Most people head to Central Florida with one thought in mind: visiting the area’s many theme parks. But in Central Florida’s Polk County, you will find more than just the kids’ favorite characters or thrill ride. Just 15 to 20 minutes from Orlando, this convenient locale offers quality entertainment of its own within close proximity […]
Ellijay, GA: Head to Apple Country
I don’t think of my hometown of Ellijay, Ga., as a tourist destination. After all, I live here. It’s not much different than someone who lives in Orlando, Fla., New York City or San Francisco. But, just like those cities, Ellijay, too, is very popular with out-of-towners. And, given all that it offers to visitors, […]
My Love Affair with Stone Mountain Park
Like many other Georgians, I have always loved visiting Stone Mountain Park near downtown Atlanta. For me, coming around the curve of Highway 78 and catching my first glimpse of this massive chunk of granite always takes my breath no matter how many times I’ve seen it. And now that my kids are getting older, […]
Enjoying the Fruits of Grapevine, Texas
When I first learned about Grapevine, Texas, I was excited to check it out. After all, I haven’t explored much of Texas, so I’m always interested in discovering more of its great cities. So when I headed to Grapevine in December, I was pleasantly surprised to find that, although this is one of the Lone […]
Wilderness at the Smokies
After seeing the Wilderness at the Smokies advertised for a couple of years, my family finally had the opportunity to visit this popular destination. Located in Sevierville, Tenn., this property is a bit off the beaten track, meaning it’s not in the heart of the “tourist” scene. That actually is in its favor, because it […]
Find Adventure at Tree Tops Ropes Course
Hello. My name is Karon, and I am an outdoor adventure addict. Skydiving, parasailing, hiking, waterskiing, hot air ballooning, biking, rappelling, climbing – I’ve tried them all and keep looking for the next challenge. I especially love the latest eco-tourism adventure of ropes courses. I love climbing through the trees, conquering each challenge high up […]
Wingate by Wyndham Concord Perfect for Families
When my family decided to check out the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, we started searching for hotel accommodations in Charlotte, N.C., which is approximately 25 minutes from the racetrack. I had stayed in uptown (what the locals call the downtown area) Charlotte several times over the last few years, so that’s where I […]
Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina
When Hyatt announced it was building a new hotel alongside Villa Christina in Atlanta, I thought it was a good fit given the number of weddings the restaurant hosts each year. What I didn’t realize is what a great hotel it would be for any occasion – or none at all. With a location convenient to […]
Sampling Savannah’s Culinary Scene
Mention “Savannah, GA” and most people talk about the city’s beautiful historic district with its 22 squares, its place in Civil War history as the end destination of Sherman’s March to the Sea, or the shopping and dining available on River Street alongside the Savannah River. But the city also has quite the reputation for […]
Family-friendly New Orleans
I love New Orleans – the architecture, the people, and, of course, the food. My earliest memories of the Crescent City come from a family vacation when I was around 5 years old. I can vividly recall standing at our hotel window in the Marriott on Canal Street watching the river traffic head up and […]