Vacation Planning

Georgia is probably one of the most diverse states - in population and geography - of any state in this country. From mountains to coastal regions to rich farmland to big city - you can escape to almost any kind of vacation your heart - family - budget - desires.

Over the next few days, I’ll list a few destinations within the state, and give you links to explore more on your own.

Atlanta is a week’s worth of posts all on its own, so I won’t touch on it here. But here’s a link if you want to learn more before I get around to posting a few of my favorite haunts. One tip - if you’re going as a tourist to see all the attractions, be sure to investigate the CityPass they now have available. It will save you quite a bit of money!

Northwest of Atlanta - just outside of what is commonly referred to as the “metro area” is the city of Cartersville. This friendly town makes a great base for seeing the area, and has a good many attractions of their own:

Booth Western Museum

Red Top Mountain State Park

Etowah Indian Mounds

Barnsley Gardens Resort

The Grand Theatre

An old favorite, the Weinman Mineral Museum, closed down a couple of years ago, but will reopen early next year as the Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum. It will include hands-on science experiences, galleries of minerals and fossils, and feature a digital planetarium.

Cartersville is close enough for day trips to Blue Ridge, Dillard, Dahlonega, Rome, Marietta, and Atlanta, for shopping, exploring and sightseeing, and is rich with Civil War history. Once you visit, you may not want to leave! 

Be sure to check back Friday - I’ll have a huge list of great places to eat in the area!

Today, we’ll look at the Southwest and Far North Regions of Alaska.

Southwest:

Kodiak Island is a must for this region. You won’t run out of things to do, but this isn’t one of the big touristy areas either, so in my book, that’s a plus. Expect to see plenty of wildlife and keep your camera handy. You could see bears, fox, weasels, deer, otter, moose, sheep, and more! The city also has great list of events, festivals, fairs and more, so check the Community Calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

If you seek fishing opportunities, head to Bristol Bay. Many rivers flow into the Bay, and the city is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery. Since fishing is one of the primary industries of the area, you’ll definitely want to check it out.

Far North:

The Far North region of Alaska is accessible by jet or small aircraft.

Barrow is the northernmost city of Alaska and borders the Artic Ocean. Each spring, they hold a bowhead whale hunt and festival - several varieties of whales migrate to the area every summer. Inupiat Eskimos make up the majority of the population.

Gold mining and oil are the major industries of Nome, where over 20,000 visitors flock each summer. The city’s Web site provides a great list of activities, and you’ll note that they are divided by summer, winter, or year-round events. Be sure to check out the list of events and activities to help plan your visit.

Dining options in Montgomery vary greatly - as does the quality and the price. I’ll list a few of our favorites here, and if anyone else has favorites, please share them in the comments.

As mentioned in Monday’s post - Chris’s Hot Dogs. This diner on Dexter Avenue downtown is a landmark, and has been in operation for over 90 years. It’s a MUST on a Montgomery visit.

Another long-standing restaurant is Peking Palace on 2380 E. South Boulevard (that’s the loop that runs around the town, and at various places has different names, but is just referred to locally as “the Boulevard.”) The staff has been around almost as long as the business and they treat regulars like family. The food is fresh, flavors perfection. Prices are very reasonable too, with many lunches under $5, and dinners under $10.

The favorite seafood place in town is Jubilee Seafood on Woodley Road. A must on the menu - sauteed crab claws. Their regular menu varies to provide the freshest selections possible, so inquire about the specials on your visit.

Three locations for BBQ - all are franchises, but have good food. Country’s, Jim & Nick’s, and Dreamland (of the famous Tuscaloosa franchise.)

The east side of town has flourished in the last couple of years, and restaurants are popping up all over. From fine dining to comfy and casual, you’ll find almost any kind of food you crave. The Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau provides a lengthy list of options, and as mentioned in Monday’s post, you can pick up a map that highlights numerous restaurants at the Visitor’s Center at Union Station.

We’ve only touched on Montgomery this week - I’ll share more about Alabama in later posts.

A fun and educational stop in Montgomery, Alabama is Old Alabama Town.

In the heart of the city, there are six blocks of 50 historic buildings, designated as Old Alabama Town. Visitors purchase tickets at the Welcome Center, pick up a map, and then walk through time as they  move from house to house.

On Saturdays, there are jam sessions on the front porch of one of the buildings. Stand around and listen to the tunes of days gone by. Then view various demonstrations of weaving, blacksmithing, horseshoeing, basket weaving, and even a quilting bee. The demonstration days vary, and depend on school groups visiting, or other scheduled tours. But individuals are welcome to watch and participate with the groups, so it’s a great experience.

Volunteers serve as guides to walk you through some of the houses, sharing stories of life “back when.” Also in the “Working Block” you’ll discover a Cotton Gin, Print Shop, and Drug Store.

Down the street, explore the “Living Block.” Lucas Tavern will be your first stop, because it serves as the gateway to the rest of the block. Another volunteer greets you, and leads you through the house, pointing out the rope beds, and the menu in the dining hall, where a full menu of chicken pie or ham, vegetables, dried fruit pie, pudding, strawberry preserves, plums, wine, brandy costs only “3/4 of a dollar.” Boy, don’t we wish for those kinds of prices these days!

After you leave the Tavern, stop by the Carriage House, Doctor’s Office (be sure to check out all the instruments - pretty scary!), and the Corner Grocery. Your children will enjoy stops at the School House and the Church too.

One of the favorites on the tour is the Log Cabin, with two large porches - front and back.

The whole tour reminds you of simpler times, and it takes a while to zoom back to the present once you leave.

I’m still researching Alaska, so we’ll focus on Alabama this week.

My husband and I recently played tourists in Alabama’s state capital. The city is undergoing some major transformations and left us with a very positive impression of the future.

The very first thing you should do upon arrival is head to the Visitor’s Information Center at Union Station at the intersection of Commerce and Water Streets. If you arrive on weekends or holidays, you can park along Commerce Street and not worry about feeding the parking meter. Any other time, check under the cover parking between the Wachovia bank building and Union Station to see if parking is available - it usually is. Just look for the Visitor spots.

Then, after you explore the Visitor Center, purchase all-day passes on the Trolley. There are two routes, but the same trolleys run both routes, so it doesn’t really matter which one you get on - you’ll eventually do the whole thing. Be sure to request the free maps of the whole city, the trolley route, and the dining guide. The passes are a bargain - only $1 for each person, and with the all-day pass, you can get on and off all over town whenever you like.

The Trolley makes stops all along the route, so you can visit several museums and memorials: Rosa Parks, Hank Williams, Alabama Cattlemen’s Mooseum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Alabama State Capitol, and more. The green route takes you through Old Alabama Town, and I’ll discuss that destination in an article later this week.

There are several restaurants along the route too - our favorite is a city landmark - Chris’s Hot Dogs. The almost 100-year-old diner is an experience all its own.

I’ll share more about Montgomery in my next post, and more about Alabama later this week.

Although this first place is closed for the winter, it gets my top listing because of the experience you get when dining there.

The Cave Man BBQ & Steakhouse, located in Richland, Missouri, is closed from November to March, but the rest of the year will give you something to talk about forever. The restaurant is built into three levels of a cave, and in the 1920s, served as a speakeasy. Reviews for the place vary GREATLY, but the latest reviews are more positive than negative, so they have made some changes. If you’re an adventurer, you’ll probably love the place; if you’re expecting a refined dining experience, you should probably look elsewhere.

Two restaurants where you’ll enjoy good home-cooking near Stover, Missouri are:

Charley’s Store, on Highway B in Lincoln - just have a big appetite when you go.

Touch of Dutch Country Store - similar to Charley’s, but on a smaller scale, and located in Stover.

Arrowrock Village provides an assortment of dining and drinking experiences - all right on Main Street. For sit-down dining in an old railroad hotel, you’ll want to visit the Iron Horse Hotel and Restaurant; enjoy an after-theatre nightcap in the gardens of The Vine Wine Bar & Garden.

The Historic Arrowrock Tavern is the oldest restaurant in operation west of the Mississippi, so be sure to check them out, too.

Friday’s Tip: Be sure to check out the state’s tourism Web site for money-saving coupons to many destinations throughout the state. Coupons are available for hotels, dining, shopping, golf, and more - and many are great savings, so it’s definitely worth exploring.

I’m about ready for a vacation - what about you?

The city of Arrowrock, Missouri makes a great destination for history buffs and theater-goers alike. Check their calendar of events for the latest production. During the month of December, spend Saturdays at the “Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village.”

Lincoln, Missouri is a great escape, but be warned of their slogan - “Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime.” Situated between two lakes - Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake - if you like water activities, this is the place to be. Boating, fishing, sailing, skiing, swimming, and camping - endless list of activities to keep you busy. Hunting is also popular because of the wooded area.

 The entire Lake of the Ozarks area is a popular destination. My family even had a reunion there one year - sad to say I wasn’t able to make it that year - but they all had a great time. As I was exploring for this article, I found a really cool list of “10 Free Things to Do at the Lake” so be sure to check that out. Who doesn’t love FREE nowadays? During the holidays, be sure to check out their monthly calendar too - Cookie Swaps, Breakfast or Supper with Santa, Christmas dances and parades, Pajamas and Pancakes, Light shows, Christmas villages, and New Year’s Eve celebrations galore!

Don’t forget Foodie Friday!

The requests for states are rolling in – we’ll explore Missouri this week, then Alaska, Georgia, and Alabama. If you’d like to get your state in the line-up, just leave me a comment or send me an e-mail and we’ll put you on the list.

A great “home-base” for exploring much of this great state is Stover, Missouri, located about halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. The downtown area is the perfect small town setting, with friendly folks and a peaceful atmosphere.

Stay at the Nestle Down Inn,  just three miles south of town. The Inn offers two guest rooms, but if you only book one, the other one will remain empty for your privacy, or if you bring guests, there’s plenty of room for all of you. This bed-and-breakfast offers amenities to pamper you, privacy to restore you, and the personal touch to make you feel right at home.

Courtesy of NDI - Used with Permission 

Toss a fishing line in the 2-acre lake. Unwind in the 4-person Jacuzzi and then sleep late the next morning. You’ll enjoy yourself so much, you won’t want to go home!

Less than an hour south of Stover is the Ha Ha Tonka State Park.  Check out the castle ruins, sinkholes, caves, and miles of hiking trails – just don’t forget your camera.

Less than an hour southeast is the Lake of the Ozarks area. Osage Beach has a great Christmas parade (2008’s is December 13th at 1 p.m.) and Santa will arrive in a BOAT! They hold a “Lake Lights Festival” during the holidays that you’ll definitely want to check out.

I’ll have more Missouri outings in my next post – and I’d love to hear about some of your own experiences, so leave them in the comments below.

I’ve been fly fishing since I could walk. My dad would take me out on the lake, and other boaters would pull up beside us, wanting to know if my fly rod was specially made and ask how old I was. At only 5, I guess I drew more attention than the fish!

Montana is a fisherman’s paradise. Just be sure to pick up a fishing license before you cast the first line. The state has a great Web site to find the nearest fishing hole, so check out this site, and choose the options to find the perfect spot for your next trip.

If you don’t want to tackle the waters on your own, Montana has an abundance of expert fishing guides to make your trip memorable. Just be sure to hire a licensed guide - it is illegal to hire one who is not licensed. You’ll find a list of outfitters on these Web sites: Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) and Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA).

Always wanted to fish, but don’t know how? Montana has a bevy of schools and makes for a beautiful place to learn, so check out this list of schools and training centers.

Many of the outfitters have their own accommodations, so as you plan your fishing trip, check with the outfitters about lodging. If they don’t provide any, they’ll have a list of nearby options - some may even list them on their Web sites.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fishing trip.

This week, we’ll explore some very different aspects of Montana, thanks to Staci’s wonderful request.

Known as Big Sky Country, Montana has some of the most beautiful land in our vast country. Since my hubby is a cowboy at heart, I’m first going to share with you some of my research for HIS dream vacation - visiting a DUDE RANCH!

Dude Ranch vacations are so popular in Montana, they formed a Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association to provide a great outlet for information. Make this your first stop for research - you’ll find links to member’s Web sites, and opportunities to request brochures or view slideshows to give you a better idea of each ranch.

Your dude ranch vacation can range from pampered and luxurious, to dirty and hard-working - and almost every option in between. And some ranches are not dude ranches, but full working cattle ranches, allowing guests to experience the operation in progress. Whichever route you choose, it’s sure to be a vacation you’ll forever remember.

Most of the dude ranches are family-friendly, and have activities for all ages, although they may not have a designated “children’s program.” Horseback riding is one of the main activities at a dude ranch, but by no means is it the only one. Most properties offer enough choices that you won’t be able to “do it all.”

One of the prime perks of any dude ranch vacation is the opportunity to experience nature at its finest. Fresh air, clear skies, and an abundance of critters - wild and domesticated - will leave you wanting more. 

Activities vary at the different ranches, so explore all the options before deciding on one so you get the best fit for your idea of vacation. Flyfishing, bird-watching, canoeing, join ranch activities like cattle round-ups, branding, and even fun games on horseback.

Lodging at the different ranches vary greatly, too. Your accommodations could be a single log cabin to yourselves, bunk houses with individual rooms and baths, or even a tee-pee or a covered wagon!

Meals at ranches are mostly served family-style. Some offer buffets on certain days, while others offer menus all season. Check with each ranch if you have special dietary needs, e.g., diabetes, low-sodium, low-calorie, high-fiber, because many offer these options upon request.

Three final tips for a dude ranch vacation: 1) don’t forget your camera and extra CF cards! 2) Be prepared for anything. 3) Have a blast!

We’d love to hear from you if you’ve taken a dude ranch vacation, so post your comments below!

I’ll share more about Montana in my next post, so I hope you’ll come back and join me.