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Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

Photo gallery for Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

A view of the deck from the backyard...You couldn't ask for a more tranquil and private setting to enjoy a soak in the hot tub or chilling out on the deck. All this and so close to Uptown and the other Charlotte hot spots!
The front of The Zen Retreat...at night...there is landscape lighting surrounding the house.
Enjoy your time on the deck with the gas dining table, hot tub, fire pit and outdoor day bed and new large outdoor sectional...this house has room to relax and more!
The BRAND NEW kitchen...
The Dining Room...

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7297.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Charlotte, NC
  • SouthPark Mall
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Bojangles' Coliseum
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Quail Hollow Club
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Charlotte, NC (QWG-Wilgrove Air Park)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!

Welcome to The Zen Retreat! This is a gem of a house, one that is truly unique. Be prepared to spoil yourself to a hidden paradise with an abundance of options for relaxing and having fun, both inside and outside in an inspiring retreat setting!

15 min. to Uptown. 20 min. to Panther Stadium. 25-30 min. the Speedway. 25-30 min. to the White Water Center. 20-25 minutes to Charlotte Douglas airport.

Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place during your visit to Charlotte.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TWO NIGHT MINIMUM FOR ALL WEEKEND BOOKINGS.

If you are looking for a traditional house, this is not the house for you. If you are looking for something special, then you have found the right spot. As soon as you set foot on the property, be prepared to have all your worries disappear as you are surrounded by peace and tranquility. The atmosphere is pure magic and with every breath you take, your mind and body will begin to feel like one. Nestled in the very private neighborhood of High Timbers, the house truly brings its neighborhood namesake to life as the entire property is tress lined and brings a welcome serenity and privacy to your stay. The attention to detail, both inside and outside of this Zen-style house won’t escape your attention. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rear deck of the house and enjoy the view of 2 waterfalls and ponds and enjoy the blissful sounds of the cascading waters. Guests can cozy up to a book in the 2 story living room relaxing in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie on the 65 inch TV, with Blu Ray player, Firestick with all apps and a Polk Audio surround sound system. I am a chef and the living room houses a library of cookbooks and food-related books for you to enjoy, which can be used to create edible delights in the NEWLY renovated kitchen. The ENTIRE kitchen has been redone, with new appliances including a gas stove, with dual convection oven. It includes new granite countertops and cabinets. The house boasts three bedrooms, each with its own personality. The Master Bedroom is furnished with Asian inspired décor and comes with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bedroom has its own bathroom with a bathtub. Both other rooms are furnished with queen size beds, and an additional fold out twin bed, also with a memory foam mattress. Each share a second full bathroom. The exquisite dining room seats 6+ and the fully equipped kitchen overlooks the peaceful back yard, with everything you need to get your cooking game on. Take your cooking skills outside and whip something up on the gas grill or the egg smoker/cooker and enjoy the fruits of your labor while sitting at the gas fire pit outdoor dining table. Jump in the hot tub and let the peaceful surroundings of The Zen Retreat take over. There is also a lovely breakfast room and screened in porch to start your day in the best way possible. The house is super pet friendly and our four-legged friends are more than welcome. They will enjoy the house as much and possibly even more, once they get to explore the fenced-in backyard. The Zen Retreat also offers its own Concierge Service with a slew of optional services available for guests to enjoy, from general grocery stocking and much more, we have you covered! (See the list under the "Other Things to Note section) We are sure all your guests will love The Zen Retreat and look forward to having you!

Guest access

Guests will have access to the entire house, inside and out, with the exception of two closets and the garage.

Neighborhood overview

The neighborhood is called High Timbers and The Zen Retreat reflects the name of the neighborhood as the property is tree-lined and very shady, offering loads of privacy. The entire neighborhood is full of mature trees and is in essence a private Cul-De-Sac community. There are only 2 entrances to the neighborhood and it is ALWAYS very quiet. If you have children, rest easy knowing that this is a very safe spot for them to play and be kids. The neighbors are great...Check out my neighbor Bob across the street, he has the quirkiest back yard you have ever seen. It has been featured on numerous TV shows nationally. Just say hi, he is super friendly.

Getting Around

The Zen Retreat offers enough parking for multiple cars on the property. The house is located off of Monroe Rd and Sardis Rd North. There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and stores in the area. Please look at the Guidebook for my recommendations. FYI, since these are the questions I get the most concerning the house. The Zen Retreat is 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and is a straight shot on 1 road right to the heart of the city. It is 20 minutes from Panther Stadium It is 25-30 minutes from the Speedway It is 25-30 minutes from the White Water Center It is 20-25 minutes from the airport Consider The Zen Retreat your urban escape and the perfect place for a wonderful stay that will cap of your visit to Charlotte.

Other things to note

Attention-
The Zen Retreat Concierge Services
The Zen Retreat has arranged for pre-arrival and during stay services. These services are arranged through Liomai, our Zen Retreat Concierge at
+1 (704) 248-1778.

Please note, there are two active security cameras, one covering the stairs from the front entrance and another at the back door covering a portion of the deck.

If you are interested in a wonderful stay in the mountains of North Carolina, check out our other property, the Cozy Cabin, an NC Mountain Escape, which is near Boone. Whether you are looking to have a romantic getaway for two or to making new family memories, The Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for you! This gem of a cabin is perched on the hillside with everything you need for a perfect and peaceful getaway.
https://www.vrbo.com/854107

Please Note-
Please make sure to enjoy your stay as if you are visiting friends and family. Be respectful and tidy. No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval. People booking for parties will be required to leave a double deposit. Weddings/receptions/events will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The house is NOT meant for entertaining unless discussed and agreed to ahead of time. Extra guests or visitors are not allowed without prior approval. Failure to do so will forfeit your deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any lost keys will be charged a fee of $75. Any parties or gatherings need to be addressed with the owner prior to arrival. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. Any use of the house for photo and video purposes will need to be requested prior to the stay, there are additional fees for such matters. Any failure to do so will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit and all monies received for your stay. There is NO SMOKING inside the property, any sign or smell of smoking inside of the house will result in complete forfeiture of the security deposit. The house is ALWAYS pet friendly, with no additional charge. If guests do not pick up after their dog(s), there will be an $85+ fee applied. Lastly, there is a $50 per half hour fee for late checkouts. Check out is at 11 STRICT, especially in light of the present situation and time needed for enhanced cleaning. Please feel free to reach out for any and all of the above.

Property manager

Richard Gruica
Premier Host

Languages

Croatian, English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please check pics for railings and my open plan.
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Events

No events allowed
Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
We welcome all our four legged friends.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is NO SMOKING inside the property.
The guest has to send written confirmation agreeing to the house rules and policies. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of said booking.
No b-day parties or NYE parties for anyone under 25 years of age. No parties or gatherings larger than 7 people without prior approval.
Any violation of rules or terms will result in a full loss of deposit and the guests will be asked to leave with no refund.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Failure to discuss prior to stay deposit is lost
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Charlotte

Located in Charlotte, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Quail Hollow Club is worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit NASCAR Hall of Fame and Carowinds Theme Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Spectrum Center or Bank of America Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Charlotte, NC

What's nearby

  • Sportsplex at Matthews - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • SouthPark Mall - 12 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Bojangles' Coliseum - 14 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Spectrum Center - 15 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Quail Hollow Club - 17 min drive - 14.4 km

Getting around

  • Charlotte Station - 22 min drive
  • Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cookout - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪New Zealand Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Custom Home Pubs - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Urban Escape w/Hot Tub, Backyard Oasis, Min to Uptown! located?

Located in the heart of Charlotte, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from McAlpine Creek Greenway and within 6 miles (10 km) of Matthews Community Center and Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Bowlero Matthews and Idlewood Shopping Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 119 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 119 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 119 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 119 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 119 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Neat house with a ton of books.
My family and I were in town for my sisters funeral. We chose this house because of its proximity to the church. The house was a true joy to stay in. The back yard was peaceful and inviting. The house was large enough for us to have individual space. We spent most of our time congregating in the kitchen which was spacious and well appointed with everything you need. We had an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Very Merry Christmas!
We had an awesome time for Christmas at the Zen Retreat. The location of the house is so convenient to all your needs and the neighborhood is quiet and great to walk your dogs, if you have any. Highly recommend for families.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Ashley W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls trip
The backyard is amazing. Gorgeous patio with lights, seating, and a hot tub. The beds were super comfortable. The front entrance stairs inside were anxiety inducing for me because there was no rail on the side that drops into the living room, but other than that we had an amazing stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Kristin T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
NASCAR playoff stay
My family and I stayed for four nights at the Zen retreat. When we arrived there was an issue with the hot water tank and it was immediately being replaced. We were extremely grateful for that. The issue was handled immediately. We had a small issue with the hot tub which again was handled immediately and corrected right away. Otherwise, the beds were wonderfully comfortable and our stay was a beyond peaceful.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Evacuating from western nc
We needed a place to stay that was willing to take two large dogs and have enough space for two kids as well. This home was clean, had nice appliances, a fenced in backyard, a nice back deck, and was near a lot of restaurants. We were in contact with the owner several times and he always checked to make sure everything was good. We would rent again if ever in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grandma bday trip
My husband and I stayed for almost a week to visit my grandmother for her birthday.We brought our two dogs The backyard was very accommodating for them they had Had a blast running around and a couple of deers came to the edge of the fence. And visited them. My husband worked remotely. The house was very accommodating for him. The master bed was very soft and the couch was great. The pressure in the shower was amazing. The neighborhood was very quiet and centrally located right next to a Food Lion. A ramen shop and a movie theater that is also a bistro. We had a great time. One of the best days I've had in a while.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Candy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay!
We had a fantastic time at the Urban Escape! The house was spotless, and the owner was incredibly responsive and helpful from booking to checkout. The zen vibe of the property made for a truly relaxing getaway. We especially loved the backyard oasis—it was the highlight of our stay. While we didn’t use the hot tub, it’s a great feature to have available. The backyard could use a little extra care, perhaps a quick blow of the deck to clear some leaves, but overall it was such a peaceful space. The house offered plenty of room for our group, and its proximity to Uptown was perfect. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jody B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is Zen!
Lovely home with a very nicely equipped kitchen. Tons of cookbooks everywhere. We could have read for weeks! The beds were quite comfy. The homes location was very convenient for tourists wanting to explore the town. The area is very dog friendly as well. I do have one caution if you have pets or children: the top floor has a railing that overlooks the main and lower levels that is completely open without spindles. An adult would easily fall through the openings.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to Meet!
Our group had an amazing time finally seeing each other again and doing it at this location put it over the top! We had plenty of room to gather around and chat and plenty of back deck to use! It was a beautiful and quiet neighborhood but very close to essentials like a grocery store. We loved the hot tub and being able to talk through the whole house, living room to the kitchen to the dining table. Loved the experience!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends
This was the perfect property for our long weekend trip to Charlotte. We wanted a place to stay that would accommodate My wife and I, and 2 youngest kids (now adults) to host a Thanksgiving dinner to include our oldest daughter who now lives in Charlotte. We also had her boyfriend and 4 of his family join us. The house has a very open concept layout, with a nice kitchen, a large island that made prep and presentation of apps and dinner easy, dining area adjacent to kitchen, and a large living room for everyone watching the football games. The backyard has a large deck, with gas fireplace, and ho tub. It is landscaped very nice, and is fenced in to allow our daughter's bulldog to roam around. We enjoyed walking the neighborhood. It had deer that would often come waking past the backyard. Richard the owner was very good at communicating with us, and marking the property with little signs to clue us in on where everything was and how its works.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

DeAnne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
A unique place
The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows. We did enjoy the kitchen and living room. The outdoor spaces need some work. The floors and stairs are a bit uneven and dangerous. Overall, our stay was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home and yard
Came here for a long birthday weekend with family. Even though it was in a neighborhood, it felt very relaxing and peaceful in the backyard. Especially loved the outdoor bed and fire pit dining table. Beds were very comfortable and the home was spacious, beautiful, and very Zen like.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Giselle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute spot
THE GOOD: Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Zen Retreat. We loved the decorations and all the amenities that came with the place! The screen porch is really cute, and we loved sitting out there in the morning. The neighborhood is very quiet and safe. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: the hot tub. It is way too chlorinated. The chlorine was stinging our eyes as we sat in the tub and the chlorine also stripped the color from our bathing suits! We originally had blue swimsuits and now they are a faded gray. Please fix this! Your backyard is amazing but the hot tub needs some TLC and a good scrub. The back deck and screen porch could honestly just use a good power wash in general. Also, it said that the outside string lights were on a timer, but we did not see any of those light illuminate while we were there. Maybe a wiring issue? Lastly, please get your ice machine to work. North Carolina is extremely humid and hot- especially in the summer months. Not having ice to add to our lukewarm tap water the whole week was not a vibe. If you can’t get the ice machine to work in the fridge, you should have some regular ice trays for your guests to fill up. The only ice trays we saw were the huge blocks of ice for whiskey and other liquors- if you could provide regular sized ice trays, that’d be great.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect girls trip
Me and 3 of my girlfriends rented this space for the Scentsy Convention and it was absolutely perfect!! 10/10 will rebook next time I come to Charlotte
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Valerie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Zen House Charlotte
The home has an interesting decor & theme. The biggest difficulty was the extremely strong odor- in the kitchen and dining area…. Animal excrement….? The owner responded to our emails quickly, but was not willing to address the smell issue. We left after one night, skipping our second night and requested a refund. Airing out the property didn’t help. Very disappointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gea F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Definitely worth it!!
Wouldn't have changed a thing about this property, it was perfect!! Thank u having us, and we hope to get the chance to stay again...
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
UNCC Graduation
The Zen Retreat met all our expectations. It was clean, welcoming, and well-appointed. Our host, Richard, was gracious and stayed in close communication with us before and during our stay. The Zen Retreat outside area was exceptional for socializing with family and friends after the graduation ceremony. Thank you Richard for an outstanding experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zen retreat
The backyard was beautiful, we fully enjoyed being outdoors and enjoyed the hot tub in the evening. The breakfast bar in the kitchen was very convenient for preparing foods. Shopping was close and convenient. Thank you for welcoming our family and making our stay worthwhile. Steve & Marilyn
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family event
Overall very nice, didn't like the driveway, very nice neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

margaret b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice comfortable location
This property was just as described. We had a great time with our daughter and grandson. Extremely well stocked, and very clean. Very quiet neighborhood. We would recommend this location to almost anyone. Maybe no really small children because of the stairs but otherwise it was great!! Thank you to Richard and his staff!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot
Cool house. Hot tub was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Dianna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zen property
The house was very nice. Waterfalls were beautiful and made it very peaceful. The kitchen needs to be restocked but good to cook in. Checkin and check out process was very easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

alesia s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas with Family
This place is really special. We celebrated Christmas and this was perfect for our family. Really wished we could have enjoyed the back yard but we were there during Elliot arctic blast so too cold. The waterfalls were so pretty because parts of them were frozen. The host was very quick to respond. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelley T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptionally Relaxing
The house was just like it was pictured. Comfortable and worked perfectly as the center point for meeting with our grown kids living and working in Charlotte and housing our grown kids from Raleigh. We slept better than we can remember here.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Zen retreat was awesome!
We had a great time, nice property. Wish hot tub was a little cleaner and fountains worked but we had a great time at a beautiful place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Richard Gruica

Host profile image
I am always looking for a great meal, great drink, and great company and will do my best to make that happen. I used to work in the food industry as a Chef and Culinologist (I helped companies create the flavor portion to their products) and used to travel extensively for work. Since all things culinary have been a huge part of my life, I started an online-based dining and socializing group called Good Eats and Meets that is now in 7 cities in the US and is the largest group of its kind in the US. I have a grown daughter and son. My parents are Croatian and I am also fluent in Spanish and Croatian. I spend my time split between the US and Europe as I started a new company called Captivating Croatia, where I take guests on an intimate food and wine-centric tour of Croatia. I also started the Gypsy Table, a roaming pop up dinner series and Croatia Food Tours, which is a gourmet food and wine tour taking guests on wonderful walking tours.

Why they chose this property

Because it is totally unlike ANY house out there and it so many cool ways!

What makes this property unique

The Backyard is worth the money for the view alone. 2 ponds with waterfalls and landscape lighting with a hot tub to enjoy along the deck. A day bed next to the fire pit and an outdoor table for an al fresco dinner with a fire pit in the middle on the other side of the deck to enjoy. Grill up some tasty treat on 1 of the 2 grill available for you. One is a cooker/smoker/grill called a Grill Dome (similar to a Big Green Egg)or the super strong (I had the gas outlets re-drilled) gas grill for a perfect meal. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Just take a look at the pics and description and you will see all the other benefits.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Croatian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests