Try Your Luck to Win a Vacation in the South

You just never know, it might be your time to win a trip. You won’t find out unless you enter. Hey, it’s worth a chance isn’t it? And don’t forget about entering these or these, either. So, try your luck to win a vacation in the South. Through June 30, you can enter to win a trip to Tampa, Fla., via VISIT FLORIDA. The winner will receive three nights’ accommodations for two at the InterContinental Tampa (map), passes for two for Lowry Park Zoo (map) and much more. You have until April...

April 18th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Hip to be Retro at Thunderbird Inn in Savannah, Ga.

While some hotels leave chocolates in your room during turndown services, Thunderbird Inn (map) in Savannah, Ga., leaves a true southern treat – a Moon Pie. Yes, that’s right – a Moon Pie. Which, according to Mark Thomas, “guests love it.” In addition to that southern-specific treat, you can also enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast in the cafe. And when you think cafe, you’re correct if you envision a stainless steel-type diner. “We strive to bring a whole different feeling...

April 14th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Get Out in the South with These Deals and Packages

Need a break from your every day routine? Why not hit the road this weekend (or later) and spend the night somewhere new. With these deals and packages, you’ll find it very easy to get out in the South. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa (map) has a number of packages for your next trip to Ft. Myers, Fla. You can choose from the Drive ‘n Dine (good through December 23) that includes breakfast for two and a $25 gas card for each night of your stay, Buy Three Nights and Get the Fourth...

April 12th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Discovering Charleston’s Culinary Scene with Author Holly Herrick

When asked to describe the culinary scene in Charleston, S.C., Holly Herrick, author of Charleston Chef’s Table: Extraordinary Recipes From the Heart of the Old South, uses three words: pure, unfettered and delicious. “For many, the culinary scene in Charleston is surprising because it’s more diverse than they think,” she says. “It’s a great, delicious melting pot that’s still growing.” While the heart and soul of Charleston is southern, the city’s culinary roots can be traced...

April 10th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Board the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Even though it’s built at half-scale, the newly-opened Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., offers visitors an experience quite different from anything else. “This is a very interactive museum,” says Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, owner of the museum along with her husband, John. “People will be able to feel as if they are on the ship. It will be a Titanic experience.” And it all begins when you enter the museum and receive a boarding pass. Now, this isn’t an ordinary boarding pass...

April 10th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Deals and Packages to Get You Out and About in the South

Are you feeling the urge to plan a weekend getaway? Well, you can give into that urge and not bust your budget with some of these deals and packages guaranteed to get you out and about in the South. The new Residence Inn Amelia Island (Fla., map) is offering their “Best of Amelia Island” package at 20 percent of through August 31. The package includes a gift bag upon arrival and more. When booking, use code LPR. Package isn’t valid during special events. And while talking about Amelia Island,...

April 4th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

It’s April in the South

Spring has sprung in the South and that means colorful flowers, blue skies and unpredictable weather. It also means it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the region in every way possible. It’s April in the South, so why don’t you… embrace the outdoors: Take advantage of the pleasant weather and long days, and go ziplining (also in Georgia and at Ruby Falls.) Try your hand at YOLO boarding. Take a Segway tour around Celebration, Fla.. Go camping. How about participate in geocaching in Amelia...

April 2nd, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

The Call of Shenandoah National Park

“National parks make for great one-tank trips since many of them are basically in travelers’ backyards,” says Sandy Heilman, vice president of sales and marketing with ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. “There’s a huge opportunity there to explore and learn.” About 75-miles from Washington, D.C., there is an oasis of sorts known as the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. And it’s here you can discover Shenandoah National Park (map). Encompassing about 197,000 acres, the park offers over...

March 31st, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Unique Experiences Await You at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Unique experiences. Those two words pretty much sums up the reason why many (or all) of us travel. Some of us discover these in places, activities or the destinations themselves. Some of us even discover them at the properties where we spend the night. The historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort (map) on St. Simons Island, Ga., is one of those properties that is much more than just a property. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the King and Prince opened as a private dance club, and has...

March 29th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Deals and Packages to Get You Traveling in the South

Feel the need to getaway for a weekend or two, but afraid you just don’t have the money to splurge? Well, here are some deals and packages throughout the South that won’t bust the bank. Considering a getaway to either South Carolina or North Carolina? Before you book the property for your stay, you might want to take a look at what 30-plus Marriott Hotels and Resorts are offering. Book by midnight April 15 to receive a special low weekday or weekend rate. The rates can be booked for travel through...

March 28th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Take a Chance to Win a Vacation in the South

If you’ve found the perfect parking space three times in roll or was immediately to a live agent within a minute of your call, then you might want to consider using your luck to win a vacation (or two) in the South. Through July 2, you enter to win one of six getaways in Oklahoma. Register by April 6 for the first trip, a three-night stay in either a cabin or a lodge at one of Oklahoma’s State Parks. Corpus Christi, Texas’ “Gotta Get Away” sweepstakes include tickets for four to such places...

March 27th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Experience The National WWII Museum in New Orleans

“It’s really a special place,” says Clem Goldberger, associate vice president of marketing with The National WWII Museum (map) in New Orleans. “We have been flattered by the responses we’ve received by veterans who tell us ‘you’ve got it right; you’ve really captured it.’” Located in the Warehouse District, the museum opened in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum. Congress designated the museum as the official World War II museum in country, and thus the name was changed to The...

March 25th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Vintage Panama City Beach, Fla., Reborn with Miracle Strip at Pier Park

If I said “Miracle Strip,” those who grew up or vacationed in Panama City Beach, Fla., during certain decades know exactly what I’m talking about. Up until its closing in 2004, Miracle Strip Amusement Park was one of the places to spend the afternoon or evening at after a morning or day on the beach. Now you can re-experience some of Miracle Strip at Pier Park (map) thanks to Teddy and Jenny Meeks. And it all started with a carousel. To make a long story short, the Meeks took a chance by purchasing...

March 24th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Spring is in the Air with These Deals and Packages for Travel in the Southeast

Spring has officially arrived, and that means it is time to get back into the swing of road trips. Have some extra money and a free weekend coming up, but don’t know exactly where to go? Well, you can stretch your travel budget even further with these deals and packages available throughout the Southeast. Until May 27, you can choose between a 4-night or 7-night stay at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (map). Located at the end of the Beaches of South Walton in the northwest Florida...

March 21st, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Taking Some Quick Bites in D.C.

With only 36 hours in D.C., it was important that I use my time wisely. I knew what I wanted to see and do, and more importantly, where I wanted to eat. When I walked by such places as Ping Pong Dim Sum (map), Potbelly Sandwich Shop (map), Acadiana (map) and Georgia Brown’s (map), I thought, “so many places to dine, so little time.” I believe D.C. is one of those undiscovered destinations for foodies. Since I already had dining plans for Charlie Palmer Steak (map), I had two lunches and a...

March 18th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Exploring Babyland General in Cleveland, Ga.

Let’s go back in time to 1977 in Cleveland, Ga., where artist Xavier Roberts created handmade dolls he called “Little People,” and sold them at the nearby Unicoi State Park (map) gift shop. To make a long story short, he didn’t call them “Little People” for long. In fact, Roberts changed the name to Cabbage Patch Kids for something more unique and thus, history was created. If you were a child of the ‘80s, more than likely you had a Cabbage Patch doll (or two, if you were lucky.)...

March 18th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Try Your Luck to Win a Vacation in the South

Are you one of those few who can: a. find a four-leaf clover without any problems b. discover a penny on heads-up c. find the perfect parking space d. secure the last dress/shirt/pair of pants in not only your size and favorite color, but also on sale e. first (and only) to spot a shooting star, make a wish and have it come true (or close enough to the actual wish.) If you answered “yes” to any or all of the above, you seem to have a inordinate amount of luck. Why not put it to the test and...

March 14th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

“Spring Forward” with these Deals and Packages Throughout the South

“Spring forward” with your travel plans by taking advantage of these great deals and packages available throughout the South. Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio (map) has a weekend retreat package that offers 25 percent off theregular weekend rate. Available through December 30, a two-night minimum is required as well as a 14-day pre-pay. Stay like royalty in Atlanta with the Diana: A Celebration Weekend package, available at eight properties. In conjunction with the Diana exhibition at...

March 13th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Luck ‘O the Irish, Y’all: St. Patrick’s Celebrations in the South

Okay, so while the real St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until March 17, that doesn’t stop places from celebrating early. Even in the South. If you can’t make it to Savannah, Ga., or any other place that’s known for their celebration, don’t worry, because there’s a lot of events to choose from around the region. Green fudge, green waterfall – oh my! Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Ga., (map) becomes Shamrock City this weekend. The festival features a line-up of Irish musicians, specialty...

March 10th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More

Art of the Plate: Eating Out on the Road in the South

Some travelers know that food at the destination is just as important as the destination itself. And one thing for certain in the South: when it comes to restaurant choices in the region, you won’t be disappointed. So the next time you’re on the road to New Orleans, Atlanta or basically anywhere in the South, you’re going to have to eat. And eat well. Here are a few places to consider enjoying lunch or dinner (or both.) If you find yourself in Tuscaloosa, Ala., either during a football weekend...

March 8th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More