Sometimes you just need to plan a little weekend escape from it all. Whether you are looking for some R&R or a weekend filled with excitement, it all can be found less than a two-hour drive from Boston at Foxwoods Resort Casino. It had been a while since we visited the property, which always seems to be expanding. There are several options where you can stay here, including the Grand Pequot Tower, the Villas, the Great Cedar Hotel, Two Trees Inn and the newest addition, the luxe Fox Tower where we stayed. After pulling up to the property and being greeted by a friendly valet attendant, we made our way over to the VIP check-in where we were offered a complimentary drink from the fully stocked refrigerator. When booking a stay here, everything is taken care of for you at check in time. VIPs have tickets and reservations printed out for them along with a personalized itinerary so you know exactly where you need to be and when.
Photo Credit: Foxwoods Resort Casino
Foxwoods offers fun activities for the entire family from bowling to ice skating. In the warmer months, book a round of golf on the Rees Jones designed North Course or simply relax by the outdoor pool at the Fox Tower. We stayed in a spacious Producer Suite, a comfortable room with separate sitting area and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful surrounding forest. There is always something going on at Foxwoods – from comedy shows to concerts, you can opt to do everything or nothing. The weekend we visited, we saw stand-up comedian Frank Caliendo, the hilarious impressionist best known for his impersonations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush in the Fox Theater. The intimate theater was the perfect size to see a show offering every seat a great view. We stopped by the bar and snack stand located just outside the theater for some drinks to enjoy during the show. The ushers here were friendly and helpful, quickly showing us to our seats, which were comfortable and spacious.
Photo Credit: FoxwoodsFor dining, we recommend making a reservation at the newest restaurant on-site, Vue 24, the property’s French inspired restaurant offering breathtaking views from the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower. Executive Chef Michael Yaffe got us started with a sampling of foie gras terrine, a delicious preparation of Hudson Valley Foie Gras before moving on to the tasty Chèvre of crispy goat cheese, frisée, toasted walnuts topped with a sherry vinaigrette. We first met Yaffe when he was the executive chef at the Langham Hotel in Boston before he moved to Las Vegas where he worked at Paris restaurant before coming back to his New England roots. For main events, his standout dishes include duck à l’Orange, a flavor filled masterpiece of coffee scented duck breast, confit in a burnt orange Grand Marnier sauce; Homard (butter poached Stonington lobster with lemon beurre blanc) and the Dijon herb crusted lamb with tarragon jus.
Photo Credit: Foxwoods
The following morning, we enjoyed a couple’s massage at G Spa, the on-site spa conveniently located in the Fox Tower where we were staying. From facials to body treatments, Gretta Monahan has created a haute array of beauty treatments in a 21,000 sf space to get you looking and feeling your best. Men and women are shown to their respective separate lounges where I enjoyed a swim in the indoor lap pool after our treatment.
Photo Credit: Foxwoods
Before heading home, we made our way over to the Tanger Outlets, a luxe collection of more than 80 upscale stores, including Coach, Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Guess, Vineyard Vines (a beloved favorite from Martha’s Vineyard) and UGG Australia. Whether you are looking for a new timepiece or luxury handbag, the collection has it all. We enjoyed our shopping spree, which was the perfect ending to our weekend getaway. Foxwoods Resort Casino is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Haute Cuisine
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