GuestQuest Georgia / Alabama Winter 2022

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. 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.

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 to 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! ¤

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Acres of Inspiration –

Brookgreen Gardens Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens South Carolina encompasses more than 9,000 acres in South Carolina

Lowcountry, located between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island.

A National Historic Landmark, Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful combination of nature, art and history. Brookgreen has been named one of the top ten botanical gardens in the United States and is also home to the finest collection of American figurative sculpture in the world.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brookgreen has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Brookgreen Gardens four areas of focus are American Sculpture, Lowcountry History, our Botanical Gardens, and the Lowcountry Zoo. The Huntington Sculpture Garden covers 35 acres and includes 2 indoor galleries and a visible storage and research center. This extraordinary place houses a collection of over 2000 works of art, spans a period from the early 1800s to the present and includes works from many of the

most notable American sculptors. The traveling exhibit Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams opens January 29, 2023 and runs through April 23, 2023. Forty-five works from the prestigious Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collection will portray the genius of Rodin including portraits, full figures, torsos, fragments, and reliefs. For Summer 2023, make plans to attend Summer Light: Art by Night on Wednesdays and Saturdays, June 7 – August 26.

For more information and tickets go to our website, www.brookgreen. org. There are always new exhibits, events, and programs are happening at Brookgreen Gardens, which is why we can say Brookgreen is “Ever changing. Simply amazing.”

Brookgreen Gardens is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is open daily, and admission is good for seven days.

For more information, visit our web site www.brookgreen.org or call 843-235-6000. ¤

Thomas Beach Vacations Offers 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,

Picture Yourself on Pawleys Island SC – The Original Beach Vacation

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.

Our Island rentals include Sea View Inn, Pelican Inn, Pawleys Pier Village, and many residential homes rented out by their owners during the season. Specific information is available from the Rental Companies and the Inns. Please check our

website for a complete list of rental companies www.onlypawleys.com/ rentals.

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, Pawleys Island is still unspoiled and casual, with a delightful stretch of wide beach and sand dunes. It continues to be known for its carefree, laid-back lifestyle. Generations of families have been delighted by its beauty and quiet

Savor the Seasons in Upcountry South Carolina!

Blooming Dogwood Trees and Azaleas signal that Spring has officially arrived in South Carolina’s Upcountry. In Summer, explore the numerous lakes, rivers, forests, and parks. Fall brings a display of brilliant foliage as you travel along the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. In the Winter months, relax in a cozy mountain cabin and a hike to discover spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Further exploration of the Upcountry will allow you to learn about the rich history of the area. From the Native American Cherokee to the battlegrounds where American forces defeated the British during the American Revolution, to stone and covered bridges that will take you back a few centuries, traversing the backroads of the Upcountry will allow you to connect to the historic, cultural, and natural sites and points of interest in the area.

Be sure to allow time to explore the many waterfalls in the Upcountry, some of which can be easily reached, while others may require a bit of effort. For a more relaxing experience, take a boat ride on one of the freshwater mountain lakes or pack a picnic and spend the day in a state park.

Take the opportunity to stroll through the small towns throughout the Upcountry. Here are a few helpful hints and “don’t miss” attractions and activities for those unfamiliar with the area. Don’t miss the best fried chicken in the state at a place called, “The Walhalla Steak House Cafeteria.” Also, steak isn’t on the menu there! Don’t forget to bring a flashlight when visiting the Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished railroad project carved through the granite mountain for about onequarter of a mile before abruptly ending. Hunt for “Mice on Main” in

relaxation, free from distractions!

Pawleys Island has a lot to offer and with the surrounding golf courses, attractions and uncrowded beaches, there’s always something new to explore.

Settle back in the perfect vacation rental. Look around Pawleys Island and we think you’ll agree Only Pawleys has what you’re looking for! Contact us today to help plan your next visit. www.onlypawleys.com ¤

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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. ¤

Greenville, the bronze creatures that can be found by following the hints on the website (miceonmain.com).

For the thrill-seekers in your group, book a driving experience at the BMW Performance Center in Greer.

A few more ideas for you: Tee off at one of over thirty manicured golf courses found here. Take an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the National Wild & Scenic River. Listen (or join in) with the locals at one of the regular “Bluegrass Jams.” Go fish for trophy Trout on Lake Jocassee or one of the mountain streams. Or play with the “kids” at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, where a herd of 400 goats resides.

Whatever you like to do when taking a break from the everyday grind, the Upcountry probably has something for your taste!

Upcountry South Carolina 864-233-2690 www.upcountrysc.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!

Celebrate the Most Colorful Days of Autumn in Tennessee

Fall in Love with the Volunteer State’s Leaf-Peeping Destinations, Relaxing Hikes, Scenic Drives and Sprawling Rainbow of Autumn Colors

With autumn days here, fall is the idyllic time to celebrate the most brilliant hues and outdoor beauty Tennessee has to offer. Pile on the fall fun and experience the Volunteer State’s sprawling rainbow of autumn colors with these Instagram-worthy leaf-peeping spots, relaxing hikes, scenic drives and hidden outdoor treasures

Tennessee’s stunning fall foliage is credited to its diverse tree species. Visitors from all over come to experience the season’s kaleidoscope of colors, including bright oranges, vibrant yellows and deep reds. Due to the state’s changing topography, each region of the state experiences peak colors at varying times.

Experience Fall’s Many Book of Colors with Tennessee Tourism’s Colorblind Viewfinders

Fall often brings sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes and the colorful splendor of autumn

leaves. Tennessee Tourism realized that many with red-green color deficiency often can’t experience the full bloom of fall colors. In 2017, the state installed EnChroma lenses engineered with spectral lens technology so that people with color blindness could participate and share the true colors of fall. Now, those wishing to experience Tennessee’s vibrant colors can find Colorblind Viewfinders at destinations such as Chickasaw State Park, Ruby Falls, I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook and more.

Feel the Crunch of Fallen Leaves with Fall Hikes

Escape into delightful fall foliage at one of Tennessee’s 56 state parks, which all offer free admission for hiking, kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, boating and other outdoor adventures. Get lost in the rainbow of orange, red and yellows in Roan Mountain State Park’s 2,000 acres of beautiful forest and sprawling ridges, view unique rock formations, colorful woodlands and

picturesque panoramic overlooks at South Cumberland State Park along with many more fall treasures to stumble upon. The crisp, autumn air and stunning collage of fall colors make Tennessee the perfect fall destination for those wanting to get outside and try out those new hiking boots.

Start the Car! Take a Fall Foliage Tour Along Tennessee’s Scenic Byways

With an apple cider in hand, hit the open road for an unforgettable fall foliage driving tour along Tennessee’s scenic byways. Whether cruising along the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway, the Americana Music Triangle, Ocoee Scenic Byway or the Great Smoky Mountains Byway, capture the clear autumn skies, colorful leaves and hidden outdoor treasures Tennessee offers along the way.

Ocoee Scenic Byway

Spend the day winding through the Tennessee Overhill region on the Ocoee Scenic Byway, known for its historic copper and coal mining area. Cruise up and down bluffs, ride along breathtaking rivers and take in the bright fall leaves cascading down the mountains for a stunning autumn getaway. Stop and check out Savannah Oaks Winery, McMinn City Living Heritage Museum, Ft. Loudoun State Historic Park, the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, the Historic Unicoi Turnpike Trail and Ocoee State Park along the way.

Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway

The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, thus “Chero-hala.” At 5,400-foot elevations, drive above the clouds and catch a glimpse of stunning fall scenery of the Great

Lakes. Mountains. Outdoor Adventure. Morristown, Tennessee

Whether exploring Panther Creek State Park, fishing on Cherokee Lake, or playing disc golf like the pros, there’s always more in Morristown, Tennessee.

Featuring more than 1,400 acres, Panther Creek State Park is located minutes from downtown. More than 30 miles of hiking trails are tailored to all levels of difficulty. Take a casual nature walk or climb the steep ascent of Point Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the lake and Cumberland Mountains from its perch 1,460 feet above sea level. The Park also has multiple mountain biking, horse trails, and 50

camp sites. A popular destination for picnicking, fishing, and camping, Panther Creek is also home to an 18hole disc golf course.

Morristown is Tennessee’s Disc Golf Capital® with four championship-caliber courses and was recently named the country's 4th most-popular disc golf small town by UDISC. The city is also host to the annual Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships the first weekend of June attaching over 500 participants.

In addition to the courses at Panther Creek, disc golfers flock to the Cherokee Park course, Kiwanis Course at Wayne Hansard Park and

Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River Valley. The Skyway is known in motorcycling circles for its long, sweeping corners, making its milehigh vistas and brilliant views the perfect fall background.

Great Smoky Mountains Byway Boasting millions of visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains’ sprawling hills and winding roads make it the ideal road trip destination. Pack the snacks and put on a good playlist to embark on the ultimate scenic fall fix. Along the byway, road trippers can experience panoramic views of some of the season’s best colors, grab a bite of local cuisine and stroll through the charming downtowns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and many more.

Article courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Visit TNVacation.com for more information.

the Rotary Course at Frank Lorino Park, which offers a dual basket setup and alternate course lengths for two 18-hole options. While the courses attract experienced disc golfers from across the country, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the sport.

Historic Downtown showcases the city’s past and present. Featuring the nation’s only overhead sidewalk system, the Skymart, the area is filled with quaint shops and boutiques, and is the location for many annual events. You won’t want to miss downtown's newest hot spot, 1907 Brewing Company offering craft beers, ciders, and craft sodas. ¤

A True Mountain Experience

A visit to western North Carolina brings with it a myriad of opportunities to enjoy all that the area has to offer. From nationally recognized outdoor adventure, fall and winter festivals and events, culinary and shopping experiences and plenty of lodging options, the region is without a doubt a vacation destination to include on your bucket list.

The East’s highest mountains provide a surprising Southern climate of cool summers and snowy winters and the Blue Ridge Parkway, as it winds through national forests, offers a fantastic opportunity to see the mountains in bloom or showing off their fall colors.

As the cold weather approaches, ski season is a great time to come visit the area. From downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing or sledding, or even winter hiking—it’s all here. And in a big way!

Whether you want to simply take in the snowy scene with a stay in a cabin in the mountains or are looking to spice it up with adventure on the slopes, western North Carolina is your destination.

Find more information online at www.GuestQuest.com with our calendar of events and links to plan your next visit. You can even enter to win a stay at in the NC mountains!

Wildflower Cabin Rentals in the Great Smoky Mountains NC

Wildflower Cabin Rentals custom vacation log homes in western North Carolina are an escape into nature and a retreat in vacation luxury. Hike, bike or raft the day away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy amenities like the miles of hiking trails and the outdoor pool located at the Wildflower Clubhouse or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding nature right from the privacy of your own hot tub.

Only five minutes from Franklin, N.C., a small, charming and thriving mountain town, Wildflower is a 2,200+ acre mountain community for the entire family—one- to five-acre homesites, clubhouse, gem mining, picnic areas, cookout pavilions, hiking trails and observation decks. Wildflower is just minutes away

#StokesROCKS

from Nantahala Gorge, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Harrah’s Casino, National Parks and Forests, and innumerable area attractions.

Wildflower is the closest highelevation property to Atlanta—an easy two-hour drive north—and is only just an hour west of Asheville, the region’s urban hub. Wildflower is perfect for weekend getaways.

Wildflower offers high-end, log-home, mountain retreats, with master suites on the main floor, stacked stone fireplaces, double vanities and mastercraftsmen details.

Wildflower Cabin Rentals Franklin, NC 828-371-5576 wcabins@gmail.com ¤

Outdoor Adventure in All Seasons!

Find yourself in a Stokes State of Mind this Fall and Winter. An area with space to spread out, limited traffic jams or crowding, small town in rural communities spread among winding country roads. Cooler weather and crisp mountain air help to make outdoor adventure bearable with natural cooling, climbing to new heights on mountain peaks, rock outcroppings of Moore’s Wall, or biking mountainous trails at Hanging Rock.

The Dan River flows throughout

and is ideal for fly fishing or cast a line from the kayak to catch bass, rainbow trout, brown trout and more. Discover a unique gift, enjoy a music or theatre show at The Arts Place in Danbury. Peak your appetite at fine dining locations in King. Wake up overlooking the frost covered mountains at Big Creek Lodge, enjoy a chef prepared meal there before wine tastings at Pilot Mountain Vineyard or Craft Beer Flights at Midsummer’s Brewing. www.hangingrock.com ¤

Set Your GPS For Henderson County, North Carolina: A Must-Visit Mountain Destination.

Henderson County is known for its thriving culinary scene, vibrant arts community and outdoor offerings, but even the drive here is worth the trip!

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is perfect for a family vacation, romantic getaway or solo adventure. As you

travel to our welcoming mountain town, the scenic beauty of vast, green forests will help you leave the stress of the real-world behind.

Now is the perfect time to experience our Orchard Trail. The whole family will love the activities available on the farms, including apple picking, pumpkin

patches and hayrides.

Henderson County is ready to welcome you year-round. Whether you join us in fall as the leaves are changing colors, or spring when the orchards are fresh with new apple blossoms, you’re sure to go home happy – in a Hendersonville state-of-mind! ¤

Days Inn & Suites a Jekyll Island GA 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 deluxe continental breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

FLORIDA

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 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

60 S. Beachview Drive

Jekyll Island, GA 31527

toll free: 888-635-3003

Direct Line: 912-635-9800 Fax: 912-635-2287 ¤

Visit Longboat Key for Island Inspiration,

Leave with Memories for a Lifetime. Longboat Key. Intentionally Better.

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

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. ¤

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.

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 941-387-9000 www.longboatkeychamber.com ¤

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Enjoy the Good Life at Veranda Beach Club on Longboat Key, Florida

Warm hospitality, fun-filled activities and a casual island atmosphere await your arrival at the glamorous Gulf front Veranda Beach Club on Longboat Key FL. Relax on your veranda, looking out over the crystalline sands of an eleven-mile beach, while the shimmering Gulf of Mexico lures you to the water's edge. Nestled amid powder-white

beaches and lush tropical gardens, the views from this property will always be spectacular. Drink in the beauty of your surroundings directly on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Veranda Beach Club 2509 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228 800-411-5511

www.VerandaBeachClub.com ¤