To the left are the counters to check in, directly across is a small coffee and pastry cafe (where I had one too many an indulgent treat), then in the center there is no immediate ceiling as you look up to each open balcony on its way to the top floor. When you walk into the lobby, it is grand. It's a beautiful location among the Kamilche Valley. I couldn't help but get caught up in it, too. The sun was brightly shining on this August day, but there was a cool breeze and many travelers were sitting outside their RV's just taking in the view around them. I was told that Little Creek was a popular place for RV travelers and because of that, for the most part, spaces in the lot are always sold out. As we pulled in, there was an entire parking lot dedicated just to RV's with an overflow lot of RV's waiting for a space to open. When I arrived at Little Creek Casino Resort it had just been renovated. It gave the feeling of an older landscape with a story to tell. I found myself staring in awe of them quite a few times. Here in the Poconos, hills, mountains and lush greenery go as far as the eye can see, but in Shelton, Washington, it felt the trees were so much taller as if their branches could touch the clouds. I fell in love with Shelton, Washington and it's abundant tree-topped skyline, enjoyed my luxuriously appointed room at Little Creek Casino Resort, the delicious food at their restaurants and complete and utter relaxation at their spa, but my time spent learning about the tribe moved me enough to leave an impression on me.

I spent 3 days at this resort, and had the opportunity to spend time on the Squaxin Island Tribe's reservation, as well. What I thought would be just another trip to review a spa in an area of the country I have never traveled, it turned out to be so much more. 2800+ miles from the Poconos, owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe, is Little Creek Casino Resort and the Seven Inlets Spa.

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