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Premier Vacation Rentals with Boardwalk Realty on Dauphin Island, Alabama
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Alabama North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Tennessee Florida
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. Visit us at 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 and Virginia/Washington D.C.. 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 upto-date information. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without written consent of the editor is prohibited. 2
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.
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 ¤
Have you Got Spring Fever? Are you making plans for your summer vacation? With warm weather creeping in, thoughts of celebrating with a getaway are sure to be dancing in the back of your mind. But you’re not sure how you want to spend your next getaway? Peruse these pages and visit www.GuestQuest.com and you’ll find some great ideas for destinations and even unique accommodations to help you get the most out of your escape. From the beach destinations of South Carolina and the mountains of North Carolina to historic Jekyll Island, Georgia and everything in between, you’ll find it here. What does your next trip look like? And there’s no shortage of accommodations either. From lake view yurts, to luxury hotels, to secluded cabins and chalets, GuestQuest has it. Visit our site to search vacation rentals, condos, inns, beach rentals, hotels, cabins, and many other accommodation types. Pick your destination based on location, nearby things to do or FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION ~ www.GuestQuest.com
accommodation preference. Find the perfect place to stay for your trip, and even some discounts just by mentioning that you saw their ad in GuestQuest. GuestQuest.com is the perfect place to plan your vacation. Looking for a destination with golf nearby? Got it! How about wineries or breweries? Got them too! Is there an event in the destination you are considering? Check our event calendar or visit the website of the destination or accommodation with the direct links on their listings. Call or check online to ensure that your destination or event is open. And make sure you understand and follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial travel restrictions, including proper mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements. No matter what your family is looking for in your next vacation, the chances are great that you’ll find it with GuestQuest. Make this the year you find your perfect destination! Plan your vacation today! GEORGIA / ALABAMA ~ SPRING 2022
north carolina
NORTH CAROLINA
Nature’s Paradise – Franklin & Nantahala, North Carolina Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains, lie the communities of Franklin and Nantahala. We are an area rich in outdoor adventure opportunities as well as fantastic local shopping, dining, and museums.
Franklin and Nantahala are home to some of the oldest mountains in the world. Tucked away in those mountains are two very popular hiking trails: The Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail. If you want to get out and see the mountains but don’t want to hike, a scenic drive up
to Wayah Bald will put you at nearly one-mile-high elevation and there’s a paved path that leads you to an enchanting view in all directions. Travel the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and visit the waterfalls of the Cullasaja and Nantahala River Gorges. Franklin and Nantahala are towns born from gem mining and agriculture, and over the years have transformed to fall in love with the quaint small- from small rural areas, into outdoor town charm of Franklin, Murphy and Andrews, NC. All located within a 30–45-minute drive. Antiquing, local breweries and more await your discovery. Stay on the mountain and visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Otter Creek Trout Farm, Nantahala River Gem Mine and so much more! StayNantahala offers Creekside Luxury Yurts, Mountain and Lake View Cabins and Lake Front Cabins perfect for any occasion. Accommodations range from cozy two-bedroom cabins and yurts to spacious four-bedroom cabins to suit the needs of every traveler. Visit us at StayNantahala.com or call 828-321-3001. ¤
StayNantahala / Visit Lakes End Are you looking for a change of scenery this spring? Look no further than StayNantahala Cabins & Yurts in beautiful Nantahala, NC! Whether your spring vacation style is enjoying time with family in front of one of our amazing fireplaces or relaxing in a hot tub enjoying the fresh, crisp mountain air; we provide this and more at StayNantahala Cabins & Yurts. With all there is to do in the area, like hiking the trails and discovering the amazing waterfalls, there’s sure to be exciting adventures ahead. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Nantahala Forest and Lake Nantahala! Location is everything and StayNantahala’s location within the Nantahala Forest is a fantastic spot to begin your explorations. Prepare
adventure towns, inviting people of all ages to set out into the hills and valleys of the Nantahala National Forest. What was once known as the “Gem Capitol of the World”, we are still home to active gem mines where you can still sit down with a bucket of dirt and sift for precious gems and minerals that are still abundant to this day. Generations of families come each year to share in the experience of Gem Mining.
If you’re looking for exciting adventures ? Look no further than the Nantahala River where you can test your skill on the white water, wade into the river for some world-class fly-fishing or soar above the trees with a ziplining experience. Discover Nature’s Paradise in Franklin and Nantahala, North Carolina and get to know your mountain side! www.ExploringWNC.com ¤
Stokes County, NC Get back into a Stokes County State of Mind, home to endless outdoor adventure in the Sauratown Mountains of North Carolina. Throughout the last year many have found a new love of the great outdoors. Rekindle that love and continue the exploration of all 41 NC State Parks at Hanging Rock, boasting each amenity available. Enjoy biking, hiking to mountain peaks or waterfalls, rock climbing, bouldering, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, ranger led programs and more.
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Listen to the natural flow of the Dan River from the back deck of the Green Heron Ale House. Offering twenty taps featuring craft brews from across the state, with a compliment of various wines for the connoisseur. Entertainment is key in the local arts scene: theatre, music, concerts and other special events at The Arts Place in Danbury. This multipurpose facility is home to a regional art market featuring items from over 125 local artists. #StokesROCKS www.hangingrock.com ¤
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Sun, Surf, Sand and South Carolina Tempt Travelers A mix of easy public access, private retreats and natural preserves highlights the 200 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline that South Carolina calls its own. For generations, beach trips to millions of Americans and Canadians has meant an easy drive to Myrtle Beach and later, Hilton Head. Reliable, decent weather year-round and a burgeoning menu of attractions and amenities continue to drive that
growth in popularity. Starting from the north, Myrtle Beach anchors the 60-mile crescent of shoreline known as the Grand Strand characterized by long, sweeping stretches of sand and surf. Hotels old and new, restaurants and shops line the beach, with public access points interspersed. Then there are the oceanside beach communities such as Cherry Grove, Atlantic Beach
(considered perhaps the nation’s first predominantly African American beach town) and others. Continuing south you’ll find the Hammock Coast comprised of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet, DeBordieu Colony and southern Garden City. Each offers varying degrees of public beach access and wide choices of hotel, cottage and condo rentals, as well as package deals
with many of the golf courses on the Strand. Cozy Myrtle Beach and expansive Huntington Beach state parks also offer beach access, camping, environmental education programs and more. Much of the coast is protected wildlife refuges until the Charleston area, itself a world-class destination for lovers of history and architecture but also home to popular beach destinations such as Wild Dunes
Resort and the Isle of Palms to the north of town and Folly Beach and its popular public beach just to the south. There are literally thousands of hotel rooms, condos, campsites and other accommodations along the South Carolina coast, as well as a myriad of dining, entertainment and educational options to help spice up the trip. -Marc Rapport
Thomas Beach Vacations: Spacious Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals in SC Thomas Beach Vacations: Touching Lives. Making Memories. – When is the last time you took a real family beach vacation—the kind that results in sunburned noses, ice cream in the middle of the day, and evenings watching fireworks over the sea? The result is lifelong memories and photos viewed over and over for generations. Thomas Beach Vacations of North Myrtle Beach, S.C. wants to exceed your expectations in service and quality accommodations and make those special escapes with family
and friends extraordinary. We have a large selection of properties— ocean front homes, villas and condominiums. Whatever the size of your group, select from one to eight bedrooms with amenities such as private pools, lazy rivers, spas, workout rooms, game and theater rooms, hot tubs, and grills. Many of the rentals are within walking distance of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Wait, Fido is a part of the family vacation, too. No worries, we also have pet-friendly rentals.
The toughest part will be deciding where to stay—waterway or marsh view, golf course villa or ocean front and steps from that beautiful sand and Atlantic Ocean. Thomas Beach Vacations has been in business since 1962, many of our guests return year after year and are a part of the Thomas family. We look forward to welcoming you at Thomas Beach Vacations and turning your vacation into a lifetime of wonderful memories and traditions. Be sure to book your next vacation now with Thomas Beach Vacations at NMBVacations.com. ¤
South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® Underneath sorbet-colored skies, you’ll find the quiet beach communities of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast: Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet, DeBordieu Colony and southern Garden City. On the Hammock Coast are spacious beaches and pristine salt marshes, offering chances to soak up the sun, spirit away on a kayak or even catch fish and blue crabs for dinner. Perfectly situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the Hammock Coast is serviced by two major airports. Pawleys Island, one of America’s oldest seaside resorts, has been named one of the best beaches in the world. As the birthplace of the
rope hammock, relaxation has a long history here. (And gave inspiration the region’s moniker as the “Hammock Coast.”) Litchfield Beach, just north of Pawleys, earned TripAdvisor’s designation as one of the Top 10 beaches in America! Murrells Inlet, known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” was originally a fishing village on a protected inlet. The southern portion of Garden City overlooks Murrells Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views in every direction. And DeBordieu Colony offers a stunning beach near historic Georgetown, where history comes alive at five museums. Between the business districts
of Murrells Inlet and Litchfield are two of the Hammock Coast’s most famous attractions – Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. Recognized as one of the top birding spots on the East Coast, the state park offers camping and access to an undeveloped beach. Just across Ocean Highway is Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,127-acre botanical and sculpture garden that has drawn visitors since 1931. Dotting the Hammock Coast are also several award-winning golf courses, many built on former rice plantations that provide a graciously Southern golf experience. Three of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” are here, in fact. Visit HammockCoastSC.com today for more information! ¤
Rover Tours - Shelling and Lighthouse Cruises Collect seashells, see dolphins in their natural habitat and view the Georgetown lighthouse all for ONE low price! Relaxed on your shaded deck seating, you can listen, watch and learn about one of America’s oldest settled areas. Vistas of the estuary and salt marsh surround you, perhaps dolphins or a sea turtle 4
and sturgeon will swim alongside, while overhead bald eagles, terns, pelicans, herons and egrets soar. At the entrance to the Atlantic Ocean, the Carolina Rover will put you ashore on North Island. There, on an unsettled barrier island, the historic Georgetown Lighthouse overlooks a deserted beach where you may
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search for seashells. Experience the unequaled beauty of the Winyah Bay, enjoying the wildlife of the ecosystem in a place where river meets sea. All yours to be a part of, in a way that few people get to experience. Book now at RoverBoatTours.com ¤ See ad on page 5 GEORGIA / ALABAMA ~ SPRING 2022
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GEORGIA / ALABAMA ~ SPRING 2022
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GEORGIA
Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island An Award Winning Beachside Hotel Days Inn & Suites a Jekyll Island GA hotel features 40 Oceanfront onebedroom suites, 71 double-bed guest rooms and 13 king rooms. All rooms contain “free” in-room coffee, microfridges, hairdryers, clock radios and free WIFI access. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy the Complimentary Continental Breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit www.DaysInnJekyll.com to This moderately priced sparkling oceanfront hotel in Jekyll Island, GA learn more about our many specials offers many things for guests to enjoy and packages – also sign up for our last minute “Hot Deals!” while at the hotel and on the island Days Inn & Suites – great beach access, two spacious 60 S. Beachview Drive swimming pools – one of which is Jekyll Island, GA 31527 heated seasonally, kiddie pool, hot toll free: 888-635-3003 tub, grilling, picnic areas and a fire Direct Line: 912-635-9800 pit. Bike rentals on property. Fax: 912-635-2287 ¤
TENNESSEE
Tennessee is the Place to Be for Your Next Getaway If you love the outdoors, then the place to be on your next getaway is the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. And the Appalachian Trail. And the Cherokee National Forest. And more. With such an abundance of outdoor vacation attractions like canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, swimming and boating, you’ll have to make sure you make time to relax
and refresh by the waterfall before your trip is over. Music that has influenced the world historically came from Tennessee, including striking moments in rock and roll, blues, country, and rockabilly. Cities like Memphis have a variety of destinations for you to tour, including the Rock and Soul Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Legends
like Elvis and Johnny Cash left part of their stories in the halls of Sun Records, who offers guided tours to the public in their amazing studios. And of course no Tennessee getaway would be complete until you’ve seen the theme parks that are Dollywood, Graceland and Opryland. Get out on Beale street, and get a taste of the atmosphere that inspires a wealth of music to this day, and have a beer in
a real Tennessee night club. Historical sites are abound in Tennessee, and your family will enjoy exploring the past of this southern states rich story. The warmth and hospitality of the south comes alive when Tennessee welcomes tourists to their home below the MasonDixon line. There are plenty of resorts and upscale hotels in Tennessee to make
your stay in the south comfortable, but if you prefer something a little more private and cozy, you can find an assortment of bed and breakfasts, cottages, or even rent a houseboat. Visit www.GuestQuest.com for links to destinations, lodging, events and your chance to win a trip to Tennessee. Your quest for the perfect Tennessee getaway ends here. Let your adventure begin!
NOW OPEN! Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge, TN. Everything you need for an escape to the mountains! Bring your RV and have it your way or treat yourself to the upscale surroundings at The Lodge. With the attractions and recreation in the area, your itinerary can be full of activities from morning until night, or you can chill at the resort pool with a double-loop water slide and a kid’s zone with a palm tree fountain. The Fins Bar, with its 6
beach-bar vibe, offers salads, nachos, burgers, pasta, and more, along with boat drinks, brews, and signature margaritas. Enjoy a poolside lunch, have a casual dinner, or meet with friends for drinks before an evening show. More amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, children’s playground, and Barkaritaville Pet Park. CampMargaritavillePigeonForge.com
or call (865) 868-9300.
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GEORGIA / ALABAMA ~ SPRING 2022
florida
FLORIDA
Visit Longboat Key for Island Inspiration, Leave with Memories for a Lifetime. Longboat Key. Pure Magic. One can only explain the lure of Longboat Key, Florida as a combination of magical transcendence into the perfect island escape and a blissful beach playground for an exclusive and pristine vacation destination. Named as one of the top ten island destinations in the U.S. in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, the twelve-mile island is luxuriously located on the Gulf of Mexico, bordered on the west by azure blue waters and on
the east by beautiful Sarasota Bay. Long known as the hideaway of celebrities and reclusive notables, Longboat Key offers visitors a respite from the crowds while still providing the quintessential Florida beach experience. Blue skies, swaying palms, sultry breezes, playful dolphins, sandy beaches and a quiet calm welcomes the evening sunset and beckons the discerning traveler. The island is home to a variety of vacation options, from full-
service hotels to charming authentic beachfront resorts. Combined with island-inspired cuisine at a variety of award-winning restaurants and a sprinkling of delightful island boutiques, guests can immerse themselves in a true tropical getaway. For the outdoor enthusiast, Longboat Key offers choices beyond compare. From fishing charters to paddle-boarding, ocean kayaking and even some of the most renowned birdwatching in the country, our island
home is your island adventure. An array of seasonal activities provides cultural and artistic entertainment, and year-round vacationers can experience popular, family-friendly attractions in the Bradenton area. Visit nearby shops and restaurants, just a short drive away, all offering
the perfect location for a leisurely afternoon or sunset stroll. Visit Longboat Key for island inspiration, leave with memories for a lifetime. ¤ 941.387.9000 Longboatkeychamber.com See ad on back cover
The Shores Resort & Spa – Daytona Beach Hotel Experience The Shores Resort & Spa, a premier luxury boutique hotel in Daytona, offers service, style and luxury resort amenities. Spacious accommodations include feather beds, doorless Italian marble showers, flat-screen televisions and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Relax on the oceanside sundeck
with outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, beachfront cabanas, Tiki Hut Barefoot Beach Bar, firepits where you can make your own Shores S’mores and miles of white-sand beach. Indulge spa presents guests with the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. Azure restaurant offers fine dining, while the Oceanview Lounge has
breakfast, lunch and dinner along with Sunday Brunch. Market Place features Starbucks® coffees along with unique gifts, apparel, food and snacks. Nearby access to all the fun of Daytona Beach – water sports, family and cultural attractions, motorsports, festivals, sporting events and more. Call 866-934-7467 or visit us online www.shoresresort.com. ¤
Old Florida Charm at Bungalow Beach Resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida 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
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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. 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 ¤
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GEORGIA / ALABAMA ~ SPRING 2022