travel
Choose Tennessee for Adventure, Music and Southern Hospitality
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Tennessee Texas Florida Alabama Kentucky Illinois Indiana Ohio Tennessee
From the Mississippi River to the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers legendary landscapes, century-old battlefields, and is an international music destination anchored by the thriving cities of Memphis and Nashville. America’s soundtrack was and continues to be made in Tennessee where seven genres of music were born, including blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n roll. Tennessee is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country and is increasingly becoming a retirement destination. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle or prefer a more leisurely pace, Tennessee provides natural beauty, a mild climate, urban conveniences and rural peacefulness. The array of amenities will please any interest. Put the top down, turn on the radio and take a drive through Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills or East Tennessee’s breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains. Take time to enjoy Tennessee’s small towns and rural communities. Sample the artisan wares with the incredible shopping.
Delight in food that culinary writers can’t wait to sample, not to mention the best barbecue in the country (according to TripAdvisor). Sip and savor iconic Southern creations at any of Tennessee’s famous breweries or distilleries. From world-class golf courses, to 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than half a million acres of lakes, Tennessee’s four mild but distinct seasons combined with scenic beauty will have you trading your keys for a fly rod, a hiking stick, a paddle or a golf club. It’s not just about Tennessee’s natural resources. It’s about your resources, too. Resources last longer in Tennessee with low cost of living. With no state income tax or pension tax combined with steady community growth, Tennessee is a great place to call home. So, what are you waiting for? Tennessee is the good life. Only better. To plan your next vacation, visit TnVacation.com. For more information on retiring to Tennessee, visit RetireTennessee.org. ¤
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/South Carolina, 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
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texas / florida
TEXAS
Alice, Texas Charms Visitors with Wildlife, Hunting and History Alice was established in 1888 and named after the daughter of Captain Richard King, who established the King Ranch. Historically the community is associated with cattle, the vaquero and the American cowboy. Several museums share historical artifacts about Alice and South
Texas. The South Texas Museum offers an overview of the early days in the Hub City. The Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron Museum is open on weekends. La Copita Ranch is available for family, business or group activities. Wildlife, hunting, fishing and bird watching are favorite activities for
residents and visitors. Golfers can choose from the Alice Municipal Golf Course and Alice Country Club Golf Course. With over 500 hotel rooms, you are so close to everywhere! Alice, Texas 361-664-3454 www.alicetxchamber.org ¤
FLORIDA
So Many Beaches Mean 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 abundant pleasures of the ocean, both above and below the waterline. An abundance of resort
hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or even quiet, private rentals can make your Florida vacation as fast or slowpaced as you prefer. 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!
Oceanfront Coral Sands Resort and Seaside Cottages Spectacular Views on Ormond Beach Located at the serene and private northern end of the world’s most famous Beach, Coral Sands Resort and Seaside Cottages an Ormond Beach FL Oceanfront Resort provides the perfect setting for your family, group or romantic getaway. Choose from newly renovated hotel rooms, cottages or camping. Our ocean front and ocean view high-rise rooms offers spacious accommodations with a kitchenette. Enjoy the spectacular view of the traffic free beach.
Oceanfront and Oceanview cottages have spectacular views and are steps from the beach. Our quaint seaside cottages have full eat-in kitchen with 2 queen beds that looks directly out onto the traffic free beach. The ocean front king cottage are perfect for couples. The Coral Sands Oceanfront RV Resort provides full hook-up premier sites with all the amenities of the hotel including free WiFi. Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, St. Augustine and central Florida’s
theme parks are less than a 75-minute drive. Coral Sands offers many specials throughout the year! Call for details or visit our website. Coral Sands Resort and Seaside Cottages 1009 Ocean Shore Blvd Ormond Beach, FL 32176 386-441-1831 1-877-441-1831 www.coralsandsinn.com ¤
Escape to Anna Maria Island Anna Maria Island is a quaint barrier island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico on the West Coast of Florida, with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Two great resorts to “get away from it all” are Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort and Bridgewalk, a landmark resort. Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort has its own private beach, chairs, umbrellas and towels at no additional charge, a pool, gas grill area, beach massage and boat rentals right on the property. MICHIGAN ~ WINTER 2018
Bridgewalk, a landmark resort is located on the energetic, Historic Bridge Street. Bridgewalk, is within walking distance to interesting shops, city fishing pier, putt putt golf and over seven restaurants, some featuring live music on a regular basis. A highlight of Bridgewalk is nearly every room has a Jacuzzi tub. We say… “you are going to love it here!” Contact us at www.silverresorts.com or call 866-779-2345. ¤ FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION ~ www.GuestQuest.com
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ALABAMA
Welcome to Dauphin Island AL! Come and enjoy our little piece of paradise, dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico waters, get sand between your toes and just RELAX on Dauphin Island AL. Come stroll some of our beaches, charter a boat to fish or to cruise, dine in our special eateries and visit gift shops and boutiques for that special item or gift. In our busy world, we plan for tomorrow, but can’t live it
until it arrives. We invite you to come enjoy Dauphin Island – TODAY. Standing guard between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a true barrier island – complete with dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal flats and two freshwater lakes. Named “barrier” for their role in protection of the mainland from nature’s fury of storm waves, barrier
islands also prevent the inflow of salt water from the Gulf into the bays and sounds by forming a physical barrier. This process is essential to maintaining the nursery characteristics of the estuarine ecosystem. Entry to the island is made by crossing a three-mile long high-rise bridge, which was opened in July 1982 after the original drawbridge
was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979. An automobile ferry from the eastern shore also offers an entry point on the eastern end of the island. The island is approximately 14 miles long and 1 3/4 miles wide at the widest point. The eastern six miles are inhabited while the western 8 miles are undeveloped and privately owned. It is estimated
that 1300 permanent residents call Dauphin Island home. The number of residents soars during vacation and holiday times. The entire island has been designated as a bird sanctuary and thousands of visitors come to experience the annual migrations. Visit us online at www.dauphinislandchamber.com or call 877-532-8744 for details. ¤
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. Let Boardwalk Realty help you escape the hustle and bustle of
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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 ¤
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alabama / kentucky
Alabama’s Beautiful Beaches The Alabama Gulf Coast’s 32-miles of sugar-white beaches are stretched along a 30,000 acre island on the northern most coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Sand dunes covered in sea oats and brilliant blue waters are the norm on the coast while inland areas feature live oaks and pines. Freshwater lakes, rivers, bayous and coves add nearly 400,000 acres of protected water to the area. Within this picturesque setting, the City of Gulf Shores spans approximately 31 square miles while
the City of Orange Beach covers about 13 square miles. The Alabama Gulf Coast showcases championship caliber golf, with stunning and challenging courses by some of the leading golf course designers—like Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone, Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge. Arnold Palmer’s designed his first “Signature Series” course at Cotton Creek at Craft Farms. A second Palmer-designed course— Cypress Bend at Craft Farms—was added later. Lost Key Golf Club in
neighboring Perdido Key, FL is also a Palmer “Signature Series” course. Different from other golfing destinations, our selection of courses is unparalleled and centrally located. Designed by golfing legends, these courses are situated near the beach, accommodations, shopping or other attractions. Golfing on the gulf is a great value, especially in the fall when rates are not peaking and the seasonally mild climate makes golfing a yearround activity. Enjoy lush green courses, situated near the beach,
accommodations, shopping or other attractions with a big helping of Southern hospitality. Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast can enjoy a bounty of outdoor-related activities. Take to the water to search for native wildlife with a dolphin or nature cruise or charter a boat to catch dinner. Investigate 7,000 acres of preserved coastal ecosystem at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and make sure to bring your binoculars when visiting the Alabama
Coastal Birding Trail. Enjoy the area’s selection of campgrounds and parks with picnic lunch. Regardless of your preference, satisfy the adventureseeker in you or reconnect with your family, friends or yourself by returning to nature for an afternoon or longer. Content for this article provided by the official web site of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.GulfShores. com. For additional information visit their site or call 800-747-SAND.€
Sugar Sands Realty & Management on Alabama’s Gulf Coast: Close to Everything, Yet Miles Away Alabama Gulf Coast is where you want to be! Close to everything, yet miles away. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores AL vacation rentals provide a magnificent, sparkling white sandy beach where mild temperatures greet visitors year-round. Listen to the sound of the surf, unwind and release the tension, or experience our vast sporting and recreational activities, fresh seafood and great
shopping that the Gulf Coast area has to offer. The magical beauty of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach AL is more than you can imagine. Let Sugar Sands Realty & Management, an Orange Beach and Gulf Shores AL vacation rentals company, help you find the perfect accommodations for your vacation. With exceptional vacation rentals and
sugar white beaches, you’ll discover plenty of magnificent lodging options, including rental condominiums. Visit us online for special offers and packages. We’re everything you want from your vacation! Sugar Sands Realty & Management 800.824.6462 www.sugsands.com ¤
KENTUCKY
Military Heritage, Natural Beauty and Southern Hospitality! Fort Knox is home to the U.S. Bullion Depository, which stores 7 trillion dollars worth of gold bullion (not open to the public.) The Radcliff/ Fort Knox Community also offers the General George Patton Museum, Armor Memorial Park, the Kentucky September 11th Memorial, Saunders Springs Nature Preserve, Fort Duffield
Civil War Fort, Hardin County Schools To plan your trip, go to Performing Arts Center, Kentucky radclifftourism.org or Museum of American Pocketknives, call (800) 334-7540. Tioga Falls and Bridges to the Past Radcliff/Fort Knox and the area’s newest attraction Convention & Tourism Commission Boundary Oak Distillery. 562 North Dixie, Suite A-1 It’s the perfect weekend getaway Radcliff, Kentucky 40160 destination and best of all our ¤ attractions are FREE!
Enjoy a Water-Way-of-Life at Green Turtle Bay Green Turtle Bay is the premier marina resort overlooking beautiful Lake Barkley at the edge of picturesque Grand Rivers in western Kentucky. At the gateway to Land Between the Lakes Federal Recreational Area, we’re offering a getaway where guests can relax, boat, and spend time with loved ones. Green Turtle Bay is a destination experience like no other. The awardwinning marina with over 450 slips offers electric, water, cable, private showers and laundry facility, while MICHIGAN ~ WINTER 2018
the office and “boaters rest area” can help both you and your boat refuel. Experience the lake life in luxury in one of our 1-4-bedroom condos, each fully equipped with linens, towels, kitchens, washer and dryers, pull-out sofa, gas grill and even some with fireplaces. Memories made at the lake last a lifetime. So put your feet up, take a break, sit back and relax. You’re at home at Green Turtle Bay. 800-498-0428 www.GreenTurtleBay.com ¤ FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION ~ www.GuestQuest.com
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ILLINOIS
You and Your Family Will Enjoy All That Illinois Has To Offer Illinois, called “the Land of Lincoln” has much to offer. Only in Illinois can one fully experience the life of Abraham Lincoln. His legacy is alive and personal. Other attractions include the courthouse where he represented clients, The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts that features the art museum, Sculpture Park and Jefferson Court Historical Village.
Giant City State Park, nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation that will delight visitors of all ages. Billions of years of geological faulting and folding have molded a landscape like none other. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rock climbing, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in winter. Grab your skis and head for the snow powered slopes and trails or enjoy watching thousands of bald eagles that make their winter home here. When your thoughts turn to flowers in the spring, you’ll find them everywhere in botanic gardens. Spring also marks the return of
warmer temperatures, baseball and an opportunity to get away for spring break. As the days get longer and the breezes get warmer and outside is the place to be, enjoy summer as you golf and hike along the winding roads and trails that connect clusters of quaint towns, state parks and wineries.
Illinois is a great place to enjoy fall to the fullest. From fantastic parks and forests in full, fiery bloom to great sporting events, Illinois has something for everybody. Think Illinois when planning your next vacation. Outdoor activities, educational museums, breathtaking scenic trails and camping are all there for you and your family to enjoy. ¤
Historic Discoveries, Outdoor Adventures, Artistic Finds Discover Small-Town America – Jacksonville, IL Centrally located between St. Louis and Chicago and only thirtyfive minutes west of Springfield, Jacksonville, Illinois is a community rich in historical treasures, thriving arts, education and culture all wrapped in Midwest hospitality. Come enjoy the unexpected! From our Civil War and Abraham Lincoln connections to our newly renovated
INDIANA
Winter Adventures in Indiana Indiana, “Heart of the Midwest” is rich in outdoor adventure and activities, quaint scenery, American history and gorgeous landscapes. Also known as “The Crossroads of America,” each region has its own attractions to offer. If you’ve chosen winter for your Indiana vacation, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful time of year. This time of year is excellent for skiing and many other outdoor winter activities, which include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and
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winter camping. Winter brings cold temperatures and plenty of snow to Indiana, making skiing perfect. The winter months begin in the end of November with the largest snowfalls usually occurring during January and February. An Indiana ski vacation can be the perfect place to get the most out of the winter months. Indiana’s state parks and nature preserves are just as enjoyable to visit in the winter as they are in the summer, spring and fall. They offer plenty of diverse landscapes where
downtown, the area offers something Gallery and the Voices of Jacksonville for everyone. Audio Tour where you can listen to The City’s rich heritage includes stories about Abraham Lincoln. numerous interesting sites that help Looking for unique shopping, make history relevant to old and new dining or lodging? generations. Destination choices Visit www.jacksonvilleil.org include Underground Railroad sites, or call 1-800-593-5678 Downtown murals, Historic Homes to request your tourist Walking Tour, the Governor Joseph information packet. ¤ Duncan Mansion, David Strawn Art
Visit DeKalb County, Indiana in ANY Season! you can go hiking and camping through the woods and mountains. What a great way to enjoy nature in Indiana’s winter. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from going caving in Indiana. Indiana has its own share of caves, offering underground rivers, cavernous rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites and guided tours of the wonders to be found. Each season has its highlights and features, making Indiana fun throughout the year. ¤
Retreat to a warm place inside one of our many attractions in DeKalb County where thousands of visitors come each year to experience our rich automotive history. In Auburn, the county seat of DeKalb County, once operated the prestigious Auburn Automobile Co. whose halls now hold two MUSTSEE museums filled with the finest and luxurious automobiles, that in the early 1900s were owned only by the “rich and famous.” See a 1953 General Motors Futurliner along with muscle cars of the 60’s & 70’s, trucks,
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vintage gas pumps and memorabilia! Come discover the story behind some of the greatest and highly esteemed American cars ever made! Our quaint towns offer fantastic places to eat and shop, antique malls, museums, art galleries, and tours at the “Food Network” recognized Sechler’s Pickle Factory! Warm yourself by the fire sipping your favorite wine at one of our three “award winning” wineries! Plan to visit today! visitdekalb.org (877) 833-3282 ¤
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ohio
OHIO
So Much to Explore Who says you have to choose between all the things you want to do when you plan your adventure to Delaware County, Ohio? Do them all. There are lots of fun attractions to put on your itinerary when you come for a visit. In fact, you’ll find so much to
explore, you may need to stay longer than the weekend. Delaware County is a great place to visit when you are planning a romantic weekend, spending time with your best friend, having fun with the kids, going destination shopping, or looking for
a place to reconnect with friends and family at a half-way point. Make memories that will last a lifetime in Delaware County. VisitDelOhio.com 888.335.6446 ¤
Discover Why Mohican Rocks-Anytime of Year! From canoeing to zip lining, an aerial adventure park to a round of golf, horseback riding and more; camping to castle or resort. Those are just a few adventures to look forward to in Mohican. Enjoy the year-round events and festivals that bring out the kid in everyone. Discover why Mohican rocks! Coming up this summer is the International Wine at The Mill
Fundraiser, July 4th Car Show and the 18th Century Colonial Trade Fairjust to name a few. Sporting events are also popular with the Mohican MTB 100 and the Mohican Trail 100. Giving bikers and runners the ultimate in off-road challenges. Plan to stay for a week or weekend. With over 4,000 campsites, private cabins, a castle, resort, historic
B&B and more. Take a stroll through downtown Loudonville for shopping and dining. Visit DiscoverMohican. com for more information or find them on Facebook – Discover Mohican. Mohican Visitors Bureau 419-994-2519 DiscoverMohican.com ¤
Ashland County Makes Travel Memorable Rolling farmland and gentle wooded hills of Johnny Appleseed fame dominate the landscape and make antique hunts and auctions events for everyone to enjoy. Specialty shops, horseshows, ice cream socials, classic car shows, an antique tractor and engine show, farmers markets and free bandshell concerts make life especially pleasant. Take a walking tour of our historical district and visit the
Ashland County Historical Museum, one of many fun spots for Ashland OH tourism ideas. We host some great events including the Ashland County Fair and Ashland County Farm Tour as well as the Ashland Symphony, Ashland University Theatre, Ashland Regional Ballet and Chautauqua Storytelling Performances. BalloonFest, one of Ashland’s premier events, is held every year.
The Balloon Glow, music, storytelling and stage performances, along with balloon races, make for a fun-filled weekend. Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 211 Claremont Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805 419-281-4584 toll free: 877-581-2345 www.visitashlandohio.com ¤
Minutes from Columbus, Ohio. Miles from the Ordinary. Located in central Ohio, just 30 miles northwest of downtown Columbus, Union County OH tourism offers visitors a unique combination of the present and the past with its many tourism spots. Discover local attractions like our seven covered bridges or the Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway; explore how things are handcrafted at places
like the Phoenix Bat Company or tour our Honda Heritage Center; savor a meal at one of the countless unique eateries or take a tour of one of our local wineries. Union County is also home to many festivals and fairs including the annual Covered Bridge Bluegrass Festival. Held the fourth weekend of September, the festival includes an
elegant Dinner on the Bridge, a full day of festival activities including bluegrass music, old-fashioned games, antique and food vendors, pumpkin carver, wagon rides, community church service and so much more. For more information about Union County, call 937-642-6279 or visitunioncountyohio.org. ¤
So Much Fun for Everyone in Streetsboro! Streetsboro offers an unforgettable experience for everyone! It is also just a short drive to many of the area’s over 60 nearby attractions including Streetsboro Antiques Mini Mall, Zip City USA, Boulder Creek Golf Club, Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, Breakaway Excursions, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and National Park, Kent State University Museum, Monica Potter Home Store, Jack Cleveland Casino, Hard Rock Rocksino, zoos, parks, sporting MICHIGAN ~ WINTER 2018
activities, numerous annual events and much more. Streetsboro is directly off the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), Exit 187 and within minutes to Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown. We provide exceptional accommodations suitable for any preference or budget at our 9 hotels and 2 campgrounds, as well as an assortment of dining options at more than 40 restaurants Streetsboro is the ideal location for an overnight stay or your next memorable trip. ¤
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MICHIGAN ~ WINTER 2018