Been There, Done That and DID NOT like it: #Ghost Town in the Sky (Maggie Valley)

How disappointing it is to write this message but it has to be done. We visited Ghost Town in the Sky (Maggie Valley, NC) this past weekend (on Fri 18OCT2013) and paid $24.95 each to get in. A total of 6 adults and 2 children. We were told at the bottom that there were "a few rides no operational for the adults, but that the kids rides were still open and the shows and attractions were still going.'" We should have second guessed our decision at that point, but we were so excited to visit once again for the first time in many years and as a whole family. Once we got to the top, we realized the true defintion of GHOST TOWN. NO ONE was there, not even majority of the employees. At 12 noon on Friday, only 3 of the souvenir shops were open with very limited staffing; no chapel services were scheduled; no restaurants were operational; the fudge shoppe keeper wasn't even in the shop and only 2 half pans of fudge that were several days old were avaialble (btw.... anyone could have helped themselves to the goods because the shop wasn't secured!!!); only 4 of the street crew/gun fighters were at work plus the martial (and they stood around in corners smoking cigarettes talking and laughing with one another); the saloon show only included 3 ladies, the piano player, and the host of the show; the bartender didn't even have drinks on tap, just canned drinks for $2.00 each. No kiddie rides were open, even though the signs posted in the gift shop stated that there were 3 kiddie rides available that day (the operator didn't come to work!!!) The T-shirt salesman told us that no one on the property even knew they were supposed to be open that day. They had to call their friends to come into work, IF they even showed up at all. The place was filthy! The bathrooms looked like they had not been attended to in MONTHS. There were rust and stains in all of the commodes, spider webs in the corners of the rooms (even the INSIDE bathroom), spider webs lining the staircases in the gift shop. It was the epitomy of a run down 'has been'. Once complaining at the bottom back in the gift shop, we were informed that we got to see what was advertised and that no refunds would be given. It's sad to see an establishment with this much history go down in shame, but I'm afraid that's what is going to happen and very quickly.

Been There, Done That, and LIKED IT : Deno's Fine Foods, Columbia, SC

I owe this next business a big apology!! We went to visit and I promised to write up a blog for them and got so busy, I'm just now getting around to it. Better late than never, though, because they soooo deserve the praises.

Been There, Done That, and LIKED IT: Deno's Fine Foods in Columbia, SC

So if you've never been over to Deno's at 6161 St. Andrews Rd Columbia, South Carolina 29212,  you've not experienced some great food!!! We tried the restaurant after searching for something different online. I now know why the reviews I found online were so good. The place is JUST THAT GOOD!!

Deno's is a small, family owned and operated restaurant serving Greek and fine Italian foods; Handmade NY style pizzas that are TO DIE for; Spanikopita that people rave about; Pastas, desserts....you name it, they have it! The family that runs the business are very friendly and outgoing. The restaurant is clean. The atmosphere is inviting.

You have to try it. You'll be glad you did!!!

Long story short.... Been There, Done That, and LIKED IT!!!

Been There, Done That, and LIKED IT! Blush Nails and Spa - 1787 S Lake Drive Lexington SC

So everyone that knows me well, knows that there are two things I thoroughly enjoy.... hanging out at Starbucks (anywhere, anytime) drinking my favorite brews AND pampering myself (nails, massages, etc). Today, I took a much needed longer lunch break and headed out to get my nails done.

To my surprise, a new locally owned nail salon had just opened up down the street from me. I couldn't wait to try it. And much more to my surprise, this place didn't let me down. Blush Nails and Spa (1787 S Lake Drive Lexington, SC) has an awesome staff and great customer service. The salon is clean, well organized, trendy, and VERY peaceful. They have soothing music playing. Their nail prep area is separated from their pedicure area so that the noise of the drills do not disturb the people relaxing or soaking. They have plenty of service stations to accommodate several customers at one time for each service they offer. They even offer you complimentary beverages. And most of all, the staff is very welcoming and professional.

Blush is my new 'go-to' place for nail services. My nails look great, My hands are not sensitive after the service, and the cost was well within reason.

Go see Michelle and the staff at Blush Nails and Spa!! You will not be disappointed!!!
Check them out here on facebook......
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/BlushNails1787?fref=ts

Welcome back to my newly revised blog, Been There, Done That, and Liked it (or NOT!!).

My blog started out as a review of restaurants my family and I had visited. Then we stopped eating out as much but I wanted to keep writing so I started adding in nifty recipes that I liked. Recently, though, I visited a really nice new nail salon in Lexington, SC that got me to thinking....I really would just love to share with the world simple reviews of places I go in general. Thus, the revision of my blog. Hopefully you'll see more frequent posts here now.  

The reviews, for the most part, are very fair and very accurate;  but keep in mind they are MY opinion. Take them at face value and keep the information handy if you're thinking of shopping at or eating at one of the places I 'critique'.  You will find that I'm just as passionate about sharing the good things as I am the bad. I've said it once and I'll say it again, if the place deserves praise, they'll get it from me. If they need constructive criticism, well....... they're going to get that, too (whether they ask for it or not and whether they like it or not).

Simply put, a business cannot grow without constructive feedback. If you're in business and you're a true business-minded person, you already know there's a critic on every corner. Keep your ship running tight and you'll find that the positive will far outweigh the negative.

Enjoy the new adventures of Been There, Done That, and Liked it (or NOT!!)