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Take the mid-winter travel challenge
Where's your best cheap winter getaway in Georgia?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
These are the times that can try a traveller’s soul…It’s mid-winter, and we’ve had both snow and balm over the past few weeks. Early Spring or no, I always feel a little wanderlust in the barren days of February. But my post-Christmas bank statements scream at me to just sit at home and eat cheese sandwiches for a while.
The big challenge for me is to find a quick, interesting getaway that will break the winter doldrums without breaking the bank. Add to the mix the uncertainty of the southeast’s weather this time of year (will we have freezing rain or temps in the 70s?), and it’s an even bigger challenge. This needs to be a trip that can be taken at the last minute, whenever a good weekend comes along.
Charles Seabrook’s list of Georgia’s 35 natural wonders offers an enjoyable solution. (See photos) One reason I like it is because I’ve been to several of these sites already and my favorite part of the state - the coast - is heavily represented. But a major plus is that many of the places are daytrips from Atlanta, making them easy and inexpensive last-minute ideas. Even the most far-flung destinations are a comfortable drive and a short hotel stay from town.
Some, like the Okefenokee Swamp (#1) and Cumberland Island (#3), require a bit more planning or an advance reservation, but many places can be enjoyed on the cheap and at the spur of the moment.
For locales where a hotel stay would be necessary, I would look for other things to do in the area while you’re there. For example, I feel at home the minute I see the Marshes of Glynn no matter the season or the weather - but I’m not going to drive five hours down to spend my entire weekend out there staring.
Are you up to this challenge? Would you consider any of these destinations a place for a quick mid-winter pick-me-up? Can you think of other spots in Georgia that would do the trick? What’s your favorite locale on Seabrook’s list? And can you offer other things to do/places to stay in the area?
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: Last-minute travel, Quick getaways, Southeast travel
Surprise your S.O with a V-Day Getaway
Where do you go for a romantic retreat?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I was sorting my mail the other day, the back cover of a jeweler’s Valentine’s Day catalog caught my eye. It was talking about “that guy” - the one who months ago planned a romantic Valentine’s getaway for two; the one who didn’t forget to include a posh spa package in the vacation; and the one who is sure to bring a sparkly and expensive gift to give his special someone on the trip.
For those who aren’t “that guy”, the ad offered a glimmer of hope. You just need to register with the shop for a chance to win a great Valentine’s Day getaway - spa package and sparkly bits included.
But if you’re not “that guy” (or gal) or you aren’t the lucky winner of the jeweler’s V-Day giveaway, there’s still time to whisk away your significant other to a romantic southeastern locale for some chocolates and canoodling.
Check out these photos and AJC writer Lynn Seldon’s list of 12 romantic retreats. Most are within a few hours’ drive of Atlanta.
Or if you’re looking for something a little different, go online for a quick search of nearby Valentine’s getaways. I found an eco-friendly mountain retreat only 70 miles north of town in Dahlonega. At the Cedar House Inn , couples can bed down in the main house or in the woods in one of two yurts (semi-permanent round canvas structures built on wood decks - don’t worry, they’re heated!).
Down on the coast, couples wishing to renew their wedding vows can take part in the Savannah City Market’s annual public ceremony, beginning at 7 p.m. on the 14th. The event will be led by the Rev. William Hester, and prizes will be awarded to those who have been married longest, have the most children and other categories.
If it’s your first time saying “I do”, head east of Savannah to Tybee Island at 8 p.m. on the 14th for a group wedding ceremony on the pier. Tybee also has a group wedding vow renewal ceremony at 9 p.m.
Are you traveling for Valentine’s Day? Tell us about your favorite romantic getaways.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Southeast travel
Make your way to Mardi Gras
New Orleans vs. Mobile?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Mardi Gras time again, but where do you go to “laissez les bon temps roullex”? If “letting the good times roll” is just an excuse to get your kit off among a throng of drunken strangers, then head on down to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street for your beads and booze. But if you don’t plan to audition for the next Girls Gone Wild vid, you do have options.
New Orleans is famous for its weeks-long Fat Tuesday parties, but Mobile, Ala. holds claim to our country’s first Mardi Gras madness way back in 1703. Apparently, a bunch of French soldiers on the mend from yellow fever painted their faces and ran crazily around to celebrate. That celebration became a yearly ritual, and more than 100 years later, Mardi Gras floats were rolling through the streets of Mobile and New Orleans on the run-up to Lent.
Mobile’s Mardi Gras is often considered the family alternative to a wild, raucous New Orleans fest. But New Orleans natives say the true, family-friendly Mardi Gras spirit is found in its many parades and parties throughout the city and its suburbs. In fact, they don’t consider Bourbon Street the real Mardi Gras at all. Major parades don’t even go through the French Quarter.
Both cities offer dozens of parades in the weeks before Ash Wednesday, with brilliant floats, costumed revelers and tons of “throws” for the parade watchers. Purple, gold and green beads are coveted throws, and Mobile is known for throwing spectators an especially sweet treat - Moon Pies.
If you’re thinking of heading down, check out these sites for Mardi Gras info, parade routes and schedules in New Orleans and Mobile. And remember to let the good times roll!
Which city do you prefer for Mardi Gras? Where’s the best place to stay? Do you have a favorite parade or route? Have you been to any of the elaborate balls that accompany the Mardi Gras parades? Tell us about your Mardi Gras trips.
Permalink | Comments (27) | Categories: Southeast travel
Set your sights on a Southern ski slope
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I look at the winter weather forecasts later this week and dream of snowy possibilities, I have to admit something. I have never gone snow skiing. Skiing in my childhood meant strapping on a water ski or two and zipping around Lake Oconee behind my uncle’s boat - the faster, the better.
I always wanted to snow ski though. When I was 15 years old, I traveled to Switzerland and found myself in an Alpine village looking at those big mountains and those really skinny snow skis. I decided that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my holiday in traction, so I settled for a snowy hike, a warm drink and the belief that my first attempts at skiing should definitely be back home on smaller, gently-sloping mountains.
A couple of years later, I was in school in Pennsylvania. My school would organize trips for students to nearby ski slopes, but I always had something else going on. When I lived in Washington, D.C., snow forecasts didn’t mean ski break; they meant a longer commute to the office.
With a long, cold weekend coming up, many Atlantans may be looking to hit the slopes within easy distance from town. Listed below are some Southeastern ski resorts. While temperatures have been low enough at all of them to make snow this week, they are predicting some of the real thing before the weekend. Most have webcams on their websites that can give you a quick look at conditions there before you leave.
*Ober Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
*Ski Beech in Beech Mountain, N.C.
*Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, N.C.
*Wolf Ridge near Mars Hill, N.C.
*Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, N.C.
*Hawksnest Resort in Seven Devils, N.C.
*Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, N.C.
In my search, I also found a ski resort in Alabama. Temperatures earlier this week weren’t low enough to make snow, but Cloudmont Ski Resort in Mentone was hoping to see lower temps and possibly some flurries by the end of the weekend.
If you’re looking to break out of the Southeast for a bigger ski vacation, or if you’re looking for general advice for planning your next ski trip, check out this article . While geared toward helping families cut down on expenses without cutting down on fun, most of the tips seem useful for anyone looking to swoosh down a steep, snowy mountain on two narrow planks of wood.
So tell us…are you taking a ski break this weekend? Where is the best Southeastern ski destination and why? Any tips for lodging? How expensive are the ski slopes (lift tickets, ski rentals, refreshments, etc.)? Would you take a ski break if you had to ski on artificial snow? What are the best winter months to find real snow on Southern slopes? Where’s the best place to learn to ski?
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: Southeast travel
Would you take a fitness vacation?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the past six weeks, many of us have wrapped ourselves in a blanket of rich foods, second helpings, hot toddies or general inactivity. But this week’s pleasant temperatures reminded me that those forgiving wooly sweaters can’t be worn all year long. It’s time to snap out of it and get active again.
Most people don’t associate weight loss with a week at the beach, but a growing number of “fitness vacationers” are finding you can do just that. Fitness vacations vary in intensity, results and locales, but their general goal is to help you kick-start a new healthy lifestyle. While you can find really exotic places abroad to shed your poundage and bad habits, you need not look that far. The southeast offers quite a few fitness destinations of its own that range from rugged or pastoral to luxurious.
Below are a few that are within a few hours’ drive or a short plane trip from Atlanta. Be warned, however, some of these trips can be quite expensive and are not for the faint of wallet.
If you’re serious about major weight loss and lifestyle change, the Hilton Head Health Institute creates personalized nutrition and fitness plans for its guests. The program is designed to help guests lose weight during their stay and maintain the weight loss back at home. Costs start at $3,550 for a one-week stay, and include accommodations, healthy gourmet meals, lectures, demonstrations, blood screening, nutrition assessments, and use of all fitness and recreation facilities.
The Tennessee Fitness Spa also offers classes, lectures, healthy meals and fitness facilities in a rustic setting about 95 miles southwest of Nashville. Weekly rates begin at $785 if you’re willing to share a chalet-style room with three other guests.
I think vanity might prevent me from signing up for anything called “fatpacking”, but it sounds pretty fun. Of course, I love to hike, and that’s the crux of this program. You just walk your way to fitness through long, intense hikes, eating whatever you can fit it in your backpack. One and two-week wilderness hiking vacations are offered throughout the country, with two southeastern treks coming up in April. Prices for one week are about $900.
A trip to Ft. Lauderdale can help you shape up for swimsuit season if you enlist in the Beach Boot Camp at Bella Vita Retreat. For $2495 per week, guests take part in cardio, strength and agility sessions; receive nutrition analysis and fitness testing, as well as all meals in a resort setting on a beautiful beach.
Have you ever taken a fitness vacation? Have you been to any of the above facilities or do you know of others you might recommend in the Southeast? Were your results worth the money?
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Southeast travel
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We usually head to the Bahamas for a week in late February……... read the full comment by Aurora | Comment on Take the mid-winter travel challenge Read Take the mid-winter travel challenge
Madison is great! Visits used to be somewhat limited to day trips (since the only hotels were lower-end chains near the interstate) but now Madison really is a destination location since a great boutique inn opened right off the old square.... read the full comment by Jess | Comment on Take the mid-winter travel challenge Read Take the mid-winter travel challenge
We like to rent a cabin on beautiful Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee and spend the weeked relaxing.... read the full comment by tom | Comment on Take the mid-winter travel challenge Read Take the mid-winter travel challenge
Amsterdam…Every time I go there I have a smokin’ good time. Also favorite Spring, Summer and Fall getaway.... read the full comment by Doofy | Comment on Take the mid-winter travel challenge Read Take the mid-winter travel challenge