Our First Guests! Ben + Courtney Take on Yorkshire!

This week, we had our first guests in town!  It was so fun to show my college friends Ben and Courtney around Harrogate and Yorkshire and get to see its magic all of over again.  It validated to me that we really do live in one of the most beautiful places in the world...they were impressed with how perfectly manicured all of our gardens are maintained (of course...everything but my own front hedges.  They were here for 48 hours and I managed to pack in a crazy number of my favorite spots in Yorkshire.  We also lucked out and got the most beautiful weather (sunny and 60!).  It was such a lovely time !

Hint hint, anyone is welcome to visit...I promise a highlights tour!

When they arrived, we visited Valley Gardens - the amazing manicured garden in our town.  It really is beautiful.  Check out the perfect little tea house below:

So this is amusing... I have seen these flower arrangement many, many times...and even when I took this photo...didn't realize it, but more recently, I saw a painting and realized...this flower is in the shape of the White Rose of York (which is one every flag and sign around!).  You learn something new every day!

The next morning, Alfie and I took them to our favorite breakfast spot...Baltzerzen's!  We enjoyed an amazing waffle and perfect morning sunshine.  Check out how Alf is longingly looking at the waffle:

Then we went to Bolton Abbey...where Ben + Courtney started their visit with a walk across the stepping stones:

We got to the other side of the river to check out this amazing view of the Abbey:

Such perfect lighting and perfect weather for a day in the Yorkshire Dales and Bolton Abbey is a real treat!

Then we took them to Skipton Castle.  Last time we visited, Alfie didn't get to come, but he rode along in his bag this time and was happy to be one of the gang!

Ben and Courtney take on the castle!

We then stopped at Mama Doreen's for Afternoon Tea!  I had read great reviews of this spot, but had never visited.  What better excuse than guests!  It lived up to all expectations...the tea was crazy with so many little sandwiches and amazing sweets.  WOW!

A stunning raspberry meringue was just one of the treats!

Our whirlwind day ended in York where we saw the highlights by boat!  It was a nice little cruise around the city ... first up...Clifford's Tower:

And of course... York Minster! We were there to hear the 7 pm bells!  So beautiful!

The next day, we took Ben and Courtney to Harewood House.  It is such a crazy huge mansion with so many gardens...we didn't go in because we didn't have enough time, but the gardens along are just stunning:

...and of course, we found more stepping stones!

Alfie loved having guests...and loved the adventures he got to take!  Thanks Ben and Courtney...we loved having you visit!  Come back soon!