The ultimate buffet (check); farm animals (check); corn hole (check); water views (check); hammocks (check); outdoor bars (check); a gift shop (check)....great friends (check)...Pampered in luxury (check). The food is luxurious, but the Nordic is so much more. About 40 of my closest friends rented a bus and trekked about 1 hr. 17 minutes. The pastoral land and wooded areas you pass through is gorgeous. Our driver wound down very narrow lanes. We emerge at the Nordic. The entrance has two brazen pillars on either side. It is still kind of called the Lodge...guess they dropped it because people thought the Nordic had sleeping accomendation...I mean yes people it is amazing, but you don't have to go home, you just cannot stay there (after 2 hours of bliss). I got to wander the grounds before we were seated. I went to look at the Alpacas, sheep, a horse, donkey, and other animals. There were a number of tour busses. I used a restroom near the water. The cleaning crew were coming in as I was leaving. The bathroom was clean, lots of hand towels, and liquid soap. It was a little blustery out. Sitting on the actual water must be amazing on a less windy day. A volleyball net is set up. There is a pavilion and a fire pit in this area of the property.

After having a drink from the outdoor bar, I sat on one of the many Adirondack chairs. The Nordic had flavored water around the area... It was not too long before my group was called in. We were greeted by Michael from the front of the house. He quickly got us seated. Really great conversationalist and you can tell Michael takes pride in his job as does his staff. Our server was Amanda. She was just bubbly and really took care of us. Amanda made suggestions about food, preferences, ways to approach the buffet, replaced drinks, clear plates, gave wet wipe towelettes, and was there when we needed, but never hovered. Soft drinks came with your meal. Bar drinks/cocktails extra, but reasonably priced. My friends had an expresso martini at $12. Another friend had a Ulta for $6. I saw cocktails for $10. Check out the placemats for information.

So the food. I started with dessert. That was my game plan. I had an orangsicle made with vanilla Hagan Daas and Fanta. Then on a plate; I had dragon fruit, a maroon, lychee fruit, Turkish delight, coconut dulce Leche cake, triple chocolate, snickers cheesecake...Pro tip: ask for half slices. I ended up sampling a little bit of all the desserts. The Beligium Mousse cup was obscenely good.

Lots of people talk about the food. I will tell you the lobster fritters and clam chowder were standouts. The clam chowder was creamy, chunks of potatoes and clam. Read the menu on online, there is something for everyone plus Gluten Free options.

This place is so magical that we witnessed a proposal from another party. Congratulations Marvin and now fiance?!?! This shows you how special this place is to people. Really everywhere you turned customers were sociable. I stood in line with someone who talked to me about where they were visiting from. Just a really family style party atmosphere.

I think it is important to know that even though your tip is included in the $145...It gets split among the whole staff. My table left a cash tip, which went directly to Amanda. Amanda really did a super job. My soapbox about treating all wait staff similarly at other establishments. Tips thehard-workinging individuals who deal with us and make our time seamless (remember maid services too at hotels WHICH the Nordic is not a hotel)!!

I came, I saw, did not try to conquer, but had a couple of plates, enjoyed my time!! What a really great experience! Naptime :)