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Florida Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia North Carolina South Carolina West Virginia
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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VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
maryland
MARYLAND
Narrow your Sights on Queen Anne’s County, Maryland Located 40 miles from Washington D.C., Queen Anne’s County is accessible by land, air and sea. Escape the hectic monotony of everyday by escaping to the Bay’s Eastern Shore with over 200 miles of panoramic waterways and acres of pastoral landscape. Kent Island is comprised of two towns: Stevensville and Chester. Stevensville boutique shops offer unexpected art treasures created by local artisans. Enjoy the pristine shores of our bay beaches including Matapeake Beach and Terrapin Nature Park. Chester and Grasonville are the anchors of the Kent Narrows Waterfront Village. This lively maritime based region connects Kent Island to the Delmarva Peninsula. Watermen of the area have chartered the Bay for generations. The locally owned restaurants specialize in serving the freshest “boat-to-table” cuisine. As the sun retires, the sounds of live music can be heard whistling across the water from the dock bars. Join
in the musical festivities or retire to your hotel, all offering desirable waterfront views. Explore the wetlands and woodlands of Chesapeake Bay
Environmental Center to learn about the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Observe the indigenous wildlife on a guided paddling tour or by chartered vessel. Hike or cycle the
waterfront Cross and South Island rail trails. Enjoy a crab feast at local restaurants. Tour the working landscapes to enjoy locally grown and raised products at a roadside stand or farm. Queen Anne’s County invites you to the lifestyle that always feels like vacation. Contact our office to receive a complimentary visitor kit 410-604-2100 welcome@qac.org ¤ county. Classic car meets, rallies, and shows are also regularly on the calendar. Ramble around and discover the past. Caroline’s small towns are hubs of shopping and dining activity. Visit galleries, boutiques and the arts center for one-of-a-kind items. You can taste the local flavors in fine dining while overlooking the Choptank River, take a cooking class or visit a winery. Extend your stay with an evening at a waterfront Bed & Breakfast, then wake up to find yourself in the Land of Pleasant Living. Visit Caroline County. You belong here! www.visitcaroline.org ¤
Explore Caroline County on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay Located on the Maryland’s Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, between the Choptank River and the Mason Dixon Line, Caroline County beckons you to explore. For outdoor adventure, Caroline offers miles of pristine waterways, curving country roads, two state parks, outstanding shooting, hunting and fishing facilities, a 400-acre native garden and numerous farms, from alpacas and horses to vineyards and vegetables. History buffs will uncover stories of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, rural life, sports, and distinguished personalities from the past, as told in museums and historical societies throughout the
VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
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maryland / pennsylvania
County of Kent – A Scenic Peninsula A scenic peninsula, on Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the County of Kent is less than a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Annapolis and Northern Virginia. Quaint waterfront towns, including Historic Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Betterton and Millington, offer sunset cruise charters, small beaches, kayaking, fishing charters, boating, sailing, museums, theaters, art galleries, shopping along treelined brick sidewalks, antiquing, terrific restaurants, winery, distillery, farmers’ and artisans’ market, local
seafood and more. Chestertown boasts Maryland’s second largest collection of 18th century structures. Catch a show at The Garfield Center for the Arts at Prince Theatre in Chestertown and the Mainstay in Rock Hall, which feature local to internationally renowned performers. While driving Maryland’s first National Scenic Byway, you will find stretches of low rolling farmland, dramatic sunsets, scenic beauty, rich heritage and some of the United States’ most quaint and beautiful towns. ¤
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
Your Tour Guide for Pennsylvania Vacation Getaway If you’re an animal lover, a Pennsylvania getaway is perfect for you. The first zoo in the United States calls Philadelphia home, as well as zoos in Erie, and the zoo and aquarium in Pittsburgh. Of course the animal lover who also loves the open outdoors will find nature in all her splendor at many Pennsylvania vacation destinations with an abundance of activities like camping,
hiking, horseback riding, climbing, star gazing and spelunking. The extensive expanse of underground caves throughout Pennsylvania is mind-blowing to the first time cave explorer, and enticing to the experienced spelunker. Or head for higher elevation in the mountains, where at night, the sky is so clear, the constellations shine their magical shapes to light your way as
the fresh air relaxes, refreshed and recharges you. Hunting is also a popular pastime on a Pennsylvania vacation, which games in abundance such as whitetail deer, black bear, cottontail rabbits,
squirrel, and grouse. Pennsylvania is also considered one of the finest turkey hunting states in America. For a lively time, PA holds many of the nation’s best music festivals in the nation every year, and is also
home to a great number of wet and dry amusement and theme parks. But whether vacationing with the family or the adults, your quest for the perfect Pennsylvania getaway ends here. Let your adventure begin!
Tour Roar Explore… Central PA! Get out your winter coat and mittens to take a road trip to State College this winter! The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, located lake side, is perfect for a weekend retreat. Hike the trails, sled ride or maybe even do some ice fishing! The breathtaking view will allow you to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm inside. Enjoy First Night State College to usher in the New Year, be greeted by Charles Dickens and candlelight carolers at Bellefonte’s Victorian
Christmas or enjoy an afternoon of skiing and tubing at Tussey Mountain Ski Area. Grab a putter for a round of mini golf on ice at Fun in the Snow at Black Mo. Take in any of the great shows at the State Theatre on the Penn State campus through the performances lined up by the Center for the Performing Arts. If enjoying Big Ten sports is more your game, grab tickets for national championship contending Penn
State Wrestling. Sit courtside at the Bryce Jordan Center for Penn State Basketball or reserve your tickets for Penn State Hockey at Pegula Ice Arena. Request a Central PA Visitor’s Guide…it is packed full of ideas and fun to plan any trip. Contact the Central PA Convention & Visitors Bureau for the latest deals and packages at 800-358-5466 or online at VisitPennState.org. ¤
You Story Begins with the Susquehanna River Valley Explore and discover treasures in or bed and breakfasts. At every turn Pennsylvania’s pristine Susquehanna you will find something to amaze and River Valley. Spend the day hitting inspire you. the trails - snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or snow shoeing in our State Parks and Forests. Take time to visit our award winning wineries and breweries found throughout the Susquehanna River Valley. Attend a seasonal festival, visit a historical museum, go antiquing or shop local at our fine retailers and unique stores. Finish the day with a romantic dinner for two or share your day’s adventures with friends and family at one of our world-class pubs or restaurants located in one of our picturesque downtowns. Plan a trip for the day or turn it into a get away by staying at one of our cozy hotels, cabins, cottages 4
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VisitCentralPA.org or 877-207-8599 ¤
VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
virginia
VIRGINIA
Mountains of Adventure in Tazewell County Southwestern Virginia Tazewell County, Virginia is home to the best hiking, biking, ATV trails, motorcycle routes and spectacular scenic vistas. The Back of the Dragon is the premier riding road in the nation, with 32 miles and over 300 curves. Explore the Exhibition Mine and Museum in Pocahontas. The Coal Miners’ Memorial stands as a tribute
to the men and women in the mining industry. Experience a settler’s life in the early 1800s Historic Crab Orchard Museum. Tour Pioneer Park village, featuring 15 log and stone buildings. The beautiful Clinch River headwaters has excellent fishing spots. Enjoy the phenomenal view at the Cedar Bluff Overlook Park and Trail at the observation deck at the summit.
If you’re looking for a slower pace or an exhilarating experience, Tazewell County – nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia, has it all! Tazewell County Tourism Bluefield, VA 24605 800.588.9401 www.visittazewellcounty.org ¤
Live the Life in Virginia Beach! Refreshing breezes are in the air. The warm majestic ocean challenges the brave adventurer. Grab a surfboard, swim through the mighty waves, kayak with dolphins, embark on a sport fishing adventure – or perhaps just lay on the sun-drenched beach all day long. What a life! Throughout the year, Virginia Beach pulsates with cultural celebrations, live music performances and diverse festivals, bringing the sights, sounds
and flavors of the world to the oceanfront. The shoreline is just one way to experience the resort city’s entertainment and adventure. For those who long to strap on their running shoes, throw the kayak in the ocean or sleep under the stars, nature’s gifts await you in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is a wonderland for those desiring physical adventure. More than 18,600 acres of state
VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
parks and wildlife refuges, over 121 navigable miles of waterways and 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches give visitors a variety of landscapes for exploring the great outdoors. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park offer a combined 13,400 acres of numerous hiking trails, and are home to over 300 species of nesting and migratory songbirds, American bald eagles, shorebirds and ducks, as well as otters, white-tailed deer, red fox,
loggerhead turtles, feral pigs, and reptiles. From April through October, visitors may travel into the heart of the parks on a tram and explore by foot from there. For a more challenging aquatic adventure, embark on a dolphin watching kayaking trip to observe the bottlenose dolphins as they feed, tail slap and jump among the ocean’s waves. After all the activity, it’s time to spend lazy days luxuriating on the sun-drenched beaches. Warm sand
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sliding between bare toes beckons to sunbathers and sandcastle-builders. Virginia Beach’s 3-mile boardwalk boasts a separate bike path, perfect for strolling, rollerblading, biking or just people watching. As the sun sets, enjoy the taste of coastal cuisine as you savor succulent seafood dishes, from steamed shrimp to oysters on the half shell. Live the Life in Virginia Beach. 800-VA-BEACH / www.vbfun.com
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north carolina
Dolphin Realty: A Vacation to Remember! Dolphin Realty Hatteras Village NC has been accommodating vacationers for over 27 years with its vacation rentals. We are a small company, which allows us to give our guests and owners that special attention. Our rentals are from Avon to Hatteras and range in size from One Room Efficiencies to Four Bedrooms. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in planning your Hatteras Island Vacation. We make every effort to make sure that your vacation is one that you will remember for many years to come and that you will want to return to again and again. Please call our office at 800-338-4775, if you need assistance or if you need any additional information that is not provided on our website. Dolphin Realty 56821 NC HWY 12 Hatteras Island, NC 27943 800-338-4775 www.dolphinrealtyhatteras.com See ad next page ¤
Engage your Senses on North Carolina’s Coast From the Outer Banks to Sunset Beach and all points in between, North Carolina’s Coast has been a favorite vacation destination for generations. With exciting events and venues, but also uncrowded beaches, the character and charm of Eastern North Carolina entices visitors year after year. More than 300 miles of sandy beaches and two national seashores beckon beachcombing, exploring lighthouses, boating, or playing in the ocean. Relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation are what you’ll find in Eastern North Carolina. It’s all here, shouldn’t you be? Engage your senses at Cape Hatteras, named one of 2014’s “Ten Best Beaches in the US” by Dr. Beach, the county’s first national seashore and try some board surfing or beachcombing. Climb any of the coastal lighthouses for amazing ocean views. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk and stand where the Wright brothers took flight. While in Kitty Hawk, go fly a kite on the beach, or pick up a surfboard or kayak and experience the Outer Banks from a different vantage point. If relaxation is on your agenda, head out to any of the beaches and enjoy the rolling sand dunes and the sound of waves crashing. Eastern North Carolina features charming small towns where you can appreciate life at an easier, relaxed pace. Stroll through unique NC coastal towns to shop and dine on the catch of the day. Experience the scenic beauty of Coastal North Carolina along the sandy beaches of the Crystal Coast and climb the Cape Lookout National Seashore Lighthouse. Visit historic sites featuring Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts. Take in a sunrise and sunset at Brunswick Islands where south facing beaches allow you to see both. Enjoy the sound of the waves rolling in; appreciate the sunsets, sand between your toes and feeling of bliss at Emerald Isle Beach. Spend the day swimming and playing at Topsail or Ocean Isle Beach. See newly hatched baby sea turtles begin their journey to the sea. When the sun sets, you’ll find many charming bed and breakfast inns, popular hotels, and beach house rentals to rest up for another day. Plan an unforgettable NC beach getaway along the scenic shores of North Carolina’s Coast. VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
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VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
south carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA
Create Your Vacation Memories and Traditions with Thomas Beach Vacations Vacations are special and so are the choices you make on where to spend them. Looking for a private home with pool…pet-friendly rental... luxury oceanfront condo with lots of amenities…or a quiet waterway house? Look no further than Thomas Beach Vacations—which has been providing outstanding offerings and quality services for over 50 years.
There is a reason so many of our guests come back year after year. We want your vacation to exceed your expectations. We take pride in our awards for cleanliness and our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Those are the high standards you can expect from Thomas Beach Vacations. You’ll find plenty of fun in familyfriendly North Myrtle Beach and
Myrtle Beach. The most difficult part will be deciding what to do— amusement and water parks, professional baseball, championship golf, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, aquarium, and so much more. And it also is a shopper’s Mecca: one-of-a-kind boutiques, specialty shops at Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, Market Commons, Tanger Factory Outlets and Coastal
Grande Mall. The Palace, Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry and House of Blues offer world-class entertainment for all ages. Let Thomas Beach Vacations make your vacation a memory of a lifetime. We know you have plenty of choices. We want to be the rental company that becomes your automatic choice. “My family and I greatly appreciated our stay. … It was
wonderful staying in such a wellmaintained facility, truly a home away from home. It is great that you all take such pride in providing families with such a great place to stay. We will always use you for our future stays and we will refer our friends and family to you as well. Thank you again for the memorable stay!” Gretchen C—Bristol, TN ¤
Find Your Winter Happy Place at Ocean Lakes Family Campground We have a campsite or beach house for you this winter in Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a national award-winning resort destination located in Myrtle Beach, SC. Ocean Lakes features 300 beach house rentals that sleep 4 to 22 people. Our 859 campsites are large, pull-through, with full hook-ups, including Wi-Fi, and concrete pads are available 630 sites. Our rates are inclusive, we don’t add on for pets, people or hookups. Big Rig friendly, but tents are welcome! The
Recreation team plans activities all year long! Our amenities include Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center Games, Mini-Golf, Cafe and more. Enjoy our indoor pool, including water aerobics. Don’t sweat the necessities in life with Sandy Mart, Sandy’s Soapy Suds, Wireless Zone and more. Ocean Lakes RV Center offers RV service, sales and supplies. Customer service and online reviews garnered TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. ¤
VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
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VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
west virginia
WEST VIRGINIA
Something for Everybody with these Beckley, WV Tourist Attractions Beckley, WV has been named ‘One of the 20 best small towns for cultural enrichment’ by Smithsonian Magazine. Raleigh County is an outdoor playground. There’s an energy and tranquility that you’re not likely to find in other places. Traditions keep visitors in touch with southern heritage. The Beckley-Exhibition Coal Mine – Tour a once operational coal mine with an experienced former coal
miner as your guide. Learn how coal was mined years ago. Youth Museum – Located just below the coal mine, ever-changing interactive exhibits. Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia – An artisan center featuring the works of over 1600 cottage industry artisans in a spectacular facility. Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery – Adult classes, kid’s activities, handmade gifts, fine art.
VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017
Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre – Live plays and old movies from the Golden age of Hollywood, in downtown Beckley. Pottery Place – Create your own masterpiece at this paint-your-own studio. Outside-In Climbing Gym – Indoor, year-round climbing facility for all experience levels. Daniel Vineyards – Take a tour and tasting of great mountain wines.
Burning Rock ATV Park and Zip Lines – Get your heart racing and put a smile on your face in the great outdoors. Mountain State Mini Golf – Featuring holes named after local attractions, Outside-In Climbing Gym and visit Chocolate Mousse Roasted Coffee for your favorite Joe or ice cream after the game. Beckley Area Derby Dames – Flat track Roller Derby at its best.
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Winterplace Ski Resort – 27 trails, 2 terrain parks and 16 snow tubing lanes. Family fun for all ages and skill levels. Weathered Ground Brewery – Visit the taproom and discover true flavor in small batch WV farmhouse ales. Beckley Raleigh County Beckley, WV 25801 855-977-1785 or 304-252-2244 www.raleighcountyevents.com ¤
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VIRGINIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ WINTER 2017