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Weekend in Birmingham

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

For Christmas Kevin surprised me with the soundtrack to Wicked and tickets to see Wicked on Tour when they came to Alabama in March. We saw Wicked on Broadway when we were in NYC at Christmas for my birthday, and I absolutely fell in love! If you ever get the chance to see it, you have to go! I’m usually more concerned with what I’m going to eat when I’m in NYC than anything in particular that I want to do, but I’m so glad Kevin talked me into seeing this show. It was his first time in NYC, and he asked if I wanted to go see a Broadway show. You do realize the actors will be spontaneously bursting into song and dance for most of the show, right? I replied. He, who has never seen The Sound of Music all the way through because he doesn’t like it when actors randomly burst into song and dance, said it was okay. It was Broadway, after all. He researched all the current shows and picked Wicked, since he likes prequels. I loved it. He loved it. We loved it together. We were both humming the songs nonstop for the next two months!

Birmingham is only a couple hours away from where we are, so we could’ve totally driven there and back in one day, but since it was a special occasion, we decided to make a quick weekend of it. My sweet fellow Alabama blogger Myra at My Blessed Life had stayed at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort a few weekends earlier when she was in Birmingham for her anniversary. I thought it looked like a beautiful place to stay, so we booked a room for our Wicked Weekend.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

I was cracking up at this foyer! I have no idea what the Porsche lighting was about, lol!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

But I loved the gorgeous seating area just to the right as we walked into the hotel.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Ultra swanky!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Cute little flower arrangements.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

I just loved this gorgeous little area, I couldn’t stop snapping photos! :)

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

The hotel was pretty massive and had a couple restaurants located on the property.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Loved this cute little booth!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon just walking around, checking the whole place out. They have multiple restaurants, gift shops, a spa and salon… I had no idea we had a place like this in Birmingham!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Ahh, here was our room!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

How fun is this sunny yellow room.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

So cozy.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Here’s a peek at the bathroom. I’m wearing green in solidarity to Elphaba.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Okay, I have no idea why I took this picture, I just thought these little etched circles on the mirror were fun! :)

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

By the way, see those extra towels on the counter? Evidently, someone had requested extra towels for the room. Upon check in, the clerk gladly assured me that the extra we requested were waiting for us in the room. I know I had an odd look on my face when he said that, since we’d only be there one night, and in all likelihood, I probably would not even be taking a shower, so I asked Kevin about it once we got to the room. He looked confused. Of course he requested extra towels. He got them for me. You always request extra towels, he said. We have been married almost ten years and for the life of me, I can’t remember ever requesting extra towels, lol!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

They also had a bath, too!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Our room opened up to a balcony with a cute little table and chairs for two. You can either request a resort view or a pool view. Here was our beautiful resort view.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Although the pool view is pretty fabulous as well!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

It looked like a pretty fun place to hang out.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

The outdoor pool was not open when we were there, but they do have an indoor pool and hot tubs that are open year round.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

The Renaissance is also a golf resort, so the next morning we took a walk around the property.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

Although I’m sure it’s a lot more stunning in the summer when everything’s green, and it was a bit of an overcast morning, it still made for a pretty nice walk :)

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

You could easily spend a weekend getaway here. I tried to talk Kevin into staying an extra day! :) We did have all those extra towels, after all.

If you are ever in Birmingham, definitely give this place a look-see!

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa Birmingham, Alabama

By the way, I’m in NYC this week just for fun with my sweet girl friend Stephanie. Are there Smash fans in the house? Am I the only one that wishes I could see Marilyn the Musical while I’m here?? I’ve been humming those catchy songs for weeks! :)

**Keep in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter while I’m in NYC!**

**Have you entered to win the Canon T3i plus TWO lenses giveaway? **

 

Have a great weekend! xoxo

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55 Responses
  1. Arabella lone

    Thank you for your awesome tips! WE just start planing a friends group travel and these tips really helped me about what to do next to improve my group traveling.

    Keep going, And for sharing amazing information

  2. Tami R

    Wow…. so pretty! Love their color scheme! I love wicked. It is one of my fav books which I read back when it came out, but I have yet to see a performance! I will though.

  3. Leah

    Your hotel room reminds me of Snow White! =)

    Beautiful photos (as always). Hope you enjoyed your mini-vacay =) I am *dying* to see Wicked!!

  4. Stacey Lehwald

    Your quote from “Sabrina” is a RIOT!

    And yes, I too am a Smash fan, and am loving it. Thank goodness my husband isn’t around right now, or I’d have to fight him to watch it. HA!

  5. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective

    What a gorgeous place! Come to think of it, I’ve never been to or through Alabama… maybe its time.

  6. CherylK

    What a beautiful place. I love that chandelier in the lobby and the view is stunning. Good for you…glad you had a good time. Would love to visit Alabama sometime…you’ve just given me incentive…will have to talk to the hubs about that!

  7. Tandra White-Jennings

    Love the photos. It looks like a fantastic place. I truthfully would love for my daughter to have this because she has been working so hard and has a 19 month old to boot. I do love Smash and I would so love to see the show. I am hoping that they release some of the songs to downloads. Have a great time in NYC>

  8. Myra @ My Blessed Life

    LOVED this post! I’m so glad y’all enjoyed the Renaissance! Your photos are fabulous as always too. :) Hope your weekend is going beautifully in NYC! xoxo

  9. Noble Pig - Cathy

    That place is beautiful! But yeah the porsche lighting is overkill…do they think it makes you eant to go out and get one?

  10. Southern Gal

    What a gorgeous place!

    My daddy hates when actors randomly start singing and dancing, too. I never understood that when I was growing up. I’ve always loved musicals and plays. I think it’s a guy thing.

  11. Marsha

    Wonderful pictures. I’m glad you guys had a nice visit. Gotta love a stay at Ross Bridge. I know some people have mentioned the bag pipe player that plays at sunset. They have huge fire pits on the patio that they had lit while we were there one spring. The pool is great–they have noodles for the kids and giant rubber ducks to play with. Great pool-side dining, too. When you’re ready to head south, you should go to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama–another Marriott property that’s worth the visit. Great service/beautiful grounds. My favorite moment at Ross Bridge? When the doorman helped my 10 year-old out of the car and she said, “Wow! This is as nice as The Grand Hotel.” I’m glad I’m raising a daughter that likes the good stuff :)

  12. Heather Mayberry

    i love smash! it’s so fun and a tad on the naughty side. a guilty pleasure for sure! awesome pictures! hope you have fun in nyc!

  13. Julie

    Great pictures. I am from Alabama so I always love to see a “Bama” feature.

    The Porsche logo is actually there because the Porsche Driving School is in Birmingham. If you sign up for a class, the Ross Bridge is the resort you stay at.

  14. Kristie Blankenship

    Your pictures are always so beautiful! It is what ultimately draws me back to your website. I am just a beginning photographer and my pictures look awful, LOL! My camera is so old it is only like 3.2 megapixels! and yes, I have entered every day for the camera! I get to travel through your eyes, as I haven’t traveled hardly anywhere. Enjoy yourselves!

  15. Kaity

    oh man, I have to go track this place down! it makes Birmingham actually look pretty!
    also, I was super excited when I realized that you live in Alabama. I haven’t found too many of us out here on the internet. :) obviously Alabama bloggers exist, but I feel like we’re an elusive breed.

  16. Becky

    What beautiful photos from a beautiful gal. Your pictures rock. They should feature them in a travel magazine. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Becky

  17. Nee Nee

    I was going to mention the bagpipe player as well… always my favorite part of staying at Ross Bridge! We’ve had a few retreats there for work, and I actually got to enjoy the spa one time, which was awesome!

    Great hotel for sure!

    – on a side note I love Wicked and Smash too! :)

  18. Chelsie @ A Little Peanut

    I love Wicked! It is my absolutely favorite musical, and it never gets old to see it several times.

    That hotel looks so amazing, I want to go!

  19. Teri Suzuki

    Wow! Love all of the photos! You made me feel like I was right there enjoying the beauty with you! Have fun in NYC next week!

  20. Shannon

    I adore Smash, would be so happy if there really WAS a musical!! Wicked is by far one of my favorites though.

    And I always request an extra towel or two :)

  21. Becky

    My husband and I do that all the time! “Honey, why did you do that?” “Because you ALWAYS do that!” “Uhh…” Lol!

    It looks absolutely gorgeous! I hope you two have an amazing time!

  22. Kat

    I am so jealous, I love that hotel room, the rest is fantastic but what an amazing bathroom it has! I am moving to North Texas and will be living in a tiny, much yuckier hotel room for the next couple of months which is why I zoned in on that particular part. As always, I am stunned by your breathtaking photography skills. :)

  23. Erin H.

    I love Wicked! I’ve seen it twice already and I’m going again in April when it comes to town. The best musical I’ve seen so far. Looks like you had a fun weekend! It seems like you go to a lot of really great places :)

  24. nikki

    It looks absolutely gorgeous there. When my husband and I were first dating we took a trip to Toronto with my parents to see Phantom of the Opera, we didn’t make it an hour into the play when he turned to me and said ” I gotta get outta here, this is horrible.” So we left at halftime ( or whatever you call the halfway point of a play) and my dad was so relieved we left because he also was hating it, he was just too chicken to tell my mom. Anyway that was 13 years ago, and I havn’t seen a play since.

  25. Urban Wife

    I love the cheery curtains in the room – what a great combo of yellow + teal! So jealous (in a good way!) of your Wicked experience. I have yet to see it and I’m surely missing out. Enjoy your time in NYC!

  26. Karen Melbourne

    Loved your photos Amanda, what an awesome getaway and I even got some Zen looking at all the pictures, you really are an amazing photographer :)

  27. Alisha

    A) My in-laws bought me and my hubs tickets to Wicked a couple of years ago and we both fell under the magical spell! I had to have the soundtrack THAT DAY.
    B) “I’m wearing green in solidarity to Elphaba” is my favorite.
    C) I am obsessed with Smash!

    Just had to share – hope you have a great day!

  28. jill

    I love Ross Bridge…GREAT beds, great food, great pool…and great little bagpipe player who walks the course at sunset.

  29. LinhC

    While I don’t live in Ross Bridge, I am only 10 minutes away. I’ve been to the area for the Regions Golf tournaments (sadly, they’ve moved to tournament to another area of Bham metro) and have always wanted to stay at the hotel for a weekend especially when they run weekend specials. I think I might have to do it one day soon if only to enjoy their spa and pool and all the wonderful spots you’ve shown in your beautiful photos. I think Ross Bridge should use your photos in their advertising!

    I took my daughters to see Wicked. We loved it! I cried! My daughters were embarrassed that I cried! Ha ha.

    My daughter’s middle school band is playing a Wicked medley for their upcoming performance so I’ve been enjoying hearing the great music around the house.

  30. Rebecca C

    First off… I love Elphaba… I fell in love with Wicked and listen to the soundtrack daily! It keeps me in touch with my Elphaba side. I keep trying to see it in NYC but it is always sold out. I did see it at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta and it was amazing!

    Second, while I have been to Birmingham (it’s not that far from where I live in West Central Georgia) I have never seen the Ross Bridge Resort but it is gorgeous! And your pictures make it look even more so. Thanks for a hint for a nice getaway weekend!

    You are one of my favorite bloggers and I love your photography!

  31. The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh

    That is one seriously cute hotel! What a sweetie…mysterious extra towels and all!

    I would TOTALLY see Marilyn if I was in NYC. I’m really hoping they do a tie in with the show, that would be pretty cool! I love that duet they do where the lyrics contain “listen and missing” in the chorus. I have no idea what its called but I love it.

  32. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

    What an awesome weekend! I love Wicked. I saw it on Broadway with the original cast – Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel – AMAZING! And I totally hear you about the top priority in NY being where to eat. And I only live an hour away, so have been many times.

  33. Tarayn

    Amanda– I live in Ross Bridge! The resort is so much fun during the warmer months for dinner on the patio at the club house! I would have suggested Brock’s breakfast if I’d known you were in town–it’s amazing! I literally have to talk myself out of getting up and headed over for breakfast a few mornings a week! Yes, it’s that great!! The spa is also relaxing and magnificent! Oh, I think I can explain the Porsche logo–hehe! They are a sponsor for Renissance and use their SUVs–normally a few SUVs are sitting out front. :)

    Have fun in NYC!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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