Family fun at Arizona Biltmore
National Backyard Games Week prompted a search for hotels where croquet is an activity. There are dozens. Here are four ranging from the intimate to the expansive in a kick off to old-fashioned summer fun.
Play croquet like a pro at Meadowood Resort
At the Meadowood Resort, Napa Valley, California two championship croquet lawns evoke thoughts of Victorian England. This is where playing croquet becomes competition. Hotel guests can learn how to play like a pro from a pro. Croquet Pro Mike McDonald has been teaching people croquet at the resort since 1996.
Under McDonald’s tutelage, the game becomes more than eyeing a wicket, whacking a wooden ball and hoping for the best. Happily, even novices can catch on quickly. When you’re not playing croquet, this luxury property of a lodge and cottages offers golf, tennis, hiking and swimming. After exercise, enjoy a treatment at the Meadowood’s upscale spa.
The Arizona Biltmore Resort, Phoenix with its Frank Lloyd Wright features is a chance to play croquet where aesthetics are turned up a notch. Opened in the 1929, the hotel has Mission-style furnishings and textiles that tie in a desert theme. Wow, this hotel is gorgeous, and croquet is just one of the backyard games guests can play. Horseshoes and lawn chess are others.
To cool off after a game, take a swim in one of the resort’s eight pools. There’s also a kids club that offers hours of entertainment for the younger set. For adults, the spa adds in R&R.
Whitestone where recreation abounds
Whitestone in Tennessee on Watts Bar Lake is a country inn B&B aimed for couples with recreation at a leisurely pace. Croquet and other lawn games, as well as, tennis and hiking are dry land activities. For those who want water fun, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boats are available. You can also fish.
For those who want to add in a picnic, order a basket for two. The inn also has a full service spa. Lodging ranges from single rooms to suites and cottages with decor inspired by the wildlife and waterfowl refuge next to the inn’s 600 acres. Breakfast is hearty country-style fare.
The Atlantic Inn: Croquet with a view
First opened in 1879, the Atlantic Inn on Block Island, Rhode Island offers ocean and harbor views in all directions. The 21 guest rooms are filled with period antiques and Victorian charm. Croquet and horseshoes are featured activities.
After a game, hang out on the inn’s wrap around veranda and enjoy a cocktail. Here’s where the sunset in the summer is splendid.
Check out this link at The Croquet Store website for more hotels with croquet. The variety ranges from lively family fun to romantic getaways.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day you can dine by Meadowood’s pool
Meadowood Resort
Napa Valley
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-3646
Arizona Biltmore2400 East Missouri Ave.Phoenix, Arizona 85016(800)950-0086(602)955-6600
Whitestone 1200 Paint Rock Rd. Kingston, TN 37763(865) 376-0113(888) 247-2464
Atlantic Inn- Brad and Anne Marthens
P.O.Box 1788
Block Island, R.I. 02807
(401) 466-5883
(800) 224-7422
Photos courtesy of Meadowood Resort, Arizona Biltmore Resort, and Whitestone. Atlantic Inn photo courtesy of hlkljgk at Flickr
