Tag Archive for: travel

COMPASS BY MARGARITAVILLE PIGEON FORGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/10/25

Compass by Margaritaville is a tropical oasis amongst the mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN! John and I recently drove up to Pigeon Forge to waste away in the brand-new Compass paradise that is located in the heart of downtown! Not only is it just minutes from all the attractions, but it is also a slice of heaven with beach vibes from the moment you breeze through the front door.

In the lobby:

Enter into a stunning sun-soaked resort-style hotel with wicker basket lighting, cozy cabana lounge areas, lavish herringbone tile floors, and vibrant beach colors everywhere the eye can see. On top of that, they have lush tropical plants and palms, and a big compass right in the middle to remind you how many miles it is to the beach. The lobby also holds the 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar, a beautiful bar and lounge area with delicious food and nights with live music. Then, next to it is a large space for their complimentary full breakfast. Plus, they have a nook with games from arcade games, foosball, and shuffleboard.

In the rooms:

Take out your key card and open the door to paradise. You are greeted with a dock at sunset mural that sets the relaxing tone of the spacious room. To the right is the large bathroom with marble lined vanity and a large shower with rain shower head. In the room, the beds are comfy with an orange pillow that reminds you you’re a “wanderer.” The accent wall is a beachy teal blue and there is a pop or color from the orange chairs in the lounge area. You can walk out into the balcony for Mountain Views!

And all about amenities:

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, as the Compass has amenities for all seasons. For all seasons, their an indoor “waterpark” pool with splash pad and pirate decor is a family haven. As long as it isn’t freezing, there is also a large bubbly hot tub. In the summer, soak in the sun on the lazy river or lay under the margarita glass water feature in the main pool. And don’t forget about everything else from their large firepit area, a green waterslide that empties into the main pool and a yard for yard games and dining area!

CALLAWAY GARDENS UNFORGETTABLE LABOR DAY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Colorful Balloons Light Up the Sky During Lakeside Spectacular — 

Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow Returns

Callaway Resort & Gardens Hosts Farewell-to-Summer Tradition, 

Introduces New Dinner Under the Skies

Event Dates:  Aug. 30 – Sept.1

Location: Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Price: Overnight Resort stays start at $279 nightly (Gardens & Special Event admission included)

One-Day Adult $35.99 Child (3-11) $26.99

Two-Day Adult $49.99 Child (3-11) $39.99

Three-Day Adult $69.99 Child (3-11) $59.99

Premium Members Free

A beloved family tradition returns Aug. 30 as Callaway Resort & Gardens celebrates its one-of-a-kind Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow. The skies explode with color day and night as visitors experience vivid balloons during this end-of-summer weekend. New this year, Callaway introduces a lakeside barbecue on Saturday and Sunday for the best and tastiest way to experience the spectacle in the sky. Advance tickets include prime reserved seating, a Callaway keepsake, all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, sides, dessert, and soft drinks. A cash bar for alcoholic drinks is available. 

In addition to Callaway’s regular family attractions, Labor Day weekend offers sun-up to sun-down activities, including tethered balloon rides*, live music, a Classic Car Cruise-In, a K9 Flight show, lakeside kids’ activities, water sports, and a nightly “glow,” where gigantic, rainbow-hued balloons light up and dance to a custom soundtrack around Callaway’s Robin Lake Beach before a grand finale fireworks display.

“Thrilling thousands for more than 25 years, these brightly-colored balloons dancing by the lake day and night are a beloved spectacle for all generations,” said Clarissa Chaudoin, marketing director, Callaway Resort & Gardens. “The easiest and best way for families to enjoy this cherished tradition is staying at Callaway’s Lodge or in a resort cottage. Guests enjoy admission to all the weekend’s festivities and all of Callaway Garden’s regular attractions, creating an affordable family getaway packed with activities.” 

Labor Day Packages start at $279 nightly, including accommodations at a full-service lodge or family-friendly cottages and villas, Callaway Gardens’ attractions admission, Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow admission, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Piedmont Restaurant. For a limited time, two-day and three-day admission advance online tickets are also available, providing families who live nearby the opportunity to play all weekend and save.

Visitors can experience the magic of the flying works of art in the early morning when weather permitting, they inflate near Robin Lake Beach. Later in the day, wind and weather permitting, families can get an up-close view and even take a tethered ride*, experiencing the thrill of flight while staying connected to the ground. When night falls, the balloons glow under the stars and provide a breathtaking show synchronized to an original music score. 

For the second year in a row, Daniel Stukas serves as Callaway’s balloon meister. In this role, Stukas manages and coordinates the balloon pilots and their support teams, assuring they all meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. An expert balloonist who has won multiple balloon races and flown on three continents, Stukas has previously flown as a participating pilot at Callaway’s event, debuting in 2023 as its balloon meister. Stukas has more than three decades of experience in ballooning, competing in races, serving as a balloon meister, or working as a safety officer. In addition, Stukas has garnered the highest accolade for pilots, the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, for more than 50 years of safe flying, including six years in the U.S. Air Force and 25 years with Delta Airlines. 

In addition to the balloon show, on Saturday, Aug. 31, Callaway also hosts a Classic Car Cruise-In at the Robin Lake Beach Dome featuring one-of-a-kind vintage cars and trucks. Veteran and newbie car enthusiasts can check out specialty vehicles and talk with exhibitors from 11AM – 3PM. Also, at Robin Lake Beach, daily live music is featured at 4PM and 7PM from Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1. In addition to all the special Labor Day weekend activities, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers families indoor and outdoor attractions and recreation, including seeing hundreds of butterflies at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, flying over the lake on the TreeTop Adventure & Zipline course, marveling at the Birds of Prey lakeside show, and exploring the Megabugs trail. 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, August 30
9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open including cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
4 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Saturday, August 31
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Classic Car Cruise-In at Robin Lake Beach Dome
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Sunday, September 1
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.mDining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Monday, September 2
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.Gardens Entrance Open
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open incl. cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 6 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill

*Additional ticket or rental fee required. Hot Air Balloon rides are CASH ONLY, $20/person.

HOTEL FORTY FIVE MACON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/24

Hotel Forty Five is on the corner of history and music. This hip historic boutique hotel by Tribute Portfolio is in the “Macon Skyscraper,” a 1941 Banker’s Health & Life Insurance Company. John and I recently visited on a weekend getaway to Macon that’s only about an hour and some change from Atlanta! The hotel is steps from restaurants and bars, the Macon Auditorium, the Tubman Museum, and natural attractions for hiking or riding! It is in the center of it all! 
 
What is in a name? The Hotel Forty Five’s name is rich in Macon history! It gets its name from the 45 degree angle of the street formed by Cherry, First, and Cotton Street and was designed to transport cotton barges to and from the Ocmulgee River. Also, Macon is known for its rich musical past and the numerous 45 records produced there, so the name is a nod to this history. As we said, corner of history and music! Did you know Macon is the home of The Allman Brothers Band? If you walk around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find Grant’s Lounge, a staple jam bar where bands would jam night after night to get a record deal. And you can see it today and hear live music!! 
 
Inside the hotel, the lobby winds up through the elevators with retro flooring and bank vibes, while the old directory is still visible from the elevator lobby! Downstairs is the beautiful restaurant Loom with a full bar and dining room, and they also have Reckon coffee bar with pastries and drinks for early risers. Upstairs on the 6th floor is Hightales Rooftop bars with sweeping historical and downtown views, live music, and full beautiful bar! A full review of the amenities is below! 
 
Inside the room, touches of industrial lighting fixtures, a Macon street drawing morphed into a mural with a woman’s face, hints of leather, marble, and retro like the cutest 50s mini fridge and pink funky dresser desk, it is an eclectic mix of angles, textures, and vibes. They even have a schematic of the original building in the restroom. Beyond that, the large king bed was comfy, the beautifully light and bright bathroom stuns, and the historical views can’t be beaten! 


 

As for the restaurant, Loom weaves a tapestry of southern dishes with elevated flavor and fresh ingredients into what the chef calls “Southern Revival!”  Located in the Hotel Forty Five downstairs, Loom is bright, light, and fresh to match the freshness of their food, and has a large loom mural on the wall that draws the eye. As for our favorite dish, that is the King Salmon. The dish is a must in Macon! A well-seasoned, cooked perfectly salmon filet with an amazing tangy and sweet bourbon glaze that will make you want to lock the plate. It sits on top of creamy jasmine rice that mixes with the bourbon glaze harmoniously! Then paired with crunchy seasoned carrots!  

For our appetizers we got Crispy Cauliflower, Bread Service, Burrata, and Fried Green Tomatoes. First, the Crispy Cauliflower is tender, yet crispy, earthy red pepper emulsion and earthy tart capers all drizzled in arugula oil. The next appetizer is Burrata. It is cool and creamy cheese paired with sweet apple gastric and nutty crushed pistachio. A flavor explosion of sweet, nutty, creamy! On the side we got the bread service, which is amazing corn bread. It is warm and buttery, sweet and savory. Finally, the fried green tomatoes are super crunchy outside and tangy, tender tomatoes, creamy and sharp pimento cheese then finished off with tangy tomato chutney to round out all the flavors.  

We also got another entree with the King Salmon, the Smoked Pork Chop. It is tender, charred and well-seasoned topped with a sweet red relish on a bed of funky blue cheese grits and spicy collards. We got all of this with a bottle of champagne for national wine day.  

After our dinner we went upstairs to the Hotel Forty Five, Hightales Rooftop Bar. They have hand crafted cocktails like the Got the Feelin’ James Brown, a super spicy yet fruity tequila concoction with spicy agave and raspberry! But the best part? THE best views of the historical and downtown portions of the city!  

DUNYA CAMP: LUXURY GLAMPING IN SUMMERVILLE, GA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/8/23

Nestled in Western Georgia near Summerville, about an hour and a half from Atlanta, Dunya Camp’s peaceful vibes will coax you to leave the chaos of everyday life behind and find awe in the beauty that surrounds you. Secluded, intimate luxury tents await you here with opulent design and decor. Upon arrival, you are greeted with majestic 180-degree mountain views that fan out from their sprawling two-tier, magnificent deck.  Inside the sliding glass doors, you’ll find antique, beautifully crafted decor, a stunning canopy bed poised next to an alluring bohemian tapestry, flowing hardwoods, spacious area rugs, and fun touches. It all feels like a dream.  

Around the corner, a jaw dropping bathroom space boasts a soaker tub, floor to ceiling free-standing shower with glistening green tile, dual bowl sinks are sure to wow. Not to spare any detail, a gorgeous kitchenette complete with vintage fridge, utensils, and coffee awaits behind the bedroom wall. Don’t forget to look up. The ceiling is vaulted with a delightful pattern that is like icing on the cake. 

One of the best parts of these luxury tents is you can let the outside in! This inside-outside concept comes alive at Dunya Camp where you can roll up sections of the tent to create a true inside-outside feel. You can keep the screen on to protect from bugs or open it all up and walk right out onto the patio! We do recommend opening the flaps near the bathroom, back and front of the tent to get a cool breeze blowing through the entire tent!  

On the two-tiered manicured deck, you have several amenities to enjoy. Starting with the hot tub, relax and unwind while enjoying the mountain views in front of you. If you want to sweat out toxins and leave them behind, start up the sauna and enjoy. Then, you’ll need to cool off in the outdoor shower! At night, light up the grill for a feast on the patio and then fire up the fire pit and share some high-end smores and a bottle of crisp white wine. Sounds like heaven. 

Every detail is just impeccable at Dunya Camp with everything you can think of to create luxury in the woods! It truly makes you connect with the natural world around you. You’ll also feel the relaxation come over you in the quiet, secluded area, the perfect place to unplug! Get waited on hand and foot! Cozy up in the robes and towels, as they are over-the-top soft, we could wear them ALL DAY. If you hear the mockingbird, say hello for us, he was singing for us that evening! Beautiful!  

While you are staying at Dunya Camp, you can explore Summerville, GA or over to Mentone, Alabama to check out the Elevation Bistro. A true farm-to-table gem with a constantly changing, seasonal menu loaded with meats, fish, local produce, and top-notch cocktails. It is about a 20-minute drive.  

Dunya Camp is perfect for couples, groups, weddings, and any special occasion like anniversaries or birthdays! We suggest going with a few couples, having your own tent, but coming together for fun activities like sharing smores or grilling out!  

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC: BEST LITTLE BEER TOWN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/9/22

The majestic mountains roll up and down in front of us with a checkered pattern of red, orange, and green. As we move north, they grow larger and more vibrant.  The roads wind, twisting and turning towards the sky. As we round the corner, a cozy, small town with small shops and eateries line streets, while music can be heard from the brewery down the street. This is Black Mountain, NC. The Best Little Beer Town stuffed with live music, friendly locals, stellar restaurants, and of course, beer! Let’s explore.

Stay: Monte Vista Hotel:

Near the town square, the red brick historic Monte Vista hotel’s large lobby warms your cold hands as the crackling fire illuminates the entire room with warmth and light. Relax on the cozy couches or check out the elbow room art gallery filled with local art. Tables from Southern Proper Hospitality’s Milton’s dots the lobby and adjacent rooms, and a large bar opens to the beautiful outdoor patio with a lounge and fireplace area! Upstairs, the beautiful hardwoods stretch into each room. Inside the room, beautiful wood pieces, original hardwood floors, and comfy bed invites you to stay the night. The beautifully renovated bathroom is bright and light! 

This historic hotel dates back to 1917 when a school was converted into the hotel with 33 rooms. In 1937 the building added the brick, while in 1950 a new wing was added. As a staple of the community, it has been renovated over the years, but the touches and charm are still there to see! The most striking of the 1917 originals are the beautiful, original hardwood floors. Then, in 1975 a new building was built. So, the Monte Vista with its crackling fire and beauty has been housing and holding people since 1917! That’s over 100 years!

Best Little Beer Town:

From breweries to ale houses to garden parties to ale trails, this town is all about the beer! Starting with the Black Mountain Ale Trail, where you can explore three local breweries with tastings at each. It is a great way to explore the area and the local beer. Our first stop is at Black Mountain Brewing for a fantastic boozy Two-Way Mirror Bourbon Barrel Oktoberfest and their regular tasty Oktoberfest Marzen. Both are outstanding and paired well with the fall foliage and weather! We learned some fun facts about the brewery like it was an old wash building that was only open until 1963 and had been empty until they moved in. They also have a beautiful mural of Roberta Flack. She lived in Black Mountain until the age of 7 before she moved to Virginia Beach. If you don’t know who she is, this singer is one of the only people to have back-to-back record of the year.

The second stop is Lookout Brewing where we went hoppy with the Mountain Hopshine IPA, that John really liked and a crisp Schatz Lager that was refreshing. The final stop down the mountain in Old Fort, is Hillman Beer. There we got a boozy Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout that was Liz’s favorite of the day and two other great beers, the Old Fort Original Lager and a malty Festbier. Their space is pretty amazing, it is along the river and is bright and light with patio seating. Inside is a beautiful taproom that even serves food. For this sleepy town, we were impressed.

Back in Black Mountain, there are other spots you can grab a cold one, like The Lowdown. We stopped by around sunset, and we’re greeted by a garden of flower and plants with a cute little outdoor courtyard. The courtyard was filled with plants in the middle, tables dotted the perimeter, and a STUNNING view of the mountains is to the left. We grabbed a few local brews from the GROW building and relaxed out in the courtyard. While listening to Dirty Dog, a Grateful Dead tribute, we sipped on the hoppy Dissolvr Bones and Waves, a dry-hopped IPA, the malty Darwin’s Forehead Salty Brown Porter from Fona Flora Brew in Nebo, NC that was Liz’s favorite. After that, we tried the crisp Shadowclock Pilsner from Burial Beer that was John’s favorite and the lip puckering Tart Berry Berliner Weiss with blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry from Green Man Brewery.

Another spot is the Black Mountain Kitchen and Ale House, which we will talk about more later, but has a great selection of Black Mountain Brewery and other local brews from around the region. Liz’s favorite was the IFFY Pumpkin Ale from Hillman Old Fort. Plus, we stumbled upon their Oktoberfest so we got to enjoy live Polka band and stein holding competition! It was a nailbiter.

Note, North Carolina Beer Month is October!

Places to Eat:

Go wild and make sure to put Bush Farmhouse on your Black Mountain, NC Journey. Little did we know we would be enjoying a South African restaurant when we started our trip, but here we were with an incredible meal stuffed with African-inspired plates and cocktails. Tempting dishes like the sensational rack of lamb that is fall off the bone tender with the best seasonings paired with earthy and hearty UMNGQHUSHU or the fantastic peri peri spiced chicken wings that were tender and juicy. A good selection of beef jerky and Droerwors to start and a tender, seasoned, perfectly cooked grilled octopus. If you’re looking for curries or meatloaf, they have that too! Wash that down with a Bushveld Porch gin drink that’s easy drinking or go Durban Poison that’s smoky! On top of the food, they have a large patio and bar area, then beyond are the farm animals like chickens, goats, and pigs!

The spot for brunch in Black Mountain, NC is this brunch heaven called Open Oven Café. The two-story spot with plenty of outdoor seating has a little bit of everything from an amazing chicken and waffles that’s sweet, nutty and savory to omelets, avocado toast, sandwiches, and more. Benedicts your thing? The Hog Heaven Benedict is a bacon fat drenched biscuit with a gooey egg and thick cut bacon on top. It really is hog heaven. The locals tell us this is THE brunch spot for the town; we agree.

This is the spot for you to unwind with a beer, watch a little football, or catch live music is at Black Mountain Kitchen & Ale House! Beyond the local and regional beers, the food is outstanding like their tender, crispy, and juicy fried chicken sandwich enveloped in creamy mayo and crunchy pickles. They also have a selection of burgers and appetizers like the tender and delicious chicken wings, as well as sides like crunchy tots. We watched Tennessee beat Alabama here and listened to a singer song-writer after.

The Town & Lake Tomahawk

The cozy little town is bright with outdoor and scenic activities. Being near the mountains, it is definitely a spot to check out the fall foliage, take a hike, sit by the lake, or stroll around the small shops in town. Strolling the streets of Black Mountain, there are several small shops with everything you can imagine from souvenirs to hiking gear to hardware to coffee. And only minutes from the Appalachian Trail and down the road from Asheville, it is a destination! One of the highlights of the town is Lake Tomahawk. An easy stroll around the lake while taking in the changing leaves was breathtaking. On the other side of town is the town green where they have a beautiful clock and views of the mountains! You really can’t get away from the mountain views here!

We really enjoyed our time in Black Mountain, NC.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND AT SANDESTIN, FL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/21

Activities Abound at Sandestin, FL

As the sunsets over the luxurious rooftop bar, the rays hit the beautiful bay water throwing up shades of purple, orange and pink, enveloping all spectators in the final moments of the day’s light. Down below a large stream interconnects with lakes, rivers, and eventually into the ocean where sunbathers sip cocktails under branded umbrellas. There’s also a walkway covered in palms and other lush trees where a couple walk hand-in-hand pass a treehouse and a large bridge with marina views. The rows of boats bob up and down in the water as the blue and purple of the evening sky meet at the horizon. Did you feel that? That’s Sandestin.

Grounds

The gates opened to the Bayside of Sandestin, and we drove around the first traffic circle and exited to the first right. Just to the right is one of our favorite spots on all the grounds, what we call the long walkway! The entrance to the wooden walkway and pier is wrapped in palms and other greenery and as you pass through, the long walkway opens into a breathtaking view of the bay dotted with grasses and lone trees. Go to the end and take in the beauty of the entire space. When you’re done there, keep going toward the Lakeside area, you’ll notice that it’s lined with a canopy of arching trees that create a beautiful dance of contrasting light and dark. It’s worth just driving through it to enjoy the natural beauty. Beyond that, the golf grounds are pristine and lush, the beach is gorgeous, and everything is freshly landscaped. There is not a lack of beautiful spots in Sandestin, so find your favorite locale.

Osprey Pointe – Accommodations

Near the Marina and Baytowne Wharf, the luxurious Osprey Pointe has 2, 3, and 4-bedroom condos that are great for couples, groups, and families. The second you enter the spacious condo, you feel right at home. With all the bells and whistles, the impeccably decorated kitchen has a full group of appliances and everything you’d need to make a meal! The kitchen is open to the living space and looks out onto the beautifully landscaped bay nearby. Out on the patio, you could sit all day and gaze at the bay view! This 2-bedroom has 2 bathrooms, and the master is spacious and has a huge, sparkling master bath with two showers! Beyond the beautiful condo, Osprey Pointe boasts a beautiful pool with a ton of seating, tables, and shade! So, take a dip in the pool, then take a bike ride or walk down to the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. It’s just minutes away. Even if Osprey Pointe isn’t for you, they have so many accommodation options from beachfront to bayfront.

Beach

Speaking of Beachfront, the wooden walkway maneuvers gracefully through the large sandy dunes and opens onto a spectacularly white and pristine beach. Dotted with blue, branded chairs, people lounge in the shade, build sandcastles, and play in the clear, blue-green water. Beyond relaxing and gazing at the beautiful water, there’s so much to do at Sandestin Beachside! You can grab a drink at the beach bar on the beach, lounge in a beach chair and umbrella with a good book, stay for lunch at The Beach House, get a sandcastle building lesson, or even take a ride on a jet ski or kayak.  We’d recommend a key lime daiquiri from The Beach House, then opt for a pair of chairs and an umbrella to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach!

Marina

Rows and rows of all types of boats bob up and down as the water ebbs and flows in the beautiful bay. Diners at the Marina Bar and Grill sip on cocktails and bite into tasty tacos, as they watch the sun set over the boats and disappears into the horizon. The Marina Bar and Grill is a chill little outdoor spot on the Marina with some serious eats like the grouper sandwich and fried fish tacos! Wash it down with a cocktail! Plus, they have a spot that you can bring your own fish, clean it, and they will cook it for you right there!! On one side of the restaurant is the resident Macaw, Mary Ann. She is out during the day when the Marina Bar and Grill is open and is a great photo op for you to catch. She was born in 2010, and did you know Macaws can live 50 years?

Next to the restaurant and set back from the water is the bike rental where a row of bikes are available for Sandestin guests and owners to use at their leisure. It’s so easy to bike around Sandestin, and beyond the golf cart parade we witnessed daily, is the preferred way to get around. On the other side of the lot is where you can rent kayaks and water toys to explore the bay even more.

Our favorite spot at the bay, is the wooden path between the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. Entering next to the Marina Bar and Grill, the thick trees feel like a jungle on one side with beautiful Marina and water views on the other. As you walk, the wooden path winds through the trees and views of the Marina and the boats are stunning. Stop off at the treehouse for the best top views of the entire area! As you find your way around from there, you’ll come upon a long wooden bridge where the marshy grounds turn into a beautiful stream and empties into the bay. It’s gorgeous. You’re reward is at the end with Baytowne Wharf upon you.

Baytowne Wharf

THE spot to shop, dine, and drink IS Baytowne Wharf. Taking a tour in a circle, your greeted with the sound of children laughing on the brightly lit carousel. Beyond that everything a child could want waits for them with an arcade, sweet shops, games, and a ton of activities! If you follow the circle around from there is where the dining and drinking options start. If you like bull riding or country music is your thing, they have it. If you want to sit with the view of the bay while you sip and nosh, they have that too at Hammerheads and Village Door. Village Door has a large 40 oz cocktail with a souvenir cup so you can remember your time there, plus they also have a great spot to eat on the bay. Hammerheads has a fantastic happy hour daily from 4 to 6 pm. We’d suggest grabbing a seat right at 4 pm on the water!

Sandestin doesn’t have a lack of places to see the sunset, so you should stay for the sunset here and walk out to the Wharf Pier and watch the sun disappear into the watery horizon. For the kiddos, they have fish food you can purchase and feed the fish below.

Continuing the circle, there’s a street that mimics New Orleans! That’s our favorite spot in Baytowne Wharf with several food and drink spots like Hartell’s Diner and Fat Tuesday, as well as a row of cute shops! Fat Tuesdays has great deals on daiquiris for $8 bucks and a shot for $1 extra. We’d recommend the Miami Vice or 44 Magnum. Plus if you’re looking for a fun evening out? Start at Fat Tuesday, then head over to Rum Runners for a dueling piano experience. You can pick your favorite songs for the piano players to sing, take a seat, and sing along!

Our favorite restaurant in the Wharf has to be The Marlin Grill. We stopped by there for dinner our first night and we fell in love with the Roasted Duck and the Scottish Salmon appetizer. Please make sure to make a reservation because they’re always busy or cross your fingers for a spot at the bar.

Hotel Effie

Only steps from Baytowne Wharf, Upscale, modern, yet, inviting, Hotel Effie is THE SPOT to stay in Sandestin. She is adorned with Ara Rooftop Bar where a luxurious rooftop pool meets the sky, cabanas, and a stunning almost 360 view of the entire Sandestin grounds. Stop by for a fantastic Toasted Coconut daiquiri and catch the sunset from multiple views! Downstairs, you should also visit the newest and hands-down best restaurant in Sandestin, Ovide. From Atlanta Chef, Hugh Acheson, this lavish dining spot has wonderfully crafted cocktails like the grapefruit forward Sun Kissed or our favorite cocktail, Shore Leave. They have fantastic dishes like the stellar filet mignon, flavorful blackened mahi mahi, uniquely good farm egg, rich prime beef tartare. We’d recommend anything on this menu, it’s that good.

—

As the gates closed on our time at Sandestin, we reminisced about our favorite memories and thought about all the wonderful food, drinks, and sunsets we got to witness. We felt we actually needed more time to explore even more that Sandestin had to offer. We’d recommend at least 4 nights to get the full experience. What would you like to experience most?

Sandestin, FL is located in Miramar Beach, FL in between Destin and Santa Rosa Beach on the Emerald Coast.

Website: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | Your Place in the Sun

THE TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW IS COMING TO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/16/20
Discover Hundreds of Vacation Destinations from Around the World and Meet With Travel Experts and More 
The nationally acclaimed Travel & Adventure Show is descending upon Atlanta this March for its first time ever at Cobb Galleria Centre on Saturday, February 29 and March 1, 2020.  Attendees will have an opportunity to explore endless vacation options, plan trips with travel experts, attend dozens of educational seminars with renowned experts, dive into faraway cultures at the Global Beats Stage, win trips and more.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet travel celebrities including Samantha Brown, host of PBS’s “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love”, Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Reporter, Producer, Josh Gates, host of Discover Channel’s “Expedition Unknown”, and many more.  Advanced pricing: $9 for a one-day adult ticket / $16 for a two-day adult ticket (promotion ends February 28, 2020 at 11:59pm ET) Tickets are available starting at $12 for a one-day pass and $20 for a two-day pass on site. Active men and women in the U.S. armed forces are invited to present a military identification prior to the event or at Will Call for free admission for up to four members of their family.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit travelshows.com/shows/atlanta/.