Go for a massage?
Death by chocolate at a local restaurant?
A visit to our dentist?
Wait, did I just say "dentist" in the same breath with relaxing and fun? Well, yes. Yes, I did. You see, our dentist is pretty extraordinary, and his office is off the charts.
I am super bummed that I didn't take more pictures, but you guys. There is a Game Room. We're not talking Checkers and Monopoly (although those are fun too). We're talking mini-arcade. Pac-man. Centiped, Galaga. (I had to ask my hubby about that last one. Apparently it's his favorite game.) Old School. Fun, retro arcade games. And a kiddie play bus. How cool is that?
There is also a room for grown ups only-- a quiet relaxation room. I stole this pic off their website, but it doesn't do it justice.
Imagine a room where almost one entire wall is a waterfall, with relaxing lights, soft music, and comfortable chairs. And Dr. Dino and his team encourage you to come early and spend as long as you need getting relaxed for your appointment.
Once you go into the treatment area, you are treated to the lastest technological advances. I won't mention the dental ones, because I have no idea what that stuff is called. I do know, however, that the treatment chair has a gentle massager in it. A massager. In the dental chair!
And of course there's a TV. If you're a kid, Dr. Dino's favorite shows are kid shows. (Jack has asked me several times this week: "Mom, did you know that Dr. Dino loves kid shows?!") If you're a guy, Dr. Dino loves to watch the Cubs. If you're a woman, Dr. Dino likes to check out Real Housewives or sappy Hallmark movies. But he'll act like he isn't interested, so don't tell him you know the truth.
Did I mention that my kid, who was alternately terrified and excited about seeing the dentist, is begging to go back? Yah, between getting to brush "Chompers" big ole teeth (see above pic) and getting to choose prizes from the Treasure Chest, Dr. Dino's office was a big, big hit.
I'm saving the best feature of this office for last, but before I tell you about that, let me tell you this: We were greeted at the door with hugs. Hugs. Dr. Dino and his receptionist wife, Celeste, both hugged us. Now granted, that might be due to the fact that 20 years ago my dad was their best patient. But still. My dentist. And his wife. Hugged me. And my child. And my husband.
If you're not the hugging type, don't fret. They probably don't hug until it's at least your third or fourth visit. Which won't take long, because you're going to want to go back. Why? Because of this: The Happy Ending. (No, not that kind of happy ending! They aren't weirdos, you guys.) I"m talking about THE AQUA MASSAGE BED.
You lay down in this contraption that looks like a tanning bed. You pop on some headphones with soothing music.
Friends, it rains on you! And you don't get wet! (Unless it springs a leak, and they assure me this has never happened. Not lately anyway.)
This thing-a-ma-jig relieves muscle pain while giving you both a deep-tissue massage and a lymphatic massage. It helps with circulation, promotes relaxation, and is a great reward for going to the dentist, even if you did have a few cavities.
Oh, and that's really the best part of going to Dr Dino. He NEVER makes you feel bad about having been absent from the dentist for an extra six months...or six years. He never scolds. He is just plain encouraging. In fact, this cartoon is on his Facebook page, which proves just how much he gets it.
And no, they did not pay me, reimburse me, or even ask me to write this review. I'm purely doing it because I think everyone should go there.
(And I'm hoping for a few extra minutes in the aqua massage bed next time I visit....so be sure to mention my blog if you visit.)
