The warm weather we have had lately has been a reminder that summer is near! I’ve decided to share some ideas for weekend getaways in the southeast. Everyone here at The Alder Financial Group has contributed to share personal experiences of places we have been and would recommend to you. Here they are in no particular order:
St. Simons Island, GA
http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com/
St. Simons Island is a seaside community located on the Georgia Coast. Of course the beach is the biggest attraction, but the pier is also a great place to spend the day. Many locals fish for shark on the pier and there is a lighthouse and a playground nearby as well. There are several fun shops and restaurants. One of my favorite places to eat is Mullet Bay, but to be honest, I haven’t found one restaurant that I don’t like! For some good southern cooking you can check out Barbara Jean’s, and for quality seafood in a unique atmosphere, make a reservation for the Blackwater Grill. Bennie’s Red Barn is another popular restaurant and has been serving since 1954, making it the oldest privately owned restaurant on the island. After eating, you should stop by Sweet Mama’s candy shop. If gambling is your thing, the Emerald Princess is a casino cruise that goes out into international waters for about 5 hours daily. Lastly, if you like to golf, the island is famous for its beautiful courses run by the Sea Island company, which also runs The Cloister on St. Simon’s sister island right next door.
Fairhope AL
http://www.cofairhope.com/index.php
Fairhope is a city located along the cliffs and shoreline of the Mobile Bay in southern Alabama. It is known as a romantic small town with storybook charm. Downtown you will find many shops, boutiques, cafes and art galleries, and Fairhope is a great place to walk around and shop for antiques. The Fairhope Municipal Pier is a beautiful place to visit and features restaurants, duck ponds and an award-winning rose garden. As far as accommodations go, there are several cottages and guest houses, some on the bay with private piers. If you really want to pamper yourself, the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa is picturesque and would be a great escape. And very close to the Grand, you will find the Wash House Restaurant, which is in an old wash house building adjacent to a plantation house for a true southern experience. Beyond the experience, the Wash House’s fresh seafood is also outstanding.
Nashville, TN
http://www.visitmusiccity.com/
If you like country music even a little bit, you will love visiting Nashville, TN. Music Row is a street on which you can listen to talented live musicians any time of day. Many country stars began at bars on Music Row, so you may be one of the first to hear a soon-to-be celebrity! The historic Ryman Auditorium, built in 1892, offers interesting tours. The Wildhorse Saloon is a popular spot to stop in for lunch or dinner and maybe stay for a concert. A few minutes away from downtown, you will find Opryland, which is a must-see. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center is more than a hotel, it is a beautiful dome with indoor gardens, shopping and restaurants. There is much more to see in Nashville such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the General Jackson Showboat, making it impossible to see it all in one weekend. Just pick a couple things that sound good to you and don’t forget to relax at least for a little while!
Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, TN
http://www.gatlinburg.com/default.asp
You can rent an amazing cabin secluded in the beautiful Smokey Mountains for a reasonable rate, and many come equipped with Jacuzzis, pool tables and other features you can choose from. There’s nothing like sleeping in and then heading to town for a big pancake breakfast at one of the many pancake houses around town. If you like trout fishing, or would like to try it for the first time, you can fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Gatlinburg, there are several distinctive shops, original restaurants and museums on the main strip in the downtown area. Just 15 minutes away, Pigeon Forge is full of fun attractions, especially for kids. If you have kids or enjoy amusement parks yourself, Dollywood features rides, a water park, shows and much more. The Dixie Stampede is a one-of-a-kind dinner attraction that is enjoyable for all ages, complete with special effects and stunts performed with cattle and horses.
Lake Guntersville, AL
http://www.alapark.com/lakeguntersville/
If you enjoy the outdoors, Lake Guntersville State Park, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama, would make for a great mini-vacation. Lake Guntersville is the largest lake in Alabama and fishing, boating and eagle watching are all popular sports there. For lodging they have something for everyone: a nice resort, rustic cabins or a scenic campground. If you live in the Atlanta area, stop on the way to Lake Guntersville for an afternoon in Mentone, a small town situated on Lookout Mountain in Alabama. It is a quaint town with bed and breakfast inns, cabins, campgrounds, and breathtaking waterfalls and trails. If you like horseback riding, the Shady Grove Dude Ranch offers a waterfall trail.
Charleston, SC
For you history buffs, Charleston is right up your alley. As many of you may already know, Charleston is home to the USS Yorktown and other military ships that are now open for tours. The ships are located in an area called Patriots Point. Here you will also find war planes and museums. You can also take a tour of Fort Sumter which is the island fort where the Civil War began, and the ferry ride to get to the fort is also a treat. Charleston is not only a historical town… It’s a great city to walk around, marvel at the beautiful houses and shop. At the beginning of Market Street there is a huge open air market surrounded by great restaurants and shops. Last but not least, there are several spacious beaches characterized by white sand and clean water.
Asheville, NC
By far the most popular site to see in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, which was built around 1895. Along with the astonishing house, the estate features gardens, a winery, a farm and much more. May is famous for the Festival of Flowers which includes live music, springtime dining specials and shopping. If you can’t make it till July, the Bele Chere festival is one of the biggest outdoor festivals in the Southeast. If you plan your trip in the fall, the Grove Park Inn hosts a gingerbread contest every year, and the winner is flown to New York City and featured on Good Morning America! Asheville has events and festivals planned year-round, so choose one that suits your interests.
Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, AL
http://www.rtjgolf.com/resorts/shoals/
If you are a golfer, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama offers some of the finest public facilities in the South East. The one we want to highlight today is one of Alan’s favorite getaway ideas. Tucked in the northwest corner of the state lies the RTJ course on the banks’ of the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals. It comes complete with two courses, the Fighting Joe and the Schoolmaster, that are highly ranked by Golf Magazine. The picturesque facility seems like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it is really not that far from Birmingham or Memphis. After a long day of golf, The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa complex is just a short drive across the river. One of the resort’s best features is Alabama’s one and only revolving restaurant, the 360 Grille, which offers beautiful views of the Tennessee River and Florence. The resort has two saltwater pools, the outdoor one featuring a cave and water slide for kids. If you still have some free time, the Tennessee River is famous for small mouth bass fishing.
Madison, GA
This historical area is located 1 ½ hours southeast of Atlanta and is the largest historic district in Georgia. It was spared by Sherman’s Army during the civil war because it was the hometown of a pro-Union Senator. There are several unique restaurants downtown along with many shops. Madison is known for its Bed and Breakfast inns that were converted from homes built in the 1800s. There are also some 17th century homes you can tour such as Heritage Hall. If you like the outdoors, Hard Labor Creek State Park is nearby and offers many trails and a lakeside beach with swimming from May to September.
These are just a few ideas of many for you to consider. I could have gone on for pages on some of these cities, so I encourage you to do your own research as well! And if you decide to check out any of these places, be sure to let us know…. We have many more suggestions for things to do in each town! No matter how busy you may be, I hope everyone can find the time for a vacation this summer, even if it is just a weekend getaway. Bon Voyage!
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