Where do I begin? August 2015 was my 9th year at Bowen's by the Bays. It began with one of motel…read morerooms the first year. I stayed for 3 days. It was wonderful. But this place is addicting. I then learned you could bring your dog to the cottages, so I did the next year. We then stayed 5 days. It was just my last Golden Abigail and me, and was very relaxing. Fast forward to 3 years ago, I was staying 7 days, and had my daughter, her husband, and my 2 grandchildren come for the second half of the week. I said addicting right? Last year for the first time in my entire career, I took 2 weeks and spent at the Bowens. The second week my grandchildren and family came up for a few days. It redefines wonderful and family at the same time. This year, they stayed for 7 days of my 2 week vacation! Once you go there, nothing else looks good.
My first part of the week consisted of Isabelle (my current Golden) and me playing catch (or as Goldens do, retrieve) in the bay, visiting Southampton, walking, and just relaxing, oh she did play with Ruby, the Bowens well-mannered dog. Southampton is a very dog friendly town. Many of the local merchants have dog bowls of water outside for the, In Easthampton. We found a restaurant that offered a dog menu and they made it clear that dogs drink for free (as they brought her bowl of water)!
Staying at the Bowens is like getting back in touch with the important things in life. Family, quality time, relaxation, and oh the cookouts! During the second week, with my daughter, son in law, and grandchildren we cooked out every night. We sat around and talked, just had fun. They took the children many places (lots to do locally), and I actually got in the pool this year for the first time in 20 years! It is amazing what grandchildren can make you do!
As far as the facilities, the first thing you will notice upon entering one of the cottages is the smell of CLEAN. Eileen Bowen never stops, Kevin Bowen, well, I would see him at the pool in the morning and he is clearly the "ambassador". His signature phrase, "Are you having a good time?" And the ever famous, "Do you need anything"? I did ask if they had any grilling utensils. Guess what? Within 20 minutes not only did I have more utensils then I needed, but Kevin had purchased them for EVERY cottage! He said, "That was a great idea". Then he thanked me! Anastasia, a long term employee cleans, does a lot on Facebook, and helps with the front desk. Her work ethic amazes me more every year. Mrs. Bowen, Kevin's mother zips around like she is 20 years old. As soon as she saw me, she said, "nice to see you again, do you need anything". Wonder where Kevin learned that!
All in all, do not miss the opportunity to go here. I have never been anywhere quite like it. Such a family atmosphere, playground equipment, pool, lots to do close by and on the grounds. My daughter and son in law became friends with the people next door at the play area. When they left, they put a note on the porch with 2 beers they wanted them to try. This place is a no brainer. Try it, you will become addicted too!
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