This past week I took a couple of friends down to check out the progress at the East Canal at Canalside. While we were there we ventured over to check out the Marriott Courtyard that was open and ready for business.
My friends had not been down to Canalside in a long time, and they were fired up to see all of the progress. To see everything coming together, in a calm “open for business” setting without the distraction of construction going on all around us, allowed us an opportunity to take it all in at our leisure. From the East Canal water feature to the fire rail at the hotel, there was a seamless flow that tied everything all together.
There were giant stones to sit on and relax. Then there were café tables and chairs set out where we could sit and chat while listening to the sounds of the water splashing. The twinkling lights in the trees were atmospheric, as were the rest of the lighting elements at the site.
All together the scene was so pleasant that my friends couldn’t get over how nicely the entire setting had come together. Combined with the buzz of people pulling up and checking into the hotel, and others who were sitting around on a small terrace by the front entranceway, I couldn’t help but be proud of this little downtown oasis.
The only thing that was missing was a gelato cart stationed by the water feature. Maybe next time we’ll grab some food and drink at the hotel and walk down to the public café setting to enjoy our spoils.