travel
Premier Vacation Rentals with Boardwalk Realty Boardwalk Realty is Dauphin Island AL’s premier source for vacation rentals. Choose from over 70 Dauphin Island homes and condos ranging in size from two to six bedrooms and sleeping up to 16 people. All units include AC, full kitchens, cable TV, access to the Gulf Beach and numerous other amenities to help you enjoy your stay. Find rental properties for every budget and location preference including Gulf Beachfront, Beachside or Bayfront.
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Alabama Georgia, North Carolina Florida South Carolina 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. 2
Let Boardwalk Realty help you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come play in the surf, stroll miles of sugar sand beaches, swim, go fishing or just spend a lazy afternoon relaxing in the sun. Come stay with us and enjoy the quiet, family friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches of Dauphin Island, Alabama’s Sunset Capital. Boardwalk Realty 1804 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 877-861-3992 www.boardwalk-realty.com ¤
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
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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. ¤
GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018
georgia / north carolina
GEORGIA
Award Winning Beachside Hotel
Days Inn & Suites a Jekyll Island GA hotel features 40 Oceanfront onebedroom suites, 76 double-bed guest rooms and 8 King rooms. All rooms contain “free” in-room coffee, microfridges, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, clock radios, and free WIFI access. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy the Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast including fresh “cooked to order” Belgian Waffles
and assorted yogurt in an abundant breakfast bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This moderately priced sparkling oceanfront hotel in Jekyll Island, GA offers many things for guests to enjoy while at the hotel and on the island – great beach access, two spacious swimming pools – one of which is heated seasonally, kiddie pool, hot
tub, grilling, picnic areas and a new fire pit. Bike rentals on property. Visit www.DaysInnJekyll.com to learn more about our many specials and packages – also sign up for our last minute “Hot Deals!” Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island, GA 31527 toll free: 888-635-3003 912-635-9800 ¤
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina – Where Perfection is Year-Round
The sun wakes in the eastern waves of the Atlantic Ocean, warms the sparkling sands and travels west over the lakes and rivers of the Piedmont region to the rocky western expanse. Melting into the wooded peaks and ascending majesty of the Appalachian and Great Smoky Mountains, the sunsets afford heavenly views from the worldrenowned Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds its way through the green mountain ranges of North Carolina. Hikers and camping enthusiasts never have to look far for contentment in the wooded regions of North Carolina. Beautiful hardwood forests cover two thirds of the mountainous landscape and boast having over 120 species of trees. One peak, Mount Mitchell, reaches 6,684 feet into the sky, making it the tallest peak in the state and eastern US. North Carolina’s Piedmont region rolls the foothills out into green meadows and prairies, stretching
from the western mountain regions to the eastern shore. Some areas gather more than 30 inches of snow annually, making Piedmont a prime location for year-round recreation. Regional summers see low humidity and cool shady hideaways never lacking. Fishing, hiking, and picnicking maintain great popularity for summer adventurers, and skiing, snowboarding, and sledding is just around the corner with the winter snows! Southern Gulf Stream currents brush against the North Carolina coast and warm the elegant beaches and rolling sand dunes. Jockey’s Ridge, a magnificent sand dune, is the highest along the eastern coast, decidedly one of the most romantic look outs onto the blue ocean. Local wetlands also offer beautiful picnicking spots and a great chance to view North Carolina’s diverse wildlife.
Modern resorts and magnificent hotels border the shoreline for some of the greatest views in the state. Most famous for its Outer Banks, the 130 miles of North Carolina coast overreaches every vacationer’s dream. Secluded barrier islands present the perfect locations for shelling or just a quite day on the beach and water sports are always close at hand. Surfing, parasailing,
and jet skiing are just a few of all the exciting opportunities. Museums, theme parks, and aquariums make the perfect day in town, and souvenir shops garland nearly every corner. Spas and cruises are always available for the most lavish retreats, but really, North Carolina itself is built on the natural luxuries of eastern United States.
Festivals and regional celebrations add even more excitement to the year in all regions of the beautiful North Carolina. So fill your photo albums with the memories of a lifetime, live your fantasies, and succumb to the great North Carolina expanses, where perfection is year-round. Visit www.GuestQuest.com for links to many North Carolina destinations. ¤
Bear-y Popular Downtown in the Blue Ridge Mountains A group of acrylic bears emerge from hibernation each year in downtown Hendersonville in the mountains of North Carolina. This spring and summer mark the 16th year for this public art project in which 20 colorful bears take up residence Hendersonville’s Main Street. Known as Bearfootin’ on Main, the project has drawn tens of thousands of visitors over the years and raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for local charities. GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018
Each bear is painted with its own theme by a local artist and kept under wraps until a special reveal ceremony on the plaza of First Citizens Bank. This year’s reveal is May 11. The bears are then placed in an art walk formation along Main Street until Oct. 20, when they are auctioned for charity in front of the historic Henderson County Courthouse. For information about Hendersonville getaways, call 800-828-4244 or go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org. FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION ~ www.GuestQuest.com
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FLORIDA
So Many Beaches, So Many Good Times in Florida As you plan your vacation, getting away from the cold weather just isn’t enough: You want your beach vacation to warm you to the bone, long enough to last long after you’ve returned home from your trip. So you’re on a quest for the perfect Sunshine State vacation: a Florida getaway. With the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, you have more than 1,300 miles of breathtaking Florida beaches and
oceanic attractions from which to select. Whether traveling with the kids or enjoying your own time off, Florida vacation destinations are the perfect getaway for every size family. Any travel guide will tell you: Tourism and tourist attractions are Florida’s specialty, as they welcome more winter and spring guests than any
other vacation destination in the world. Many of the globe’s top theme parks are waiting for you to visit and have the vacation experience of a lifetime. Or for something a little “earthier”, you can tour the intriguing natural habitats and history of the tropical wetlands in the Florida Everglades. Or get up close and personal with the ocean and
enjoy the best boating and fishing destinations in the world. Or simply warm your spirit on the multitude of beaches with your every need met by world-class hospitality specialists. With miles and miles of beach vacation destinations, the Florida coast and Keys are the perfect spot for you to relax, recharge and enjoy
The Summerhouse – Your “Home Away from Home” Enjoy the bright Florida sunshine, blue-green waters and pearly white sandy beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast at The Summerhouse, one of the best Panama City Beach FL Condos. Whether staying a few days or months, we invite you to bring your family to stay at the beautifully decorated units at the Summerhouse. Amenities include two beachside pools, hot tub, kiddie pool, shuffleboard, racquetball, tennis court, game room, picnic area with gas grills and WiFi.
The Summerhouse is located on the east end of Panama City Beach, just minutes from restaurants, attractions, fishing, boating, golf and shopping.
Don’t settle for a “regular” beach rental when you can enjoy your family vacation at the Summerhouse. Make The Summerhouse your “home away from home.”
The Summerhouse Condo 6505 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 1-800-354-1112 www.summerhousepc.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.
Creating an unforgettable beach vacation experience...that’s what Destin Gulfgate is all about. Whether your toes are in the emerald green waters, you’re sitting in one of our loungers on the beach or you are enjoying the view from your balcony, relaxing begins immediately. Destin Gulfgate’s luxurious beachfront condos are among the largest 2 bedroom condos in Destin and offer the ultimate family beach vacation on the Emerald Coast. All units have a 30’ private balcony
Garrett Realty Services, Inc. 800-537-5387 www.garrettrealty.com ¤
Start a New Vacation Tradition with Moonspinner Your search is over for the prime vacation destination on Panama City Beach FL. Moonspinner Condominiums, where the beach and nature meet, located adjacent to St. Andrews State Park. We offer 24-hour security, two lighted PREMIER Tennis courts, heated pool, kiddie pool and hot tub, baseball/softball batting cage, exercise room, basketball, shuffleboard, FREE local, long distance and FREE WIFI in every room. New electric car charging stations.
Northwest Florida’s Premier Beachfront Vacation DESTINation!
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the abundant pleasures of the ocean, both above and below the waterline. Florida vacation destinations allow you to customize your experience so it perfectly suits your vacation needs. Whether family-friendly mild or Spring Break wild, your quest for the perfect Florida vacation ends here. Let your adventure begin!
Our seasonal beach service offers dolphin tours, wave runners, parasail rides and beach chair rentals. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, bicycling or just being part of nature, the St. Andrews State Park is the way to go. Nestled on the quiet end of the beach, you are only minutes away from fine dining, marinas and boat launching just to name a few. Let us make a new tradition for your family. Call or book online today! Moonspinner Condominiums 4425 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, Florida 32408 1-800-223-3947 www.Moonspinner.com ¤
offering panoramic views of Destin’s sugar white beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the privacy of our exclusive beach access while in the heart of Destin. Destin Gulfgate guests enjoy a beachside, zero entry pool, fitness center with Gulf views, free beach setup (March through Thanksgiving), free high speed wireless Internet, reception facility, gated entry to property, beach access and more. ¤
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GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018
SOUTH CAROLINA
Create Your Vacation Memories and Traditions with Thomas Beach Vacations
Vacations are special and so are the choices you make on where to spend them. Looking for a private home with pool…pet-friendly rental... luxury oceanfront condo with lots of amenities…or a quiet waterway house? Look no further than Thomas Beach Vacations—which has been providing outstanding offerings and quality services for over 50 years.
GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018
There is a reason so many of our guests come back year after year. We want your vacation to exceed your expectations. We take pride in our awards for cleanliness and our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Those are the high standards you can expect from Thomas Beach Vacations. You’ll find plenty of fun in familyfriendly North Myrtle Beach and
Myrtle Beach. The most difficult part will be deciding what to do— amusement and water parks, professional baseball, championship golf, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, aquarium, and so much more. And it also is a shopper’s Mecca: one-of-a-kind boutiques, specialty shops at Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, Market Commons, Tanger Factory Outlets and Coastal
Grande Mall. The Palace, Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry and House of Blues offer world-class entertainment for all ages. Let Thomas Beach Vacations make your vacation a memory of a lifetime. We know you have plenty of choices. We want to be the rental company that becomes your automatic choice. “My family and I greatly appreciated our stay. … It was
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wonderful staying in such a wellmaintained facility, truly a home away from home. It is great that you all take such pride in providing families with such a great place to stay. We will always use you for our future stays and we will refer our friends and family to you as well. Thank you again for the memorable stay!” Gretchen C—Bristol, TN ¤
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south carolina
Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic Resort Any Season…Any Reason is the perfect time to visit Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic oceanfront resort. Sixty miles of white, sandy beaches stretch just outside of your oceanfront condo rental. Watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean from your oceanfront balcony. Grand Atlantic Resort features one to four bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens.
Relax in the hot tub or float down the lazy river. Swim in the sparkling, heated indoor or seasonal outdoor pool. The little ones are sure to enjoy the indoor bubble pool or outdoor pool with mushroom falls. Grand Atlantic features an attached covered parking garage, plus an onsite restaurant and store. The resort is ideally located
near Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions. Come discover Myrtle Beach and Grand Atlantic resort, where Any Season…Any Reason is the perfect time to visit. Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 800-852-7032 www.grandatlanticresort.com ¤
Celebrate Spring in Myrtle Beach at Ocean Lakes Family Campground! Open every day of the year, Ocean Lakes Family Campground in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC offers camping and beach house rentals with a variety of planned activities, outstanding amenities, and lots of southern hospitality! Ocean Lakes features 300 beach house rentals that sleep 4 to 22 people. Our 859 campsites are large, pull-through, with full hookups, including Wi-Fi. Concrete pads are available on 641 campsites.
While the kids are still in school our Ranked in the Top 1% of pace is mellow, but the fun and sun campgrounds in America, we hope never stop. Relax in our pools, shop in you come stay with us! our store, let us do the cooking! Need Ocean Lakes Family Campground RV and golf cart service or supplies? 6001 South Kings Highway We have you covered. No RV? Book Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 one of our vacation rentals to enjoy Campsites: 877-506-1053 our park! Rental Houses: 800-845-2229 www.OceanLakes.com ¤
Welcome to Conway – One of South Carolina’s Oldest Towns Conway boasts some of the best restaurants, stores and boutiques in the area. Visitors can take in a show at the downtown theatre, walk around to shop and eat or leisurely stroll the Riverwalk to take in the scenery. Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, founded in 1732. Conway’s past has been proudly preserved. A visit to the Horry County Museum or the LW Paul Living History Farm will find exhibits of life from a bygone era.
The Conway Historical Trail identifies 39 historic, beautiful buildings and homes. Many of these dwellings are home to third or fourth generation family members who are tireless in caring for them. Conway is a delightful surprise and still not yet well-known by mass tourism. That will change, but until then, take advantage of all it has to offer. There truly is something for everyone! ¤
Pawleys Island – One of the Oldest Summer Resorts on the East Coast Let OnlyPawleys.com help you make the most of your trip to Pawleys Island SC. We offer over 300 private homes and condominiums that are available for weekly rentals. Sizes range from cozy cottage-type beach houses to homes large enough to accommodate family groups. From our picturesque beaches and outdoor activities to the many rentals on the island, we want to be sure you get the very best experience. One of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, 6
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Pawleys Island is still unspoiled and casual, with a delightful stretch of wide beach and sand dunes. Generations of families have been delighted by its beauty and quiet relaxation! With the surrounding golf courses, attractions and uncrowded beaches, there’s always something new to explore. Settle back in the perfect vacation rental, Only Pawleys has what you’re looking for! Contact us today to help plan your next visit. www.onlypawleys.com ¤ GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018
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GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA GUESTQUEST SUMMER 2017 ~ SPRING 2018
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travel
Make your way to the Smokies for these events during Springfest. April 7-8, 2018 in the Smoky Mountains: Play a part in the fun and excitement of the Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, an event perfect for adults, children and of course all visitors. Enter the tournament for your chance at over $10,000 in cash and prizes. April 19 – 21, 2018: The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is a spectacular 3 day event for any car enthusiast! $10,00.00 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of showcars and car corral.
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April 24 – 28, 2018 in Gatlinburg: As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 68th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. May 8 – 12, 2018 in Pigeon Forge: Nature lovers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts unite for Wilderness Wildlife Week™ in Pigeon Forge which offers programs designed from youngsters to guided hikes for the more adventurous folks. May 18 - 19, 2019 in Sevierville: Sevierville’s Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is a family oriented event celebrating the beauty of
spring, championship barbeque and world class bluegrass music. Our Barbeque Cook-Off is an official barbeque championship of the state of Tennessee and is coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. www.mypigeonforge.com or 800-251-9100. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.gatlinburg.com or 800-588-1817. Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.visitsevierville.com or 888-738-4378.
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GEORGIA / SOUTH CAROLINA ~ SPRING 2018