GuestQuest Tennessee/Kentucky Winter 2017

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South Carolina North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Illinois Florida Alabama Tennessee

GuestQuest Traveler Vacation Guide takes you on a guided tour to various vacation locations.We feature information about accommodations, attractions and activities in many travel and vacation destinations.

Providing you with article coverage on our advertisers, their amenities and services will assist you in making the right decision on choosing your accommodations, recreation, entertainment and more. Please visit our web site www.GuestQuest.com for additional advertiser information and links to their web sites. Distributed three times a year, Spring, Summer and Winter, with separate editions to Ohio, Pennsylvania,New York, Illinois/ Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia/ Alabama, Tennessee/Kentucky, Virginia/Washington D.C., Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Serving our advertisers and readers since 1984. For advertising information, questions or comments, call 1-800-644-8460. P. O. Box 33547, Cleveland, OH 44133. The accuracy of the information contained in these listings is the responsibility of each individual advertiser. Every effort has been made to offer up-to-date information. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without written consent of the editor is prohibited.

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TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ WINTER 2017

indiana / north carolina / illinois / virginia

TRAVEL

Endless Opportunities for Seasonal Winter Activities From flocking south to frolicking in the falling flakes, our publications and website offer links and information from destinations from Montreal to Florida and Texas to the East Coast.

Read on and make sure to visit www.

GuestQuest.com for more!

Grab your coat and bundle up to enjoy all the outdoor activities that brisk winter temperatures make possible. From snowmobiling,

snowshoeing and skiing to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and tubing, the slopes and groomed trails of West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and more are waiting for you.

Discover festivals celebrating winter from Hyde Park, New York to Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, among others.

Seasonal spirit and beautiful light displays, along with the accustomed

hot cocoa to drive away the chill encourage attendance at Winterfests in almost every destination. Even in traditionally summer destinations like Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia Beach, Virginia, holiday lights are ablaze. You’ll even find Santa arriving on a sled in cities within the Outer Banks of North Carolina as they hold their yuletide celebrations. Make sure to get your picture with Santa!

Most attractions also find reasons to celebrate the season. Visit Brookgreen Gardens in Georgetown, South Carolina just south of Myrtle Beach to enjoy Nights of a Thousand Candles. And museums all over are usually open throughout the winter.

Always check for seasonal hours.

If winter temperatures just aren’t your style, flock south to Georgia, Florida, Alabama or anywhere where

the thermometer stays mostly above freezing for all the beach fun and warm weather activities that you normally enjoy throughout the North’s summer months. Seasonal celebrations can be found anywhere that travelers abound.

Visit GuestQuest.com for more information, events calendar, to enter for your chance to win a vacation and links to these great advertisers!

Visit Dubois County for a Winter Weekend Getaway Plan your Winter Weekend Getaway to Dubois County for great shopping, unique eateries, live entertainment and more!

Experience olde world charm with three Christmas events in Dubois County throughout November and December.

For year-round fun, the Jasper Arts Center is a destination for one of the finest entertainment, cultural and educational venues in southern Indiana. Visit one of over 20 churches that are over 100 years old, one of which resides in Ferdinand with its castle-like features, the Monastery

Immaculate Conception. Or visit the Dubois County Museum, a German Culture and Heritage Center and browse the exhibits throughout the 47,000-square foot building.

Jump into spring and feel the rhythm and sounds in Downtown Huntingburg, IN at the Annual Garden Gate Jazz Festival on April 28, 2018.

Garden Gate features jazz, art, wine & craft beer in Huntingburg’s downtown Market Street Park.

For visitor information, go to www.visitduboiscounty.com or call 800.968.4578 ¤

Discover Small-Town America – Jacksonville, IL Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago and only thirtyfive minutes west of Springfield, Jacksonville, Illinois is a community rich in historical treasures, thriving arts, education and culture all wrapped in Midwest hospitality.

Come enjoy the unexpected! From our Civil War and Abraham Lincoln connections to our newly renovated downtown, the area offers something for everyone.

The City’s rich heritage includes numerous interesting sites that help make history relevant to old and new

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generations. Destination choices include Underground Railroad sites, Downtown murals, Historic Homes Walking Tour, the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion, David Strawn Art Gallery and the Voices of Jacksonville Audio Tour where you can listen to stories about Abraham Lincoln.

Looking for unique shopping, dining or lodging? Visit www.jacksonvilleil.org or call 1-800-593-5678 to request your tourist information packet. ¤

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FLORIDA

Old Florida Charm at Bungalow Beach Resort on Anna Maria Island FL Arriving at the Bungalow Beach Resort on Anna Maria Island changes your mood almost immediately. Just past the parking lot on this quick little bend of a gulf front road, you find yourself passing through the property’s gazebo entrance. It’s an almost ceremonial rite of passage that requires you to leave your worries behind, live in your bathing suit and sandals and relinquish

yourself to peace and serenity. To the unsuspecting guest, it’s an oasis within an island.

Most guests are surprised to learn the property is actually a former army barracks. Today, each of the 15 charming cedar bungalows has been magically transformed into a romantic little getaway that preserves its 1930s clapboard construction and old Florida island charm. It’s a very relaxing place to stay.

This beautiful place has bungalows that range from one room studio to three-bedrooms, and feature white wicker furniture, and the original architectural design of hardwood floors, bead-board walls and woodbeamed cathedral ceilings. Stepping inside one differs from most hotels.

The white and beige interiors convince you immediately that the place is impeccably clean and fresh.

A variety of personal touches make you feel at home when staying at Bungalow Beach Resort and its sister property, Siesta Key Bungalows – located on pristine Herron Lagoon on Siesta Key. From plush linens, to your basket full of embroidered towels, flowers and candy . . . each visitor enjoys simple, upscale niceties that make this place special . . . without crossing the line of big, pretentious

resorts. In fact, calling the place a “resort” at all seems out of sorts, since the homey feel and air of privacy leaves you often wondering if you might have the entire place to yourself.

Bungalow Beach Resort 2000 Gulf Drive Anna Maria Island, FL 34217 800-799-3601 www.bungalowbeach.com ¤

Siesta Key Bungalows A Tropical Island Getaway on Florida’s Gulf Coast Located approximately 55 miles south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Siesta Key is an eight-milelong barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges. Founded in 1846, there are now approximately 24,000 full- and part-time residents of Siesta Key. Siesta Beach was named one of America’s Top 10 beaches for 2004 by the Travel Channel and Best Sand Beach. It is ranked second of Florida’s top 10 Beaches for 2003 by the Travel Channel, and is one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S., according to the Scientist Dr. Beach, who rates beach cleanliness.

While all the conveniences of modern life are easily accessible, Siesta Key is still remote enough to give one a feeling of old Florida.

Bursting with lush foliage, mature trees and tropical flowering shrubs line the winding routes to the village and the beaches. The beaches are refreshingly natural, with protected wild sea oats and mangroves providing a protective habitat for the scores of native island birds that share the island, as well as the dolphins, manatees and other

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aquatic wildlife living just offshore.

“White quartz sand perfect for castle building,” and stays cool on hot days!

A variety of personal touches make you feel at home when staying at Siesta Key Bungalows and its sister property, Bungalow Beach Resort. From plush linens, to your basket full of embroidered towels, flowers and candy . . . each visitor enjoys simple, upscale niceties that make this place special . . . without

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crossing the line of big, pretentious resorts. In fact, calling the place a “resort” at all seems out of sorts, since the homey feel and air of privacy leaves you often wondering if you might have the entire place to yourself.

Siesta Key Bungalows 8212 Midnight Pass Rd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 888-574-3782 www.siestakeybungalows.com ¤

TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ WINTER 2017

florida

Best Florida Beaches for Families, Romance, Relaxing and Golf Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from the beach!

Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Families Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities.

The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.

With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach.

A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of

dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere.

There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding

cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.

Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront.

There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are

not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.

This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

Visit www.GuestQuest.com for listings, links and lodging for your next vacation to the Sunshine State.

Experience the French Riviera with Condos in Destin, Florida If you are looking for the very best condo rentals, Edgewater Beach Condominium in Sandestin and Miramar Beach FL is the ultimate seaside vacation playground. With a touch of the French Riviera, the resort rises majestically beside the sparkling emerald waters, pristine white sands and fiery sunsets of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Our unique architecture is a

landmark along the Emerald Coast.

The resort offers luxurious yet casual one-, two- and three-bedroom condos with private balconies overlooking lushly landscaped gardens and two shimmering pools (one heated), children’s pool, playground and Jacuzzi. Enjoy nearby boutique and outlet shopping, fine dining, spectacular golf and sport fishing, beautiful sunsets or just relax

in the Florida sun.

Enjoy our resort’s many amenities, including FREE highspeed wireless internet, FREE beach set-up and FREE use of our state-ofthe-art fitness center.

Edgewater Beach Condominium 291 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach, Florida 32550 800-822-4929 www.edgewaterbeach.com ¤

Garrett Realty Heats Up Your Beach Vacation Since 1987, Seagrove Beach FL Vacation Rentals Garrett Realty Services, Inc. has been welcoming guests to the Beaches of South Walton and the laid-back, Old-Florida

lifestyle that can only be Seagrove Beach.

We offer the finest selection of Gulf-front/Gulf-side townhomes, condominiums and private homes

available along Scenic 30-A between world famous Seaside and Rosemary Beach. While our diversity and quality of accommodations is huge, we offer personalized service that will make you feel like family.

Take advantage of your muchdeserved opportunity to relax your mind, rejuvenate your body, rekindle your relationships and remember what’s good about life – just waiting to be discovered through a walk on the beach, a sunrise over the Gulf or a bike ride by one of our many Coastal Dunes Lakes. Who knows?

Maybe even a dolphin will show up for an early-morning greeting.

We look forward to being a part of your next vacation.

Garrett Realty Services, Inc. 800-537-5387 www.garrettrealty.com ¤

TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ WINTER 2017

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ALABAMA

Alabama’s Beautiful Beaches The Alabama Gulf Coast’s 32-miles of sugar-white beaches are stretched along a 30,000 acre island on the northern most coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Sand dunes covered in sea oats and brilliant blue waters are the norm on the coast while inland areas feature live oaks and pines. Freshwater lakes, rivers, bayous and coves add nearly 400,000 acres of protected water to the area.

Within this picturesque setting, the City of Gulf Shores spans approximately 31 square miles while the City of Orange Beach covers about 13 square miles.

The Alabama Gulf Coast showcases championship caliber golf, with stunning and challenging courses by some of the leading golf course designers—like Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone, Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge.

Arnold Palmer’s designed his first “Signature Series” course at Cotton Creek at Craft Farms. A second Palmer-designed course— Cypress Bend at Craft Farms—was added later. Lost Key Golf Club in neighboring Perdido Key, FL is also a Palmer “Signature Series” course.

Different from other golfing destinations, our selection of courses is unparalleled and centrally located.

Designed by golfing legends, these courses are situated near the beach, accommodations, shopping or other attractions.

Golfing on the gulf is a great value, especially in the fall when rates are not peaking and the seasonally mild climate makes golfing a yearround activity. Enjoy lush green courses, situated near the beach, accommodations, shopping or other

attractions with a big helping of Southern hospitality.

Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast can enjoy a bounty of outdoor-related activities. Take to the water to search for native wildlife with a dolphin or nature cruise or charter a boat to catch dinner. Investigate 7,000 acres of preserved coastal ecosystem at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and make sure to bring your binoculars when visiting the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Enjoy the area’s selection of campgrounds and parks with picnic lunch. Regardless of your preference, satisfy the adventureseeker in you or reconnect with your family, friends or yourself by returning to nature for an afternoon or longer.

November sings with excitement during the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. Held in

venues on the island and Perdido Key, songwriters and music lovers make their plans to attend months in advance.

Those with the ambition to and courage to brave the elements can ring in the New Year with a chilly dip in the Gulf of Mexico during the Annual Polar Bear Dip at the FloraBama.

The month-long celebration of Mardi Gras attracts families near and far to parades and other festivities along the Gulf Coast. Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!)

Content for this article provided by the official web site of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.GulfShores.com. For additional information visit their site or call 800-747-SAND.€

A Healthy Dose of Southern Hospitality with Anchor Vacations At Anchor Vacations, we strive to give you a healthy dose of the southern hospitality that we are known for! With Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama vacation rentals available at rates anyone can afford, our properties vary from beautiful luxurious gulf front condos or private homes to comfortable,

quiet getaway cottages on the Little Lagoon just minutes from beautiful sugar white beaches.

Spring and Summer guests receive our free amenities package!

This includes 1 free adult pass that can be used daily for the free dolphin cruises, a free fishing charter or admission to the famous Waterville

U.S.A. waterpark (some restrictions may apply). Enjoy these activities as well as sandy beaches, tasty seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and The Tanger Outlet Mall.

Our goal is to make your expectations of a dream vacation come true, with memories that will last for years to come. ¤

Variety is the Spice of Life and Travel ACP Real Estate, Inc. offers home and condo vacation rentals throughout Dauphin Island, AL with a variety of choices from waterfront and water view, to “In the Pines” homes for birding. There are also Canal front homes for boaters and fishing. Several homes are pet friendly. Vacation condominiums are

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available in Holiday Isle, Sandcastle, booking site fees. Our Staff is ready The Beach Club and The Surf Club. to help you. We look forward to Some owners will accept two, working with you! three and four-day rentals for that last-minute getaway at most ACP Real Estate, Inc. locations. Don’t forget, we have Dauphin Island, AL monthly snowbird rentals waiting for 866-861-3311 you! www.acpinfo.com Call and book with us direct to rentals@acpinfo.com ¤ save up to 10% off other online

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