Welcome to our unaccompanied tours (UT) blog, Foggy Bottom Rambles! We can share information, programs, and resources quickly with you and since blogs are a two way street, we (and the other readers) can hear from you. What's in a name you say? This blog reflects how we (back here in DC, Foggy Bottom area) provide information (rambles) to you. Find websites and information, upcoming webinars, programs and events. FLO does not endorse organizations or companies linked-to in this blog, the views they express, or the products/services they offer. Let us know what you think: contribute to the blog or email us at FLOAskUT@state.gov.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Upcoming events!


Attention all family members of employees serving at unaccompanied posts!
If you are in the Washington D.C. area, or are planning a trip to the area, please mark your calendars and plan to attend this fun event! 
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, will host Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays, a reception for family members of unaccompanied tour employees on Tuesday, December 18th at the Department of State from 4-5:30 p.m. EST. 
If you are interested in attending and would like an invitation please write FLOaskUT@state.gov


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Have you heard...


Recently a UT spouse was kind enough to share the information below.  Thank you for sharing! If you have a good idea, suggestion or thought please share at FLOaskUT@state.gov .  We will post it for you.  REMEMBER we do not endorse, we just share thoughts!  Be kind, respect others..... 


Alpine Hideaway
                 Steele’s Tavern Manor B&B
                                                    Melissa & Ray Alexander
Alpine Hideaway Cottages
800-895-6121

Almost right after my husband left for Pakistan, I made an immediate search to find a close by “retreat”/B&B/romantic getaway destination for his first R&R – or as I would like to refer to it as our R&R because it was just as important for me to get away as it was for him.
As luck would have it, I found the Alpine Hideaway cottages in Steeles Tavern, Va. – right on the edge of the Shenandoah.
They are owned by Melissa and Ray Alexander, proprietors of Steele’s Tavern Manor B&B, which is also a lovely place to stay.
But I wanted the exclusivity of the cabins.
We stayed at The Pond cabin – our deck hot tub overlooked the pond. It was totally quiet and we were totally by ourselves – except for the cows in the distant field and a little stray cat that was very cute.
Apparently, you can fish in the pond which is fed by local streams.

Some of the other options offered which we took advantage of were;
*Couples massage (first night there)
*Dinner prepared in your cabin by a local caterer (2nd night) – 3, 4, or 5 course dinners offered – we chose the 4 course and we were stuffed!! They also give you complimentary flowers and vase and a framed menu of your dinner.
*Breakfast on the last day at the manor – the cottage has its own kitchen and gas grill so you don’t have to do anything at the manor if you don’t want to. But Melissa prepared a fantastic breakfast – we were definitely stuffed after the dinner and the breakfast – but it was excellent fare!!