of loveliness. Was that me? Reality? Mystical, inspirational Nemacolin woods. We passed Mr. Hardy's very own airplane and mobile museum. Look at the precious angel, breath in time, let me stay and smile. The new Nemacolin Gallery holds the Hardy Family Art Collection, which is recognized for its museum-quality pieces. The collection includes original artwork by artists such as Fernando Botero, Erté, Glenna Goodacre, J. Seward Johnson, Constantin Klugé, Harry Marinsky, LeRoy Neiman, Frederick Remington, Wendy Taylor, and Manolo Valdes. The eclectic collection ranges from a 17th century Queen Elizabeth portrait to a 20th century Alexander Calder mobile; from ornate, original glass ceilings, lamps, and windows by Tiffany Studios to original vintage posters by Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. From art to airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, and everything in between, Hardy collects and displays it all for purchase! A 1931 Pitcairn PA8 (one of only five of the US Mail planes built), once owned by late actor Steve McQueen, is showcased amid collectible classic and vintage vehicles including a 1913 Ford Model T Speedster, 1955 Mercedes Benz Gullwing 300SL and a 1995 Bentley Convertible. Like an a modern fairy-tale, unexpectedly, a white long stretch limo was waiting for us, and delivered us to Frank Lloyd’ s most be-written house, Falling Waters. Awesome. "The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." -- Frank Lloyd Wright One of Frank Lloyd Wright's most widely acclaimed works, Fallingwater, was designed in 1936 for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann. The key to the setting of the house is the waterfall over which it is built. Completed with guest and service wing in 1939, Falling Water was constructed of sandstone quarried on the property and laid up by local craftsmen. The stone serves to separate reinforced concrete "trays," forming living and bedroom levels, dramatically cantilevered over the stream. Simone and I were impressed with the natural air conditioning effect in the house. Wright used the river water to cool the hot summer air. Fallingwater was the weekend home of the Kaufmann family from 1937 until 1963, when Edgar Kaufmann, Jr. presented the house, its contents, and grounds to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Fallingwater is the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright house with its setting, original furnishings, and artwork intact. American Dream Cuisine™ The Golden Trout at Nemacolin Woodlands, receives Merit - Extraordinaire 4 Stars and 5 Stripes for inspiring Cuisine and Service The Ultimate Award: Seven Stars and Stripes™ Located in the Lodge, the Golden Trout is a DiRoNa Award Winner (Distinguished Restaurants of North America). Offering a steak and seafood menu in a warm family atmosphere, the Golden Trout is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Restaurant Manager Melanie Keally welcomed us. Perrier Jouët The green champagne bottle with a flower… The story supposedly began with the discovery of a bottle designed by Émile Gallé in 1902, a celebrated French designer and pioneer in technical innovations in glass. He was a leading initiator of the Art Nouveau style and of the modern renaissance of French art glass. The son of a successful faience and furniture producer, Gallé studied philosophy, botany, and drawing, later learning glassmaking at Meisenthal, France. The bottle was so strikingly beautiful that Perrier-Jouët resolved to fill it with the most prestige champagne. Only the best grapes in the vineyards, predominantly Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, were blended to create the subtle, elegant and refined champagne. Cuvée Fleur de champagne was launched in 1969, reminding the world of the house's history and identifying it with its Art Nouveau style. Since then, this champagne has been the trademark of Perrier-Jouët, and its ambassador extraordinaire. Apart from making excellent champagne, Perrier-Jouët was the first champagne house to have dared decorate its bottles with flowers. Wine experts all over the globe have tried to put the fleur ‘95 into words. In my humble opinion, blend. TP ~ The Cuvée Fleur de Champagne 1995 is like an early sunrise ~ ~ Is the very strike on wide horizon ~ no gold, the amber but the sun ~ ~ The oyster caught the easy light and send us pearls on strings, so bright, so small and even ~ ~ They dressed the fields, the lawns, they sparkle, shimmer, fruit ~ ~ Acacia, summer, subtle spice, I raise my bonnet, savor, glide ~ Appetizer Smoked Mountain Trout on Marbled Rye both A rich, creamy delectable chowder. Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2001 - private selection - fermentation is done in a combination of steel tanks and small oak barrels, which offers layers of tropical fruit, melon and citrus character, accented by flowers and spice while adding oak complexity. Main Course I: Rare Big Eye Tuna on Haricot Verte Salad was flawless in texture, flavor and presentation. Rosenblum Zinfandel 2001 - The wine shows a huge core of blackberry jam and cassis with elements of chocolate, coffee and caramel. Main Course II: Crisp Calamari, Peppers and Mild Garlic. The squid rings themselves were tender and tasty. The red pepper and garlic sauce was full of flavor. Volpe Rosini Pinot Grigio 2001 - Straw-yellow color with a citrus, mineral nose. Excellent balance of elegant fruit and zesty acidity ending with a clean refreshing finish. Intermezzo I: Mango Sorbet formed like an egg, decorated with raspberry sauce Main Course III: Pecan Crusted Golden Trout This trout subspecies holds its own when pan seared as the subtle flavor is supported by a coating of pecans. Caymus Conundrum 2001 - Rich and lush, full bodied yet silky on the palate. This blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and Muscat grapes is quite unusual and lives up to its name. Nonetheless, it's well integrated, with peach, pear, apple, toast and spice flavors. Dessert I: Warm Tahitian Vanilla-Rum Bread Pudding A traditional treat with a Polynesian spin Hardys "Whiskers Blake" Tawny Port - The Wine Spectator rated this a 94, characterized by typical cherry fruit and caramel, a touch light, but sound. Jeremy Critchfield, the talented Executive Chef, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, is an honor graduate from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Academy of Culinary Arts. He was the founder and former President of Ice Carving Association. He and his wife Lisa reside in Farmington, Pa. Jeremy Critchfield & Chris Fisher Back at the remarkable suite a perfectly chilled bottle of Domaine St. Michelle Cuvée Brut Champagne awaited us, which I took with Simone into the oversized Jacuzzi. A perfect, adventurous and wonderful day, we slept like angels. Actually, if I recall right, Simone called me a little devil ;) Oh, well. Since we had turned off the AC and opened the windows the night before, I woke up to birds chirping, and a gentle summer wind dancing in the pretty trees. "Darling, I am in heaven" Simone whispered half asleep, "I am so hungry." Now, how could that be? Since Adam took the apple, man and women have searched for the fountain of youth. And although one has never been found, this spiritual place is where we experienced the miraculous effects of the Woodlands Spa. Alternative and complementary medicine are no longer a gift treasured by Europeans. America is healing, detoxifying, getting well and finding peace, too. The spa offers long-term solutions to life's ever lingering obstacles, not just temporary relief. American Dream Spa Woodlands SPA In Farmington, Pennsylvania Receives Extraordinaire - Society 5 Stars for a World Class SPA 6 Stripes for Outstanding Amenities The Ultimate Award: Seven Stars and Stripes ™ Drenched in warm early morning sunlight, the light summer breeze petting our bare legs and cheeks, our naked bodies homed in fine, fluffy bathrobes, we stepped over a precious wooden bridge through heavy cooper hewn doors, which seemed to open on its own. Spa Woodland is a place no human wants the leave. Fountains of youth, falling waters, the long lost womb, the aroma of wilderness; we have arrived to be set free. We'd rediscover relief, affirmation and harmony. Our treatments reconnected our minds, bodies and souls; the setting was inviting to all our senses sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste alike, little wind chimes in the summer wind, the taste of earth and pine, our worries small. Body Treatments: Natural Spirulina Wrap This natural wrap uses all-natural Spirulina algae that are harvested from organic salt lakes in California. This treatment imparts essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to nourish and revitalize the body. Very effective when used as part of a slimming or nourishing programs. Hydrating Body Glow Stimulates the senses and calms the mind as the skin drinks in the hydration of this wonderful service. An aromatic mask combines pure essential oils of ylang-ylang, lavender, and the purest waters from the sea to re-mineralize and hydrate the skin. This ritual starts with an exfoliation and ends with a rich passionflower spray and hydrating lotion. Soft skin and the wonderful fragrance will linger on for days. (ylang-ylang: first time I heard the lovely sound. TP) Moor Mud Wrap This mineral-rich, organic mud wrap is known for its detoxifying benefits. It soothes and rejuvenates tired muscles and dull skin. German Chamomile Body Soother Chamomile originated in Germany and was used both internally and externally for an array of irritations and disorders, including soothing the nervous system, calming skin irritation, and aiding sleep. This treatment removes dead skin cells as well as soothes and hydrates your skin, leaving it baby soft. Balinesian Hibiscus Haven A treatment for a tropical goddess. Close your eyes and visualize the hibiscus, nature's most glorious tropical flower. Sea salt combined with bits of whole hibiscus flower and lilac oils will moisturize and soften the skin as you relax and linger, breathing in the Balinesian delight. The intention of listening to the relaxing sound of running, cascading, singing water everywhere in the spa seemed to have been the clear goal of the globally renowned designer Clodagh. It was pretty obvious that he followed the rules the ancient art of Feng Shui, the forest green furniture placed accordingly and crystal strings dangling from the ceilings. An easy task with 14 million dollars to spend, a job well done. THAI Massage Since July 2003 the newest spa service at Woodlands Spa is a treatment that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. Thai Massage, also known as assisted Hatha Yoga, is based on an ancient Buddhist health system and is a timeless healing art. This unique, fully clothed massage experience combines breath awareness, stimulation of energy lines, yoga and mediation into one gentle, effective therapy. Woodland Hot Stones from the depths of the earth, old as the beginning of time, they are now to be found at the local streams and rivers. The natural stones came in various sizes and a varied array of colors and created a wonderful, smooth feeling on the skin. The hell with deadlines and palm pilots! The therapeutic stones had an amazing heavenly and healing effect on both of us; surrounded by the tingling, teasing lullaby of wind chimes. Simone was treated or shall we say healed by Steve while Thorsten was reborn under the extended healing hands of Tomas. After our healing escape, Simone was truly in Spa heaven; I by now was ready to take on the climbing tower challenge. Let me emphasize that the Woodland Spa offers a variety of fitness classes that an exercise specialist can range in skill and intensity that may provide a great workout for every superman or superwoman. A simple task, I thought, to climb the Mystic Mountain, challenge here I come I took a climb up the three-sided, fifty-foot climbing wall and decided to skip the elevated ropes course with two levels and 21 obstacles that exits via the Zip Line, an exhilarating 300-foot ride. You get what I am trying to say, don't you? And there is more to proof that one is a true outdoor person: in-line skating, archery, paintball, kayaking, swimming and fishing. If nothing else, this will definitely complete the Mystic Mountain experience. After the climb it was almost lunchtime and I was quite hungry. No wonder, Superman must have burned a million calories at that wall! We stopped for lunch at the Nemacolin's newest restaurant edition, The Seasons adjoining the Spa. A 40-seat light wood & copper, modern but at the same time cozy dining room. On two sides were open glass walls that allowed the spa guest to sunbath contentedly in their bathrobes during breakfast, lunch and /or dinnertime. It must look even prettier in the winter when the enchanted woods are covered in snow, though, now in August and perfectly air-conditioned, hard for us to imagine. We sat at the Sushi Bar watching the Sushi Master de Cuisine preparing his delicious art; I barely kept control over my saliva. We had sushi petite fours so delicious, and so low in calories and full of energy releasing nutrients that I had to have a whole lot of those tiny little suckers. The restaurant's interior features the world renowned sculptures "The Four Seasons" by Giampaolo Seguso, along with trendy furnishings and expansive views that result in an ambiance that supports the Spa's philosophy, RELAX! Simone got wild over her power drink. I must admit that the brew was delicious, though a little Sake would have done the trick. Simone had a Thai Colada: Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Mint Leaves, Chinese Five Spice, and very little crushed ice. "I am going to miss this!" Thorsten tried the Blueberry Gozo: Vanilla Bean Sorbet, Coconut Milk, Honey, Frozen Blueberries, and very little crushed ice. "I can't believe it's healthy"! Summer 2004, is the opening date for FALLING ROCK LODGE, "Simply the finest golf accommodations in the country," announced Joseph A. Hardy, Sr.; and we believe him. We shall return. http://www.Nemacolin.com http://www.FallingRockLodge.com http://www.H1Hummer.com http://www.wpconline.org/FallingWaterHome.htm http://www.FrankLloydWright.org http://www.GiampaoloSeguso.com Simone & Thorsten

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