Alice, Texas Charms Visitors 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
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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 ¤
Texas, North Carolina Michigan, Quebec, Pennsylvania, Alabama Florida New York West Virginia Ohio South Carolina
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 upto-date information. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without written consent of the editor is prohibited. 2
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michigan / quebec / alabama / pennsylvania
TRAVEL
Endless Opportunities for Seasonal Winter Activities From flocking south to frolicking in the falling flakes, our publications and website offer links and information from destinations from Montreal to Florida and Texas to the East Coast. Read on and make sure to visit www. GuestQuest.com for more! Grab your coat and bundle up to enjoy all the outdoor activities that brisk winter temperatures make possible. From snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skiing to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and tubing, the slopes and groomed trails of West
Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and more are waiting for you. Discover festivals celebrating winter from Hyde Park, New York to Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, among others. Seasonal spirit and beautiful light displays, along with the accustomed hot cocoa to drive away the chill encourage attendance at Winterfests in almost every destination. Even in traditionally summer destinations like Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia Beach, Virginia, holiday lights are
ablaze. You’ll even find Santa arriving on a sled in cities within the Outer Banks of North Carolina as they hold their yuletide celebrations. Make sure to get your picture with Santa! Most attractions also find reasons to celebrate the season. Visit Brookgreen Gardens in Georgetown, South Carolina just south of Myrtle Beach to enjoy Nights of a Thousand Candles. And museums all over are usually open throughout the winter. Always check for seasonal hours. If winter temperatures just aren’t
your style, flock south to Georgia, Florida, Alabama or anywhere where the thermometer stays mostly above freezing for all the beach fun and warm weather activities that you normally enjoy throughout the North’s summer months. Seasonal celebrations can be found anywhere that travelers abound. Visit GuestQuest.com for more information, events calendar, to enter for your chance to win a vacation and links to these great advertisers!
Coldwater Country…Southern Michigan Fun! An area characterized by 100+ lakes, unique attractions, stunning architecture, quaint downtown shopping and a host of entertainment options is right around the corner in Coldwater Country. Set in the middle of the US 12 Heritage Trail in Southern Michigan, Coldwater Country is a haven for relaxation. Escape to one of the
more than 100 fresh water lakes; ride the rails on the Little River Railroad steam engine train; explore timeless Victorian downtowns and the countless antique shops in Michigan’s Antique Capital – Allen; take in a performance at the Tibbits Opera House plus a plethora of festivals and events throughout the year! Destination restaurants and
Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Forest Region Whether planning a one-day or multi day visit, Best Western Plus Bradford Inn is your perfect “home base” for visiting the wonderful Bradford PA tourist attractions including Allegheny National Forest region and its many attractions. We’re just 20 minutes south of the SenecaAllegany Casino, featuring over 1,800 Reel and Video Slot Machines as well as Vegas-style gaming like Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Spanish 21, Craps and Keno. The Zippo/Case Visitors Center & Museum, (just 1 mile away), features extraordinary displays, histories and
hundreds of purchasable items of two beloved American Icons, the Zippo Lighter and the Case Knife. Other nearby Bradford PA tourist attractions include the Crook Farm (an 1840’s farm and one-room schoolhouse), Penn-Brad Oil Museum (featuring an 1890’s wooden oil rig), Eldred World War II Museum and many antiquing opportunities. Best Western Plus Bradford Inn 100 Davis Street South Bradford, PA 16701 www.bwbradford.com 814-362-4501 ¤
affordable lodging rounds out the Coldwater Country -- Allen, Bronson, area that is so close and so fun! Coldwater, Quincy, and Union City. Make family memories as you 800-968-9333 discover the must-see and do www.ColdwaterCountry.com ¤ adventures in the communities of
Experience a Montreal tradition! Hotel Ruby Foo’s is a 4-star hotel complex that boasts a dazzling décor, great facilities, splendid services and delectable dining. The hotel is rated one of the best Montreal Hotels and for the 7th consecutive year is the proud winner of the “Consumer Choice” award in the independent Hotel category. Hotel Ruby Foo’s is located midway between downtown Montreal and the airport, just 1 block from the subway system. Guests enjoy complimentary parking, local calls, WiFi, business center, 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool with terrace (seasonal) and much more. The hotel also includes a barbershop and two restaurants. The spacious
Deluxe bedrooms boast Beautyrest Excellence pillow-top mattresses and 100% white goose-down duvets. For extended stays, Deluxe Studio-kitchenettes are also available. The hotel offers 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in eight Banquet Halls. Book online www.hotelrubyfoos. com with PROMO CODE GuestQuest to book your special rate. Hotel Ruby Foo’s Montreal 7655 Decarie Boulevard Toll free 1-800-361-5419 www.hotelrubyfoos.com www.facebook.com/ rubyfooshotel twitter.com/HotelRubyFoos ¤
Alabama Gulf Coast: Close, 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. ONTARIO ~ WINTER 2017
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 ¤
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FLORIDA
Experience the French Riviera with Condos in Destin, Florida If you are looking for the very best condo rentals, Edgewater Beach Condominium in Sandestin and Miramar Beach FL is the ultimate seaside vacation playground. With a touch of the French Riviera, the resort rises majestically beside the sparkling emerald waters, pristine white sands and fiery sunsets of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Our unique architecture is a spectacular golf and sport fishing, landmark along the Emerald Coast. beautiful sunsets or just relax in the The resort offers luxurious yet casual Florida sun. one-, two- and three-bedroom condos Enjoy our resort’s many amenities, with private balconies overlooking lushly landscaped gardens and two shimmering pools (one heated), children’s pool, playground and Jacuzzi. Enjoy nearby boutique As you plan your vacation, getting and outlet shopping, fine dining, 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:
including FREE high-speed wireless internet, FREE beach set-up and FREE use of our state-of-the-art fitness center.
Edgewater Beach Condominium 291 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach, Florida 32550 800-822-4929 www.edgewaterbeach.com ¤
So Many Beaches Mean Good Times in Florida 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!
Experience the Charm of Historic Gulf Beach Resort Historic Gulf Beach Resort is located directly on Lido Beach in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. All of our 49 units are individually owned and decorated; there are no two units alike. The majority of our units have fully equipped kitchens and private lanais. Our beach is private and we have a heated pool, barbecue grills, Tiki Hut and a shuffleboard court. We have free Wi-Fi, security cameras and keyless entry locks.
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Gulf Beach is the perfect place for family and class reunions, beach weddings, family vacations or just a place to get away for some special time with each other. Our resort is within walking distance of renowned St. Armand’s Circle. Every room is just steps away from the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For more information and pictures, please visit our website at www.gulfbeachsarasota.com or call us toll free at 800-232-2489. ¤
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florida
Siesta Key Bungalows A Tropical Island Getaway on Florida’s Gulf Coast Located approximately 55 miles south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Siesta Key is an eight-milelong barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges. Founded in 1846, there are now approximately 24,000 full- and part-time residents of Siesta Key. Siesta Beach was named one of America’s Top 10 beaches for 2004 by the Travel Channel and Best Sand Beach. It is ranked second of Florida’s top 10 Beaches for 2003 by the Travel Channel, and is one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S., according to the Scientist Dr. Beach, who rates beach cleanliness. While all the conveniences of modern life are easily accessible,
Siesta Key is still remote enough to give one a feeling of old Florida. Bursting with lush foliage, mature trees and tropical flowering shrubs line the winding routes to the village and the beaches. The beaches are refreshingly natural, with protected wild sea oats and mangroves providing a protective habitat for the scores of native island birds that share the island, as well as the dolphins, manatees and other aquatic wildlife living just offshore. “White quartz sand perfect for castle building,” and stays cool on hot days! A variety of personal touches make you feel at home when staying at Siesta Key Bungalows and its sister property, 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. Siesta Key Bungalows 8212 Midnight Pass Rd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 888-574-3782 www.siestakeybungalows.com ¤
Old Florida Charm at Bungalow Beach Resort on Anna Maria Island FL 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
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almost ceremonial rite of passage that requires you to leave your worries behind, live in your bathing suit and sandals and relinquish 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, beadboard walls and wood-beamed 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 and its sister property, Siesta Key Bungalows – located on pristine Herron Lagoon on Siesta Key. 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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WEST VIRGINIA
Visit West Virginia An outdoor playground with rich traditions, epic adventures and mountain heritage, West Virginia’s diverse destinations provide visitors with experiences that will make lasting memories. Craft a West Virginia getaway to connect with your family and friends and enjoy all that a vacation in the Mountain State has to offer.
Drive the winding mountain roads – by car, or better yet, on motorcycle and see the WV State Forests, and the Monongahela National Forest. Explore 11 major rivers, many perfect for whitewater rafting, venture down into caverns, and scale rock face. Zip line through the treetops on canopy tours, boat, swim or fish or ride a scenic railroad. Check out world-
class skiing or ATV in this off-roader’s paradise. Historic treasures such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, frontierera forts and Civil War cemeteries connect visitors with long past eras. Whatever your pleasure, a West Virginia vacation is a getaway that you’ll never forget! Make this the year for your epic adventure!
charming downtown and rich history, families, couples and individuals will all find an escape from ordinary waiting in Berkeley County. You can plan your stay to be brimming with activities, from golf to museums, picking berries at local farmers markets, geocaching and relaxing in a salt cave. Or, get lost in our expansive outdoors, featuring
everything from gentle walking paths to rugged hikes. Make sure to sample the delicious dishes, drinks and sweets at any of the area’s locally-owned restaurants and diners for an unforgettable taste of regional recipes. Let Berkeley County, WV transport you from the everyday to the extraordinary. ¤
Everyday Extraordinary Shake off the winter winds and bask in the sun as spring brings new life to the outdoors and opportunities in Berkeley County, WV. Experience the county’s natural beauty and rugged outdoors, the bountiful farmers markets, entertaining festivals and recreational activities that will create unforgettable memories. With a vivid culture,
Relax, Rejuvenate and Enjoy in Stonewallcountry, WV Explore Stonewallcountry in the center of West Virginia where heroes were raised, legends were born and memories are made. You will find glass shops and a glass museum, a haunted and historic Asylum for the insane, the boyhood home of the famous Civil War General 6
“Stonewall” Jackson, a vineyard and Come to our corner of the world winery housed in a hand cut stone – relax, rejuvenate and enjoy while building, premier golf courses, a four- exploring all that Stonewallcountry star resort, a military museum, quaint has to offer. shops and delightful restaurants, two For more information beautiful lakes with plenty of fishing, call 800-296-7329, visit hunting, hiking, boating and so much www.stonewallcountry.com ¤ more.
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ohio / south carolina
OHIO
Streetsboro = Memorable Trip + Something for Everyone! Streetsboro is located in the heart of it all, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone! Streetsboro is directly off the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), Exit 187 and within minutes to Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown. 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, Woodcarved Art, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and National Park, Kent State University Museum, Jack Cleveland Casino, Hard Rock Rocksino, zoos, parks, sporting activities, numerous annual events and much more. From festivals, concerts and fairs
- Streetsboro puts you near all the action. Plus, we provide exceptional accommodations suitable for any preference or budget at our 9 hotels and 2 campgrounds. We also have more than 40 restaurants providing an assortment of dining options. Streetsboro is the ideal location for an overnight stay or your next memorable trip. ¤
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, while expanded air travel has added more international travelers in recent years. 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, the Strand offers both bustling and less-boisterous choices for plopping that plastic chaise lounge and propping the umbrella. In Myrtle Beach proper, hotels old and new, restaurants and shops line the beach, with public access points interspersed. Then there are the quiet ocean-side beach communities such as Cherry Grove, Atlantic Beach (considered perhaps the nation’s first predominantly African American beach town), Garden City and “elegantly shabby” Pawleys Island.
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 more than 100 golf courses on the Strand. Cozy Myrtle Beach and expansive Huntington Beach state parks also offer beach access, camping, environmental education programs and more. Next up going south is storied Edisto Island. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss overhang the narrow highway across the big island to Edisto Beach, long beloved for its great shelling. The park also has a robust environmental education
center, camping and cabins. Then there’s the Beaufort area. The big park has four miles of beach, cabins and thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh for exploring. It even has a historic, 100foot lighthouse. At the south end of South Carolina’s coast is Hilton Head, a golf and tennis haven. Hilton Head is world famous for its plantation resorts, which combine beachfront
dining, pools and cabanas with tennis, a range of accommodations and public and private golf. 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
Myrtle Beach’s Grand Atlantic Resort…Any Season…Any Reason 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 condor rental. Watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic Ocean from the beautiful grassy lawn, or from your oceanfront balcony. Grand Atlantic Resort features the flexibility of one to four bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens in the heart of
Myrtle Beach, SC. Water venues abound at Grand Atlantic with a relaxing soak 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 the convenience of 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 2007 S. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 800-852-7032 www.grandatlanticresort.com ¤
Discover the Secret of Garden City: Water’s Edge Resort Water`s Edge Resort is found in Garden City Beach SC, a tranquil seaside village only 12 miles from the bright lights of Myrtle Beach, and conveniently located near coastal golf courses, excellent entertainment attractions, nightlife and unique dining. Lose yourself sightseeing at a nearby state park, a botanical garden or enjoy a relaxing time fishing off an adjacent pier. Find Romance at ONTARIO ~ WINTER 2017
sunset enjoying a picture worth a thousand words. The resort’s oversized condo units include large oceanfront balconies, fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, cable TV and more. The rooms are fully furnished with all the creature comforts of home. Top-notch amenities include a recently renovated pool deck and lounge chairs, an indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzis and private access
to one of the Strand’s most scenic stretches of white-sand beach. Come to Waters Edge Resort and enjoy the peace and quiet of an ocean side escape or the fun and flare of a family trip. Extend your stay with monthly rentals available October through March. Waters Edge Resort 1012 N. Waccamaw Drive Garden City, SC 29576 800-255-5554 www.watersedgeresort.com ¤
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