To encourage a more social atmosphere, furniture was carefully placed to allow plenty of room for guests to gather with friends at the bar while the new library is warm and inviting flanked by two large millwork pieces and a central fireplace. Perfect for those looking for a quick bite to eat or light snack, the new St. Petersburg, Florida restaurant and cafe offers a grab-and-go style menu and specialty coffee drinks. The resort’s iconic veranda has become a popular hangout thanks to added seating and a fire pit on the patio level. For more information about the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, go to www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com.

The lounge lobby-like design is a great place to hangout. The color palette is reflective of St. Pete's distinctive culture with rich vibrant colors.

The new library in the Vinoy is warm and inviting flanked by two large millwork pieces and a central fireplace

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida has revealed a new lounge-like lobby

Plus, beginning January 1, 2012, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29, 2012 and has an exciting special offer. For more information go to www.onemoredisneyday.com.

Both the Magic Kingdom Park in Fla. and Disneyland Park in Calif. will be open for 24 hours on Leap Day 2012.

So here’s a roadmap on how to do Savannah in style. If you’re driving from Atlanta to Savannah it’s only 3.5 to 4 hours so leave early enough to have lunch in Savannah.

I made reservations at the Mansion on Forsyth Park (my favorite hotel in Savannah) but there are lots of charming hotels and bed and breakfasts. The Mansion, as the name denotes, is right on Forsyth Park and is conveniently off the tourist beaten path but still convenient to everything you’ll want to do. We were able to check into our hotel early, even though their official check in isn’t until 4:00 p.m. Since the Mansion has its newly opened sister hotel on the river, the Bohemian Hotel, they have shuttle service to that hotel which more importantly means to that side of Savannah. It’s leaves 10 minutes to the hour from the Mansion and then on the hour from The Bohemian. Since it was 12:50 p.m. and we had reservations for lunch on the river, it saved us blocks of walking.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah is conveniently located across the historic park.

Even though I try to avoid anything on the river because I find most of it very touristy, Vic’s on the River is the perfect place to set the stage for a day in Savannah. Ask for a place in the dining room facing the river so you can enjoy the views of the cargo ships traveling the river. It’s impressive.

Vic’s lunch menu has lots of Southern favorites for your selection including shrimp and grits, local shrimp and oysters, fried green tomato BLT sandwich, crispy local flounder, as well as an array of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees and sandwiches. I enjoyed their Crobb Salad: lump crab over baby mixed greens with applewood smoked bacon, goat cheese, pineapple, tomato and cucumber. Lunch is served with mini homemade biscuits which I requested served with side of orange marmalade. Yum.

So after lunch some shopping and since it gets dark earlier this time of year, we just hit my favorites. Walk to Broughton Street and don’t miss one of my all time favorites: The Paris Market. It’s a store that feels like it was transplanted from the streets of Paris and it’s fills with home décor, jewelry, kitchen items and so much more. I picked up a cooper Eiffel Tower cookie cutter and a lovely scarf. Just off Broughton, you have to check out an eclectic culinary store, Kitchens on the Square. Great for stocking stuffers, homemade aprons and anything that might be on your foodies’ shopping list. The only store where I’ve seen cookie cutters in the shapes of all 50 states (Julie said great for teacher gifts). Then work your way to the far end of Broughton to a new store called Cherry Picked Consignment where you’ll find great designer-label fashions. The beautiful designer dress in the window drew me in. Women’s apparel and accessories at great prices.  

A historial home in Savannah adorned with an outdoor Christmas tree.

Now walk south on Whitaker Street and discover the best of the best shopping in Savannah including:

• Arcanum Studio (unique home décor), 346 Whitaker St.
• One Fish Two Fish (original art, home décor, books, linens, PJs and more), 401 Whitaker St.
• Circa Lighting (fabulous lighting), 405 Whitaker St.
• La Paperie (Fine stationery and correspondence needs), 409 Whitaker St.
• Southern Charm Antiques (antiques with a Southern charm), 412C Whitaker St.
• Trunk 13 (ladies apparel), 414 Whitaker St. 
• Mint Boutique (ladies apparel), 413 Whitaker St.
• Custard Boutique (ladies apparel), 422 Whitaker St.

Savannah is home to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and a unique shop featuring an array of art designed by current and alum SCAD students is available at Shop SCAD

For us, the shopping ended at The Mercer Williams House: the house famous for the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The impressive home is open to the public now for daily tours. Walk along The Mercer House and work your way toward Forsyth Park to The Mansion. We stumbled upon a wedding party having their pictures taken in front of the fountain. Groomsmen decked out in their cowboy boots and hats.  The fountain is always decorated this time of year so great for pics.

Have drinks at the Mansion’s bar in its 700 Drayton lounge in an original 1888 Savannah mansion that’s chic while still feeling like part of the past. It’s chic and vibrantly adorned with art. When the weather’s nice, enjoy drinks on the patio facing the park.

Then walk just south of Forsyth Park to Local11Ten for dinner and experience what Executive Chef Brandy Williamson delivers with her French-inspired flare with traditional Southern cuisine (what I’d call with a southern twist). Local 11 Ten menu changes based on what’s being sourced seasonally and locally (hence the Local) and they’re located at 1110 Bull Street (hence the 11 Ten). I love that the restaurant is situated in a 1950’s style bank that’s been renovated. A larger party can dine next to the vault, staff uses the old drive-in window area for beverage prep while the menu is displayed for passersby in the old night depository.

Historic home in Savannah on Forsyth Park decorated for the holidays.

These yard herons behind the Girl Scout's founder's (Juliette Gordon Low) birthplace home are even adorned with holiday bows.

It hasn’t been moved in 86 years, but today the secret is out (well, not exactly). The Coca-Cola Company has moved the 125-year-old secret formula for Coca-Cola to a new home at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. As the capstone to the 125th anniversary year of Coca-Cola, for the first time in history, the vault containing the secret formula will be visible to the public in a permanent exhibit titled The Vault of the Secret Formula, opening today at the World of Coca-Cola.

At the World of Coca-Cola, experience the fascinating story of the world’s most famous soft drink in a dynamic, multimedia attraction featuring a fully-functioning bottling line that produces a complimentary 8 oz. glass bottle of Coca-Cola for each and every guest to take home. View over 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts ranging from vintage bottles to a 1939 Coca-Cola delivery truck from Argentina. The thrilling, multi-sensory 4-D movie experience, In Search of the Secret Formula, puts you right in the action. And, tempt your taste buds with over 60 different beverages made by The Coca-Cola Company from around the world in Taste It!

The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia now contains the Coca-Cola secret formula.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s holiday overnight accommodations includes daily American breakfast for two each morning in the restaurant, $50 USD hotel credit per night and a $50 Lenox Mall or Phipps Plaza gift card and a bottle of champagne upon arrival (once per stay). For more information, go to www.ritzcarlton.com.

Southerners come from miles around to holiday shop in Atlanta.

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings guests will be greeted with a forest of evergreens on the Front Lawn.

Christmas displays throughout Biltmore House, the gardens and grounds will center on the countries George and Edith Vanderbilt visited at the turn of the century. Rooms in Biltmore House will feature the traditions and folklore of France, Germany, India, Egypt and Italy mixed with elements of the Vanderbilt family’s own Christmas traditions.

The warm glow of Christmas lights create a cozy setting in the Banquet Hall.

On Christmas Eve 1895, Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to his friends and family. In subsequent years, the couple welcomed family, friends and the estate’s employees into the Banquet Hall for the annual Christmas party.  

The Breakfast Room at George Vanderbilt's Biltmore House first welcomed guests on Christmas Eve in 1895. His guests were treated to lavish and festive holiday decor. Today that tradition is kept alive each year as Biltmore House is filled with hundreds of trees and garlands from the area.

Biltmore’s modern-day Christmas celebration is modeled on that first Christmas, with an elaborately decorated, 34-foot tall Fraser Fir dominating the Banquet Hall. Guests will see 57 trees throughout Biltmore House, each intricately designed and decorated by members of Biltmore’s floral team. Miles of fresh garlands and wreaths create a yuletide scent throughout the House, with around 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the Winter Garden and other areas.

A 34-foot live Fraser fir is placed in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House every holiday season. The tradition of having a tree in this room goes back to 1895 when George Vanderbilt first opened the home to his family and friends.

Biltmore House takes on a warm glow during Candlelight Christmas Evenings creating a unique holiday experience. Local choirs and small musical ensembles stationed in the Winter Garden will perform music of the season. String quartets and other musicians will perform throughout the house as guests wander among the decorated rooms. The front lawn will glow with a 55-foot Norway spruce, lit by 45,000 tiny white lights.

For more information go to www.biltmore.com.

The glow of hundreds of lights and a roaring fire illuminate George Vanderbilt's Library during Christmas at Biltmore.

RedCoach passengers travel in luxury–just as luxurious as flying first-class

RedCoach, the first luxury ground transportation provider in the Southeast, is offering passengers a special promotion on overnight travel to and from Atlanta for just $49 one-way. Perfect for holiday shoppers or business people traveling to Atlanta this fall.

Travel overnight on RedCoach in their luxury cabin with 27 seats versus the typical 56 on a regular coach, which allows customers to save time by sleeping during the trip and arriving at their destination in the morning. That means you can also streath your holiday shopping budget even further.

RedCoach’s reclining leather seats with footrests make it possible for passengers to get a good night’s rest on the road. They can also enjoy lap desks, standard 110V electrical outlets at every seat and free Wifi.

This promotion runs from Nov. 7 through Dec. 1. Customers can book tickets online at www.redcoachusa.com or by calling 1.877.RED.0724 (1.877.733.0724).

Athens, Ga. – The Athens Heritage Walks: Haunted History Tour offers history, haunts, legends, ghostly apparitions, restless Confederate soldiers and unearthed coffins from October 27 – 31. Follow your mystery tour guide on a journey of the Classic City’s dark history. On the University of Georgia’s North Campus, you will hear tales of spirits, hauntings, superstitions, mysteries, murders, suicide and other legends.  

Bremen, Ga. – The city of Bremen channels supernatural spirits at the Rocky Branch Railroad and Old West Ghost Town event. This western heritage theme park brings the old West back to life through freakishly scary portrayals of real-life western characters, legendary events and a frontier town recreation every day in October.

Cartersville, Ga. – SCREAMERS Haunted House in Cartersville begins October 20 – 22 and encores 27 – 31. Join a group of family and friends at the Cartersville Fairgrounds as they scare locals with cannibals, monsters, ghosts and much more for a good cause.

Clayton, Ga. – The Beechwood Inn in Clayton offers a Halloween dinner and ghost stories told by thespian Davie Fore. From October 29 – November 1, Fore will sing, play the guitar and spin a few tales about ghosts at the inn under dimmed lights. The cottages built in 1916 at the inn offer romantic accommodations and impeccable service that complement the individually decorated rooms and suites.

Cleveland, Ga. – Nothing screams Halloween like our haunted houses. The Mansion of Terror Haunted House in Cleveland transforms the Historic Telford-Kenimer House into a house of nightmares and terror. This PG-13 experience features ghosts, goblins and other unimaginable creatures from October 27 – 29.

Dahlonega, Ga. – On October 31 in Dahlonega, the Dahlonega Gold Museum creates a one-of-a-kind of experience with Halloween themed contests, amazing prizes and lots of candy for trick-or-treaters.

Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville, Ga.

Dawsonville, Ga. - In October at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville, the 20-acre complex allows kids of all ages to get lost on three maze trails, take a hayride, roast marshmallows and feed the climbing goats.

Decatur, Ga. – Ghost tours are popular this time of year. Take the Decatur Ghost Tour in Historic Downtown Decatur to hear tales of murder, passion, war and tragedy. Travel down small streets untouched by time to the old train depot where late at night the cries of the wounded soldiers can be heard and the ghost of the station master will stare back from across the tracks.

Greensboro, Ga. – If you’re interested in a Halloween getaway, go to Greensboro to enjoy Great Pumpkin Weekends at Ritz-Carlton Lodge on Reynolds Plantation through October 29. The fall inspired menu and cooking classes will entice your hunger for authentic Georgia cuisine. Guests can expect overnight festivities that include trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and ghost stories in the forest around a camp fire. Nearby is the 20-mile long Lake Oconee that surrounds the Reynolds Plantation and offers guests a spectacular view at any time of day.

Norcross, Ga. – Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross features two separate houses, The Nightmares and Raw Meat. Take a journey through subways and sewers filled with giant alligators and cannibals on realistic sets with intense actors for heart-pounding fun. In 2010, USA Today ranked Netherworld the number one haunted house in America.

Palmetto, Ga. – The Cochran Mill Nature Center’s annual Halloween Hayride & Family Festival in Palmetto welcomes you for crafts, candy, night canoeing, hayrides, and a costume contest on October 22.

Savannah, Ga. – Make your way to down to Savannah every Monday through Friday in October for the Savannah Scary Ghost Tour. You will travel to haunted locations, such as Colonial Park Cemetery, Mercer House and Hampton-Lilibridge House. 

The Rock, Ga. – Georgia is full of family-friendly Halloween events and activities. Head to The Rock Ranch on October 29 for their Not So Spooky Halloween Festival. This Halloween festival offers a pumpkin decorating contest and a costume contest. This festival hosts special entertainment and family oriented trick-or-treating in a safe environment.

Woodstock, Ga. – Woodstock on October 31, bring the younger ghouls and goblins to KidsFest for moonwalks, live DJ, Tim the Magician, Adam the Juggler, stringed apple and pumpkin bowling games, face painting, costume contest and candy giveaways in The Park at City Center.

If a mid-week getaway doesn’t fit your schedule, High Hampton Inn & Country Club is also offering several other deals this fall. For more information on all of the packages available or the resort, please visit highhamptoninn.com.

Relax in a rocking chair at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C.

High Hampton Inn is surrounded by amazing fall foliage, waterfalls, and mountain peaks, making it a top spot for observing all that nature has to offer during this time of the year.

Located just 40 minutes north of Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., Château Élan Winery & Resort is a 16^th century style French château that sits on 3,500 acres that includes a 200 acre vineyard, a full-production winery, 320 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a European spa with 14 guest suites, an equestrian show center, tennis center, seven restaurants and 63 holes of championship golf. For more information, visit www.chateauelan.com. 

The uses calming shades of blue, sand and sea glass are dominant throughout the new renovated Château Élan Spa's rooms, lobby and waiting area.

A Château Élan Spa guest suite offers a soothing, romantic experience just 40 minutes from Atlanta.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Get a workout in at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s fitness center or take a run through the Highlands’s downtown neighborhood (a running map provided by the fitness center); or relax and enjoy breakfast at Madison’s.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Walk Main Street and adjoining streets and enjoy the Highlands area shopping which consists of apparel stores, antique stores, galleries, eclectic shops and restaurants. Once you’re on the east side of Main Street, discover Mountain Fresh Grocery and Wine Market. It’s a small grocery store with an excellent selection of wine, a butcher shop, artisan cheeses, bakery and deli. The locals were lined up waiting for their name to be called for their lunch order; so based on the crowd it must be good. It would be the perfect place to pack a picnic in lieu of eating lunch at a restaurant.

Acorns is one of many places to shop along and off Main Street in Highlands, N.C.

12:15 p.m. – We lunched at Oak Street Café on Main Street. The service was excellent, staff very pleasant and the food was very good, but this second-story restaurant lacked ambience. It was so gorgeous outside that I wished we had opted for the picnic…next time.

Afternoon – Travel (via car) north along scenic highway 64 to Cashiers, N.C. which is only about 15 minutes away. There’s more shopping in Cashiers as well as plenty of antique and home stores in route; or if you’re a golfer, play 18-holes at the private members-only Old Edwards Club golf course, since you’re a guest at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

A gorgeous aerial shot of the Old Edwards Club golf course. My golfer friends say it's an incredible golf course. The views!!

3:00 p.m. – If you’re not playing golf, you might enjoy a glass of wine at Old Edwards Inn’s Wine Garden.

4:30 p.m. – Relax before dinner.

7:30 p.m. – Dine at Ristorante Paoletti (reservations highly recommended). It’s an upscale Italian restaurant across the street from Old Edwards Inn, so you can walk. The restaurant is intimate and has an elegant, local feel. Start dinner with a nice bottle of Italian wine from their impressive and extensive wine list. I enjoyed the linguine alle vongole (linguine with clams), a white clam sauce with shelled clams garlic, extra virgin olive oil and herbs—although the menu read minced clams. Tim savored the double-cut Iowa pork chop with maitre d’ butter as well as a side of the Scotty’s apple-peach chutney but another option was with sautéed pizzaiola style with tomato, garlic and oregano. A second piatto (second plate) options includes salad, so note that before accidently ordering another a la carte salad. See their entire menu at www.paolettis.com

9:00 p.m. – Walk back to your room while enjoying the stars and all that fresh air.

Day 3

Morning – Enjoy another neighborhood run, but this time enhance your loop; you’re adjusted to the altitude by now.

9:30 a.m. – Madison’s stops serving breakfast at 10:00 a.m., so still in our running attire we enjoyed breakfast in Madison’s. There were only a few folks in the restaurant at this time so we don’t feel bad about our attire. Our wonderful waiter from China is on his last leg of a restaurant exchange program which included stints in Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Mackinac Island, Michigan. Fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee flowed continuously. Select from a comprehensive gourmet breakfast menu. Tim enjoyed a made to order omelet served with potatoes with a side of cathead biscuits but I went healthier and enjoy yogurt drizzled with blueberry sorghum and a side of deliciously fresh fruit. Okay, okay, I had half of one of Tim’s biscuit.

10:30 a.m. – Cleaned up and check out by noon. The Inn send us home with a departure bag for our drive home including two bottle waters and two pieces of fruit.

12:30 p.m. – Hit the 285 perimeter. OMG, what have we done? Back in the big city. Well it was fabulous while it lasted.

Stay tuned tomorrow for our trip to the Madison’s Organic Kitchen Garden with Madison’s Chef de Cuisine Chris Huerta.

• Make reservations at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa for two nights 
• Make spa treatment appointments – Day 1
• Make dinner reservations at Madison’s – Day 1
• Make dinner reservations at Ristorante Paoletti – Day 2
• Check the weather forecast
• Pack accordingly

10:00 a.m. – Depart Atlanta. Travel I-85 N to I-985 N which merges onto GA-365 N. Take US 23 N/US-441N/GA 15 N through Dillard, N.C. Once through Dillard, turn right onto GA-246 which becomes NC-106. Travel 15 miles then turn right onto Main Street in Highlands, N.C.  Arrive into Highlands in about 2 – 2 ½ hours, depending on stops. 

12:15 p.m. – It’s too early to check into our room (check in is at 4:00 p.m.) but the front desk confirms our reservations and obtains our cell phone number to contact us when our room is ready. We informed them that we’d be enjoying the spa most of the afternoon, so check in at 4:00 p.m. or later is no problem. The staff gives us a quick tour of the property and escorts us to the spa. 

1:00 p.m. – Check into the spa where we enjoyed a light, healthy and delicious lunch in the Spa Café. Enjoy the Inn’s Madison’s signature chicken salad served atop arugula or the Caesar salad with added options of grilled vegetables, Pacific salmon, chicken, or Grilled Painted Hills Farms Beef Burger as well as the spa’s full range of light and healthy menu options. Healthy juices, teas and even wine are available. 

After lunch, tour the luxurious European facility including ladies and men’s locker rooms where you can enjoy the whirlpool, sauna, steam room, 12-head private showers, and well appointed locker room. The spa also includes a co-ed meditation room which is set on a lovely veranda with plush chaise lounges, sofas and chairs, fireplace and water feature as well as an array of coffee table books where you can relax before, between or after treatments. 

The fireside lounge in the Old Edwards Inn's Spa. A quiet place to relax before, between and after spa treatments.

3:00 p.m. – Scheduled for an 80-minute Old Edwards Classic massage or an array of spa treatments. 

4:25 p.m. – Nirvana  

4:25 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. – Shower, change and meet your party in the Spa Café area. 

5:30 p.m. – We were escorted to our cottage suite, just a stone’s throw from the main hotel. Cody, our bellmen, assisted with our luggage and showed us around our lovely and well appointed cottage suite. Our second floor suite includes a king bed, plasma TV with Dish Network, Wi-Fi, closet with oversized mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled waters and sodas, coffee pot and coffees, safe, iron and ironing board. The gorgeous bathroom has heated floors, double sinks, whirlpool tub and five-head shower. Our living room has a fireplace, its own plasma TV, CD player, iPod dock and plenty of comfortable furniture. Our spacious deck, although it overlooked the rooftop of the local businesses off Main Street, it also overlooks the historic Old Edwards Inn and Sunset Rock. It’s appointed with several rocking chairs.  

Old Edwards Inn's room 32's bedroom

Old Edwards Inn's room 32's bathroom

Old Edwards Inn's room 32's living room

 

5:30 p.m. – Get situated in your room and relax before dinner. 

6:30 p.m. – Drinks at the Hummingbird Lounge at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa: champagne for the lady and a glass of Pinot Noir for the gentleman. 

Old Edwards Inn and Spa Madison's restaurant. The setting for a romantic dinner during your getaway weekend to Highlands, N.C.

7:30 p.m. – Dinner at Madison’s in the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Madison’s in one of the original historic buildings. The restaurant is warm, quaint, and intimate. The floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Main Street. (More on Madison’s on Friday, Oct. 14).   

9:00 p.m. – Have an after dinner drink at the Hummingbird Lounge (open until 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 pm. Friday and Saturday); or just retired to your room.

Stay tuned for Day 2 tomorrow. For more information on Old Edwards Inn & Spa, go to www.oldedwardsinn.com.

Now is the perfect time to escape the big city for a romantic getaway weekend: the weather’s cooler, and the leaves are starting to change, but it’s more than that. Escape to Highlands, North Carolina for the weekend and you’ll notice that the pace is slower, the air is cleaning, it’s quieter; and then everything you do seems better. You’re more relaxed, the food tastes better, the wine is smoother, the days are longer; okay the days, of course, aren’t longer, but I wish they were.

We all need an escape from the big city or whatever city we live in today. We Atlantans can slip away to Highlands because it’s easy two to two and a half hour drive from Atlanta. The ultimate romantic getaway would be to the world-class Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina, where I just slipped away for a few days.  

Now if you’re not familiar with Highlands, it’s a cultural mountain village that offers award-winning dining, wine events, art galleries and some of the nation’s top golf resorts. The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is your one stop romantic getaway destination. The European-style resort is set along several blocks of downtown Highlands but it’s artfully tucked into the property. Part of the original inn is over 125 years old but as the inn keeps up with the guest needs for upgraded rooms and suites and world-class amenities over the years, the history is still abound. There’s an architectural genius behind how the old and new work holistically; and it’s beautiful. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped further than the mountains of North Carolina.

One of the luxurious rooms at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa

You know you’re in for an incredible experience as soon as you walk in the door. The room accommodations range from deluxe rooms, suites in the inn, the spa, the lodge or cottages. All luxury accommodations include champagne arrival, twice-daily housekeeping, European bedding, fine Italian linens, plush robes and slippers, rainfall showers, heated-tile bathroom floors, in-room safes and Wi-Fi, two 24-hour business centers and two 24-hour butler’s pantries with Dove Bars, fresh fruit, waters and soft drinks. Our room (Cottage Suite #32) made our top five best room accommodations ever and that completes with high-end resorts in Tuscany, Mexico and California.    

Old Edwards Inn's Wine Garden, the perfect setting for a glass of wine

While on property also enjoy the world-class spa and Spa Café, a spectacular mineral heated swimming pool with Poolside Bar and Bistro, fitness center, award-winning dining at Madison’s, drinks at Hummingbird Lounge, lunch and/or just drinks at the outdoor wine garden, drinks at the roof top bar (weather permitting), golf at the private Old Edwards Club and shopping at Acorns.

Follow along with me for the next three days of stories on my own two and a half day romantic getaway weekend, because it will be the perfect for your own getaway romantic weekend. I’ll guarantee that you’ll be in for a real treat. Old Edwards was Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Hotel Spa in North America 2010, with the first ever perfect score in the 20-year history of the Reader’s Choice Survey. It is TripAdvisor’s #4 “Best Relaxation Spa Resort and “#2 Best Hotel for Romance” in the US in 2011. www.oldedwardsinn.com

A peek into Old Edwards Inn's Madison's restaurant, where you'll enjoy world-class, fine dining cuisine and an award-winning wine list.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa's pool and poolside rooms

The Old Tennessee Trail is one of 16 regional trails that are part of the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways initiative and features more than 80 points of interest including Civil War battlefields, historic landmarks, museums, restaurants and other attractions. The trail runs through more than a dozen communities including Franklin, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station. Click here for The Old Tennessee Trail map.

One of many beautiful sights on the Old Tennessee Trail

Another beautiful sight that might be captured as you travel the Old Tennessee Trail. How cute is that kitten?!

Fun Georgia Factoid: The Jekyll Island Club Hotel originally built in 1886 as a hunting retreat for America’s wealthy elite, including J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Joseph Pulitzer, the Vanderbilts, Goulds and Astors. Restored to its original splendor in 1986, now a National Historic Landmark and a member of Historic Hotels of America. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is Jekyll Island’s only four-star resort, presenting 157 rooms and suites in five historical settings. For more information on the hotel, please visit jekyllclub.com or call 800.535.9547.

All activities and entertainment for the Shrimp & Grits Festival is set amongst the live oaks and historic cottages of The Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel Chefs Brenna and Todd (pictured in foreground) cooking up shrimp and grits for the festival.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel chefs prepare shrimp and grits at the Shrimp & Grits Festival.

Shrimp and grits paired with a glass of wine at the Shrimp & Grits Festival.

Last month Southwest announced it would begin service to the Atlanta market on Feb. 12, 2012, with 15 daily nonstop flights to five destinations: Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, Houston Hobby, and Austin, Texas.

All these new destinations open up the country even more for Atlanta travelers to more than 50 Southwest cities. www.southwest.com

Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on the strip. Just one of so many places to visit when you travel to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines.

Only in the South do we celebrate the catfish…and we’ll celebrate it with a three-day festival that marks its 29^th year. In downtown Kingsland, Georgia’s Historic Royal District the catfish is celebrated with its Annual Labor Day Catfish Festival (Saturday,  September 3 – Monday, September 5, 2011). Festivities include a fun run, American arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, a children’s amusement area, a Labor Day Monday morning Lions Club pancake breakfast, daily free musical entertainment and plenty of catfish as well as other Southern food options. Catfish Festival dinners include catfish, coleslaw, hushpuppies, grits and iced tea for $10.00 or opt for catfish nuggets that include French fries and iced tea for $8.00. Kingsland, Georgia is just west of I-95 north of the Florida/Georgia border and about 40 minutes south of Brunswick, Georgia. For more information on how to you help celebrate the catfish, go to www.KingslandCatfishFestival.com.

Seasoned catfish cooks prepare this southern delicacy for guest of the Kingsland's Annual Labor Day Catfish Festival.

The Catfish Festival's American arts and crafts include hand-woven baskets

The Orlando World Center Marriott’s tropical 200-acre outdoor playground is an oasis of excitement for all ages with one-million gallons of liquid refreshment, encompassing the famed lagoon pool with its 106-foot curvy waterslide and cascading rock waterfalls; an indoor pool; two children’s pools; a secluded spa pool; and six whirlpool spas. Kids can participate in daily poolside activities, from scavenger hunts to waterslide contests. They can even build a castle in the sand play area. www.marriottworldcenter.com

The Orlando World Center Marriott pool is a million gallons of liquid refreshment.

Orlando World Center Marriott's pool waterfall

 The rooftop pool at The Joule, Dallas is an architectural triumph drawing the attention of guests and Main Street passerby. That’s because it’s suspended eight feet beyond the hotel’s structure edge and includes a glass window at its end, providing swimmers with the sensation of swimming off the building. The pool further entices guests with sweeping views of downtown Dallas, sprawling pool decks, chic attendants and even chicer signature cocktails. www.starwoodhotels.com

The Joule, Dallas pool is suspended eight feet beyond the building's edge.

The rooftop pool at The Joule, Dallas has an expanded deck with chic chaises and chicer signature cocktails.

• Stop Mail – Go to USPS.com and put you mail on hold online. Choose to either pick it up or to have the U.S. Postal Service deliver it the day you specify. They’ll hold for 3 to 30 days. I’ve never had an issue with having the mail held by the USPS but if you’re not comfortable with having it held, then ask a neighbor to pick it up.
• Stop your Newspaper(s)- You should have your papers stopped by arranging a vacation stop online or via the phone for the time frame you’re away. You can typically have your account credited or have your papers donated.
• Take out the Garbage – Make sure you take out all your garbage that might stink up the place while you’re away.
• Adjust HVAC – Adjust your home’s thermastats to a higher temperature so you’re not paying for the air conditioning while you’re away. 
• Time Your Lights – Set an array of lights and lamps on timers so it looks like you’re home. You can pick up timers at an home improvement or discount store.
• Turn off Hot Water – Turn off hot water heater at circuit breaker so you’re not paying to heat water when you’re away.
• Turn off Water – If you’re gone for several weeks, you might even consider shutting off your home’s water at the main water source. This will protect you in case you have a pipe break and endure water damage to your home.  Just make sure that you’re main water source isn’t tied into your yard’s landscape sprinklers.
• Water Plants – It’s hot and you’re deck and patio plants will get thirsty. Have someone water your plants or if you have a sprinkler system place so they’ll get watered automatically while you’re away.
• Unplug Cable Box(es) – According to Clark Howard, your home’s cable boxes can be the largest energy users while you’re away so he recommends completely unplugging the cable box(es) which will save you electricity and money. 
• Lock Up – Lock all windows and doors.
• Set Alarm- If you have an alarm system make sure to set the alarm and if it’s monitored confirm that the security company has alternated numbers to call like your cell number, a neighbor or family member.    
• Let Neighbors Know – Tell a few neighbors that you trust that you’re away and to keep an eye on your home. Let neighbors know how to reach you, in case of emergency.

Now hit the road and enjoy your summer vacation.

As you drive anywhere in Georgia you need to add one very important phone number to your cell phone: 511. It’s just part of Georgia’s NaviGAtor tools to assist drivers but you’ll find this number invaluable. It’s in my cell so I can call it at a moment’s notice when needed, but the service can also be accessed from your landline, smart phone (via the new 511Live app from their web site ), or via your computer (www.511ga.org). When you’re traveling and come up on a traffic situation, congestion, incident and accident, you call this number and get real time traffic information from a real person; and it’s all free. You can also use the service to report an incident (statewide), request HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operators) motorist assistance (in metro Atlanta only) or to be transferred to surrounding state’s (Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee) 511-type systems.

Although I’ve never visited the unparalleled Westglow Resort and Spa, I’m ready to escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Blowing Rock, where it’s nestled surrounded by captivating mountain views. Westglow has the distinct honor and international recognition of being one of only 46 properties in the United States inducted as a member of the elite Relais & Chateaux. In addition, Westglow was recognized in four categories in 2010 SpaFinder’s Reader Choice Awards “Best Boutique Hotel,” “Best for Cuisine,” “Best for Romance,” and “Best for Hiking.” For more information, visit www.westglow.com.

An aerial view of the Westglow Manor House, an elegant Greek-Revival home, once owned by renowned artist and author Elliott Daingerfield.

The exhibition, known as “Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art,” comes to Biltmore from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York City. It is an in-depth look at the Tiffany Studios’ efforts to produce lamps that balance artistry with utility and profitability.

Tiffany at Biltmore, an exhibition of Louis Comfort Tiffany's iconic stained-glass lamps, will run July 1-Oct. 23, 2011, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. (PRNewsFoto/Biltmore)

One of America’s most celebrated artists and designers in the late 19^th century, Tiffany catered to the wealthiest patrons, including both friends and family of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Though also noted for his skills in painting, decorative arts, and interior design, it was Tiffany’s experimentation with stained glass that brought him lasting fame.

Tiffany’s use of botanicals and love of nature have inspired Biltmore’s horticulture team to create interpretations of his iconic dragonfly lamp series. Four dragonflies — one in each of the diamond-shaped patterned beds in the Walled Garden—will be created from flowers and foliage planted and designed to resemble stained glass. Each dragonfly design will span 40 feet and will take more than 12,000 plants to create. The team will also build a six-foot-tall, 24-foot-long “living wall” of flowering plants and greenery that resembles a stained-glass window.

Tiffany at Biltmore runs July 1 through Oct. 23, and will be included in admission to Biltmore. www.biltmore.com

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa's gorgeous ariel view set deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia

The Resort also offers golf on its championship Denis Griffiths 18-hole mountain course, an equestrian center with miles of trails for horseback riding, and the Equani Spa which features a large selection of holistic treatments. In addition there is an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hiking trails and tennis courts. For kids, there is a supervised children’s activity program, as well as family activities and movies.

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is located in Young Harris, Ga., only two hours north of Atlanta on US Highway 76, near the foot of the state’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald. The resort includes 102 lodge-style guestrooms in the main lodge and 32 guestrooms in eight lodge cabins. For more information on Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa and their July Fourth weekend special go to www.brasstownvalley.com or call 800.201.3205. 

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa's veranda and walkway

A small umbrella            

Although most hotels will loan you an umbrella it’s so nice to have one of your own. I picked up mine at Mori Luggage. They have a nice selection of small umbrellas.

Tips on packing for Europe

Raincoat

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Take as lightweight of one that you can find.

Scarves

When in Europe do as the Europeans do…they love to wear scarves and they’re very fashionable.

Dark comfortable jeans

Since they’re dark they won’t show the wear of traveling. I prefer black jeans since they can take you into dinner if necessary and still look nice.

Long sleeve T-shirts

Picked up several colors of a nice T-shirt at a store like Banana Republic or J. Crew.  

A small first-aid kit

You can pick one of these up at Target but I’d recommend customizing it further with extra band-aids and anything else you might need.

Copy of passport

In addition to taking your actual passport take a photocopy as well and keep it in a separate safe place from your actual passport but still on your person in case your passport is lost. I actually recommend scanning a copy and leaving it with a family member or administrative person at your office in case of emergency.

Adapter plugs

Most hotels have these as loaners but it’s nice to have your own, just in case.

Snacks

Pack a few snacks like trail mix, granola bars, protein bars and gum. You’d be surprised how nice it is to have a few snacks from home.

Travel-sized toiletries

This will certainly keep your luggage from weighing so much but pack plenty. Travel-sizes are, of course, small so they don’t last very long.  

My personal luxuries – I like to travel with my own bath soap. Take a couple of bars because more than likely you won’t find your brand at the local pharmacia if you run out. If I’m not flying first class then I like to take my own pillow case. I don’t trust the airline’s pillow cases and you’ll know yours is clean and it smells like home. And finally even though you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes, I just have to take at least one pair of my favorite high heels.    

See last year’s story called Top 10 Airline Travel Trip from a Pro prepared by my flight attendant friend, Michele, including if you’re traveling with a partner and packing your own bags then consider combining at least two days of each other’s apparel and toiletries in each bag just in case one bag gets lost by the airlines. This way you’ll still have items for a few days until the luggage is found (hopefully).

Keep any prescriptions, extra eye glasses, extra pair of contact lens, etc. on your person. You don’t want to lose these important necessities. 

If you don’t speak the language then add a pocket-sized English to whatever language translation book. During my trip to Italy and France last year, it would have been very helpful if I had learned at least the 50 most used words for my travels. You’ll pick up the essential terms quickly but it’s nice to have a handful of other terms at your disposal.

RedCoach passengers travel in luxury–just as luxurious as flying first-class

RedCoach, a luxury motor coach company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., marked its first year this week with its success in showing travelers in the Southeast that they can leave the driving to them and still travel in luxury–just as luxurious as flying first-class. Imagine yourself in a leather seat that reclines 140 degrees that’s perfect for rest and relaxation with plenty of room for each passenger because there’s only 27 seats to these coaches versus the average 56 seats in a regular coach. At each seat there’s a lap desks with standard 110V electrical outlets and free WiFi which mean business travelers can work and vacationers can play on their computers or listen to music.

RedCoach's fleet of luxury motor coaches awaits travelers

The company’s impressive growth is measured in the fact that they’ve shown travelers that mass transportation and luxury isn’t an oxymoron but can go hand-in-hand. When the company launched, it only had four routes. Today, the company serves sixteen cities: Atlanta, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, Tifton, Ga. and West Palm Beach.

For more information and to book tickets go online to www.redcoachusa.com, call 800-4REDCOACH or visit any terminal location, which are listed on the company’s website.

Travelocity's iconic Roaming Gnome Tours Savannah including sites like Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery

His visit is part of a joint social media promotion between Visit Savannah and Travelocity to help travelers discover Savannah and its many attractions.

The Roaming Gnome will visit sites throughout Savannah and be photographed at unique points of interests such as Forsyth Park, The Ships of the Sea Museum and Tybee Island and he will post the photos on his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/travelocity. Photos also will be posted at Visit Savannah’s Facebook page. 

Before leaving Serenbe walk the streets and enjoy charming street homes, other great retail shops, and a bake good at the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop. Decide you want to stay overnight then make a reservation at the charming and beautiful The Inn at Serenbe.

The Bilt-House, Serenbe offers unique ladies apparel, shoes and jewelry

An entire level of home goods at The Bilt-House, Serenbe

More home goods displayed throughout The Bilt-House townhouse-store's kitchen

A cutey stuffed monkey awaits you on the living room sofa.

A gorgeous Georgia gardenia in full bloom. Photo by Tim Shannon.

Enchanting Secret Gardens and delightful Moonlight Tours await your discovery during Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight. Recently named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, this premier home and garden event, now in its 18th year, will be hosted by Hay House April 29 – May 1, 2011 in historic Macon, Georgia. Amble at your leisure through blooming private gardens in the Ridge Avenue area during the ever-popular Secret Garden Tour. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Moonlight Tour offers guests romantic garden strolls at twilight and visits to home interiors as well. During the weekend, ticket holders will receive a complimentary tour of historic Hay House, featuring the newly restored Dining Room. 

Secret Garden Tour, $20: April 29 and April 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Moonlight Tour, $15: April 29 – April 30 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For more information go to www.georgiatrust.org.

One of the charming homes on the Macon Secret Garden Tour this weekend

A mansion on the Mansion & Moonlight Tour this weekend