Anniversary Getaway to Hot Lake

We have not had a night away on our own since Sarah was born, so we were super excited when my parents offered to watch her for the night while we went on a little anniversary trip. We only went about 45 minutes away, but we had a fantastic time. We love old hotels, so we decided to try out the Hot Lake Resort just outside of La Grande.

I grew up driving by this old hotel all the time and always thought it was fascinating. In the hundred or so years since it was built, it has been a resort, a sanitarium, a hospital, a nursing home, and even a honky tonk bar. A family purchased it several years ago and started restoring it. Now it is a bed and breakfast as well as a bronze studio and gallery. 

There are birds all over the property, including guinea fowl (which are amazingly noisy) and peacocks. 

 We were greeted by this mama duck and her adorable ducklings.

After checking in and exploring the hotel a little bit, we drove into town for an amazing dinner at Ten Depot Street. So yummy!

 We had a slight hiccup in our evening when our tire started losing pressure on the way into town. Kelson had it changed in a jiffy after dinner, and we were on our way back to Hot Lake for more fun.

 We spent the evening exploring the hotel and grounds. There is a cute little chapel next to the hotel that they have restored.

Watching the sunset over the very hot spring-fed lake.

The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the hotel cafe and then did some more exploring. The fun part was that the owners encouraged you to poke around and explore. We didn't have to worry about going on tours or anything. 

The swallows nesting on the hotel were crazy! Kelson was standing in a bird tornado.

Enjoying a little light reading in the former operating room.

One of the main attractions at the hotel is their soaking tubs. There are both outdoor and indoor tubs to choose from. Sadly, I could only put my feet in because I didn't want to cook our baby, but it was still relaxing. We would love to come back in the Fall.
After soaking in the tubs, we toured the museum that takes up a good portion of the building. They had an amazing collection of war memorabilia as well as Native American artifacts. 

Saying farewell to Hot Lake after a fun stay.

We drove back into La Grande and strolled around downtown while our two new tires were put on and then had some massive hamburgers and curly fries from Nells n' Out for lunch. 

It was a wonderful weekend and a great way to celebrate our first 5 years together. Thanks for babysitting, Mom and Dad!