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Historic Alexandria - Pages 4-5
Visit Hendersonville – Pages 14-15
Chetola Resort
The Polar Express: NC Transportation Museum –
“Our City, Centuries of History”
- Pages 6-7 “One Resort, Limitless Fun!”
Bryce Resort – Pages 8-9 “Endless Adventure”
Let’s Go Shopping – Pages 10-11 “ Your Guide to Smart Holiday Shopping”
Visit Atlanta – Pages 12-13
“Holiday Cheer in Hendersonville”
Pages 16-17 “ A Magical Journey to the North Pole”
Winter Trippin’ – Pages 18-19 “Tips for Winter Travel”
Welcome to the Southeast Education Network's Holiday and Winter Travel Guide! While the Southeast Education Network (SEEN) is dedicated to the professional development of K12 educators in the region, we know our educators are people with lives outside the classroom. It’s because we know you have a “fun, cool, adult social” side — that we want to bring you travel ideas specifically for your families and loved ones over the upcoming Winter Break. Our 2018 Winter Travel Guide is just the beginning of SEEN’s new travel focus — as we will be highlighting more leisure travel options for our readers in 2019. So, turn the page for some great travel options this winter and don’t forget about some of the SEEN Team’s favorite vacation spots: Sherry Brooks, Managing Editor – The mountains! I love the snow, outdoors, and shopping - and shopping always comes first! Scott Grasso, Account Representative Williamsburg, Virginia is a family favorite. It’s
close to everything – beaches, waterparks, and amusement parks. I also like to go to the mountains and look forward to exploring the North Carolina mountains. Charles Sosnik, Account Representative/ Senior Editor – The Biltmore House is beautiful this time of year. I also enjoy, locally, McAdenville. The holiday lights displayed every year and the downtown shops in McAdenville are worth the traffic. Charleston and Savannah are also great places to travel during the winter months. Monty Todd, Creative Director – Use this opportunity to hop on a plane and fly South! You know they celebrate the holidays in the Caribbean, right? James Moore, Account Representative – I really like Asheville in the winter. The mountains, lights and nature are really great this time of year.
Jean Carter, Account Representative – Home to Tennessee and visiting the Gatlinburg area to see a Christmas Parade, theater, see snow, and eat great mountain food with my family. My most favorite winter trip was in Austria when our group had Christmas dinner with an Austrian family. We did not speak their language, did not know what the heck we were eating or drinking but still felt their love to us. A warm greeting and a big hug is the same in all languages. I would love.. love.. love.. to return for another visit. Deirdre Edwards, Editor-In-Chief – You can find me on a beach somewhere or enjoying city lights with close family and friends.
Enjoy your time off!
Destinations
Historic Alexandria
Footsteps from Washington, D.C., yet a world away, Alexandria, Virginia, combines the history of the capital region with a family atmosphere. Named one of the top 5 small cities in the U.S., Alexandria is a place to explore chapters of American history all in one city. From 18th century ships recently unearthed by Alexandria Archaeology to the early Civil Rights movement featured at the Alexandria
Black History Museum, explore how the city evolved through the centuries. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll along brick sidewalks lined with lights and storefronts decked for the holidays, following George Washington’s footsteps to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and beyond. Special holiday events abound during December! Candlelight Tours, an annual holiday tradition, invite guests to
enjoy Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Alexandria Black History Museum, and Lee-Fendall House with seasonal decorations, entertainment, and light refreshments. Or learn about Christmas traditions during the Civil War with Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site’s Christmas in Camp. This program features a patriotic Union Santa Claus, soldiers and civilians celebrating the holiday in winter camps, fort tours, and kids’ activities. Alexandria’s History Museum at The Lyceum hosts special holiday concerts including the popular Colonial Handbell
Ringers. For more information and tickets for any of these events, visit www.AlexandriaVA.gov/Historic. Also this year, mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Visit the Alexandria History Museum, which features Alexandrians Fight the Great War, an exhibition highlighting the lives of local residents during the Great War. Need some help planning your trip? Head to www.VisitAlexandriva.com for a list of everything from attractions to shopping and dining. Want to bring your school? Visit www.AlexandriaVA. gov/Historic or call 703.746.4242 for help planning tours for any age! www.seenmagazine.us
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One Resort, Limitless Fun!
Book Online Chetola.com
Explore Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock, an 87-acre resort within walking distance of a quaint mountain village, neighboring a 3,600-acre National Park and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Enjoy first-class accommodations in Chetola’s Lodge, luxury Condominiums or the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort, as well as fine dining at Timberlake’s Restaurant. Discover The Spa at Chetola Resort, our
Call us Direct 800-243-8652
Health and Wellness programs, and the many opportunities for recreation at Chetola Lake and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Chetola also offers exceptional meeting and conference facilities and is a favorite destination for weddings and events. Be sure to check out our vacation packages and specials, and subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you updated about events and offerings at our mountain resort throughout the year.
WIN A WEEKEND “It’s time to unwind at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC! The Southeast Education
Network (SEEN) is partnering with Chetola Resort to offer a great
weekend
getaway at the 87-acre property. Here’s what your weekend at Chetola would include: · A two –night stay at the Bob Timberlake Inn (complete with a private innkeeper/concierge) · A couples Swedish massage at The Spa at Chetola Resort · Breakfast for two each morning · Dinner for two during your stay But…before you pack your bags… you have got to enter the drawing by December 14th for the resort getaway.
ENTER NOW BY CLICKING HERE www.seenmagazine.us
Or going to www.seenmagazine.us/Seen-Prizes SEEN Magazine |
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Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, two hours west of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Bryce is a member-owned, four season sports and recreation resort dedicated to serving its members, guests, and visitors. New this year, is The Shenandoah Center - Bryce’s newest build, slope-side. Opening in December 2018, the 4500+ sq ft room features open spaces, views of the ski slopes and a large, stone fireplace. Bryce mountain features two beginner, four intermediate, and one expert trail during the winter season as well as a Winter Tubing hill. And for those who haven’t skied before or are looking to try something new, Bryce offers one of the top learning schools in the nation - Horst Locher Ski School. Guests can choose from First-Time Packages, Kinder School, or Private Lessons. During the summer months, Bryce Bike Park is a popular stop for many travelers and groups looking for adventure. Bryce also offers Zipline Adventure with 11 different lines criss-crossing the mountain, 8
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a summer Tubing hill, serene Lake Laura, an 18-hole PGA Championship Golf Course, and much more. For more info or to book your next group adventure, visit bryceresort. com or call 540-856-2121.
ENDLESS ADVENTURE Skip the crowd and purchase tickets online at
bryceresort.com
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It’s that time of year where everyone is scrambling to find great deals and great presents as the year comes to an end. Some of you will still head to your local mall or retailer, but more of you will be scouring for deals online. According to a recent article on www.retaildive.com, 46. 2% of gift purchases will be done online this year – while 28.5% will shop in-store, and 25.3% planning to use both in-store and online (www.retaildive.com, “80% of online shoppers will use Amazon this holiday season, October 15, 2018, Dan Alaimo). The top online retailer for shoppers – you guessed it – Amazon. The article also says while most people use their desktops to shop online (about 46%), shoppers – about 43% - are also using their phones to make those great purchases. So…whether you’re headed to the mall or shopping from your phone, here are some tips and tricks to remember, from shopping experts, when trying to snag those great deals:
Plan Your Shopping Days –
It comes as no surprise Black Friday is one of the best days to shop online and in-store. However, there are, according to Learnvest.com and 10
SEEN Magazine | Hello Winter!
Jon Lal, CEO of BeFrugal, better days than others to hunt for deals. Learnvest contributor, Natasha Burton, says Small Business Saturday is a great way to save at local mom-and-pop shops, while also giving back to your community. The article says consumers need to be on the lookout for deep discounts on gift cards – as store owners use them to get repeat customers. The weekend after Thanksgiving is also a great time to shop as well for power and hardware tools, according to Learnvest, as the prices will be lower the weekend after Black Friday. Cyber Monday. I think this day needs no explanation – as almost everyone surfs the net for the best deal on clothes this Monday after Black Friday. Just make sure you shop on secure sites – enjoy! Two of the least known days for shopping and savings – Green Monday (two weeks after Cyber Monday) and Free Shipping Day are also great days to take advantage of savings. According to Learnvest, Green Monday is historically one of the busiest online shopping days of the year and retailers often use this day to offer discounts and encourage online shopping (and shipping) with ten more business days leading up to Christmas Day. Free Shipping Day, per Learnvest, is where online shoppers can buy from retailers and not pay a penny to have it shipped.
This year’s Free Shipping Day is Friday, December 14th.
Use social media to your advantage –
This is a great tip from Good Housekeeping (www.goodhousekeeping.com, “Follow These 18 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shopping, Amanda Garity.) and how I have gotten better gifts for my family and friends in recent years. By looking at their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media accounts, you can good idea of their interests and likes.
Shop with Credit Cards – So…
normally I would not say shop ‘til you drop with your credit card. But, if you are, this is the time of year to do it. According to Good Housekeeping, this is a great time to use the rewards points you’ve been racking up all year. Not a bad way to put your credit card to good use.
Make a List, Stay On Budget - Even though we just talked about using
your credit cards, it’s still important to stay on-budget. The easiest way to stay on-budget: make a list. Yes, a list will help you stay on task when it comes to shopping and knowing just how much you’re looking to spend on each person or overall.
Get Creative! – Another surefire way to
save money is to make your gifts. I know a lot of people balk at the thought these days, but a DIY gift can be just as good (and thoughtful) as the store-bought gift.
Music – Lastly, fill your shopping
experience with music. Not necessarily holiday music – but any music that puts you in a great state of mind while you’re shopping. In Reader’s Digest, The 15 Best Ways to Save Money on Your Holiday Shopping, contributor Damon Beres cites Mark Ellwood, author of Bargain Fever. Ellwood said in a recent TIME article that stress can actually make you spend more. He suggests listening to calming music when shopping to avoid busting your wallet (www.rd.com, The 15 Best Ways to Save Money on Your Holiday Shopping, Damon Beres).
Happy Shopping!
80% 57% 28% 28% 26% 9%
Destinations
Provided by: Atlanta CVB/ www.atlanta.net While Atlanta is sprawling with towering buildings made of glass and steel, it is truly a city in the forest, dotted with expansive green spaces. This urban oasis is a multi-cultural haven for residents and visitors alike, yet exudes Southern hospitality. Individuals from all walks of life add to the city’s charm and personality. Atlanta began as a railroad terminus and remains a transportation hub, but with a 21st-century, global approach. HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, and 80 percent of the U.S. population lives within a two-hour flight. Visitors can roll into Downtown directly from the airport by riding Atlanta’s public rail system, MARTA. Centennial Olympic Park is Downtown’s centerpiece and is anchored by the Fountain of Rings, an everlasting reminder of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Next door, attractions surround Pemberton Place such as Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Center for Civil and 12
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Human Rights. Atlanta Streetcar is the city’s modern-day trolley, carrying passengers from the convention and entertainment district to the eastside of the city. Sports fans have much to enjoy with a multitude of major league teams to see in action. At the state-of-the-art MercedesBenz Stadium, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons “Rise Up” and the city’s MLS team, Atlanta United FC, compete on the soccer pitch. At Philips Arena, men’s and women’s professional basketball teams, the NBA Hawks and WNBA Dream, take the court. For more football action, collegiate fans congregate at Chickfil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Just north of Downtown, the Atlanta Braves step up to bat at SunTrust Park. Atlanta’s rich history comes to life in Sweet Auburn Historic District, once the wealthiest black community in America. The area is a focal point for the American civil rights movement, as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Ebenezer Baptist Church are located within the district.
Beyond the city’s core, Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods are packed with personality. Midtown mixes elegance with culture. The Westside has become a magnet for foodies, design enthusiasts and shoppers. Buckhead blends boutiques and galleries with fabulous dining, while Little Five Points keeps it funky through bohemian grunge paired with eclectic shops and music spots. In Atlanta, chef-run restaurants dish up modern American cuisine in strikingly beautiful spaces. Among the cutting-edge eateries are cozy diners, cafés and bistros. The ethnic mom-and-pop restaurants along Buford Highway offer menus with little English and lots of flavor. Locally-owned craft breweries sprinkle the city, creating an unofficial ale trail for visitors to enjoy. Atlanta welcomes more than 1 million international visitors each year. Seventy-one countries have representation in Atlanta through a consulate or trade office, giving it a diverse economy. From arts and culture to music and cuisine, the city is full of multi-cultural opportunities for everyone. Atlanta sits at the intersection
of Southern charm, creativity and sophistication. It is easy to fall in love with this beautiful city – its worldclass attractions, award-winning dining and hidden wonders – and be inspired by the city’s endless possibilities. Here are just some of the great places and attractions to check out this Winter Break in Atlanta: Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker CNN Studio Tours High Museum of Art Zoo Atlanta Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Phipps Plaza Lennox Square Atlantic Station Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Check out more Atlanta holiday and winter fun here: http://issuu.com/ atlantacvb/docs/atlanta_now_novdec_2018_lr?e=5368713/65449467
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The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, NC, transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Home for the Holidays celebration. Each year, the town invites residents and visitors to delight in the spirit of the season by making memories with friends and family. Beginning in November and continuing through the New Year, visitors to Hendersonville enjoy festive decorations, holiday-themed performances, downtown events, a skating rink and more. Hendersonville officially welcomes the holiday season on Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving, with the Downtown 14
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Holiday Street Lighting. Attendees gather on the Historic Courthouse Plaza and sing Christmas carols. Santa arrives at dusk and flips the switch to illuminate two large trees at the courthouse and the lights along Main Street. Hendersonville’s serpentine Main Street, lined with trees and brick planters, transforms into a storybook Christmas town with block after block of twinkling lights and elaborately decorated storefronts. On Dec. 1, a traditional hometown Christmas parade makes its way down Main Street, complete with marching bands, floats and antique cars. “All of our holiday events are family-
oriented,” says Beth Carden, executive director of the Henderson County TDA. “We want families to come and spend time and make memories; that’s what it’s all about.” A favorite tradition returns for a third year Dec. 18-Jan. 1 and is bigger and better than before. The holiday skating rink at the Visitor Center will be larger this year, allowing 60 people to skate at one time. The synthetic “ice” creates a smooth surface that is ideal for beginners, yet authentic enough for seasoned skaters. The iceless rink allows for skating in any weather. Also new this year, the rink includes two curling lanes, so visitors can try their hand at the winter sport. Plenty of activities are available for skaters waiting their turn or for family members who prefer not to skate. Visitors can play games, roast marshmallows over a fire pit, take photos in Christmas-themed cutouts and sip hot chocolate and cider.
few new surprises. Children are the focus at the downtown location with “Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells,” Dec. 6-16. Based on the beloved Junie B. Jones book series by Barbara Park, the show is cute and catchy with a life lesson tucked in between the laughs. Step back in time with Christmas at Connemara at the Carl Sandburg Home on Saturday, Nov. 24. Poinsettias and simple decorations reflect the style of the Sandburg family. The day includes musicians, storytellers, arts and crafts, hot cider and cookies. On Dec. 9, spend the afternoon touring some of Hendersonville’s beautiful bedand-breakfasts during the Cookie Caper & Historic Inn Tour. Learn the history behind these prestigious properties and receive a sweet treat at each one. Season’s at Highland Lake — an elegant New this year, tractor-drawn hayrides will board at the Visitor Center and circle downtown to see the lights. On Dec. 21-23, Santa Claus will be on the Visitor Center stage listening to Christmas wish lists and taking photos. “A lot of our visitors to the skating rink are families, so they bring kids, parents, grandparents,” says Mia Freeman, a downtown merchant who oversees the skating rink. “We want everyone to have something fun to do even if they don’t want to be on the rink.” Downtown Hendersonville’s impressive variety of retail shops includes boutiques, art galleries, antiques stores and more. Each shopkeeper tries to outdo his or her neighbor for the annual Downtown Merchant Decoration Contest. Throughout the season, stores welcome shoppers with complimentary sweets, hot cider and Christmas carols. On Friday, Dec. 7, merchants celebrate an Olde Fashioned Christmas with extended shopping hours and special treats. Several markets throughout Hendersonville sell fresh greenery, wreaths, garland and Christmas trees. Flat Rock Playhouse, the official state theater of North Carolina, spreads holiday cheer with two shows. The main location in the village of Flat Rock presents “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas,” Nov. 29-Dec. 22. The original musical revue builds on last year’s record-breaking Christmas show, incorporating favorite seasonal tunes with a www.seenmagazine.us
restaurant known for its seasonally focused menu, well-appointed dining room and wine list — serves special meals throughout the holidays. Trust the expert staff with buffet meals for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Or treat yourself to a night out for the holiday wine dinner on Dec. 13 or New Year’s Eve dinner on Dec. 31. With so much to do in Hendersonville, you’ll want to make plans to stay. Whether you’re looking for a convenient hotel, romantic inn, homey vacation rental or pet-centric property, Hendersonville offers a variety of lodging options. For a full schedule of Home for the Holidays events and a complete list of accommodations, go to www. VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.
Don’t take the same old journey. Be somewhere genuine. Be somewhere amazing. Be changed.
playanydaygetawaycation
Call for your complimentary
800.828.4244
Getaway Guide
visithendersonvillenc.org
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Train Ride Takes Visitors on a Magical Journey to the North Pole THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer will begin service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride starting Nov. 16. The magical story comes to life when the train departs Barber Junction Depot at the N.C. Transportation Museum for a 70-minute round-trip journey to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. 16
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runs through Dec. 22 on select dates. Exact dates, fares and excursion times are available by calling 704-469-5231, or by visiting www.nctrans.org. Ticket prices for children (ages 2-11) range from $32 to $42 and for adults from $38 to $48, depending on date and class of service. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!
Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to the N.C. Transportation Museum. The journey begins Nov. 16 and
The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer The N.C. Transportation Museum, located in Spencer, N.C., about halfway between Charlotte and Greensboro, is located on the grounds of what was once Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the southeast – Spencer Shops. The site features historic buildings like the 90,000 square foot Back Shop, where locomotives were completely overhauled, and the largest remaining
roundhouse in North America, the Bob Julian Roundhouse, where steam locomotives were regularly serviced during the first half of the 20th century. When diesel engines replaced steam in the 1950s, Spencer Shops slowly shut down and the grounds were eventually given to the state of North Carolina in the late 1970s. Rather than simply being a historic site, however, Spencer Shops’ remaining structures are now filled with railroading exhibits and artifacts, along with aviation and automotive exhibits, creating a firstclass transportation museum. Train rides are also offered year-round on a seasonal schedule for a from-therails view of this amazing location. A visit to the N.C. Transportation Museum will fill your senses, with hulking steam locomotives, antique cars from more than 100 years ago, and aviation displays that include a full-size
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replica Wright Flyer and the ongoing restoration of the Potomac Pacemaker – a DC-3 that flew for Piedmont Airlines during the 1940s and 1950s. Amazing annual events include the Easter Bunny Express, the Fire Truck Festival, car shows, the Tractors and Trains Festival, Wind & Wings:
The Science of Aviation, Day Out With Thomas™ and, of course, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Begin planning a visit for yourself or your classroom online at www. nctrans.org or call 704-636-2889. The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer is the museum that moves you!
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“Over the river and through AVOID PEAK TRAVEL DATES the woods....” I’m quite sure you Smarter Travel know the rest! Well, winter It goes without saying the highways and airports are filled the day before Thanksgiving and always Christmas Eve. Smarter Travel says to avoid the hustle and bustle – try traveling travel has changed on less congested days. They say traveling on Thanksgiving Day is actually ideal and is a lot since that famous song more affordable – “with cut-rate air fare deals on Thanksgiving Day.” As for Christmas and New Year’s, they say the peak holiday travel dates change each year depending on which was written. These days it’s days the holidays fall. - www.smartertravel.com, 10 Tips Holiday Travel, June 2017 a lot more complex traveling during this busy season and it STAY CONNECTED takes a great deal of planning Travel Channel to get it right. Here are some Travel Channel makes a good point: Stock up on the latest travel apps before you leave home. The travel site suggests apps like GateGuru to give you things the experts say to approximate times you’ll spend in security at the airport, cheap gas if you’re consider as you’re packing driving (GasBuddy) or the cleanest bathrooms on the road (SitOrSquat). - www. travelchannel.com, Top 10 Survival Tips for Holiday Travel, Kathleen Rellihan your bags for winter fun: 18
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FLY EARLY OR DRIVE LATE Budget Travel
Budget Travel says either choice makes for a more pleasant travel experience during the holidays. In the article, Andrea Feczko, host of the ABC series Vacation Creation, says the first flight of the day is often the most affordable and, of course, flying early means there’s less of a chance that your flight (and any connecting flights) will be delayed. How about if you’re driving? Budget Travel advises you to hit the road after dark, when the roads are almost always emptier. - www. budgettravel.com, 7 Easy Holiday Travel Tips, November 2018
CHECK YOUR CAR AAA
If you’re driving, AAA says to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, the car association says to have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive. AAA also suggests you store valuables in the trunk of your car or a covered storage area and to keep your cell phones and chargers with you at all times.
SHIP GIFTS OR GIVE GIFT CARDS Travel Channel
Another travel gem from the Travel Channel. They say “TSA suggests to ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap a present to inspect it.” Or...you can skip all of this gift-wrapping business and just have tried and true gift cards ready for your loved ones. - www. travelchannel.com, Top 10 Survival Tips for Holiday Travel, Kathleen Rellihan
PACK PATIENCE AND SNACKS (in that order!)
We all know our physical bags should be packed light and carefully, but we should also pack our patience as well. The holidays and winter break can be a very stressful time for families trying to get to their loved ones and it always makes it a little easier when we’re able to “not sweat the small stuff.” Take the time to breathe, listen to awesome music, and munch on something good – all is well from there! www.seenmagazine.us
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