A vehicle is necessary not only to get there, but also to get to rentals. Our presidential suite in building Washington is 2.1 miles from check-in. We followed the map the desk had given us and circled Mallard Lake and the hill to the Convention Center. From our suite, we could walk or bicycle to clubhouse, heated pool, equestrian center, spa, and Roberts, open from breakfast for fine dining and lounge. I-64 is 5 miles north--2.1 of that is to the gate! Sister resort Winterplace is 8 miles south. Once situated, we relaxed for 4 days.

Our suite was quiet! Our second-floor porch was deep, so rain couldn’t reach us sitting there. Mornings, I was well-rested in my Glade Springs’ robe enjoying coffee on the porch with nothing on my mind beyond what the cats in the yard here were after. The bedroom, too, was relaxing with triple windows faced with plantings of purple-leaved plum and other trees that shielded the view. I could lie on the king bed with curtains open and watch squirrels scampering across the branches in front of me. Walking outside, I talked to a deer so tame she didn’t run away at first. What a change from our last trip--Paris! This time, we went home rested.

I got used to golf pictures in the living room. Our furniture looked like Pennsylvania House, Sheraton styling in two-tone wood. The sofa in the living room opened into a bed for extra guests. Our suite had everything we needed: two televisions, three phones, iron, coffeepot, coffee and tea, extra towels, clock radio, personal items, and ice bucket. A little icehouse in the parking lot had soda and ice machines. We had no kitchen.

Second morning, we took the required (for non-paying guests) "tour" of the property. Our salesperson Sarah made a list of property prices (lakefront, golf front, woods, etc.) and showed us the house she is building and others of differing values from $200, 000 to a million. Wooded lots start at $25,000 with utilities; lakefront is $160,000. One can build his own home or hire any builder. The investment looked and sounded reasonable all around. As I understand, a $6,500 lifetime membership for golf club and spa is included in property prices. This is as far north as Cooper will ever go to develop land, so that prices stay low for themselves and customers. The presentation and tour lasted less than 2 hours and was enjoyable, laid-back, and informative. For this, we received 3 free nights worth $600. I was glad I hadn’t thrown away the invitation this year!