Embrace the gift of travel this season

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON

Get Away for the Holidays

Take your celebration on the road this year, and leave home behind for a seasonal trip that’s sure to make extra-sweet family memories.

BY JAIME DEARMAN

For many, the fall season means cozy slippers, football, and holiday decorating. Before we prepare to swap pumpkins for Christmas trees, take a look at what is becoming a popular holiday tradition. Many families are now choosing to go away for the holidays. The trend started years ago during the Thanksgiving season but has increased in popularity and now includes other holiday times such as Christmas and New Year’s.

Traveling for the holidays is a way for families to make new memories, join up with extended family, and take advantage of school breaks. Birmingham is within driving distance of some fantastic destinations that are great for any time of year, but they become a bit more elevated during the holiday seasons. Whether your family loves comfy and cozy or fun and sun, there is an adventure waiting for everyone. Let’s explore some options.

MAGICAL MERRIMENT

The most magical place on earth is a nine-hour drive or one-and-a-half-hour flight from Birmingham. If you have not experienced the holidays at Walt Disney World, it is true magic for all ages. No one decorates for the season quite like Disney. From Christmas trees that rival the Rockefeller Center tree to snow on Main Street in Magic Kingdom, it is truly spectacular. Some attractions even have special overlays; the Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise. Experience the cookie stroll or Candlelight Processional in Epcot, the holiday version of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Hollywood Studios, or the holiday version of the Tree of Life Awakenings in Animal Kingdom. There are an incredible number of seasonal offerings to experience during your stay. In addition, a separately ticketed holiday party is offered each year.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Dolly said she was “Dreaming of a Smoky Mountain Christmas,” and it is easy to see why when you visit. Just a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Birmingham, the charming town of Gatlinburg is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge offer a myriad of activities from dining and dinner shows, quirky museums, and classic mini golf to go-karting, zip line, and more. Retreat to a cabin or stay in the action within walking distance. Take the experience up a notch by staying at

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Dollywood, where you can enjoy special resort features like story time and s’mores. Ranked one of the best events for the holidays by Travel Advisor, this is a memorable option with special Christmas shows, dinners, decorations, fireworks, and more than 5 million lights.

BEACH RETREAT

Birmingham is incredibly fortunate to be within a short driving distance to several beach destinations—including Gulf Shores, Destin, 30A, and Panama City. Each of these locations is gorgeous and very familiar to locals. Other options a bit further away, but equally gorgeous, include Hilton Head, Tybee Island, or Vero Beach. It is a real treat to drive a little farther to explore a new beach town. Disney even has resorts on Hilton Head and in Vero Beach if you want that unique experience.

BLUE RIDGE BRIGHT

Eclectic, cozy, and a mountain retreat, Asheville, North Carolina is a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Birmingham. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a great combination of award-winning dining, unique boutique shopping, and holiday light displays. A trip to Asheville during the holidays would not be complete without visiting Biltmore Estate. Each year, the estate is transformed into a wonderland with more than 100 decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, and an array of festive Christmas displays. Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore are not to be missed. Stay onproperty at Biltmore, or enjoy other local resorts such as The Omni Grove Park Inn.

UNIVERSAL YULETIDE

Another Orlando option is Universal Orlando Resort. Filled with thrills and adventure, Universal is a great option for families that want an actionpacked holiday. In addition, visit a holidaydecorated Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and don’t miss a visit with the Grinch in Seuss Landing. A highlight at Universal Orlando Resort is Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Catch some of your favorite characters making holiday mischief. Jolly ole Santa typically makes an appearance at the parade’s finale to light up the Christmas tree. A fan favorite, enjoy Mannheim Steamroller’s festive sounds on the Plaza Stage. While some experiences were modified last year due to physical distancing, final event details have not yet been released for this holiday season. Universal features some of the best resorts with various themes to suit a variety of budgets and interests.

CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE

Farther south from the Gulf, the Florida Keys offers a Caribbean feel without leaving the country. With lots of resort options, one is sure to fit the needs of your family. Enjoy the vibrancy of Key West or the nature of Marathon Key. Some activities may be seasonal, but deepsea fishing, dolphin adventures, and sea turtle conservation tours are just some of the activities you can choose from.

LUXURY LAKE OCONEE

With lavish summer camp vibes, The RitzCarlton at Lake Oconee provides families with a lakeside retreat and a return to nature. Located near Greensboro, Georgia, this resort is just a three-and-half-hour-drive from Birmingham. The property features rooms and suites as well as lakeside cottages for larger family vacations. While you may think this resort is better suited for the warmer months, it is a perfect option for families who want an upscale destination but a non-tropical, relaxing atmosphere.

CHRISTMAS CRUISING

For families wanting a mix of escape and fun, a cruise may be the perfect fit. Various cruise lines offer itineraries leaving from ports convenient to Birmingham. Guests do not have to worry about missing out on holiday decorations or activities, as ships are decked out and there are lots of seasonal activities, from cookie decorating, holiday movies, and family story time to appearances from Santa. Disney Cruise Line offers a special Very Merritime Cruise, where you’ll find Disney’s private island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree, and more.

These are only a few options for your family’s holiday getaway. It is always recommended to use a travel agent for your travel arrangements to help advise you of destination protocols, requirements, and details. Travel agents do not cost you additional money and can often save you money.

Jaime is a local travel agent specializing in family vacations. Visit jaimedearman.com or contact her at j. dearman@mmvagent.com for a free quote on your next family vacation.