The Resort on Mount Charleston

While “rustic” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of me, I recently spent a delightfully romantic overnight getaway with Jacob, at the charming Resort on Mount Charleston; and lemme tell ya – it was veritably bubbling over with rusticity.

I’m not one for long car trips, so the fact that the majority of the 30-something miles was on the freeway and/or deserted roads made the time whisk by.  As we drove further northwest, into the Toiyabe National Forest, my ears popped a few times, but considering we were at an elevation of between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, it makes sense.  Also, this explains why there was still some snow on the ground (though none on the road).  Sammy had his nose pressed to the window for most of the picturesque drive (he loves snow).

The Lobby

Upon arrival, we parked, and walked into the lobby, which was exactly what one would hope for – with antlers and a fireplace, and comfy seating areas.  The front desk attendant was all smiles and welcomed us graciously, as if she was the owner, herself – and this was a quality that seemed to permeate throughout the staff we encountered.  Everyone was so nice that it alleviated Jacob’s fear that we might’ve walked right into a later-day version of The Shining. 

Suite - Living Room

Our suite included slate floors, lots of lovely hardwoods, flat-screen TVs in both the bedroom and living room, and a very comfy bed; as well as a balcony that looked right out onto the Spring Mountains.  Again, it’s thousands of feet in elevation higher than is Las Vegas, so the temperature is many degrees cooler, and at night was downright chilly – though it was nothing that couldn’t be handled by our snazzy in-room fireplace.

Mountain Meat Stew with Buffalo and Wild Boar

Dinner at A Cut Above was a surprising treat, and I daresay in and of itself is worth the drive.  We started with the Mountain Meat Stew and the Fillet Tips.  The stew is made with Buffalo and Wild Boar and was hot and hearty and was perhaps the manliest soup I can imagine - exactly what you’d picture the Brawny paper-towel guy preparing, if he’d invited the Marlboro Man over for dinner.

Fillet Tips with Crumbled Bleu Cheese

The Fillet Tips are sautéed in a port wine sauce and topped with crumbles of bleu cheese, and served with bleu cheese dressing and a zesty gravy.

Chef's Steak Salad with Fillet Tips and French Fries

For our entrees, Jacob ordered the Atlantic Salmon (which he assured me was great), while I opted for the Chef’s Steak Salad – or what I’ve dubbed the Legalize-It Cobb Salad.  This is my kind of salad!  Crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, tangy red onions and crunchy cucumbers are the backdrop for a huge portion of fillet tips (see above) and French fries (yes – French fries!!!).  Then the whole thing is topped with shredded cheddar cheese and bleu cheese crumbles, and served with your choice of ranch or bleu cheese dressing.  I opted for the latter.  The salad was so good, in fact, that we each ordered one for lunch, the following day.

Chef Joel's Signature Bread Pudding

And lest I forget, the desert was major!  Chef Joel's Signature Bread Pudding was sweet and sticky and cinnamon-y and ranks among the three best bread puddings I've ever had.

There’s a lounge (that’s open for 24 hours), a spa with a menu of massages and body treatments, and a Bistro that serves pastries, gourmet coffee, and boxed lunches for folks itching to go snowboarding or horseback riding.  Sadly, I didn’t have time to try out any of these amenities (though while I took a well-deserved nap, Jake did some “research” in the Lounge, and told me that the buxom Nordic bartender makes a fantastic cocktail).

So, if you’re looking for a great place to “get away” (with your dog!), and you’re seeking a place that is positively oozing rustic charm, then The Resort on Mount Charleston is just what you need.  Best of all – the prices can’t be beat!

The Resort on Mount Charleston
Click HERE for more info

Get into it!