|
 |
 |
|
|
| The Front Page |
|
|
 Top Story
|
Big Wheel Keep on Turning...
Orlando is readying for a major new attraction in 2010, the 400-foot-high Great Orlando Wheel -- a sister to the famous London Eye. Forty visitors will board each enclosed capsule for scenic views of central Florida. As the wheel slowly turns, they'll enjoy a bird's eye view of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, downtown Orlando and Orlando International Airport. See how the big wheel will turn...
|
read more 
|
|
| The Front Page |
|
|
Top Story
|
New "Park Places" Theme Park Column Debuts
It's with great pleasure that we announce the debut of "Park Places," a new theme park column by freelance writer Georgina Cruz. From razzle-dazzle events to thrilling new rides, from kiddie attractions to dining upgrades and waterpark slides, Georgina will unveil the best of what's new and what's to come. The column will run every other month. So come along for thrills, chills and old-fashioned fun ...
|
|
read more
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Blog 'Round the South
June 16: StayCations - Not a New Concept
The latest and greatest buzz word in vacations is the "StayCation," a getaway or short vacation close to home. From theme park day trips to weekend romantic interludes, StayCations can save money and refresh travelers -- breaking the mindset of living and working at home, yet only going a short distance away - to save money on gas. But StayCations really aren't a new concept.
June 14: Sleepy Micanopy - Off the Beaten Path FL
 Sleepy Micanopy, FL, is just minutes from I-75 south of Gainesville, yet a world away. Stroll the tiny historic core to peruse antique shops, bookshores, enjoy a cup of coffee in a cafe, or visit two B&Bs and check out their digs for a future visit. Off-the-beaten-path Micanopy doesn't overwhelm. That's its prime appeal. It's a relaxing, hour-long "pause" during a trip South...
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Travel Features
|
Top Picks for South Florida Family Dining
|
Traveling to South Florida with the kids? Whether you're staying at a local resort or cruising from a local port, you'll likely spend some time in the community enjoying sun, sand and sites. But when it's time to chow down, where should families go? The fiery and entertaining show at Mai Kai is one good choice. If the thought of making antsy children sit still for mealtime makes you squirm, check out travel writer Molly Arost Staub's top picks for family dining.
|
|
read more
|
|
|
West Virginia's "Must-Play" Courses Await
|
In 1884, gentlemen in White Sulphur Springs, WV, created what is arguably America's first golf course, Oakhurst Links. You can still play that nine-hole course but only if you use equipment true to the founding era. But golfers seeking more modern, challenging courses have much to celebrate in the Mountaineer State. Join freelance travel writer Dale Leatherman as she tees off for fun in WV.
|
|
read more
|
|
|
Southern Chautauqua: DeFuniak Springs, FL
|
When the railroad steamed into NW Florida in the 1880s, DeFuniak Springs -- sporting a large, perfectly round lake fed by natural springs -- became a popular winter home for those seeking a warm getaway. The new community embraced the Chatauqua movement and celebrated learning, art, culture, politics and recreation. Today, more than 150 homes and buildings are on the National Historic Register and the Chatauqua spirit remains.
|
|
read more
|
|
|
Charles Towne Landing: Where SC Began
|
In 1607, a small group of English men, women and children came ashore at Albermarle Point along the Ashley River. It was the beginning of Charles Towne, the precursor to historic (but more modern) Charleston, SC. If you're headed to the area, make time for a half-day visit to Charles Towne Landing, a superb state historic park filled with eco-wonders, a natural-habitat zoo, museum, native American and African American heritage areas, and fortifications.
|
|
read more
|
|
|
The Magic Continues: What's New at Disney World
|
The magic continues in 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida. Even repeat Disney visitors will find something they haven't seen or done before. Freelance travel writer Georgina Cruz outlines the pixie-dust sprinkled new attractions, high-tech experiences and dining options that should entice visitors to Disney's FL theme parks this year. So bring on the magic!
|
|
read more
|
|
|
Above the Rim: Knoxville Showcases Women's Hoops
|
Not surprisingly, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is in Knoxville, TN, the home town of the Lady Volunteers, this year's NCAA National Champions. The Hall boasts an unusual exterior design feature -- a massive basketball and net (shown at left). Travel writer Katy Koontz takes readers on the Grand Tour, outlining the exhibits and explaining how visitors may play out their "hoop dreams."
|
|
read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reader Trip Reports
|
Surprising Tampa - Minarets and More
From D. H. in York, PA...
"University of Tampa's recent celebration of their 75th anniversary showed me a different side of that city, its era of the grand hotels. Railroad magnate Henry Plant built a magnificent hotel and now it's part of the downtown university complex. What a find in the middle of so many skyscrapers! What other treasures exist beyond the usual tourist roads?"
|
|
read more
|
|
North Carolina's Outer Banks
From Kathryn in NC...
Kathryn writes to tell us how to get off the beaten path in North Carolina's Outer Banks. She says: "Currituck is north of the more populated areas of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, and offers visitors beautiful beaches, fishing and golf, and Jeep tours."
For those headed to the outer banks, this is something to consider. You can visit Currituck County's official site at www.visitcurrituck.com.
|
|
read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|