I sent a text to my friend Tore on Friday: “there’s nothing to do tomorrow.”

Tore’s reply: “Let’s go to The Adolphus to see the gingerbread display!”

And so the adventure began.

I donned my new blue jacket and Tore wore his new tie.

We approached the hotel and my heart skipped a beat. There’s something consistently magical about this hotel.

I took in the familiar scent of the hotel as we walked in. Inside we spotted the giant gingerbread Adolphus. It smelled delicious and it had all the familiar features of my beloved hotel.

You might recognize the rooftop pool from a previous post.  Tore and I danced there once.  🙂

I glanced to the left and saw Ms. Whitney Gochinas.  She took a look at me and smiled. (She remembered me!)  She greeted me and Tore by name. And then she said the magic words: “Andrew is here. Let me go tell him you’re here!”

Outwardly I’m calm but inside I’m bouncing off the walls.

Mr. Milke appeared. To say I was excited is an understatement. I was home.  The two photos below are my favorites.

We enjoyed hot apple cider and were invited to admire the Christmas tree and say hello to our other family members at the hotel.

It was all a dream.  And I didn’t want to wake from my dream. So we lingered.

We perused Commerce Goods + Supply at the hotel.  Someone wrote a love note… 😉

We strolled outside the hotel.

We walked to the park across the Statler.

We admired the window displays at Neiman Marcus.

We had dinner at the City Bistro at The Adolphus.

We took more photos.  This is the stairway you see in all the old postcards of the hotel.

Our friend Mr. Milke appeared as we were leaving. We hugged and made plans to stay in touch. After all, we are family.

Oh!  And he presented me with something super special.  Take a look….

An ENTIRE box of matchbooks!  My stash of ephemera is ever growing!

I say it every time and it remains true: this hotel is top notch.

The hotel is historic but not outdated. The team is professional, sincere and friendly. They have me for life.

 

Thank you Mr. Milke and Ms. Whitney Gochinas.

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You too can visit The Adolphus!  Stop in to see the 24 foot Christmas tree and gingerbread Adolphus.  Stay a night or two or just pop in for a drink and conversation.  You are always welcome at this grand hotel.