Friday, September 29, 2006

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things...

Dear Ron and Lani,

Hal, Hal, Hal! What a dedicated employee and what a wonderful human being. Hal sells Monmouth every minute of every day. He personally made sure that our every need was attended to. Hal is genuine. His demenor is not contrived. He really is wonderful. We just can't say enough about this incredible man.

And what about that Carol? What a class act she truly is. Carol went out of her way to assure that our stay was flawless. She too went above and beyond what her job requires. She gives that extra 10% that means so very much. Thanks so much for owning and preserving Monmouth. And thanks to these two special good will ambassadors we will be returning frequently.

Kindest regards,

Kenneth Ashley

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

When the Saints Go Marching In!


Congratulations Saints fans! Yesterday brought one much-needed victory for our neighboring NFL city as the New Orleans Saints upset the Atlanta Falcons 23-3 Monday night and grabbed sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

For one day, residents in the Katrina ravaged city were able to forget their woes and have some fun. Last night's nationally televised game before a sell-out crowd of more than 70,000, showed off to the rest of the world a better brighter Superdome, what many consider a beacon of hope, saying, "Hey, New Orleans is back in business!"

Here's to you, New Orleans!

With love from Natchez,

Lani & Ron
www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, September 25, 2006

As Seen in Southern Living...


We are delighted to be featured in Southern Living's October issue!

On page 54, you will find this quote:

"The prettiest town on the trace, Natchez oozes with grandeur. Check into one of the state's top inns, Monmouth Plantation. Thirty rooms with antebellum flair, mahogany furnishings, and decadent bedding contribute to its ambience."

www.monmouthplantation.com

This Week at Monmouth

This week, Monmouth has the pleasure of hosting a video crew, in town to film footage of our charming Natchez for the State Office of Tourism. It brings to mind other notables and celebrities who have been guests in the past, including Trent Lott, Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Linda Rhonstadt, Thad Cochran, Donna Rice, Michael Eisner, Connie Chung, Kathy Bates, and Rob Reiner.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Friday, September 22, 2006

Fore!


Fall is a great time to get outside and brush up on your swing with Monmouth's Golf Package. Enjoy 18 holes at scenic Beau Pre Country Club.

Golf Getaway includes: 2 night’s accommodation, Breakfast each morning, Dinner for two on evening of your choice, two rounds of Golf (18 Holes) Tax and Gratuity

www.monmouthplantation.com

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Southern Elegance



Surround yourself with luxury and antebellum elegance. This is another one of our lovely guest rooms. You can view more by logging onto our website www.monmouthplantation.com

Lani & Ron

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Rekindle Your Romance


Whether you are newlyweds or empty nesters, Fall is the perfect time to rediscover time together as a couple & Monmouth is a wonderful place to rekindle your romance. Play a round of croquet or take a quiet walk through our 26 acres of wooded park and formal gardens. In the evening, reconnect with your special someone over dinner under romantic gaslight chandeliers.

If you can travel mid-week, take advantage of our value added packages, Sunday through Thursday. www.monmouthplantation.com

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Life is Short, Eat Dessert First


This is one of our most requested recipes:

Baked Mocha Martini

8 Cake Rounds, cut about 2 ½” round and 1” thick. These may be cut from a ready mix or a store purchased cake.
1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
10 egg whites
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 pints vanilla ice cream (or flavor of your choice)
2 cups toasted pecans
¼ cup Chambord

Cut cake rounds. Set aside. Melt chocolate in cream using double boiler. Set aside and allow to cool until thick and workable. Spread chocolate mixture over each cake round. Freeze for 10 minutes. Top each cake round with scoop of ice cream, return to freezer. Place egg whites in mixture. Turn mixer on and beat egg whites for about 30 seconds on high, then slowly add cream of tartar then start adding sugar at about the same rate until whites are stiff and glossy, but not dry. Place egg whites in a pastry bag and pipe over prepared cake rounds, being sure to seal the ice cream. Place cakes back in freezer and freeze at least two hours. This may also be done up to 3 days ahead of time.

To assemble:
Toss pecans in Chambord. Place ¼ cup in each martini glass. Place frozen cakes in hot preheated 450 degree oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until meringue is light brown. Remove with a spatula and place in prepared martini glasses.

Top with a few chocolate morsels and drizzle a small amount of Chambord over the top and serve immediately.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, September 18, 2006

Natchez Fall Festivals


As temperatures cool down, our festivals heat up! Our biggest upcoming events are the Natchez Fall Pilgrimage tour of homes (September 30 - October 14) and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race (October 2-22), but then there is Art & Soul (September 29 & 30) featuring art, music, food & fun, The Natchez Little Theatre's "Big River" (September 29 - October 13), the Phat Water Kayak Race (October 14), and Angels on the Bluff (November 3 & 4)

Book now, rooms are going fast!
www.monmouthplantation.com

Saturday, September 16, 2006

The Holidays are Just Around the Corner


As Summer gives way to Autumn and the leaves begin to fall, the days grow shorter and the air, a little cooler, thoughts turn to the coming holidays and, perhaps, a relaxing getaway.

Monmouth Plantation is magical during the holiday season. Twenty-six acres of moss draped oaks, lush green woods, winding paths and formal gardens, sparkling with white lights after dark, give way to 30 luxurious rooms and suites boasting period antiques, yet providing every modern comfort.

Nostalgic Christmas decorations evoke another era. Celebrate High Tea each Saturday in December. Enjoy caroling prior to five course gourmet dinners beneath romantic gaslight chandeliers. Many Natchez plantations offer candlelight tours.

Several holiday packages available online @ http://www.monmouthplantation.com/ or call 1/800-828-4531.

See why Glamour Magazine rated us one of the most romantic places in the USA!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Hey There, Sports Fans!


September heralds the arrival of football season and Southern sports fans are particularly loyal to their alma maters, many of them traveling to away games to cheer on their teams. Monmouth Plantation is easy driving distance from LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss, just to name a few. Why not add an extra day to your road trip and enjoy Southern hospitality Natchez style? www.monmouthplantation.com

Thursday, September 14, 2006

What's the Story on that Wallpaper?

We are frequently asked this question about the unique wallpaper in Monmouth's foyer, so I thought I'd post the answer here. I've included a photo, as well, in the event you have never been to Monmouth.

The foyer wallpaper, called "Scenic America," was made by Zuber in France; it's the same as that hanging in the president's private quarters in the White House. Mr. Zuber's unique interpretation and creative license is readily evident in some of the historic scenes, since at the time he was commissioned to create the wallpaper, he had never been here.

Lani

www.monmouthplantation.com

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Monmouth's Cutting Edge


Monmouth Plantation, now in its third century, is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We take pride in our National Landmark status and we are as unique as the city of Natchez itself. Each one of our rooms and suites has a unique size and shape and something to set each one apart from the next.

Monmouth is not only a tribute to the past, it has some very modern aspects as well. We have a leading edge on today's technology with our free wireless high-speed Internet (WI-FI) access in all of our rooms, allowing you to use your laptop or other bluetooth device free of charge.

This BLOG is another technological advance enabling us to communicate with our guests and potential guests. We try to post items of interest and to offer updates on happenings in and around Natchez. If you like what you read here, please pass on the link to our BLOG to anyone you think might enjoy these daily posts or advise us on anything you would like to read about here. www.monmouthplantation.com

Thanks for reading and please keep those comments coming!

Lani & Ron

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Under the Pergola

Couples in love can't resist our wisteria covered pergola, the focal point of Monmouth's formal gardens. The perfect spot for a wedding or a proposal. www.monmouthplantation.com

Monday, September 11, 2006

Our Country Remembers 9/11

Solemn remembrances were held around our nation today to mark the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Our hearts go out to the family members of the 2,749 people lost in the trade center attacks.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said it best, "We've come back to remember the valor of those we've lost, those who innocently went to work that day and the brave souls who went in after them."

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Living History


Natchez is the oldest civilized settlement on the lower Mississippi River. Her rich culture, architecture and history bring the past to life. From the renowned pageantry of the pilgrimage to the antebellum splendor of her stately mansions, plantations and historic landmarks, Natchez offers a living history lesson like no other.

www.monmouthplantation.com

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Plantation Mystique Alive at Monmouth Estate in Natchez


We'd like to thank Elizabeth Doehring for her article on Monmouth in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If you would like to read it, here is the link:

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/southeast/ms_stories/031506monmouth.html


We hope it will persuade you to come and see for yourself.

Lani & Ron
www.monmouthplantation.com

Friday, September 08, 2006

Meet Hal Davis


Upon your arrival at Monmouth, you will be welcomed by Bellman Hal Davis. We believe a sense of arrival sets the tone for your entire stay and Hal is the master at doing just that. He not only assists guests with their bags and shows them to their rooms, he makes it clear that he loves his job whether answering questions about Natchez or showing guests around the grounds. We get so many positive comment cards about Hal. Here's a nice one we thought we' d share:

"We are already planning to visit again...maybe our 5 year anniversary. I know I've mentioned the staff often, but I must reiterate how wonderful they are, especially Hal, who has worked at Monmouth for 17 years. You MUST speak with him while you're there...if you don't you're missing out. While I was there I was having lunch with Lani Riches, one of the owners and I asked her where in the world they find the great staff that works for them. She replied (and I'll try to quote - Lani, forgive me if I'm a little off) "I don't have any staff that works FOR me....they work WITH me. We just try to be compassionate to each of their situations individually and do what we can to keep them happy. The Lord has sent each of them to us and we just feel so blessed to have them as part of our family." ....this approach is definitely paying off because you can see that the entire staff is dedicated to making your stay with them as comforatable and enjoyable as possible. If you want a relaxing, romantic getaway, I encourage you to visit Monmouth. It is an experience you will not forget."

To check available dates, visit our website: www.monmouthplantation.com

The Carriage House Nestled Among the Trees


Call us today to reserve your room or book online at www.monmouthplantation.com

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Proud to be American


We are proud to belong to Historic Hotels of America, a select group of hotels representing the heritage and development of our country. Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Historic Hotels of America designation identifies quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. To be accepted into this esteemed organization, hotels must be located in a building that is at least 50 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more, log onto www.historichotels.org or www.monmouthplantation.com

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Our Guests Say the Nicest Things...

Beautiful Peaceful Grounds Arrival to Departure my husband and I truly enjoyed the 4Star award-winning hotel/restaurant.Monmouth's staff professional and friendly, attending to every need.No detail has been overlooked for Monmouth's guest approval. It's tops on our list. My husband was so impressed with the housekeepers service,our room's cleanliness,wonderful towels,ammenities,soft egyptian cotton sheets, great pillows and a just right bed, a plus for hubby's comfort, and a jacuzzi for me. We will be back soon.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Some Enchanted Evening



Our charming brick courtyard is a lovely place to gather for a before dinner cocktail or to watch the day fade into evening. It is enchanting with glimmering white twinkle lights and a softly splashing fountain. www.monmouthplantation.com

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Sign Up to Receive our Newsletter



We invite you to register for our Seasonal Newsletter. Seasonal offers, special events and new vacation package opportunities will be combined with the latest news and happenings from Monmouth.
Be assured that your email address will be used only for this purpose, and will not be sold, rented or distributed to any individual or company outside of Monmouth Plantation.

Log onto www.monmouthplantation.com to register for our upcoming September newsletter.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

The Croquet Lawn at Monmouth Plantation


We at Monmouth would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. If you are gathering with family or friends to celebrate this last of summer holidays, it is not too early to start making plans for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Perhaps you will consider a trip to Monmouth - it is such a wonderful time to visit. Call us or book online @ www.monmouthplantation.com

Lani & Ron

Friday, September 01, 2006

Our Caladiums are Stunning


The grounds at Monmouth are stunning year round but this burst of summer color is a stand out in our shady gardens.