Southeast
Posted July 13, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
It's hard not to feel seized by the spirit of revolution in Williamsburg, even if you're not one of the legions of history buffs that descend on the town annually. Visit this living history museum in the summer for special children's activities such as dance lessons and tours, and explore the 500 or so restored buildings, homes, and gardens from the 18th-century. And for a break, you can eat, sleep, and shop in colonial style.
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Mary Dickinson Shop and McKenzie's: You'd be hard pressed to find three-cornered hats and silk bonnets in shops elsewhere in the country. Take advantage of Williamsburg's historic kitsch and pick up a bonnet at the Mary Dickinson Shop (Jones Mill Lane) or an old-fashioned tonic and some rock candy at McKenzie's (Jones Mill Lane).
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The King's Arms Tavern: The most authentic British pubs in the country are Williamsburg's colonial taverns. Play like John Quincy Adams and tuck into a wooden, candle-lit table at The King's Arms for hot and hearty prime rib or Game Pye (similar to a chicken pot pie). It's a good idea to call ahead for dinner reservations, particularly on weekends, but lunch is usually a safe bet. Expect to pay from $27to $35 for dinner, $12 to $14 for lunch.
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Colonial Capitol B&B: A crisp white and black 18th-century colonial manse, the Colonial Capitol B&B also boasts dozens of windows that keep the house airy and bright all year round. The friendly hosts will pick you up at the airport or train station upon request, and rooms are cozy with antique wood furniture and soft, fluffy bedding. The B&B is just a three-block walk to the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and several local restaurants. Rooms start at $145 per night and include full breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to Newport News, which is home to Williamsburg’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
Posted June 29, 2009 by Kate Hamman
As America's most haunted city, Savannah has a few tricks up its sleeve to entertain and spook the living. Walk the streets of this good-ole Southern city, with antique antebellum homes and a war-torn history, and be captivated by ghostly tales, haunted hotels, and tasty treats.
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Savannah Candlelight Walking Tours: Everyone has a ghost story to tell in Savannah, and a few cocktails can conjure the Vincent Price in us all. Join the Haunted Pub Crawl for a spirited two-hour tour of the city's most paranormal-rich drinking establishments, where tales of apparitions and encounters will spill forth from your trusty guide and other locals in the bar. Tickets cost $10, but don't include libations.
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The Marshall House: Don't be fooled by the charm and elegance of this old hotel, for something dark lurks behind its friendly and hospitable demeanor. Before you check in, you may want to ask about those who never checked out. Once used as a civil war hospital, the Marshall House may still be home to a few unhappy patients or disgruntled nurses from centuries ago. Rooms start at $119 for weekday visits, but the two-night haunted package for $375 may be just what the doctor ordered.
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River Street Sweets: Let your sweet tooth reign supreme at the original location of Savannah's oldest candy store. Sugary scents entice you into the little shop where you'll witness candy makers hand-stretch, swirl, or glaze each individual taffy, chocolate bear claw, and pecan cluster. Treat yourself and taste their world famous pralines. Samples and demonstrations are free.
To search for flights and compare prices to Savannah, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo:www.savannahvisit.com)
Posted June 26, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
With more than 20 miles of white sandy beaches, a three-mile boardwalk, and pleasant, sunny weather much of the year, Virginia Beach is a great place for the all-American family holiday or a wild and rowdy spring break. Thankfully, unlike a lot of beach resorts, prices here are affordable for families and college students alike.
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Rudee Tours: After a few hours of playing on the beach, head out to sea for a dolphin cruise with Rudee Tours. The tours are led by naturalists from the Virginia Beach Aquarium who really know their stuff, and dolphins frequently frolic next to the boat. In the winter, Rudee also offers whale watching cruises, and the chance to spot humpback and fin whales as they make their way down the Virginia Beach coastline. Dolphin tours cost $19 per adult.
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Tautogs Restaurant: A quaint cottage-turned-eatery, Tautogs Restaurant is a hamlet of charm in the midst of sometimes-tacky Virginia Beach. It also serves up some of the best and cheapest local seafood, with tasty she-crab bisque, sage and cornmeal-coated catfish, and terrific crab cakes. Most entrees range from about $11 to $16.
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Four Sails Resort: To escape Virginia Beach's high-rise oceanfront hotels without missing out on the view, book a condo at the Four Sails Resort. Located at the north end of the beach and offering all the amenities of a hotel but with more privacy, each one-bedroom condo has a full kitchen and an oceanview balcony, and the complex also includes a pool and gym. Rates range from $69 to $259 per night.
To search for flights and compare prices to Norfolk, which is home to Virginia Beach’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Posted June 17, 2009 by Kate Hamman
If you're looking for a quiet alternative to a theme-park vacation, you'll find a tropical Florida escape on Sanibel Island. During your stay, you can appreciate the bountiful wildlife inhabiting the area, or go antiquing in a collector's dream store. However, if you'd rather spend your days shelling or relaxing on the beach, an island-style inn is more than happy to lend a hand.
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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society: Since nearly one-third of Sanibel Island is a federally-protected wildlife refuge, it'd be a shame to miss all the natural beauty that exists within it. Catch a glimpse of the numerous bird species, alligators, and manatees, and learn from an experienced naturalist while on a tram tour. The guided ride along the four-mile Wildlife Drive costs $13 per passenger. Or, go at your own pace for an access fee of $5. The Wildlife Drive is closed on Fridays to all vehicles.
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Islander Trading Post Antiques: Imagine every item ever featured on the Antiques Roadshow in one place, and you might be prepared for what greets you at the Islander Trading Post. Every nook and cranny overflows with vintage and collectible items of yesteryear, because the shop carries everything from country-style home goods to cultural memorabilia. Pay special attention to the working 1950's-era "original bubble-blowing sign." It's free and entertaining to browse, but be aware that items are priced according to antique value.
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Tarpon Tale Inn: Only steps from Old Town Sanibel and the beach, the Tarpon Tale couldn't be a better home base for a vacation on the island. Stay in one of the tropical-themed suites, such as the Sanibel Seashell, the historic lighthouse, or the island sunset, for a truly authentic Sanibel getaway. The inn provides complimentary beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas for a day by the water. Say a quick hello to Edgar, the inn's mascot and resident cat. Rooms start at $90 per night, depending on the season.
To search for flights and compare prices to Fort Myers, which is home to Sanibel Island’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto/cjmckendry)
Posted June 16, 2009 by Kate Hamman
With two major wars and natural disasters, Charleston has a fascinating and tumultuous history. Discover the real value of the city's past firsthand by touring a well-preserved estate, dining at a plantation, and staying in the home of one of our founding fathers.
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Drayton Hall: As one of the oldest surviving examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture left in the U.S., Drayton Hall has weathered the American Revolution, the Civil War, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Remarkably, it still stands in nearly the same condition it did when it was first built. Take a guided tour of the home that has belonged to seven generations of the plantation owners, the Draytons, or take a self-guided walk along the river and marshes surrounding the estate. Tickets cost $14 per adult.
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Middleton Place Restaurant: At Middleton Place, a plantation surrounded by 65 acres of formal gardens, you can dine on lowcountry fare. Try the okra gumbo or collard greens to taste some southern home cooking. You can wander the gardens for free if you come for dinner, but during the day you'll have to pay the $25 admission fee to enjoy the lunch specials.
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John Rutledge House Inn: One of only 15 remaining homes of the 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution, the Rutledge House Inn is the only one that allows you to stay the night. George Washington even called here in 1791 to have breakfast with Mrs. Rutledge. The 19 guest rooms located throughout the three buildings are decorated with period furnishings to capture the essence of a bygone era. Rooms might be pricey at $220 per night, but remember you're staying in a piece of history.
To search for flights and compare prices to Charleston, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: The Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.CharlestonCVB.com)
Posted June 10, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Charleston invites you to admire its antebellum homes, listen to its Civil War stories, and discover Southern grace under pressure. Come experience the city for a fraction of the cost, with a cocoa-powered carriage ride, a tour into the heart of its history, and a restaurant that honors its homestyle dishes.
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Francis Marion Hotel: When the winter weather starts to cool down, there's no better time to take a carriage ride through the streets of Charleston, with hot cocoa to keep you warm. And after your trip, you can return to your deluxe accommodations at the grand Francis Marion Hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Charleston Getaway Deal is quite a steal at $139 per night.
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Charleston Strolls: To really get to know Charleston, you must walk in the footsteps of its past and go where no vehicle or carriage can travel. Learn about the city's war-torn history as you traipse through the historic district with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The two-hour tour stops at noteworthy landmarks such as Rainbow Row, a row of mid-1700's homes, and the Two Meeting Street Inn. Tours cost $18.
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Poogan's Porch: This highly-acclaimed bistro takes its name from a friendly pooch who loved nothing more than to lie on the front porch. And as if this isn't enough reason to love the place, Poogan's Porch serves food that combines inventive and flavorful ingredients with traditional dishes. The fried green tomato BLT, with applewood-smoked bacon and goat cheese, adds flair to a classic BLT. The restaurant stays open 365 days a year for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Sandwiches start at $7.95, and dinner entrees start at $13.95.
To search for flights and compare prices to Charleston, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Posted June 8, 2009 by Kate Hamman
For a culturally charged Florida vacation, don't miss out on Tallahassee. The Southern city overflows with historical and recreational activities. Start your day with a full country breakfast, and then walk it off with a free self-guided tour of the city's most important sites. Finish your day by taking a drive to an old country store for tasty sausage.
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Visit Tallahassee self-guided Capital Downtown and Cultural District tour: Now you can add a little culture to your sightseeing, with a free guide to more than 25 historic and cultural sites surrounding the Capital building and City Hall. Map out what you want to see with a colorful brochure and then go at your own pace. A few of the stops you can make include the Knott House Museum, the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Florida Supreme Court.
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Bradley's Country Store: For more than 80 years, Bradley's Country Store has produced some of the finest old-fashioned country sausage this side of the Mason-Dixon line. And just 12 miles outside of downtown, Bradley's remains the same as it did when it was originally built in 1927. Though the store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the main attraction is the sausage, which still uses Grandma Bradley's special spice mixture. You can choose flavors from mild, medium, or hot, and one pound costs $4.75.
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Another Broken Egg Cafe: Getting out of bed doesn't seem quite so difficult when your day begins with bananas-foster waffles, pancakes, and French toast or blackberry grits. These menu items are only two of the many ways to start your day at Another Broken Egg Cafe. The Tallahassee location is one of several spread throughout the South, but this one is special because it offers views of Lake Arrowhead. The hearty breakfast and lunch items—including a wide range of omelet options like the Floridian, a cream cheese filled omelet with crab, green onions, garlic, and butter—will keep you full for days.
To search for flights and compare prices to Tallahassee, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Tallahassee Tourism)
Posted May 22, 2009 by Kate Hamman
St. Augustine's rich heritage dates back to the Spanish Conquistadors of the 16th century, and now embraces a melting pot of cultures. Enter the historic district and find Victorian artifacts, Spanish-Cuban food, and English hospitality.
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Lightner Museum: Filled to the brim with Victorian artifacts, the Lightner Museum takes you back to daily life in the 19th century. Costumes, music instruments, and furniture from America's Gilded Age fill within the museum's three floors. Built in 1887 as the Hotel Alcaraz, the Spanish-inspired building is now a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe area that once served as the indoor swimming pool. Admission costs $10.
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Columbia Restaurant: Located on historical St. George street, the Columbia Restaurant serves elegant Spanish-Cuban inspired fare. Grab a seat on the balcony overlooking the street, and sip one of the restaurant's famed tableside-muddled mojitos before digging into a dish of Paella.
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Penny Farthing Inn: For good old English hospitality in the heart of the historic district, the Penny Farthing Inn, built in 1897, thoughtfully combines Victorian-inspired decorations with modern-day amenities. Many personal touches welcome you, including a bottle of sherry in each of the eight rooms, free soda and wine throughout the day, desserts at night, and evening social hours. Rooms start at $129 for weekend stays, including breakfast. Rates are lower during the week.
To search for flights and compare prices to Jacksonville, which is home to St. Augustine’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Columbia Restaurant)
Posted May 6, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Once a Victorian seaport, Amelia Island has a fascinating past. Experience pieces of the island's history in the Fernandina Beach district, where you can stay in Florida's oldest operating hotel and drink at the state's longest-running bar. And when you get hungry, a funky restaurant will bring you back into the 21st century without charging too much inflation.
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Florida House Inn: The Florida House Inn is the oldest surviving hotel in the state, and once housed famous guests like Ulysses S. Grant and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. These days, the hotel hosts a slew of different activities, ranging from Carolina shag dance lessons to bluegrass jam sessions. Ten of the 22 rooms come with fireplaces. Prices start at $109 per night, and include breakfast and free scooter rentals.
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The Palace Saloon: The Palace Saloon is not only the oldest continuously run bar in Florida, but it also holds the title as the first hard-liquor joint to serve Coca-Cola. Once the gathering place of sailors and captains docked along Fernandina's harbor, the Palace still welcomes patrons with a thirst for adventure. Pull up a stool and order a cocktail as you listen to the live entertainment that plays daily.
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Cafe Karibo: This eclectic restaurant may not be the oldest in town, but its broad menu is one for the history books. You can support the island's thriving shrimp industry with a plate of shrimp and grits, or sample items ranging from turkey meatloaf to seared ahi tuna. Eat inside or under the large oak trees on the garden patio. Dinner entrees start at $14.
To search for flights and compare prices to Jacksonville, which is home to Amelia Islands’s closest airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Amelia Island Tourist Development Council)
Posted May 1, 2009 by Kate Hamman
With a name like Greensboro, it's not surprising that this North Carolina city is turning its focus to sustainable practices. Here, you can stay in an over-the-top-green hotel, dine on upscale farm-to-table dishes, and support local vendors at a farmers' market, all the while keeping your savings intact.
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Proximity Hotel: Designed and constructed following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's (LEED) standards, the Proximity Hotel is green from the ground floor up. More than 70 sustainable practices have been incorporated into the hotel, including a solar-paneled rooftop and recycled materials. Each room features seven-foot-tall windows that offer ample natural lighting and views of the outdoors. Rooms start at about $189 per night.
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Green Valley Grill: As a sister property to the Proximity Hotel, the Green Valley Grill uses fresh local ingredients in its European-inspired cuisine. By upholding the belief that "the nearer the farm to the fork the better the flavor," the restaurant creates tantalizing dishes such as parmesan-crusted chicken and lemon-rosemary duck breast. You can also sample North Carolina wines to pair with your dinner. Entrees start at $15.95.
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Farmers' Curb Market: Opening in 1874, the Farmers' Curb Market is one of the oldest in North Carolina and to this day becomes a veritable smorgasbord of local crafts, produce, meats, and treats every Saturday morning during the summer. Many vendors' goods come straight from the farm, where they were handpicked fresh that morning. Items are priced accordingly, but the way you'll feel about supporting the local industry is priceless.
To search for flights and compare prices to Greensboro, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Proximity Hotel)
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