So many times John and I have searched far and wide for interesting places to visit only to find a world-class destination close to home. Each year we visit family in Las Vegas but there is a Vegas-style casino in nearby Verona. Sometimes we are fortunate to enjoy a stay at a luxurious Peninsula or Conrad hotel but discovered The Lodge at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino is an all-suite AAA Four-Diamond award-winning hotel. It can be the ultimate relaxing getaway but it is only steps across an enclosed walkway to the gaming part of the resort.
Staying at The Lodge and visiting the Ska:na Spa makes for a luxurious getaway. John and I chatted with a couple from NYC while relaxing in the Lodge’s Great Room. They had just arrived from New York City and said, “We are so happy we discovered Turning Stone. When our life in the city gets too stressful we come to decompress at the Spa. There are great spas in New York but they don’t have this beautiful view.” The view from The Lodge and the landscaping of the entire resort is beautiful.
Ska:an Spa is unique in that it includes treatments using Native American herbs, treatments and cultural themes along with a full-service salon, co-ed mineral pool, soaking tubs, steam room, sauna, a VIP suite, a couple's treatment room, and theSpa Café. Their unique and traditional Native American Sweat Lodge was closed for the season – maybe the next time. The Turning Stone also has a lovely day spa – The Ahsi Day Spa and Salon.
While John and I were dining at The Lodge’s Wildflowers Restaurant we overheard two couples at the next table chatting. They were from Rochester and The Lodge is where they celebrate their anniversaries each year. The service and menu made it easy to see how the Wildflowers Restaurant earned the coveted AAA Four-Diamond honor.
The resort has wonderful places to dine. I had one of the best Asian meals ever at Peach Blossom. Next time I want to try the Brazilian restaurant, Rodizio, a churrascaria, which is a must for all carnivores.
The Turning Stone is the venue for many big-name performers but the main stage was dark while we were there but no problem. We had a wonderful evening in the Leopard Lounge where a group played all the songs we knew – for free. Wished we lived closer so we could enjoy this type of free entertainment more often. There were even great musical acts mid-day. The Lava is a sophisticated, pulsating dance club. I took a peek and wished I was younger!
There is something for everyone regardless of budget. While The Lodge is their luxury accommodation is does not come with “New York City prices” as the couple from the Big Apple were quick to point out. Other lodging includes The Tower, the first thing visible when approaching the resort; The Hotel, the classic lodging; and off-site there is The Inn and The Villages RV Park.
There is more to Turning Stone than gaming, which is the main draw for some people but not everyone has to try their luck. The Sportplex is the resort’s luxurious indoor sports facility for racquetball and tennis. And, there is golf “where the pros play” and a dome with forty hitting stations. Truly a great CNY destination. For more information check turningstone.com or call 800-771-7711.
