Travel Deals

• $199 per night ... Sundays-Thursdays
  
• Stay in an upgraded deluxe room
  
• Bottle of Champagne on ice ($30 value)
  
• Spa discount voucher of $20 off any couples massage or $15 off any one hour treatment
  
• Room upgrade based on availability at check-in if requested
  
• Complimentary continental breakfast (included for all guests)
  
• Not available on: Sept. 3; Oct. 12, 15, 19, 22
  

• $1580 per person for 4-night stay with 3 days of guided fishing ... arrive Oct. 2, 6, 22
  
• $1960 per person for 5-night stay with 4 days of fishing ... arrive Oct. 15
  
• Includes boat trip to and from Fair Harbour, reserved parking for vehicles, all meals, boxed lunches, accommodation, jet boats and rafts, guiding and flies (streamer flies for coho)
  
• Rods available upon request and lines and tippets are available for sale -- check this detailed list of items to bring to the lodge
  
• Note: Prices are per person and based on double occupancy; you must purchase one voucher per guest -- single voucher purchases are permitted; you will be paired with another single guest in shared accommodations
  

• Accommodations for two in a Deluxe King or Superior Two Queen
  
• $149 for 1 night ... most Sunday-Thursday arrival, now through Dec. 20
  
• $199 for 1 night ... Sept. 25-28; Oct. 1-3, 9-10, 12; Nov. 25
  
• $398 for 2 nights ... Friday arrivals, Oct. 27 - Dec. 22
  
• $50 general resort credit, once per stay
  
• Travelzoo guests also receive a $100 credit to use toward a Land Rover Experience (reg. $275) to kick up mud in an hourlong off-road driving lesson for up to four people, once per stay
  
• Room price based on two adults and up to two children 12 or younger
  
• Not available on: Sept. 19-20; Oct. 4-5, 8, 11; Nov. 2, 23-24
  
• Note: A 10% tax and $35 resort fee per night plus tax are not included and will be paid directly to the hotel
  

• $79 per night in a Studio Suite
  
• Includes free overnight parking for one vehicle (CA$19 value) and late checkout (CA$30 value)
  
• Note: 15% tax and a resort fee (covers facilities and amenities) of 2.5% per night is not included and will be paid directly to the hotel
  

• $99 per night, Sundays-Thursdays
  
• Stay in a Lake View Queen or King room
  
• Daily continental breakfast
  
• Complimentary use of canoes and kayaks (weather permitting)
  
• Wi-Fi
  
• Two welcome drinks (domestic beer, well drink or house wine; reg. $11)
  
• Room price based on two guests
  

• $149 for 2 nights, Sunday-Wednesday arrivals Nov. 1 - Dec. 20, 2017 and Wednesday arrivals Jan. 3 - Feb. 28, 2018
  
• $269 for 2 nights, Friday-Saturday arrivals Nov. 3, 2017 - Feb. 24, 2018
  
• Stay in a single king or queen room (based on availability when calling hotel)
  
• Not available: Nov. 23-25; Dec. 22-23, 29-30; Jan. 19-20
  

• Two nights in an upgraded second-floor room
  
• $259 for Sunday-Wednesday arrivals; $275 for Thursday-Saturday arrivals
  
• Includes breakfast for two at Cview Restaurant (CA$35 value) and late checkout (CA$20 value)
  

• Accommodations for two in a Colonial Inn room (based on availability)
  
• $189 for two nights ... Sunday-Wednesday arrivals through Dec. 20
  
• Daily continental breakfast
  
• Snacks between 3-5 p.m. as well as free beverages throughout the day
  
• A tasting for two at the Tomasello Winery satellite store in Smithville (not at the actual winery)
  
• A bar of handmade soap from Little Egg Harbor Soap Company
  
• No arrivals on: Oct. 8, 15, 22; Nov. 22
  

• 1 night: Sunday-Thursday, now through Nov 9 or April 1-26
  • $159 ... Water View Suite, Tuckaway Cottage Suite, Beach View King, Beach View Loft Suite, Waterfront or Town Queen, Bay View King or Junior Suite
    
  
  
• 2 nights: arrive Fridays, Oct. 20 - Nov. 24 or March 30 - April 27
  • $259 ... Bay View King or Junior Suite
    
  • $309 ... Water View Suite, Tuckaway Cottage Suite, Beach View King or Beach View Loft Suite
    
  • $359 ... Deluxe Waterfront Suite
    
  • Guaranteed late checkout Sunday afternoon (reg. $30)
    
  
  
• Daily light breakfast basket delivered to your room, free upgraded Wi-Fi and beverages and snacks throughout the stay
  
• Not valid on: April 20-21
  

• Stay in a Main House or Carriage House Room (Nos. 2 and 4)
  • $129 for 1 night, Sunday-Thursday
    
  • $299 for 2 nights, Thursday-Saturday arrivals
    
  
  
• For fireplaces in-room, upgrade to Springhouse Rooms, Carriage House Rooms (No. 1 and 3) or Carriage House Suites; click "Buy Now" for pricing
  
• Bottle of red or white wine upon arrival, once per stay ($17 value)
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, afternoon tea and hot breakfast accompanied with a continental buffet
  
• Not available on: Oct. 6-8; Nov. 9-11, 22-23; Dec. 24-25
  

• $239 for 2 nights in a Standard Room, Sunday-Wednesday arrivals
  
• $289 for 2 nights in a Standard Room, Thursday-Saturday arrivals
  
• $339 for 2 nights in a Suite, Sunday-Wednesday arrivals
  
• $389 for 2 nights in a Suite, Thursday-Saturday arrivals
  
• Enjoy daily breakfast fit for a king or queen with fresh fruit, homemade bread and muffins and a hot entree
  
• All guests receive complimentary wine and cheese or tea, coffee and sweets in the afternoon plus an ice cream social in the evening
  
• Not available: Nov. 23-24; Dec. 1-3, 24-25
  

• $199 per night ... Sunday-Thursday, Nov. 12 - Feb. 28
  
• $299 per night ... Sunday-Thursday, Oct. 22 - Nov. 9
  
• $299 per night ... Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1 - Feb. 24
  
• Upgraded accommodations for two guests in an Eco Studio with plunge tub
  
• $25 daily credit at Spoonbar (food only)
  
• $50 spa credit per day
  
• Terrace Tasting for two at Comstock Wines (reg. $80)
  
• This deal is not available: Oct. 25-26; Nov. 14, 23-25; Dec. 26-31; Jan. 1, 12-14; Feb. 16-18
  

• Accommodations for up to four guests in a Standard Room
  
• $89 per night, Sunday-Thursday between Oct. 9 - Dec. 31; +$30 for Friday-Saturday arrivals
  
• $129 per night, Sunday-Thursday, now through Oct. 8; +$60 for Friday-Saturday arrivals
  
• Enjoy two drinks in the Lounge daily (reg. $24)
  
• This deal is not available on: Sept. 24-25, 27-30; Oct. 4, 6-7, 11-14, 16, 19-20, 25-26; Nov. 2, 6, 10-11, 14-17, 24-26; Dec. 10-14, 17-21
  

• Accommodations for two in a Standard Room with a king or queen bed or a Villa Studio Condo with a king or two double ­beds
  
• $99 per night, Sunday-Thursday
  
• $169 per night, Friday
  
• Not available on: Oct. 8; Nov. 24
  

• Arrive daily Sept. 5 - Nov. 20, 2017
  
• Packages for one adult:
  • 2 nights for $279 (reg. $450)
    
  • 3 nights for $399 (reg. $675)
    
  
  
• Packages for two adults:
  • 2 nights for $495 (reg. $900)
    
  • 3 nights for $735 (reg. $1350)
    
  
  
• 3-night holiday packages are also available: arrive Nov. 22; Dec. 23, 27 or 30 for $429 (one guest) or $795 (two guests)
  
• All packages include meals, nightly entertainment and two horseback rides per person on each full day of stay
  
• Discounted pricing for kids and teens is also available by contacting the ranch directly
  
• Not available on: Oct. 27-28
  

• $269 for 2 nights in the Chickadee, Hummingbird or Bluebird room
  
• $319 for 2 nights in a larger Goldfinch or Swan room with a skylight, fireplace, clawfoot tub or private entrance (amenities vary by room)
  
• Five-course breakfast served daily at 9 a.m.
  
• Glass of wine for two from 4-6 p.m. daily (reg. $30)
  
• $10 discount per person on whale/wildlife charter cruise (weather permitting)
  
• $10 discount per person toward a one-hour individual or couples massage
  
• Chocolates, fresh flowers in room and Wi-Fi access
  
• Rate based on up to two guests
  
• This deal is not available on: Oct. 10, 26-27; Nov. 5-7; Dec. 17-27
  

• Accommodations for two in a One-Bedroom Suite
  
• $149 for 1 night, Sunday-Thursday arrivals, now through Sept. 28
  
• $159 for 1 night, Sunday-Thursday arrivals, Oct. 2 - Nov. 30
  
• $249 for 1 night, Fridays, now through Nov. 10
  
• Hot a la carte breakfast at Buttonwood Grill ($25 value)
  
• Cheese tasting for two ($20 value)
  
• Two tickets to the Grand Carousel ($12 value)
  
• Turn-down service with custom-made truffles, available exclusively to Travelzoo members
  
• Not available on: Sept. 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20
  

• Two-night stays for two guests in the inn's cottages, guest rooms and carriage house (excludes only Bull Barn Cottage and Manor House; view rooms here) 
  
• For $499 (reg. up to $1190), arrive Sunday-Wednesday, Aug. 1 - Nov. 29 
  
• $50 credit towards two prix-fixe dinners at the top-rated Goodstone Restaurant
  
• Trip to a local winery (reg. up to $30) and two tickets to the National Sporting Museum (reg. $20)
  
• All guests receive afternoon refreshments, complimentary parking, free Wi-Fi and a full sit-down country breakfast daily for two with choices like farm-fresh eggs, homemade sausage and pastries with fresh berries and local honey
  

• Accommodations for two guests in a studio suite in the Pacifico Tower
  
• $299 for 2 nights, arrive Sundays-Wednesdays
  
• $329 for 2 nights, arrive Thursdays-Saturdays
  
• $419 for 3 nights, arrive any day of the week
  
• Two 60-minute Swedish or deep tissue massages (reg. $140)
  
• $20 daily food credit (excludes alcohol and the cafeteria)
  
• Four margaritas per stay (reg. $15)
  
• 15% off food and drinks at the Azteca Restaurant (not combineable with credit)
  
• Wi-Fi access in common areas
  
• Also included: A Fast Pass back into the U.S. after your stay that cuts border-crossing time in half; the Fast Pass Lane is open 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. PT
  
• This deal is not available on: Sept. 14-16, 22-23, 29-30; Oct. 6-7, 12-13, 27-28; Dec. 29-31; Jan. 1, 12-13; Feb. 16-18, 23-24
  
• Note: Make sure to purchase Mexican car insurance before you cross the border. It is against Mexican law to drive without it.
  

• Travel through Nov. 14, 2017
  
• $399 for 3 nights in a Two-Bedroom Master Suite (accommodates four guests)
  
• $540 for 3 nights in a Three-Bedroom Master Suite (accommodates six guests)
  
• Daily continental breakfast included for all guests
  
• $15 per person credit toward dinner at Casianos Restaurant
  
• Welcome amenity ($18 value)
  
• 15% off land and sea activities
  

• Stay Sundays-Thursdays, Sept. 4 - Oct. 31; weekends available with a 2-night minimum stay in October only
  
• $99 for 1 night in a cabin for two people; +$10 for a cabin for four people
  
• $195 for 2 nights in a cabin for two people; +$10 for a cabin for four people
  
• Cabins have a separate living room and fully equipped kitchen with oven, refrigerator, dishes, utensils, microwave and coffeemaker
  

• Arrive Sunday-Thursday
  
• $189 per night in a Deluxe King room
  
• $229 per night in a Fireplace King room
  
• $269 per night in a Junior Suite
  
• +$40 per night for Friday-Saturday arrivals
  
• $50 dining credit to John Ash & Co. restaurant
  
• $25 credit toward in-room massage
  
• Daily two-for-one breakfast vouchers to River Vine Café ($30 value)
  
• $10 off a purchase of $20 or more from Costeaux French Bakery
  
• Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery tour and tasting (reg. $50)
  
• Medlock Ames Winery tour and tasting (reg. $80)
  
• Room price based on two guests
  
• Not available: Dec. 30-31
  

• Stays through Nov. 30 in an Island Cabana room for two guests
  
• $949 for 3 nights
  
• $1199 for 4 nights
  
• $1499 for 5 nights
  
• Three meals per person, per day included with all vouchers
  
• Local airport transfers and park fees
  
• Welcome drinks
  
• Various tours like a guided night snorkel, manatee watching tour, movies under the stars, bonfire and s'mores night and more
  
• Not available on: Sept. 18 - Oct. 15
  

• Guests can choose to stay at the Put-In-Bay Resort or Bay Lodging Resort
  
• Arrive Sunday-Thursday for a 1-night stay through Oct. 26:
  • For $159 (reg. $350), reserve a double queen room
    
  • For $229 (reg. $390), reserve a triple bed suite
    
  
  
• Arrive Friday-Saturday for a 2-night stay on the following dates: Sept. 22-23, 29-30; Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27
  • For $399 (reg. $676), reserve a double queen room
    
  • For $549 (reg. $943), reserve a triple bed suite
    
  
  
• Standard rooms sleep up to four guests, while suites can sleep up to six
  
• All stays include overnight golf cart rental for four or six guests, a hot daily breakfast buffet for each guest and a $50 bar credit per group
  

• $49 (reg. up to $109) ... 1 night in a Classic Room, Sunday-Thursday
  
• $69 (reg. up to $119) ... 1 night in a Classic Room, Friday-Saturday
  
• Upgrade to a Signature Suite for +$20 (reg. +$40)
  
• Guests can combine vouchers for a longer stay
  
• Classic rooms feature four-poster beds and Jacuzzi tubs; Signature suites are more spacious with an additional living area
  
• Not available on: Oct. 6-7; Nov. 24-25; Dec. 29-31; Feb. 9-10, 16-19
  

• Accommodations for two in any inn or Thayer House room (based on availability)
  
• $389 for two nights; Sunday-Wednesday arrivals through Nov. 29
  
• One four-course dinner for two at the Old Inn on the Green Restaurant ($92 value)
  
• One three-course lunch for two at the nearby Southfield Store Cafe ($40 value)
  
• Daily full breakfast for two
  
• Rate based on two guests
  
• Not available on: Oct. 8; Nov. 6,13, 20, 22-23, 27
  
• Note: The Old Inn on the Green Restaurant is closed on Tuesdays year-round and also Mondays in November.
  

• Stay in an upgraded River View room
  
• $99 per night, Sunday-Friday
  
• $129 per night with a bottle of wine upon departure and a tour of the historic riverboat, Sunday-Friday
  
• $199 for 2 nights, arrive Sunday-Thursday
  
• Daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi access
  
• Room price based on two guests
  

• Travel Sunday-Thursday
  
• $99 per night in a Historic Queen or King room
  
• $109 per night in a Historic Double/Double room
  
• $129 per night in a New Deluxe King or Queen room
  
• Friday-Saturday stays are $40 more per night
  
• $40 dinner credit to Montrio Bistro located across the street from the hotel
  
• Daily continental breakfast and Wi-Fi for all guests
  
• Not available: Sept. 22-23; Nov. 10-11, 23-25; Dec. 31; Jan. 1; Feb. 9-11; April 19-22, 27-28; May 25-27
  

• $550 for a two-night stay for two people; $285 for one person
  
• $800 for a three-night stay for two people; $430 for one person
  
• Stay in one of 18 uniquely decorated and spacious guest rooms
  
• Three meals a day (not including alcohol) and evening entertainment
  
• Daily activities -- including horseback riding, hiking and archery -- are all included
  

• Accommodations for two guests
  
• Deluxe One-Bedroom Loft or Two-Bedroom Loft with Bunk Room: $119 for one night, Sun-Thu arrivals; $199 for two nights, seven days a week
  
• Two-Bedroom Villa: $135 for one night, Sun-Thu arrivals; $239 for two nights, Sun-Wed arrivals
  
• Includes a bottle of wine upon arrival (CA$45 value)
  
• All guests receive free parking and Wi-Fi
  

• Travel daily through Dec. 31
  
• $129 per night ... Traditional Water View rooms
  
• $139 per night ... Deluxe Lodge Room with Balcony
  
• $149 per night ... Deluxe Lodge Room with Balcony and Jacuzzi
  
• Two Station bloody marys or glasses of sparkling wine and one dozen Rappahannock oysters at the on-site restaurant
  
• Rates based on double occupancy
  
• Not available on: Sept. 23, 30; Oct. 6-7, 14; Nov. 2-4
  

• $269 for 2 nights in a vineyard-view room for two guests
  
• Daily mimosa breakfast for two
  
• Welcome bottle of wine (reg. $28)
  
• Afternoon wine hour
  
• This deal is not available on: Sept. 3; Oct. 5, 8; Nov. 9; Dec. 14
  

• Stay in a Riverside Queen room
  
• $139 for 1 night, Sunday-Thursdays
  
• $269 for 2 nights, arrive Sunday-Wednesday
  
• $179 for 1 night, Friday-Saturday
  
• $289 for 2 nights, arrive Friday-Saturday
  
• Daily breakfast for two ($30 value)
  
• Daily admission to Middleton Place House, Gardens and Grounds
  
• Not available on: Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28; Nov. 10-11, 30; Dec. 1-2
  

• Accommodations for two in a Bronze Room
  
• $129 per night, Sunday-Thursday, Nov. 1 - Dec. 21
  
• $139 per night, Sunday-Thursday through Oct. 31
  
• $258 for two nights, Friday-Saturday arrivals, Nov. 17 - Dec. 16
  
• $265 for two nights, Sunday-Wednesday arrivals through Oct. 31
  
• +$50 per night for a Gold Room (with this option guests may receive a free upgrade to a Platinum Room with a kitchen and barbecue, based on availability at check-in)
  
• All rooms are furnished with a fireplace and whirlpool tub; Gold Rooms feature a private sundeck
  
• Daily made-to-order breakfast for all guests, and 24-hour access to "raid the fridge" for lunch and snacks
  
• Rowboat, kayak and bicycle rental are included for all guests
  
• Not available on: Sept. 24; Oct. 1, 8; Nov. 9, 12, 22-25
  

• Stay in a Superior Room at Black Bear Lodge, up to two adults and two children 17 years or younger
  
• $79 per night ... Sunday-Thursday
  
• $99 per night ... Friday-Saturday
  
• Parking and Wi-Fi included for all guests
  
• Not available on: Oct. 13-14, 27
  

• Accommodations for two in a Beach Pool Villa
  
• $899 for 3-night stays; $1499 for 5-night stays
  
• Daily breakfast for two at The Water Court and one lunch at Azura (reg. US$70)
  
• One 60-minute full-body massage treatment for two (reg. US$246)
  
• Scheduled roundtrip airport transfers from Hue or Da Nang
  
• Complimentary recreational activities and water sports (non-motorized)
  
• 20% off spa treatments, 20% off food and beverage and free Wi-Fi
  
• Additional night vouchers are $299 per night and includes daily breakfast (only valid in addition to 3- or 5- night vouchers)
  
• Note: 5-night stays come with an additional 60-minute massage and in-villa barbecue for two (reg. US$404)
  

• Arrive daily through Dec. 30, 2017
  
• $89 per night in a standard room (choose one queen or two double beds)
  
• $99 per night in a queen or king suite, featuring a separate bedroom and living area
  
• Two tickets to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (reg. $30)
  
• Full breakfast for up to four, along with free parking and Wi-Fi
  
• Room price is based on up to two adults and two children (11 and younger)
  
• Not available on: Sept. 22-24
  

• $190 per night, Mondays-Wednesdays; +$16 per night, Thursdays-Sundays
  
• Accommodations for two in a spacious Deluxe King Room
  
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for two in the Azure Lounge (reg. CA$56)
  

• $119 per night, Sundays-Thursdays
  
• $239 for a two-night stay, Friday arrivals (sold out)
  
• Glass of Champagne upon arrival (for two people)
  
• Two $50 credits to use toward 60-minute treatments (one per person; can't be combined)
  
• All packages include complimentary continental breakfast, parking & Wi-Fi
  
• Room rates based on two guests
  
• Not available on: Sept. 2-4, 25-27; Oct. 7-8, 19-22
  

• $99 per night in a large studio, arrive Sundays-Thursdays through September
  
• $149 per night in a one-bedroom suite, arrive Sundays-Thursdays through September
  
• $209 for two nights in a large studio or a one-bedroom suite, arrive daily including some weekends
  
• Daily continental breakfast and Wi-Fi
  
• Welcome bottle of wine
  
• Room price based on two guests for the large studios and up to three for the one-bedroom suite
  
• Not available on: Aug. 18-21; Sept. 1-4, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24
  

• Travel through Dec. 20
  
• Stay in a Classic Room: $479 for 3 nights; $599 for 4 nights; $719 for 5 nights
  
• Upgrade to a Classic Room with a Balcony: $549 for 3 nights; $689 for 4 nights; $829 for 5 nights
  
• For 170 square feet more space and a balcony, book a Deluxe Room: $599 for 3 nights; $759 for 4 nights; $919 for 5 nights
  
• Includes daily buffet breakfast ($40 daily value)
  
• Two welcome drinks ($28 value)
  
• Unlimited greens fees on a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course
  
• Free use of snorkel gear (30 minutes each day)
  
• Wi-Fi
  
• Room price based on two guests
  
• Not available on: Sept. 23-24, 29-30; Nov. 8-15, 25-26
  

• $155 per night, Sunday-Friday arrivals, Oct. 9 - Dec. 24, 2017
  
• Accommodations for two people in a Classic, Deluxe or Superior guest room
  
• Full hot breakfast for two daily (reg. CA$30)
  
• CA$40 dinner credit per room for Zees Grill (applicable toward food only, during dinner hours)
  
• Wine-tasting vouchers for two area wineries (reg. CA$30)
  
• This deal is not available on: Oct. 12-13; Dec. 1, 8
  

• $99 for a 2-night guest yurt stay for up to four
  • The guest yurt features a queen bed furnished with bedding, plus an additional futon for two more guests with sleeping bags
    
  
  
• $129 for a 2-night roundhouse yurt stay for up to four
  • Roundhouse yurts can accommodate up to 12 people for an additional $20 per extra guest per night (paid directly to the merchant); the spacious roundhouse yurt has a futon mattress (sleeping bag required), with additional tent cots available for rent
    
  
  
• Both options come with a guided ranch tour, morning coffee and tea service, an on-site guided hike and an opportunity to interact with the alpacas
  
• Note: Sleeping bags and pillows are required for the roundhouse yurt and strongly recommended for the guesthouse yurt, depending on number of guests
  

• Accommodations for two in any room (based on availability)
  
• $149 for 1 night, Sunday-Thursday, Oct. 1 - Dec. 21
  
• $379 for 2 nights, Friday-Saturday arrivals, Nov. 3 - Dec. 22
  
• Weekend stays include wine tasting for two at Furnace Brook Winery and a bottle of their French Cidre, once per stay ($25 value)
  
• All guests receive a made-to-order, country-style breakfast each morning
  
• Not available on: Oct. 8; Nov. 23; Dec. 1-2
  

• All-inclusive, oceanview SoCo Room with a king bed and single sofa bed for two guests
  
• $649 for 3 nights, arriving Oct. 1-29; +$50 for arrivals Sept. 19-28 and Nov. 1 - Dec. 19; +$250 for arrivals Dec. 22 - April 28
  
• Larger Deluxe Room with an oceanview terrace, a king bed and a king sofa bed are also available
  
• Unlimited drinks at the beach bar and meals at the on-site restaurant
  
• Additional nights can also be added in combination with a 3-night voucher; click "Continue" to see all options
  
• Room price based on two guests; additional guests (ages 16+) are $85 per night, payable directly to the hotel
  
• Note: Children under 16 are not permitted at the resort
  
• Not available on: Dec. 1-4, 7-9
  

Hotel at a Glance: Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center

Located in downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Park District, the AAA Four-Diamond Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center is connected to the 24-hour news network’s world headquarters and directly across from Centennial Olympic Park. The closest hotel to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this award-winning luxury property exemplifies posh with an impressive marble lobby and floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Within walking distance: Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola museum
• Where you’ll stay: Deluxe rooms offer sweeping views of the skyline and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Upscale American cuisine is served in the hotel’s Prime Meridian restaurant.
• Pool with a view: The heated pool on the sixth floor overlooks the CNN Center.
• Recharge with a hot-stone or aromatherapy massage at the on-site Serenity Spa.
• Press accolades: The hotel is a 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner. US News & World Report notes that “while recent guests applaud the central location…and added amenities, they save most of their praise for the property’s friendly employees.”

Atlanta, Georgia: Urban Parks and Renowned Aquarium in Capital of the South

Named 1 of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Atlanta lies near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia’s northwest region known for its famed trees: magnolias, pines, and dogwoods. Despite a metropolitan population of more than five million and what is considered the world’s busiest airport by passenger count, Atlanta seems to always offer a relaxing escape. Stroll through the 185 acres of botanical gardens, hiking trails, and oaks at Piedmont Park, or study one of the country’s largest Civil War exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.

Anchored by historical Peachtree Street, the city’s midtown area boasts a thriving arts-and-culture scene. Opened in 1929, the Fox Theatre features imposing Egyptian architecture and a custom-made organ with a network of 3,622 pipes. Tours take place on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The High Museum of Art spotlights more than 12,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to photographs from the civil-rights era. Kids might better enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. One of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, the aquarium is home to beluga whales, lionfish, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Hotel at a Glance: Wingate by Wyndham Atlanta Galleria Center

The Wingate by Wyndham Atlanta Galleria Center offers spacious, comfortable accommodations on the edge of the city. Start your day with waffles and bagels at the complimentary hot breakfast buffet before taking a dip in the indoor pool. Next, head downtown to pet stingrays and take in a dolphin show at the Georgia Aquarium, or have a drink at the many bars and clubs in the Buckhead district.

• Go shopping at Cumberland Mall, located just blocks from the hotel.
• Squeeze in a workout at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center.
• Within walking distance: numerous restaurants and bars
• See a show at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, located about 2 miles from the hotel.

Atlanta, Georgia: Urban Parks and Renowned Aquarium in Capital of the South

Named 1 of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Atlanta lies near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia’s northwest region known for its famed trees: magnolias, pines, and dogwoods. Despite a metropolitan population of more than five million and what is considered the world’s busiest airport by passenger count, Atlanta seems to always offer a relaxing escape. Stroll through the 185 acres of botanical gardens, hiking trails, and oaks at Piedmont Park, or study one of the country’s largest Civil War exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.

Anchored by historical Peachtree Street, the city’s midtown area boasts a thriving arts-and-culture scene. Opened in 1929, the Fox Theatre features imposing Egyptian architecture and a custom-made organ with a network of 3,622 pipes. Tours take place on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The High Museum of Art spotlights more than 12,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to photographs from the civil-rights era. Kids might better enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. One of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, the aquarium is home to beluga whales, lionfish, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Hotel at a Glance: Wyndham Garden Duluth

Just a half-hour drive outside Atlanta, this hotel offers a convenient jumping-off point to explore the charming, historic town of Duluth. Here you can catch the latest flick at Venture Cinema next door or explore the shopping scene at Gwinnett Place Mall, about 2 miles away.

• Where you’ll stay: a renovated room with flat screen TV, pillow-top mattresses, and free WiFi.
• Splash around in the outdoor pool or relax on the deck.
• Grab a bite from the on-site cafe, which dishes out casual American and Caribbean fare for breakfast and dinner.
• Keep in shape while on the trip at the fitness center.

Duluth, Georgia: Historical Town on Chattahoochee River Just Outside Atlanta

A few years after the Civil War, a railroad came to Duluth, infusing the small town with a newfound vitality. Duluth’s Southeastern Railway Museum chronicles the history of Georgia’s railroads with exhibits of century-old Pullman cars and restored cabooses, as well as special events for kids. The town’s rich past is also evident at the Duluth Historical Society, which is housed in the stately former home of Georgia’s first female mayor.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is about 30 minutes outside of town and is well suited for kayaking, rafting, and hiking. The park is known for its colorful wildflowers, including lady slipper orchids and rare Georgia asters. The latter show off brilliant purple blooms in October and November.

Duluth is about 30 miles from Atlanta, where you can tour the CNN headquarters and World of Coca-Cola. You can also explore the Georgia Aquarium—one of the world’s largest aquariums—and the High Museum of Art, where works by Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec hang alongside historic photographs of the civil rights movement.

Hotel at a Glance: Holiday Inn & Suites Peachtree City

The Atlanta area has become a hot spot for filming TV shows and movies. This Holiday Inn hotel sits near the action, close to the studios where The Walking Dead and Spider-Man: Homecoming have filmed. Get a look behind the scenes with the Southern Hollywood film tour, a two-hour excursion that takes you to filming locations in and around Peachtree City (fee applies).

• Use your $20 food and beverage credit toward dishes such as chicken and waffles.
• In your room: a mini fridge and microwave, along with a Keurig coffeemaker and free high-speed Internet
• Keep cool with a dip in the outdoor pool.
• Grab a bite at Toast to Toast restaurant, which serves casual food like sriracha sirloin steak.
• How to get around: Rent a golf cart or hop on the free shuttle (3-mile radius).
• Go shopping at retailers including Ann Taylor and Yankee Candle at The Avenue Peachtree City.

Peachtree City, Georgia: Small Town with Scenic Trail and Golf Courses near Atlanta

Peachtree City, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta, is a planned community made up of five connected villages, each with its own downtown. The affluent community is said to have more than 10,000 golf carts—so many, in fact, that a 90-mile trail was paved for riders and several shops have designated parking spots for the vehicles. Unsurprisingly, you’ll also find a number of golf courses here, including three nine-hole courses at Canongate’s Flat Creek Country Club.

Visitors can easily access big-city attractions in nearby Atlanta. Anchored by historical Peachtree Street, the city’s midtown area boasts a thriving arts-and-culture scene. Opened in 1929, the Fox Theatre features imposing Egyptian-style architecture and a custom organ with a network of 3,622 pipes. The High Museum of Art spotlights more than 12,000 pieces of contemporary and folk art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to photographs from the civil-rights era. Kids will enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. Considered the world’s largest aquarium with more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, it’s home to beluga whales, manta rays, and more.

Hotel at a Glance: Baymont Inn & Suites Helen

With its Tudor-style wood timbering and pitched roofs, Baymont Inn & Suites Helen blends in seamlessly with Helen’s signature Bavarian architecture. The quaint, old-fashioned exterior belies the modern amenities inside, which include free WiFi, flat-screen HDTVs, and mini-fridges in every room.

• Fuel up for the day with a free breakfast.
• Share vacation pictures with ease when you hop on the inn’s free WiFi network.
• Take a dip in the outdoor pool.
• Explore the town: a walk down Main Street takes about 15 minutes, and you can admire Helen’s German-inspired architecture along the way.
• Go hiking in Unicoi State Park. The edge of the property is just across the Chattahoochee River from the inn, and a 12-minute car trip will take you to the visitors’ center.

Helen, Georgia: Replica Bavarian Village Surrounded by the Appalachians

In 1968, the townspeople of Helen, Georgia—a struggling sawmill town in the Blue Ridge Mountains—hatched a dramatic plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost tourism. Led by local business owners and artists, Helen adopted a German identity, complete with cobblestone alleys, timber-frame cottages, and Old-World towers. Ever since, the town has thrived as a Bavarian-style village, now welcoming nearly two million visitors a year. Several festivals take place in the town every year, most notably a hot-air balloon race, a German-style Mardi Gras, and an eight-week-long Oktoberfest.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is also home to some incredible countryside scenery. Unicoi State Park and Lodge contains trout streams, mountain-biking trails, and a freshwater lake. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes nearby, and the Anna Ruby Falls drop off in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The area’s natural setting lends itself to scenic outdoor activities, including tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

Property at a Glance: Whitewater Express - Ocoee

Despite what you may infer from the name, there isn’t adventure at every turn on the grounds of Whitewater Express’ Ocoee camp. Sure, the sprawling property acts as the launching point for thrilling whitewater trips down the eponymous Ocoee River, one of the most rafted waterways in the country for its 5-mile stretch of rapids that wends alongside sheer cliff walls and indigenous wildlife. But it’s also known for its cozy, well-equipped cabins, which were built with native logs that emanate a peacefully rustic, back-to-nature vibe.

• Go for a ride on the river: This voucher includes a whitewater rafting trip for two down the Middle Ocoee section of the river, whose class III and IV rapids slalom through the picture-worthy Ocoee River gorge.
• Keep the adrenaline going with one of the camp’s many non-rafting activities, including paintball, a high-ropes challenge course, mountain biking, and horseback riding. One activity is included with this voucher.
• Have your camera ready to snap pics of the breathtaking Appalachian mountains surrounding the more than 225-acre property.
• Fill downtime with disc golf at the on-site 18-hole course, which is open and free to play for all guests.

Hotel at a Glance: The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge

The Ridges Resort sits on the shores of Lake Chatuge, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Its setting and agreeable climate make it a popular place for outdoor activities year-round, with a full-service marina, plus pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. You can also go fishing off the lakefront pier or hike the nearby Appalachian Trail.

• Where you’ll stay: Resort-view rooms and Villas feature private balconies and flat-screen TVs.
• Get cozy and eat some marshmallows by the outdoor fire pits.
• Grab a dinner at the onsite The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen, open also for breakfast and lunch.

Lake Chatuge, Georgia: Hiking and Fishing amid Blue Ridge Forest

Located about two hours from Atlanta, The Ridges Resort & Marina is sandwiched between the Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests. It’s a fine spot to go hiking or mountain biking, and you can access a number of scenic trails within 5 miles of the resort. If you walk up to the summit of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, you can see four states—Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. You can also fish for trout in the nearby Hiwassee River any time of year.

In the nearby town of Hiawassee, charming galleries and stores display quilts and crafts by local artists and artisans. A handful of wineries in the area offer samples in intimate countryside tasting rooms.

Property at a Glance: Henson Cove Place Bed & Breakfast

Henson Cove Place Bed & Breakfast gives guests a peaceful retreat with thoughtful details. The three-room inn sits on more than an acre of land facing mountains and a horse pasture. Photographs decorating the inside and flower gardens sprouting outside are the handiwork of co-owner Mariah Nugent, who collaborates with husband Dave to cook up each morning’s breakfast.

• Gourmet breakfast may include dishes such as frittata and fruit-topped soufflés.
• Included with this package: double-dipped strawberries and two wine tastings at area vineyards. Daily afternoon snacks and wine available.
• Additional perks: This Getaway includes also 10% discounts at Chunky Gal Stables and Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House.
• Mountain-view room: The rustic wood-paneled room is across from a private bath with an antique claw-foot tub.
• Rainy’s Hideaway provides extra seclusion with its separate entrance and location on the second floor.
• Things to do: The nearby Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds host festivals much of the year, as well as concerts from the likes of Martina McBride and Hank Williams Jr.

Lake Chatuge, Georgia: Hiking and Fishing amid Chattahoochee National Forest

Located about 120 miles northeast of Atlanta, Lake Chatuge is sandwiched between the Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests. It’s a fine area to go boating and fishing all year long, and to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail. A trek to the summit of Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, rewards hikers with views of four states.

In the nearby town of Hiawassee, charming galleries and stores display quilts and crafts by local artists and artisans. Henson Cove is also on the Georgia Wine Highway with access to multiple area vineyards. All wineries in the region offer samples of Georgia Mountain wines in intimate countryside tasting rooms.

Hotel at a Glance: The Stadium Inn

The Stadium Inn has all the comforts of home, including a free deluxe hot continental breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. Inviting guest rooms feature comfortable mattresses swathed in crisp white bedding, as well as amenities including microwaves, mini refrigerators, and free WiFi.

• Before the weather cools, go for a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool.
• Get a workout open 24 hour-a-day.
• Downtown Chattanooga is just 2 miles away.
• Bring your pooch: Your pet can tag along for an additional fee.

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Museums and Parks Along the Riverfront

Set along the Tennessee-Georgia border, Chattanooga became a boomtown with the arrival of a major railroad in the late 19th century. The surrounding mountains and ridges made for a scenic backdrop for train passengers coming into the city. But they also proved problematic, trapping in industrial pollutants and creating what the Environmental Protection Agency declared to be the nation’s dirtiest air in 1969. Today, the city has scrubbed away its industrial-era grime and adopted greener practices: public parks, riverfront walkways, and a downtown electric shuttle, to name a few. Waterfront Coolidge Park is a popular downtown hangout where kids can hop on a century-old carousel and enjoy acres of open green space. During the summer, you can come here for concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.

Another point of interest is Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Its wrought-iron trusses stretch across the Tennessee River, which bisects the city’s downtown. From here, you can take a scenic stroll toward other downtown attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Picked by the New York Times as 1 of 45 Places to Go in 2012, Chattanooga has seen a resurgence of arts and culture in recent years. It now hosts a number of annual art and music festivals and features several up-and-coming art districts filled with independent boutiques and galleries. Head to the Bluff View Art District for some spectacular views—the historic neighborhood is set high atop stone cliffs overlooking the Tennessee River. In addition to galleries filled with works by nationally recognized artists, the district recognizes the culinary arts, with several restaurants and the city’s oldest artisan bakery.

Property at a Glance: Nantahala Cabins

For the traveler looking to get away from it all, Nantahala Cabins offers seclusion and tranquility amid one of America’s most scenic regions. Tucked alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cabins are 10 miles from the nearest towns, Bryson City and Nantahala.

• Choose your cabin: Customers can choose from 10 units. Cabin #6—the three-bedroom Wolf Den—offers space for up to eight people. Cabins #8 and #9 are two-bedroom, two-bath units with views of the mountains.
• For extra seclusion: Book the two-bedroom Edelweiss or Silvermine Hideaway cabins, located about 6 miles from the main office.
• In all units: full kitchens, satellite TV, wireless Internet, air conditioning, heating, porches, and picnic areas with fire pits
• In most units: hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views
• Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: about 20 miles

Bryson City, North Carolina: Small-Town Charm amid Great Smoky Mountains

Tucked into North Carolina’s southwest corner, the small town of Bryson City sits amid the woodsy slopes of the Smoky Mountains. The Tuckasegee River flows right through town, creating picturesque waterfalls and fishing holes teeming with rainbow and brook trout. You can tour the rugged wilderness by train—the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year-round excursions in restored, historic railroad cars that depart from Bryson City.

In winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area opens 17 trails and slopes on its challenging downhill course. Once all the snow thaws, whitewater rafting and kayaking become popular attractions at nearby Nantahala Gorge. All the while, downtown Bryson City charms visitors with antique shops, handcrafted pottery, and housemade chocolates.

Inn at a Glance: Balsam Mountain Inn

In 1908, two hoteliers opened a Victorian inn nestled in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Situated at an elevation of 3,500 feet, Balsam Mountain Inn was built for travelers passing through the Balsam Gap depot, one of the Southeast’s highest railroad stations. Today, the inn—a 2016 and 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner—is a nostalgic reminder of the past. Fodor’s says “a stay here is like going back 100 years in time, when folks rocked and chatted on the front porch.” The inn’s 50 guest rooms feature vintage furniture and a refreshing lack of TVs and other noisy distractions.

• Unique guest rooms: No two are alike, but each comes with quaint, custom decor.
• Start the morning right with a complimentary breakfast, which may include banana-nut pancakes or wild-berry french toast.
• An enviable location: The inn is just a half-mile from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and 25 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Balsam, North Carolina: Small Mountain Town Minutes from Blue Ridge Parkway

The small town of Balsam is tucked between the Plott Balsams and Great Balsam Mountains, 40 miles west of Asheville. The Blue Ridge Parkway—one of the country’s most popular scenic drives—lies just a half mile away, winding along the lavender spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and through Great Smoky Mountain fog. You might even spot elk ziplining through wildflower meadows along the way. More than 100 hiking trails branch off the parkway, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches all the way from Georgia to Maine.

Hotel at a Glance: Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

The Blue Ridge Parkway twists and turns through the Great Balsam Mountains, reaching a height of more than 6,000 feet as it passes over Richland Balsam mountain, the road’s highest point. Just a short distance northwest of this spot, Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa sits amid Appalachian ridges and ancient forests.

• Enjoy the view: Most rooms have balconies. Historic guest rooms are in the original 1920s-era wing, and mountain-view rooms are in a newer building.
• Tee off on the resort’s three golf courses, which dates back nearly 100 years.
• Start your day with an included High Country breakfast for two adults and up to two children 12 and under at Cork & Cleaver, with biscuits & gravy, grits, bacon, eggs, and more.
• Grab a bite: Savor fried shrimp platter and half-pound burgers at the on-site Tap Room Sports Bar & Grill.
• Get pampered with a soothing massage or body treatment from Balsam Spa.

Waynesville, North Carolina: Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway

Located 30 miles west of Asheville, Waynesville is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the country’s most popular scenic drives, meanders through mountain valleys and loops around Waynesville en route to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The picturesque thoroughfare branches out to more than 100 hiking trails, ranging from short footpaths to the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

Anyone visiting Waynesville should spend at least a day exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most popular national park. The park covers cascading waterfalls, more than 1,500 types of wildflowers, and dozens of historical mills and barns in the southern Appalachians. Naturally, the area is a haven for outdoorsy activities, whether it’s kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, trout fishing, or panning for gems. While out, keep an eye out for elk, black bear cubs, eastern box turtles, and white-tailed deer.

Waynesville itself is a charming, old-fashioned town, with a Main Street lined with pretty trees and brick sidewalks. There are also many quaint storefronts, including a general store, a candy store, and numerous antique shops housed in old buildings. Every year, the downtown area is the setting for several festivals, such as Folkmoot USA, an international folk-dance and music extravaganza.

Hotel at a Glance: Sidney James Mountain Lodge

The Sidney James Mountain Lodge has something for every season. When it’s chilly, a trolley takes guests to local ski resorts. Warm-weather days can be spent at the two seasonal outdoor pools—and their poolside cafe—or within the adjacent Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Creekside double rooms are the property’s newest units; suites have jetted tubs.
• Take a dip in the heated indoor pool.
• Break a sweat in the lodge’s exercise room or sauna.
• Mountaintop activities such as wildlife encounters and aerial tram rides await at the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area.
• Touch a stingray at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which also has a shark lagoon and penguin playhouse. The aquarium is less than a mile away from the resort.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and vacationing college mascots. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Days Inn Gatlinburg On The River

When you’re checking in at Days Inn Gatlinburg On The River, listen to the sounds of a nearby creek and take in the lobby’s stone fireplace. Both reflect the region’s natural aesthetic—an entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just 2 miles away.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms are comfortable and inviting, with simple decor and handy amenities such as microwaves and fridges.
• Take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub.
• Complimentary breakfast: coffee, tea, juice, fruit, bread, and toasts with choice of toppings
• Within a mile: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
• Within 10 miles: Dollywood amusement park

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Charming Artists’ Village amid Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg rests near Tennessee’s eastern border, less than 3 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, you can hike more than 100 trails that wind past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within densely forested mountains. Or, take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley of open meadows where you can see deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and vacationing college mascots. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,643 feet, is a great place to catch the sunset.

Gatlinburg’s main attraction is probably the artists’ loop. It comprises more than 100 craft shops, studios, and cafés, and you can watch artisans as they hand weave baskets and whittle wooden figurines. Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a mountain village filled with old-fashioned ice-cream shops and boutiques selling housemade jams and decorative gewgaws.

Hotel at a Glance: Island Drive Lodge

Island Drive Lodge lies in Pigeon Forge, a resort town at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nearby attractions include Dollywood and its water park, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and all the shops and restaurants of The Island entertainment complex.

• Complimentary continental breakfast served each morning, including waffles, biscuits, and gravy.
• Where you’ll stay: Spacious guest rooms feature mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves, and free WiFi.
• Across the street: The Island, an outdoor entertainment, shopping, and dining center with a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel
• Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 9 miles

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building. In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s.

Hotel at a Glance: Wilderness at the Smokies

Despite its name, you might find a few things at Wilderness at the Smokies that aren’t naturally occurring in the wild. For one, it’s rare that you find water slides growing with the trees, but you’ll definitely find them at the Wilderness at the Smokies. In fact, you’ll find enough to fill three water parks—one indoor and two out—which are exclusively reserved for guests to the resort. But that’s not all the fun to be had; ropes courses, rock climbing, and a mega arcade full of games are also part of the resort’s entertainment options.

• Ready, aim, fire!: Perfect your sharp-shooting at the laser tag arena.
• Secret agents welcome: Test out your super-spy skills with the Copperhead, a laser course where you’ll twist and contort your body to avoid the beams.
• Bring your appetite to the on-site Thirsty Miner and Hidden Trail Restaurants, where kids eat free.
• Get creative at paint-your-own-pottery nights.
• Perfect your southern twang at Dollywood, which is about 9 miles away.
• Hike through a different kind of wilderness at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is about 18 miles away.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Family-Friendly Attractions and Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

Though it’s secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to some quirky destinations, including Dollywood, a Titanic museum that looks just like the famed ocean liner from the outside, and an interactive children’s museum housed in an upside-down three-story building.

In Pigeon Forge’s historical town center, a cluster of old-fashioned specialty shops and restaurants forms the Old Mill Square along the Little Pigeon River. Inside the mill, a pair of 4,600-pound granite stones has been grinding grain since the early 1800s. Another nearby attraction is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, located a few miles down the road in Gatlinburg. Here, exotic stingrays and four-eyed anableps swim with other sea creatures beneath a backlit waterfall. At the shark lagoon, you can stand inside an enclosed glass tunnel to get an up-close view of green eels, sand tiger sharks, and sea turtles.

But the top draw is, of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located roughly 10 miles south of Pigeon Forge. You can hike along more than 800 miles of trails that lead past waterfalls and pioneer-era log cabins tucked deep within the densely forested mountains. Or take a bicycle ride on the 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, a broad valley known for its ample wildlife-viewing opportunities; deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and vacationing college mascots are all known to frequent the open meadows. One of the best places to catch a glowing sunset is Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point of elevation at 6,600 feet.

Property at a Glance: Creekwalk Inn and Cabins

Located between Cosby and Gatlinburg, Creekwalk Inn and Cabins romantic cabins and cozy rooms make comfy home bases for explorations of nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Units are nestled on a private forested property with a hiking trail to the Little Pigeon River trout stream below. Guests staying at the cabins will check-in at the address given, then travel to their rental. The property is located 12 miles outside of Gatlinburg.

• Country-style furnishings such as handcrafted beds and kitchens with stone countertops in cabins
• Romantic escape: Relax in your cabin’s private hot tub or by the fireplace.
• Gaze out at the forest from the comfort of a wraparound porch or balcony.
• Nearby activities include hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Cosby, Tennessee: Appalachian Wilderness near Lively Entertainment

Among the many Appalachian peaks rising above Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nearly 5,000-foot Mount Cammerer stands out: it has a glassed-in fire tower at its summit, which boasts 360-degree views of surrounding hardwood forests. Starting near the town of Cosby, the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail wends up the alpine cliffs. The challenging trail remains accessible year round to well-bundled climbers and sniffles-prone mountain goats thanks to eastern Tennessee’s moderate climate. Linking to the Mount Cammerer path, the Appalachian Trail forms a gateway to thousands of miles of hiking.

The area also offers multiple whitewater-rafting and ziplining options. About 20 miles to the east of Cosby, the entertainment enclaves of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge feature country-music revues and live comedy shows.

Property at a Glance: Bright’s Creek Lodge

Bright’s Creek Lodge is nestled on 4,700 acres of land that are waiting to be explored. Guests can set off on the property’s hiking trails to look for all the 75 on-site waterfalls, or head over to the Equestrian Center to ride a horse on the trails. The property is also home to a 19-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, which highlights the beauty of the land. After a long day of exploration, you can rest in your luxurious room.

• Grab a bite alfresco at the on-site Veranda restaurant or a drink at the Bar.
• Nearby attraction: The Green River Game Lands offer hunting and hiking opportunities in a mountain setting. The edge these lands are about half a mile from the hotel.
• Distance from Asheville: 46 mi.

Hotel at a Glance: The Inn of the Patriots and US Presidential Culinary Museum

By age 8, young Marti Mongiello was already planning elaborate—albeit imaginary—dinner parties. About 20 years later, he was at the White House cooking state dinners and serving as the executive chef at Camp David. Today, he cooks for guests at The Inn of the Patriots, his award-winning bed and breakfast in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. With this Getaway, you’ll get to enjoy Mongiello’s delicacies for yourself, with a daily six-course colonial breakfast.

• Awards and press mentions: The on-site Presidential Culinary Museum has been featured on CNN, FOX, and PBS and was named Best of the South and Best Place to Enjoy History by BedandBreakfast.com. It also holds a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
• Historic legacy: Built in 1879, The Presidential Culinary Museum once served as the home of one of the creators of the King’s Mountain National Park located nearby.
• Unique decor: Each guest room has a different theme, with decorative touches that may include period fireplaces or love letters from sailors to their wives.
• In-room amenities: free WiFi, 417 TV channels, and a back and foot massage machine
• Tasting time: This deal includes tastings at Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery and Owl’s Eye Vineyard, cider-beer tastings at Dragonfly Wine Market, unlimited tastings at Uptown Olive Oil & More, an appetizer at Ni Fen Bistro, dessert at Carolina Crossing.
• See presidential china dating back to the Jefferson administration at the Presidential Culinary Museum. Guided tours are offered daily.

Cleveland County, North Carolina: Small Railroad Towns near Revolutionary War Battle Sites

Cleveland County is situated in southwestern North Carolina, amid the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors are treated to scenic views no matter the season, all within a 90-minute drive from Asheville to the west and Charlotte to the east.

One of Cleveland County’s southernmost towns, Grover, lies near the South Carolina border. This former railroad town is filled with restored turn-of-the-century houses, lending it a charmingly old-timey feel. Nearby Blacksburg, South Carolina, was the site of the pivotal Battle of Kings Mountain during the American Revolution—a battle that halted the British advance into North Carolina. A monument, exhibits, and a battlefield trail commemorate that victory at Kings Mountain National Military Park.

For a taste of modern-day Cleveland County, head to the award-winning Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard, where you can sample up to 12 wines (tours are only available Thursday–Sunday). Other stops show off the area’s culinary prowess, with farm-fresh American fare and seafood at NiFen Bistro in Shelby and decadent desserts at Carolina Crossing Restaurant in Grover.

Hotel at a Glance: Baymont Inn & Suites Nashville Airport/Briley

Located a stone’s throw from Nashville International Airport and just 10 minutes from downtown, this hotel provides comfortable and convenient accommodations for visitors to Music City. Kick back while watching a show on your flat-screen TV or surfing the web with free WiFi in your room. In the morning, head downstairs for a free continental breakfast.

• Distance from the airport: less than 3 miles
• Break a sweat in the on-site fitness center.
• Bring Fido: Pets weighing less than 40 pounds can stay in select rooms for additional fee.
• Nearby attractions: Johnny Cash Museum (10 mi. away), Grand Ole Opry (5 mi.), and Nashville Zoo (7 mi)

Nashville, Tennessee: Music Lovers’ Paradise

Nicknamed Music City, Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music—the place where artists such as Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton hit it big and where generations of singers, strummers, banjo pickers, and fiddlers have taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite its country roots, the city has also embraced other genres, including rock, rap, and jazz. You’ll find some of the best Nashville music venues along Honky Tonk Row, as up-and-coming musicians and songwriters step into the spotlight. Nearby, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum showcases an extensive audio archive and a memorabilia collection that includes Elvis’s golden Cadillac, Willie Nelson’s bandanna, and artifacts from iconic rockers including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bob Dylan.

Just southwest of downtown lies the 132-acre Centennial Park, which is adjacent to Vanderbilt University. The city’s premier outdoor space features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon alongside a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena. Inside the faux Parthenon, you’ll find a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art.

Hotel at a Glance: Best Western Plus Music Row

Best Western Plus Music Row is located minutes from downtown Nashville, giving guests easy access to the city’s top attractions. The hotel is within walking distance of Music Row’s recording studios and live-music venues and just 1 mile from the Country Music Hall of Fame. There’s something for sports fans, too: Nissan Stadium (football) and Bridgestone Arena (hockey) are nearby.

• Home away from home: Guest rooms feature 40-inch LCD TVs, microwaves, and refrigerators.
• Free perks: WiFi, parking, and hot breakfast
• Get a workout using the weights, treadmill, and stationary bike in the on-site fitness center.
• Take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool.

Nashville, Tennessee: Music Lovers’ Paradise

Nicknamed Music City, Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music—the place where artists such as Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton hit it big and where generations of singers, strummers, banjo pickers, and fiddlers have taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite its country roots, the city has also embraced other genres, including rock, rap, and jazz. You’ll find some of the best Nashville music venues along Honky Tonk Row, as up-and-coming musicians and songwriters step into the spotlight. Nearby, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum showcases an extensive audio archive and a memorabilia collection that includes Elvis’s golden Cadillac, Willie Nelson’s bandanna, and artifacts from iconic rockers including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bob Dylan.

Just southwest of downtown lies the 132-acre Centennial Park, which is adjacent to Vanderbilt University. The city’s premier outdoor space features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon alongside a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena. Inside the faux Parthenon, you’ll find a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art.

Hotel at a Glance: Wyndham Garden Charlotte Executive

This newly renovated Charlotte hotel features a convenient location within walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants. Getting here from the airport is easy, too, thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle service, which runs 24/7.

• Stay connected with free WiFi.
• Take a dip in the outdoor pool.
• In-room amenities include a mini fridge, microwave, and flat-screen TV.
• Grab a bite at the MarketPlace, which is open 24 hours a day. Continental breakfast is free seven days a week, or guests can buy hot breakfast buffet, for a nominal charge.

Charlotte, North Carolina: Modern Financial Capital with Thriving Art Scene and Southern Cooking

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and it seems to get bigger every year. As one of the country’s major banking centers, it has shiny new skyscrapers popping up all the time. You can recognize the Hearst Tower by the different colors lighting up its facade throughout the year.

While the city has certainly taken a turn toward the modern, relics of the past are still easy to find. Victorian homes with wide front porches line the streets of the historic Fourth Ward, and you can hail a horse and carriage at the corner of Trade and Tyron. The city’s post-Civil War history is on display at the Levine Museum of the New South; check out the award-winning “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers” installation.

Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood (that’s short for North Davidson) is home to the city’s Historic Arts District. Eclectic galleries and live music venues line the streets, and you can catch an improv show here almost every night of the week. Nearby, the growing Plaza-Midwood area offers some of the best dining in town, including authentic Southern-style cooking.

About Your Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

Travel Dates

• Book to stay between September 10 and November 22.
• Prices vary by day; the price listed is the lowest possible and may not be available all days.
• Click on a date on the booking calendar to see the individual prices by day.

Inclusions

• Daily water park passes for registered guests up to the standard room occupancy are included in all options. Additional guests are $50 per night, click here for room details.
• A $50 per night dining credit is included with the Wolf Den, KidKamp, KidCabin, and Majestic Bear suites to be used at any of the dining facilities within the resort. (The dining credit is not included with the Family suite.)

See additional details regarding room occupancy, water park passes, and more on the Fine Print & Details tab above. See FAQs here.

Property at a Glance: Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord

The heart and soul of Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord is its 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. Splashy rides such as the Howlin’ Tornado—an enclosed water slide that shoots you through a six-story funnel—and a zero-depth-entry wave pool with 3-foot swells surround the park’s iconic hub: a four-story treehouse with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Younger kids will have a blast with the water slides and gentle spray features of Whooping Hollow and Cub Paw Pool.

The water park, which hovers around 84 degrees all year long, isn’t the resort’s only family-friendly activity. You’ll also find mini bowling at Ten Paw Alley, an arcade with more than 100 games, and Scooops Kid Spa, complete with ice-cream-sundae pedicure chairs.

• Extended and exclusive water park access: You can enter the water park at 1 p.m. on the day you check in and stay until close on the day you check out (essentially 2 days’ water park admission). And since there are no day passes for outside visitors, resort guests have exclusive access and won’t get stuck in long lines.
• Family-friendly fun: The resort has games and activities for kids of all ages. Explore all activities by age group here.
• Hands-on crafts and activities such as face painting and balloon twisting at Cub Club can entertain young children when they want a break from the water park action.
• Roomy suites comfortably sleep up to four or six people. Some units provide extra privacy with enclosed bunk beds or separate bedrooms.
• Restaurants galore: The resort contains six restaurants and snack bars where you can dig into everything from wood-fired steaks to signature waffles.
• Add a Paw Pass or Pup Pass to your stay to enjoy kid-friendly activities and sweets at Creation Station, Bear Paw Sweets & Eats, and more at a discounted rate. See everything that’s included—as well as other available packages—here (additional fees apply).
• Safety first: Complimentary life jackets in multiple sizes and trained lifeguards help keep families safe and secure.
• Distance from Charlotte and Raleigh: about a 20-minute drive from Charlotte and a 2.5-hour drive from Raleigh

Our Guide to Great Wolf Lodge

Eight Ways to Make the Most of Your Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

Our best tips on how to avoid crowds, dine on a budget, and dress down at Great Wolf Lodge

Hotel at a Glance: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has long been an upscale vacation destination, and this recently updated Sonesta resort is another jewel in the island’s crown. A $30 million renovation of the AAA Four Diamond resort has added even more luxurious features, from refreshed rooms to a new spa and new pools. The beach is a short walk through the property’s landscaped grounds, and a shuttle transports guests to nearby golf courses located in Shipyard Plantation.

• Splash around in the lagoon-style pool, unwind in the shaded pool, or lounge on deck chairs while kids play in the children’s area.
• Come hungry: The resort has four dining options to choose from, including casual appetizers and evening cocktails at Bayley’s Bar and Terrace.
• Have a relaxing massage at Arum Spa or indulge in one of the body treatments, such as hydrating body wrap or tropical sugar scrub.
• Rent a bicycle from the resort and zip around the property before exploring the bike-friendly island.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Coastal Beauty and Year-Round Outdoor Adventure

Set along the Atlantic coast about 30 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island is a prime setting for relaxed oceanfront living. Its subtropical climate makes the island a haven for outdoor-sports enthusiasts. Golfers can choose from dozens of championship courses, while tennis players have the option to reserve one of twenty nearby courts. Additionally, more than 50 miles’ worth of bike and rollerblade pathways crisscross the island, many of them leading to Hilton Head’s wealth of justly lauded beaches.

Secluded Beachfront Resort near Championship Golf Courses

Hilton Head Island has gorgeous scenery: hilly dunes, oaks draped in spanish moss, and white-sand beaches that both Travel + Leisure and Frommer’s have hailed as some of the most beautiful in the world. The 4-star Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort put guests in the middle of it all, located right along a public beach, where hotel guests get private access to enjoy the sand and surf away from crowds. The hotel also puts you near three championship golf courses within the Palmetto Dunes Plantation.

The resort is positioned between the beach and an 11-mile lagoon system. The recently renovated guest rooms here are some of the island’s largest; they feature separate seating areas, private balconies, and mini kitchens. For a little relaxation, you can head down to one of three outdoor pools, or nab a spot at one of two ocean view hot tubs. There are also 25 tennis courts, an on-site spa, and canoeing and kayaking in the ocean.

The resort has a variety of dining options. The flagship, HH Prime, specializes in upmarket steak and seafood. Interior and exterior fireplaces help set the mood. Palmetto Market—named after South Carolina’s iconic tree—is a casual-yet-classy cafe offering a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Coastal Beauty and Year-Round Outdoor Adventure

Set along the Atlantic coast about 30 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island is a prime setting for relaxed oceanfront living. Its typical January temperature is a mild 60 degrees, and summers rarely bring temperatures over 90. This subtropical climate makes the island a haven for outdoor-sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, who can choose from dozens of championship courses and several herds of free-range caddies roaming the greens. Additionally, more than 50 miles’ worth of bike and rollerblade pathways crisscross the island, many of them leading to Hilton Head’s wealth of justly lauded beaches.

Hotel at a Glance: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort

You can see the waves foam up against the shore from each private oceanfront villa at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort. When you’re not hanging out on your balcony, you can enjoy privileged access to 10 lighted tennis courts, all of which have been recently resurfaced, or soak up the sunshine in the waterfront pool. On the beach, families fire up barbecue grills just before sunset.  

• Casual dining on site: Dig into classic sandwiches and salads, or play pool between sips of brews at Coconutz Sports Bar, which shows games on 17 big-screen HDTVs.
• Ocean views stretch out below the private balconies of select villas. All units are equipped with full kitchens and free WiFi to help you feel at home.
• Bike the beach: The resort has beach cruisers you can rent. Bike along Hilton Head Island’s 100 miles of picturesque trails. 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Coastal Beauty and Year-Round Outdoor Adventure

Set along the Atlantic coast about 30 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island is a prime setting for relaxed oceanfront living. Its typical January temperature is a mild 60 degrees, and summers rarely bring temperatures over 90. This subtropical climate makes the island a haven for outdoor-sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, who can choose from dozens of championship courses and several herds of free-range caddies roaming the greens. Additionally, more than 50 miles’ worth of bike and rollerblade pathways crisscross the island, many of them leading to Hilton Head’s wealth of justly lauded beaches.

Hotel at a Glance: Best Western Plus St. Simons Island

Tucked away on St. Simon’s Island, the Best Western Plus St. Simons Island sits just 3 miles from the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, one of the area’s chief attractions. After a history lesson at the museum, soak up some sun on the soft, sandy shores of East Beach (also just 3 mi. from the hotel).

• Start your day with a complimentary breakfast.
• Beat the heat with a swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub.
• In-room amenities: hairdryers, coffeemakers, and free WiFi
• Distance from Island Golf Club: 2 miles

St. Simons Island, Georgia: Coastal Marshlands and Historic Lighthouses on Charming Isle

The largest of Georgia’s famed Golden Isles, St. Simons Island—located about 80 miles south of Savannah—has raked in some impressive awards in recent years: AOL Travel named it among America’s 10 Best Islands for its picturesque, marshland setting; Budget Travel cited its historical landmarks and white-sand beaches in its list of the country’s 10 Best Winter Beach Retreats; and in 2010, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards ranked the 18-square-mile hideaway the fifth-best island in the United States. Despite these accolades, St. Simons Island remains a quiet vacation destination, a place where seafood shacks and Mediterranean mansions share the same oceanfront avenue.

An extensive network of biking trails cuts through St. Simons’ countryside, which is dotted with verdant marshlands and maritime forests. Fishing charters and shrimp boats offer excursions year-round, or you can hop in a kayak or canoe to paddle through scenic waterways. You’ll get a different view of the island from the top of St. Simons Lighthouse. Built in 1872, this Victorian-style tower stands 104 feet tall and features historical exhibits about the Coast Guard. Next door, you can take a self-guided tour of the archaeological remains at Fort Frederica National Monument. The fort marks the spot where British troops defeated the Spanish in the mid-18th century, securing Georgia’s future as a British colony.

Hotel at a Glance: Beachcomber By The Sea

Each morning at Beachcomber By The Sea, you can start your day by gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico from your suite’s balcony. Head downstairs to stroll along the sandy beach and swim in the blue-green ocean waters.

• Free continental breakfast is served each day from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Comfy suites have kitchenettes and separate living areas.
• Hot spot: The outdoor pool and hot tub overlook the beach.
• Sips and sunshine: A tiki bar surrounded by palm trees sits steps from the pool.
• What’s nearby: Pier Park, a mall with 124 stores, and Frank Brown Park, which has sports courts and 1.5 miles of trails

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches, Spring Breakers, and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

Every March and April, spring breakers descend on the white-sand beaches and fill the streets outside dance clubs. The rest of the year, however, the atmosphere is more relaxed and geared toward families. There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Hotel at a Glance: Legacy by the Sea

Each room at Legacy by the Sea boasts a stunning gulf view, so the beach is always within reach at this waterfront hotel. But there’s more to explore from the Legacy’s prime location: visitors can get up-close and personal with aquatic life at Gulf World Marine Park, situated right across the street. And Pier Park—with its 900,000 square feet of shopping and restaurants—is just a 1-mile walk away.

• Enjoy gulf breezes from your private patio, a feature of every room at the hotel.
• Start your day with free continental breakfast in the expansive hotel lobby.
• Take a dip in the heated gulf-front pool, or unwind in the whirlpool.
• Sip a cocktail on the Barefoot Hide-A-Way Bar & Grill’s beachfront patio, right next door to the hotel.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches, Spring Breakers, and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

Every March and April, spring breakers descend on the white-sand beaches and fill the streets outside dance clubs. The rest of the year, however, the atmosphere is more relaxed and geared toward families. There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Hotel at a Glance: Emerald Beach Resort

A white-sand beach meets the Gulf of Mexico just footsteps from your door at Emerald Beach Resort—you could walk barefoot from your room to the ocean. The shore provides a quiet place for families to kick back between visits to ZooWorld, a family-friendly attraction with lions, tigers, and 200 other exotic animals, just a short drive away.

• Gulf views can be enjoyed from the balconies of one- and two-bedroom condos, which feature full kitchens and separate living areas.
• Beat the heat in one of two pools, including one along the beach and one with a special children’s area.
• Grab a drink at the poolside tiki bar.
• Fore!: The resort is a short drive from the 27-hole Hombre Golf Club, where guests get preferred access.
• Things to do: The resort can help set you up with a number of watersports, including kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Learn how to catch a wave during surfing lessons. Contact the hotel in advance to find out how to make an appointment.
• Why “emerald” beach resort? The name of the hotel references the emerald-green color of the gulf.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches, and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Hotel at a Glance: Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort

Rising over the sandy coastline of Panama City Beach, Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort is practically a seaside city unto itself. Three high-rises surround a cluster of pools, whirlpools, and lagoons, some of which are dotted with miniature islands and waterfalls. Just beyond the pools is the beach.

• Grab a bite: There are several dining venues on-site and nearby, plus an on-site Starbucks and a cocktail lounge. Spacious villas and suites also have full kitchens if you’d rather eat in.
• Fun on the beach: The staff can help you arrange dolphin encounters, banana-boat rides, and kayak rentals.
• Spacious accommodations: Your suite or villa will have at least 600 square feet of space, plus a patio or balcony.
• Tee off on the resort’s nine-hole executive course or at nearby Hombre Golf Club.
• Tennis anyone?: The resort has 10 all-weather Plexicushion courts, which have lights for night play.
• Look as good as you feel: The on-site salon offers a range of beautifying services.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

Most of the year the atmosphere is relaxed and geared toward families. There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

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Hotel at a Glance: Majestic Beach Resort

The 3.5-star Majestic Beach Resort sits on a private stretch of white sand along the Gulf of Mexico. This condo resort features spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, washers, and private balconies. In addition to these homey conveniences, the resort offers amenities such as sparkling lagoon pools and on-site movie theater.

• Get active—or don’t: You can go snorkeling in the gulf’s emerald waters or lounge around one of five swimming pools.
• Jet skis, sailboats, and paddleboards can be rented at the beach.
• Tee off: Guests receive preferred access to Hombre Golf Club’s 27-hole championship course.
• Dining options: Grab casual bites at the poolside H2O Bar and Grill, head to a local restaurant such as the Wine Spectator award-winning FireFly, or cook something up in your room’s kitchen.
• Perk up with a coffee at the on-site Starbucks.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.

Hotel at a Glance: Grandview East Resort

Panama City Beach claims to have the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—in fact, that’s the town slogan. Test it out for yourself at Grandview East Resort, which has a private white-sand beach of its own. The resort’s three-bedroom condos are spacious enough for up to eight people, ideal for large families or parties.

• Take a dip in the hotel’s pool, which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
• Three-bedroom condos have more than 1,400 square feet of space and are decked out with full kitchens, hot tubs, washers, and dryers.
• Watch the sunset over the Gulf from your private balcony.
• Hit the waves: Go sailing or get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski. The area is also known for its dolphin encounters.
• Tee off: You’ll have preferred access to a round of golf at nearby Hombre Golf Club, which features 27 holes and some challenging sand traps.
• Grab a bite at Firefly, where you can enjoy lobster tails and andouille-crusted snapper beneath the dining room’s oak tree, which is strung with hundreds of white lights

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

The atmosphere is relaxed and geared toward families. There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.

Hotel at a Glance: Long Beach Resort

The Long Beach Resort has been designed so that every suite has unobstructed views of the ocean. The hotel also offers direct beach access, so you can easily get a closer look at the water.

• Oversized balconies look out over the Gulf of Mexico; one- and two-bedroom condos feature full kitchens and separate living areas.
• 1,300 feet of beach: Walk out the doors of the resort and you’re right on the beach.
• Relax by the pool: The resort has a curving lagoon pool that winds around the resort; a palm tree-studded island is in the middle.
• Head down the street to the Wine Spectator award-winning Firefly restaurant.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

The atmosphere is relaxed and geared toward families with numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Hotel at a Glance: Shores of Panama Resort

There are four ways to take a dip at Shores of Panama Resort—and that’s not even counting the ocean. A lazily flowing lagoon pool outside passes under two bridges by a tiki bar serving frozen drinks, and nearby, a bubbling hot tub waits behind a stacked stone wall. In case of rain, there’s a temperature-controlled swimming pool indoors and another hot tub right alongside it.

• Private condos with balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops, and flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players
• Family-friendly eats and entertainment: Next door, Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant is right on the beach, and a half-mile up the road are both Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Wonderworks.
• Beach activities: The hotel hosts dolphin encounters, sailboat rides, kayak rentals, and surfing lessons.
• Spa services: Therapists soothe body and soul with botanical-infused body masques and specialized massage therapy.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches, and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.

Hotel at a Glance: Sunbird Beach Resort

Sunbird Beach Resort has a little something for everyone. There’s a private beach along the Gulf of Mexico for sun seekers and oceanfront pools for freshwater enthusiasts. For everybody else, the shopping, dining, and entertainment of Panama City Beach are just steps away.

• Nearby attractions include Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
• Pool with a view: Take a dip in one of three pools facing the Gulf of Mexico.
• Roomy condos feature full kitchens and private balconies with views of the water.
• Barbecue grills are available for cookouts.
• Grab a bite at Firefly, a nearby restaurant where you can enjoy lobster tails and andouille-crusted snapper beneath the dining room’s oak tree, which is strung with hundreds of white lights.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Sugar-White Beaches and Scuba-Diving Spots

Panama City Beach’s slogan—“The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”—may seem boastful. But TripAdvisor helped back up this claim in 2013, naming the local St. Andrews State Park as having 1 of the top 25 beaches in the United States. The park also has two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp, plus nature trails for bird watching. Elsewhere in town, you can arrange a scuba-diving trip to explore the area’s dozens of natural and artificial reefs.

The atmosphere is relaxed and geared toward families. There are numerous amusement parks along the 20-plus miles of shoreline. Many of the popular seafood restaurants and bars here overlook the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, take the ferry to Shell Island, an uninhabited, 7-mile-long barrier island. On the ride over, you might see some of the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these warm waters. Once there, you can soak in the sun on the empty beaches and go snorkeling. It’s also worth it to visit the nature preserve at Conservation Park, which has 24 miles of trails. One 11-mile trek goes past wooden boardwalks and wetlands; keep your eyes peeled and you might see woodpeckers in the trees and alligators lurking beside cypresses.

Hotel at a Glance: Best Western Sugar Sands Inn & Suites

This hotel is located in Destin, Florida—a town known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for its emerald green fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishermen are not the only ones who are lucky, as the town boasts pristine white sugar sand beaches, such as Crystal Beach, only a half mile from the hotel.

• Where you’ll stay: a renovated guest room with free WiFi, microwave, and refrigerator
• Say “good morning” to complimentary hot breakfast.
• Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub.
• Keep in shape with the treadmill or stair-stepper in the exercise room.
• Take a picnic to Henderson State Park, home to pine tree-spotted dunes, boardwalks, and plenty of sunbathing areas (1.2 miles away).
• Nearby restaurants: The hotel is across the street from Longhorn Steakhouse and it’s less than a block away from Bonefish Grill.

Destin, Florida: Sugar-Sand Beaches and Lively Fishing Scene

Think of Florida, and the image that comes to mind probably looks a lot like Destin. Located on a thin peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Destin’s plentiful beaches are some of the whitest in the world due to the sand’s high concentration of fine quartz crystal. Lay down your towel at Crystal Sands Beach or Henderson Beach State Park, or go swimming and snorkeling at Jetty East Beach. At Gator Beach, you can watch alligators in action from the safety of a beachside bar and grill.

In addition to its beaches, Destin is famous for its fishing culture. The town was established by a fisherman named Captain Leonard Destin and still goes by the nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Any time of year, you can find well over 100 charter boats (and a few party boats) in Destin Harbor, ready to take tourists out on the water. Every autumn, the Destin Fishing Rodeo draws more than 30,000 fishermen hoping to lure in sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and king mackerel—not to mention a big cash prize.

Hotel at a Glance: Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

Guests at the Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin should have no problem finding spots to relax—the hotel is located steps from the white-sand beach, and it has two pools. When you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, retreat to your guest room or suite; it includes a high-definition TV and a DVD player that allows you to make ample use of the free video library.

• Room with a view: Some guest rooms overlook the Gulf of Mexico from private balconies.
• For extra space, choose a suite—they include full kitchens and sitting areas for extra comfort.
• Take a ride along the sandy shores on a bicycle from the on-site rental.
• Play a game in the on-site game room.
• Crab Island Café: grab a coffee and breakfast at the on-site cafeteria or head to Manatee’s Bar & Grill for a burger and refreshing cocktail.
• Go fishing at the 1,262-foot-long Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, located about a mile from the hotel.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida: White-Sand Beaches and Ancient History

A part of Florida’s Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is home to miles of beautiful white-sand beaches. It’s said to have the region’s whitest and cleanest sand; the uniformly oval shape of each grain causes a slight squeak when walked upon. Visitors to Fort Walton Beach can also expect to find championship golf courses and plentiful shopping in the Uptown shopping district.

Though the area’s earliest permanent European settlers didn’t arrive until 1821, Native American history here dates back 14,000 years. This history is documented at the Indian Temple Mound Museum, which features more than 1,000 artifacts of shell, bone, and clay, as well as one of the country’s best collections of prehistoric ceramics. The Heritage Park & Cultural Center, which includes the Indian Temple Mound Museum, also covers the history of pirates, the American Civil War, and early settlers.

Top Reasons to Stay at The Farm LLC

• The Farm LLC is nestled on more than 90 acres deep in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country, amid blue-green hills dotted with horse farms, whitewater rivers, and limestone caverns.
• National Geographic included the area on its list of best spring trips for 2013, and it was voted to Rand McNally’s list of most beautiful towns in 2012.
• Set in a stately antebellum mansion, the guest rooms and suites feature period furniture, pastoral paintings, and beautiful views of the farm fields and grounds. Select rooms are outfitted with whirlpool tubs.
• Cows, rabbits, miniature horses, pigs, peacocks, and other barnyard animals live on the farm.
• With the select option of this Getaway, you get a guided tour of two distilleries, such as Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, or Wild Turkey.
• Offsite, catch a show at Pioneer Playhouse, or visit nearby Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill for carriage and horseback rides and a glimpse of Shaker life.

Danville, Kentucky: Bourbon Distilleries and Horse Farms in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country

Danville—located less than an hour south of Lexington—is nicknamed “The Birthplace of the Bluegrass” for its blue-green hillsides and because it served as the first state capitol of the Commonwealth. Right here in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country are numerous horse farms and centuries-old distilleries. Along the nearby Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can sample chocolate-bourbon balls and tour the headquarters of Makers’ Mark, Jim Beam, and many more. The Farm, LLC also offers an optional guided excursion on the bourbon trail to resort guests. Bicycle and bus tours are popular.

Downtown Danville feels like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting with pastel-painted storefronts, boutiques, cafés, and a wine shop. One log building here was the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains in 1792. Main Street is dotted with art galleries and mom-and-pop bakeries that have been around for more than a century.

It’s worth it to take a trip north to Lexington, the second-largest city in Kentucky. The unofficial horse capital of the world, Lexington boasts world-famous thoroughbred farms and racetracks, including the Kentucky Horse Park. The International Museum of the Horse pays homage to these elegant creatures with exhibits that feature saddles from early American farm horses and Mr. Ed’s house slippers.

Hotel at a Glance: Best Western Navarre Waterfront

Located just steps from the green waters and white sand of the Florida Panhandle’s Emerald Coast, this Best Western on the Navarre waterfront makes a great home base for exploration of the beautiful coastline between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. Each brightly colored guest room comes with comfortable amenities including kitchenette equipment, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs outfitted with cable.

• Take a dip in the heated waters of the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool (open through the end of October).
• Start the morning right with a trip to the complimentary hot breakfast, which includes a choice of bread, eggs, breakfast meat, and more.
• Waterfront rooms overlook the Intracoastal Waterway.