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North Carolina, South Carolina Alabama Illinois Indiana Florida Tennessee
GuestQuest Traveler Vacation Guide takes you on a guided tour to various vacation locations.We feature information about accommodations, attractions and activities in many travel and vacation destinations. Providing you with article coverage on our advertisers, their amenities and services will assist you in making the right decision on choosing your accommodations, recreation, entertainment and more. Please visit our web site www.GuestQuest.com for additional advertiser information and links to their web sites. Distributed three times a year, Spring, Summer and Winter, with separate editions to Ohio, Pennsylvania,New York, Illinois/ Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia/ Alabama, Tennessee/Kentucky, Virginia/Washington D.C., Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Serving our advertisers and readers since 1984. For advertising information, questions or comments, call 1-800-644-8460. P. O. Box 33547, Cleveland, OH 44133. The accuracy of the information contained in these listings is the responsibility of each individual advertiser. Every effort has been made to offer up-to-date information. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without written consent of the editor is prohibited. 2
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alabama
ALABAMA
Uncover a Family Friendly Spring Break along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Why are college coeds the only ones who get a spring break? Blast to the past (minus the 80s hair and leg warmers) with a rejuvenating spring vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Bypass the wild college destinations for the 32 miles of family friendly shores in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. This southernmost tip of Alabama is conveniently located six interstate hours from Atlanta and attracts nearly 4.7 million visitors annually with its easy-going coastal atmosphere that offers plenty to see and do. With wide, powdery soft beaches, many beach bums in training perfect the art of doing nothing while others take the more active approach of parasailing, beach volleyball,
football or a friendly game of Frisbee. Regardless of the choice, the area offers a variety of beaches, ranging from action-packed to quiet seclusion. Parents with little ones or the sometimes-grumpy teenager flock to the local attractions, such as the water and amusement parks, miniature golf or even the internationally known zoo, which was featured on the Animal Planet. History buffs find a rich collection of historic sites and charming local museums. Meanwhile, nature lovers can take a guided tour through the state park or wander through the refuge’s serene trails. Also, visitors cannot leave Pleasure Island without at least one maiden voyage
on the area’s waterways, whether it’s landing the first catch aboard a charter boat or setting sail on a nature or dolphin watching cruise. Plus, the adults are not left out of the fun as the area offers 10 signature golf courses and a shopping basket full of lifestyle centers and charming beachside boutiques. Spring visitors might wish to party with an outdoor concert as The Wharf presents Styx and REO Speedwagon
(April 14) and Chris Young (April 20). Browse the Orange Beach Waterfront Festival of Art (March 10-11), or fall in love with a hotrod at the Bama Coast Cruise (April 2628). Meanwhile, birds of a feather flock to the annual spring banding at Fort Morgan (April), or take a guided tour at the refuge (multiple dates). Finally, kick off the summer season at the Hangout Music Festival, May 18 - 20. Located directly on the sand,
enjoy three days of nonstop concerts performed on six full-size stages just steps from the Gulf. For more information on these events or the Alabama Gulf Coast, check out www.gulfshores.com, or call the local vacation planning specialists at 1-800-745-SAND (7263). Courtesy of the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB ¤
A Healthy Dose of Southern Hospitality with Anchor Vacations At Anchor Vacations, we strive to give you a healthy dose of the southern hospitality that we are known for! With Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama vacation rentals available at rates anyone can afford, our properties vary from beautiful luxurious gulf front condos or private homes to comfortable, quiet getaway cottages on the Little Lagoon just minutes from beautiful sugar white beaches. Spring and Summer guests receive our free amenities package!
This includes 1 free adult pass that can be used daily for the free dolphin cruises, a free fishing charter or admission to the famous Waterville U.S.A. waterpark (some restrictions may apply). Enjoy these activities as well as sandy beaches, tasty seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and The Tanger Outlet Mall. Our goal is to make your expectations of a dream vacation come true, with memories that will last for years to come. ¤
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
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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 ¤ 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 to name a few, are all there for you and your family to enjoy. ¤
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 downtown, the area offers something for everyone. The City’s rich heritage includes numerous interesting sites that help make history relevant to old and new
generations. Destination choices include Underground Railroad sites, Downtown murals, Historic Homes Walking Tour, the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion, David Strawn Art Gallery and the Voices of Jacksonville Audio Tour where you can listen to stories about Abraham Lincoln. Looking for unique shopping, dining or lodging? Visit www.jacksonvilleil.org or call 1-800-593-5678 to request your tourist information packet. ¤
INDIANA
Create Spring Memories in Indiana Looking for something to do a little closer to home this year? Looking to make your dollar stretch further, but still create Spring Break memories? Try on these fun, semi-outdoor, wearyourself-out activities. Go fishing - on Lake Michigan. Bring your pole and charter a boat for a big catch. You still might need
a jacket though for those cold lakeeffect winds. Go Geocaching - grab a treasure map (your GPS device) and look for treasure. Some of Indiana’s hot spots are in South (Mitchell) and North (Shipshewana, Warsaw & Plymouth). Find more at Geocaching.com. Don’t have a GPS device? Northern
Indiana’s destinations will provide one. Go explore - at a state park. Indiana State Parks offer lots to explore, places to stay and fun things to learn. Brown County State Park offers indoor water fun, Turkey Run State Park has great hiking trails and Spring Mill State Park offers historical village exploration.
Go train - Take a scenic train ride on one of seven Indiana railroads - Whitewater Valley Railroad (Connersville), CKS Railroad (Knightstown), French Lick Scenic Railway, Hesston Steam Railroad (La Porte), Indiana Transportation Museum (Noblesville), Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum (North Judson) and the Spirit of Jasper (Jasper). Or
try all seven. All offer themed rides, such as dinner trains, train robberies, festival and holiday trains. Whatever the experience, you’ll love restarting your Spring Break engine in Indiana! Visit the Indiana Office of Tourism Development at VisitIndiana.com or 1-800-677-9800.
Spring into Southern Indiana With A Weekend Getaway to Dubois County! Enjoy several unique festivals, grand architecture, historic attractions, great shopping, and destination golfing! For outdoor enthusiast, the 8,800-acre Patoka Lake offers fishing, boating, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, and water-skiing and is surrounded by 26,000 acres of DNR property that is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Local wineries and breweries offer award winning samples – also get both the wines 4
and brews at the Garden Gate Jazz, Art, Wine, and Craft Beer Festival this April! While in the area, also be sure to tour the awe-inspiring Monastery Immaculate Conception, a castle-like structure featuring a beautiful domed church. Shopping will surround you in Dubois County! In downtown Jasper and Huntingburg, browse specialty and antique shops featuring a chocolate shops, home décor, clothing boutiques, gift shops, and our homemade ice cream shop.
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TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ SPRING 2018
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FLORIDA
The Sunshine State Offers Something for Everyone
Known as the “Sunshine State” because of its balmy, sunny weather, Florida has more theme parks, entertainment centers and sport activities than any other part in the country. Its fantasy theme parks and attractions, exciting nightlife and leisurely days on the best beaches in the world make it an ideal place for vacations. Thousands of beautiful lakes and magnificent rivers and its 1,350 miles of coastline make it ideal for boating, sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling and swimming. For a sportsperson, Florida is a vacation
paradise. Its warm summers and mild winters make it possible to enjoy boating, camping, golfing and water sports. The beaches are some of the finest in the world and have been rated among the top ten each year in Dr. Beach’s America’s Best Beach list each year. They are rated among the best for beauty, facilities and ease of access. Families, couples or singles enjoy year round sunshine and soft white sand and clear water. The waters along its beaches are generally warm in comparison to the
rest of the country. Beaches are a great way to get out in the sun, to play, to stroll and look for shells or to relax on a beach chair in the warm sunshine while reading a good book or just enjoying the companionship and the activity all around. With the many miles of coastline and the hundreds of natural lakes, Florida offers much for boaters. It is ideal for power-boating, sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing and canoeing. Like fishing? You will find bass fishing, inshore saltwater and flats fishing and offshore saltwater
fishing if you want to catch the “big ones.” You may bring your own boat or charter one. Common and popular game fish include the sailfish and blue marlin. Florida is the “golf capital of the world.” The year round sun attracts hundreds of thousands of golfers each year. There are over 1,000 public, private and semiprivate courses in which numerous cheap golf courses are also available. No
matter what your golfing ability or budget, courses are accessible to suit all needs. To avoid large crowds and packed attraction, as well as expensive lodging, make plans to visit Florida during the off-season, which is during the months of May through October. This is also a popular time for families with school-age children. Traveling during the “off seasons” can be rewarding. ¤
Northwest Florida’s Premier Beachfront Vacation DESTINation! Creating an unforgettable beach vacation experience...that’s what Destin Gulfgate is all about. Whether your toes are in the emerald green waters, you’re sitting in one of our loungers on the beach or you are enjoying the view from your balcony, relaxing begins immediately. Destin Gulfgate’s luxurious beachfront condos are among the largest 2 bedroom condos in Destin and offer the ultimate family beach
vacation on the Emerald Coast. All units have a 30’ private balcony offering panoramic views of Destin’s sugar white beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the privacy of our exclusive beach access while in the heart of Destin.
Destin Gulfgate guests enjoy a beachside, zero entry pool, fitness center with Gulf views, free beach setup (March through Thanksgiving), free high speed wireless Internet, reception facility, gated entry to property, beach access and more. ¤
Start a New Vacation Tradition with Moonspinner Your search is over for the prime vacation destination on Panama City Beach FL. Moonspinner Condominiums, where the beach and nature meet, located adjacent to St. Andrews State Park. We offer 24-hour security, two lighted PREMIER Tennis courts, heated pool, kiddie pool and hot tub, baseball/softball batting cage, exercise room, basketball, shuffleboard, FREE local, long distance and FREE WIFI in every room. New electric car charging stations. Our seasonal beach service offers dolphin tours, wave runners, parasail
rides and beach chair rentals. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, bicycling or just being part of nature, the St. Andrews State Park is the way to go. Nestled on the quiet end of the beach, you are only minutes away from fine dining, marinas and boat launching just to name a few. Let us make a new tradition for your family. Call or book online today! Moonspinner Condominiums 4425 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, Florida 32408 1-800-223-3947 www.Moonspinner.com ¤
Garrett Realty Heats Up Your Beach Vacation Since 1987, Seagrove Beach FL Vacation Rentals Garrett Realty Services, Inc. has been welcoming guests to the Beaches of South Walton and the laid-back, Old-Florida lifestyle that can only be Seagrove Beach. We offer the finest selection of Gulf-front/Gulf-side townhomes, condominiums and private homes available along Scenic 30-A between world famous Seaside and Rosemary Beach. While our diversity and quality of accommodations is huge, we offer personalized service that will make you feel like family. TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ SPRING 2018
Take advantage of your muchdeserved opportunity to relax your mind, rejuvenate your body, rekindle your relationships and remember what’s good about life – just waiting to be discovered through a walk on the beach, a sunrise over the Gulf or a bike ride by one of our many Coastal Dunes Lakes. Who knows? Maybe even a dolphin will show up for an early-morning greeting. We look forward to being a part of your next vacation. Garrett Realty Services, Inc. 800-537-5387 www.garrettrealty.com ¤
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TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ SPRING 2018
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TENNESSEE
Tennessee is the Place to Be 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. Your quest for the perfect Tennessee getaway ends here. Let your adventure begin!
Tennessee Overhill Promotes Cultural Tourism The Tennessee Overhill is named in honor of the Overhill Cherokee settlements that once sat alongside the rivers that wind through this diverse region. Slow down to watch a kayaker manhandle a river rapid or to admire a fine team of mules. Whether you prefer screaming down whitewater
rapids, riding a scenic mountain railroad excursion, gliding the clear blue sky or charging up a ridge on a mountain bike, you will experience adventure here. Hike a forest trail or listen to the sounds of a creek from a cabin front porch. Two national scenic byways and several back roads allow you to experience nature.
Museums, historic sites and heritage trails reveal stories of Cherokee Indians, fur traders, settlers, loggers, miners, railroaders and mill hands, the people who shaped this land. Small towns provide shopping, dining and lodging. There are theaters with live music and plays and art galleries that display the work of local artisan. ¤
Visit Elizabethton/Carter County in the Mountains of Northeast Tennessee Beautiful Elizabethton/Carter County TN located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. With four distinct seasons, Carter County has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing on Watauga Lake or one of our many rivers and streams. The Watauga River offers a 2 mile Trophy Trout Stream! Carter
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County’s many natural resources allow for camping, biking, hiking and more at various times of the year. Challenge yourself to an easy-tomoderate hike on the Appalachian Trail. Shopping in downtown Elizabethton and taking part in one of our many annual festivals and events are other great ways to experience Carter County. Whether one enjoys outdoor adventures, shopping, dining at fabulous restaurants, relaxing
at a Bed & Breakfast or learning more about early American history, Carter County is a destination worth exploring. Annual events in Carter County include Roan Mountain Easter Egg Hunt, Outdoor movies at the historic State Line Drive-In, Saturday Night Cruise-In Antique Car Show, Covered Bridge Celebration, Rhododendron Festival, 4th of July Boat Parade, Liberty! The Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee, Native American Festival, Celtic Festival, Roan Mountain Chili Cook-Off, Autumn Harvest Festival, Trick-orTreating in downtown Elizabethton and Roan Mountain State Park, Lighting of the Frasier Fir, Christmas Parade and many more! Find the hidden gems that are exclusive to historic Elizabethton/ Carter County. CREATE a memory. DISCOVER something new. EXPLORE the past AND present. Visit Elizabethton/Carter County, TN! Visit our website www.elizabethtonchamber.com to learn more! ¤
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Make your way to the Smokies for these events during Springfest. April 7-8, 2018 in the Smoky Mountains: Play a part in the fun and excitement of the Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, an event perfect for adults, children and of course all visitors. Enter the tournament for your chance at over $10,000 in cash and prizes. April 19 – 21, 2018: The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is a spectacular 3 day event for any car enthusiast! $10,00.00 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of showcars and car corral.
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April 24 – 28, 2018 in Gatlinburg: As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 68th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. May 8 – 12, 2018 in Pigeon Forge: Nature lovers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts unite for Wilderness Wildlife Week™ in Pigeon Forge which offers programs designed from youngsters to guided hikes for the more adventurous folks. May 18 - 19, 2019 in Sevierville: Sevierville’s Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is a family oriented event celebrating the beauty of
spring, championship barbeque and world class bluegrass music. Our Barbeque Cook-Off is an official barbeque championship of the state of Tennessee and is coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. www.mypigeonforge.com or 800-251-9100. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.gatlinburg.com or 800-588-1817. Sevierville Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.visitsevierville.com or 888-738-4378.
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TENNESSEE / KENTUCKY ~ SPRING 2018