Originally, I was going to write a little piece about summer and heat and all the fun things to do this time of year. Timely? Yes. Predictable? 100%! Then I read the feature article about the Leonard family and their love of time spent together, both at home and abroad. It got me thinking — is it the places we visit, or the people we visit those places with that leaves the lasting impression? Maybe it’s both. 

A friend of mine in the world of private club/community development once told me that while it’s important to provide great amenities — world-class golf, a five-star resort-worthy pool, great park space — lots of places have those things. We want to augment those amenities with small details that mean a great deal, ultimately offering a friendly, comfortable environment where folks will want to come together to create lasting memories. It’s not as though they won’t remember playing that great course or strolling through a spectacular clubhouse, but what they’ll talk about and what will bring them back are often the little details and memories they shared or experienced while they were there. And if done right, those experiences happen organically.   

I suppose that’s true, whether we are traveling or home here at Cordillera Ranch. The drink Megan and Neal shared while playing The Hay at Pebble Beach — a small detail, but one they’ll keep forever. The smiling children that flocked to them in Rwanda — a small detail, but one they’ll keep forever. Their visits to Swede Creek Park with Bogey where he (and they!) can catch up with friends — a small detail, but one they’ll keep forever.