Richard B. Russell State Park golf course

My fiance just got back from a boys golf trip, and once again, he raved about the cabins they all stayed in at Richard B. Russell State Park near Atlanta, Georgia. I’d better check this place out, I thought. And as soon as I did, I wanted to go. Not only were all the cabins on or very close to the lake, but there’s an 18-hole championship golf course called Arrowhead Pointe, a huge, gorgeous lake where you can go water skiing and rowing, disc golf, beach volleyball and miles of hiking and biking trails.

And, imagine waking up to this every morning outside your cabin:

Richard B Russell State Park Sunrise

Not bad, right?

As for the cabins themselves, they’re all very “cottage-ey” and rustic looking and have plenty of space. It appears that they’re all two-bedroom cottages with comfy beds, large living areas and most have great views of the lake. The surrounding state park is beautiful.

These cabins sound like a wonderful getaway opportunity for either a couple or a small group, since there’s something for everyone in every season. And if you want to rough it a bit more, you can camp outdoors underneath the stars, too.

Perfect cabins for every season – including chilly winters when you can crawl up in front of the cozy fireplaces!
Photo Credit: Elvin Lopez

by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

As a travel writer who spends more than half of my life on the road I am constantly in search of hotels or motels that are sparkling clean, well-equipped and furnished, and affordably priced. Properties that meet this criteria are surprisingly rare, but during a recent investigation of Florida’s Nature Coast, I discovered one that more than fit the bill: the Two River’s Inn in Dunnellon, Florida.

Blues Brothers sculpture stands at the entrance to the Two Rivers Inn

Dunnellon wasn’t on my planned itinerary, but as I drove through town a sign proclaiming “Boomtown Historic District” caught my eye. I detoured to see the lovely old restored homes and commercial buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue. At the end of the street I found the Two Rivers Inn. Mounted in front of this otherwise unassuming row of concrete block cottages was a full-size statue of the Blues Brothers. I took it as a sign; I’d been feeling a bit blue – maybe this town would cure what ailed me.

In short order the innkeepers had hooked me up with a $59 room. Given the exceedingly inexpensive rate, I was prepared for the worst, and I held my breath as I opened the front door. My  jaw dropped in astonishment. This was no dump! Read More »

Are you one of the lucky rich folk who have so far remained unscathed by the economic downturn? If so, then you practically owe it to yourself to celebrate with a stay at the best hotel in the country.

And what great timing! Forbes just announced this year’s winner of the official bragging rights honorific “Top Hotel in America”: the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

San Ysidro Ranch Resort, Montecito, California

The grounds are simply gorgeous. The Ranch is located in Montecito, in the wine country just south of Santa Barabara in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range foothills. It’s so romantic that John and Jackie Kennedy chose the resort for their honeymoon.

Cottage at San Ysidro Ranch

The property is made up of 41 suites and cottages, each with a king sized bed, luxury linens, robes, slippers, baskets of goodies, maid service twice a day, private entrance, fireplace and/or patios.

The Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch

As you would expect from the Top. Hotel. In. America., the restaurant is world-class. Chef John Trotta uses vegetables and herbs grown on site, and (as all good hotels should) The Stonehouse has a full bar.

Interesting side note: Billionaire owner Ty Warner is the guy who owns Ty Inc., the company that makes Beanie Babies. So in a way, this hotel is supported by children who collect stuffed animals.

What about rates? Well, it’s a luxury resort, so brace yourself. The lowest rate I saw was $650/night, when you book for multiple nights. Single nights in the suites were in the $1,000+ range, but again: this is The Best.