A Baton Rouge Solo Trip: My Two-Night Stay at the Crow Plaza Hotel

As a mother, finding time for self-care and rejuvenation can be a challenging task. The daily responsibilities of parenthood often leave us yearning for a break, a moment of solitude, and a chance to reconnect with ourselves. That's why I recently embarked on a solo trip to Baton Rouge, a brief escape from the demands of motherhood, work, and daily life.

The Crow Plaza Hotel

In my previous post, I discussed the importance of maintaining a sense of self since becoming a mom. It's a topic that resonates with many mothers who understand the struggle to balance their own well-being with the needs of their families. This time, I decided to take self-care to the next level by choosing a luxurious retreat at the Crow Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Local Momcation

While a trip to New York with a fellow mom blogger earlier this year was a much-needed break, I realized that I couldn't wait until the next major getaway. Motherhood demands constant attention, and maintaining my own well-being is a top priority. So, I made the decision to enjoy a local alternative – a solo trip to the Crow Plaza Hotel for a two-night stay in Baton Rouge.

Nestled within the city limits in Baton Rouge on Constitution Drive, the Crow Plaza Hotel is Baton Rouge’s newest boutique hotel, offering opulent and modern accommodations. This time, I was determined to stay within the hotel's confines, enjoying the luxurious amenities and soaking in the relaxation.

The Tower at the Crow Plaza Hotel

The Crowm Plaza Hotel's interior design is nothing short of stunning. From the moment I entered, I was greeted by luxury at every turn. The attention to detail, from the opulent decor to the local brands featured in the minibar, impressed me. Supporting local businesses is something I truly appreciate.

Customer service at the Crow Plaza Hotel begins at the valet, where the polite staff welcomes you with a glass of champagne and ensures a smooth check-in process. A staff member even escorted me to my room and provided a room tour, highlighting the hotel's commitment to exceptional service.

The one-bedroom suite I stayed in was a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. The black and dark grey color scheme, complemented by a white marble dining table stocked with toiletries from local brand Scratch Goods, showcased the hotel's dedication to both design and supporting local businesses. The personal welcome note added a warm touch that won me over.

What made the experience even better was that my fellow mom blogger, Andrea, had a room directly across the hall. The hotel's design includes a door that can lock outside of our rooms, creating a private wing perfect for families or a girls' night out. We left our doors open, enabling us to easily move between rooms, creating a progressive slumber party that was so much fun.

Patio Grill & Lounge

Around 7 pm, we headed to the Patio Grill & Lounge, the hotel's charming lounge, bar and dinner space. A pianist played beautiful live music, creating a perfect atmosphere.

The buffet was a delightful surprise, featuring fresh char-broiled oysters that were a culinary masterpiece. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, adding a personal touch to our evening. The drinks were both beautifully crafted and delicious.

In summary, our visit to the Patio Grill & Lounge at the Crow Plaza Hotel was an unexpected delight, with beautiful music, a mouthwatering buffet, friendly staff, and exquisite cocktails. It's a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.

Just Do It

My two-night stay at the Crow Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge was a revelation. It served as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the need to take a break when life becomes overwhelming. Like the safety instructions on an airplane, we must secure our own oxygen masks before assisting others. Taking care of ourselves enables us to better care for our loved ones.

In conclusion, whether you're a working mother like me or simply in need of a break, consider booking a getaway to recharge and reconnect with yourself. The Crow Plaza Hotel offers a haven of luxury and relaxation, providing the perfect backdrop for a much-needed momcation.

Yours in wellness,

Danielle Melton

The Momcation Diaries: A CEO’s Journey Through Essential Motherhood Retreats for Rejuvenation

Danielle Melton here, CEO of MOTHERboard Society. Today, I'm introducing you to an initiative that is close to my heart and something I believe every mother, including myself, sometimes yearns for - the concept of a "Momcation."

Embarking on 'The Momcation Diaries'

In the age of catchy digital terms like “girl boss” and “momprenuer,” allow me to add another to the mix: "momcation." At its essence, a momcation is a vacation taken by a mother, be it a solo sojourn or a journey with friends. The cardinal rule? No kids. This is a time to bask in self-care, to rejuvenate, and to just be.

The Vision Behind the Momcation Diaries

In an endeavor to walk the talk and encourage more mothers to embrace this concept, I've embarked on a personal project: The Momcation Diaries. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be taking a hiatus from parenthood and will be staying at 20 different 'momcation' hotels spanning from Chicago and NYC to New Mexico, Dallas, and more. The idea is not just to escape but to evaluate, experience, and share these retreats from a mother's perspective. I'll document my travels, giving you an intimate look into each location's momcation potential, ensuring you have the best recommendations for your own rejuvenating break.

Why MOTHERboard Society Champions the Momcation

At MOTHERboard Society, our ethos revolves around supporting mothers in every aspect of their lives. It's imperative to remember that beneath the layers of responsibilities, there's a woman who deserves time for herself. This isn't merely about luxury—it's a necessity

Navigating the Momcation Terrain

I acknowledge that stepping away, even momentarily, might be daunting for some. To aid in this, we at MOTHERboard Society have assembled a guide on traveling without your kids. For those facing childcare challenges, consider:

- Resorts with specialized childcare services.

- Utilizing platforms like Facebook Travel Groups to discover travel companions for mutual childcare arrangements.

- Cruises with renowned kid-friendly clubs and activities.

Momcations: Luxury or Economical? Both!

Budgetary constraints? Fear not. From exploring local attractions in the form of staycations to traversing all-inclusive resorts and scenic national parks, I'll cover a range of options catering to various budget brackets.

Join me on this exciting journey as I unveil the world of momcations, sharing in-depth insights, authentic experiences, and invaluable recommendations. Together, let's champion the cause of mothers everywhere, advocating for the time-off they so rightfully deserve.

Mama Needs a Break: The Benefits of a Momcation

Danielle Melton here, your CEO. If there's one thing I've come to understand deeply both through personal experience and from my interactions with our community of working mothers, it's this: while being a mom and a wife brings unparalleled joy, there are times when we simply crave a break. Picture it: A serene moment in an unshared space, perhaps with just the ambient sounds of a TV in the background, doing absolutely everything you've yearned to do, or perhaps, deliciously nothing at all. This, dear readers, is the essence of a "Momcation."

Diving Deeper into the 'Momcation'

In a world filled with catchy digital jargon like “girl boss” and “momprenuer,” let's embrace the concept of a "momcation." Essentially, it's a vacation taken by a mother, either solo or with friends. The only cardinal rule? An absence of kids. This is about carving out time purely for self-indulgence and self-care. As a mom myself, I wholeheartedly vouch for its rejuvenating power.

The 'Why' of a Momcation

For anyone contemplating the necessity of a momcation, allow me to pose this: Why not? Often, mothers feel burdened by societal expectations, believing they must constantly be present, always caregiving. This notion needs challenging. Every individual, and especially us hardworking moms, needs a hiatus—a momcation isn't a luxury; it's a restorative necessity.

Exploring Momcation Avenues

I understand the anxiety surrounding the idea of leaving your child behind, even momentarily. For those feeling this apprehension, here is a crafted a guide on traveling without your child. And for those confronted with childcare concerns:

• Consider resorts that offer childcare amenities.

• Engage with Facebook Travel Groups to discover travel companions for shared childcare responsibilities.

• Cruises offer fantastic kids clubs, ensuring both you and your children have a memorable break.

Budgeted Momcations: Yes, It’s Possible!

Budgetary constraints shouldn't deter you from a much-needed break. From rediscovering local gems in the form of staycations to exploring all-inclusive resorts and idyllic national parks, there are a plethora of options catering to varying budgets

Consider a Momcation Staycation

One of the easiest ways to save money is to look for momcation ideas that are local. Not only will you save on travel costs but it gives you the opportunity to experience your new city in a new way. Perhaps there is a new exhibit in the inner city that you’ve been dying to see or a particularly hip part of town that you don’t get to visit often or maybe even a suburb you haven’t been to.   Look into those areas, plot out an agenda, and have the time of your life!

If you’ve decided to embark on your momcation, are looking to have a momcation on a budget, or just simply need momcation ideas, then I’ve got some handy tips to help you along the way.

Inspiration for Your Next Momcation

Eager to start but unsure where? Here are some momcation ideas to kindle your wanderlust:

• Bask in luxury at an all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas, MX.

• Connect with nature by camping at a state or national park.

• Revel in the charm of a road trip to an antiqued town.

• Stay local but think different: A staycation in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

• Satiate your cultural cravings by visiting a bucket-list-worthy museum [because I love heritage travel here].

Remember, at MOTHERboard Society, we're not just about advocating for career success but also for personal well-being. The "Momcation Diaries" will further explore this, ensuring every mother knows she's not just deserving of a break but entitled to it.

Have you been on a momcation or a momcation on a budget? What are your money-saving tips?