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

Bixby Bridge along Highway 1

Valentine’s Day is coming and what better place to escape to but the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. This luxurious hideaway is found along a ridge high above the Pacific Ocean and perfect for that quiet and romantic getaway.

The entrance and 98 acre property is hidden or rather tucked out of sight along the western edge of Highway 1 just south of the village and near Pfeiffer State Park.

Big Sur has been attracting creative types to its wild landscape and isolated location for decades, starting with authors Henry Miller, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac.

Looking northwest from our room

After Highway 1 was completed in 1937 the area was sought after by Orson Wells and his wife Rita Hayworth, who bought a cabin here in 1944. And one of my favorite Beach Boys album is Holland which features the song “California Saga/Big Sur”, written by Mike Love – it is the best.

Wide open views

Romantics as well as those looking for a peaceful retreat come to this area every year, and with the Santa Lucia Mountain Range dropping almost directly into the Pacific Ocean, secluded bays and unpredictable surf – Big Sur is the perfect secluded location.

The Post Ranch Inn has earned its reputation with the 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Romantic Hotel in the United States and the Conde Nast Traveler 2008 Gold List for World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines. And if that isn’t enough to convince you that this beautiful place is worth a visit, they were named one of the top “Ten Greenest Accommodations in the World” by Trip Advisor.

Private deck for condor watching

When I stayed here, the first thing I noticed was how secluded the property was away from the highway then how well organized it was. We parked our car below, on a lower part of the property and then were driven up to the registration. After checking in we were taken to our beautiful room overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The amenities are very high end and just enough to make you feel pampered rather than overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I loved touches like the little iron tea kettle in the mini-refrigerator, filled with cream for your coffee or tea. The rooms are furnished with fireplaces and a big fluffy beds that have a clerestory window above for star gazing.

I loved the way our Coast rooms were set along the ridge so that you may be close to your neighbor but when you go out onto your deck, you cannot see anyone near by – all you can see is the sunset, maybe a California Condor fly overhead (there are several pairs that live in the area), or possibly whales on their biannual migration north or south.

Sierra Mar Restaurant

During our stay I got up every morning and walked across the property down towards the pool, to the yurt for a yoga session – where we were never more than six guests, that was luxury.

Afterward there was still plenty of time to slowly walk back up the hillside for the free and delicious buffet breakfast in the restaurant. As a guest you will get preferential treatment for all of your meal reservations at their gorgeous Sierra Mar Restaurant – which showcases organic and seasonal foods.

A wonderful surprise treat you will find are the lovely sculptures situated throughout the property, sometimes in unexpected places.

Inside the Sierra Mar Restaurant

And did I mention the rooms do not have a television? This makes the experience even better and very special. Soak up the impressive landscape and views, meditate or read a little, snuggle up with that special someone, walk the uninhabited beaches near by – or if you prefer book some time at the spa.

Big Sur is special place in California and in the United States. Its fragile ecosystem was tested last year when the Basin Complex Fire forced a two week evacuation of the area just before the 4th of July holidays. However, this resilient area is again thriving and ready for visitors whether to stay in this luxurious hideaway or to enjoy the local parks and beaches.

Beautiful sculpture

If you are looking for a unique place to escape to that will rejuvenate you during this unsettled time or a wonderful and romantic getaway for that special Valentine’s Day this year – the Post Ranch Inn is it.

Now I realize this isn’t for everyone but I consider the higher price tag an investment in my well being and spirit – there is something about Big Sur and this part of the California coast that speaks to the artist in me.

Photo credits to sfcphotography

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, New York is one of the few “must see” places in the U.S. that I have yet to visit. I have no idea why I haven’t been yet, as it looks absolutely spectacular. So, since I’m a planner, I’ve decided to at least plot out which hotels I’ll stay in when I eventually do visit – which will hopefully be in the next year!

Niagara Falls is one of those places I wouldn’t mind visiting by myself, with friends or even on a romantic getaway. So, my hotel list takes this into account.

One of the hotels I came across that could definitely fit the bill for all three categories (well, at least definitely the first two) is the Sheraton. If I were to go by myself and needed a more budget friendly room, I’d probably check out the Sheraton on the Falls. It’s right across the street from the falls, though I’m still deciding if I’d want to to pay for a room with a view of the falls, which runs about $160 per night (though you can snag a partial falls view room for about $130 per night, which is not bad at all).

Or…I could just book a room that has a city view for about $110 per night. I think I’d be cool with visiting the falls during the day and saving some money for a nice dinner or whatnot. This place even has rooms that have showers with floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the falls! There’s also a heated pool, a fitness center, and it’s connected to Casino Niagara. Ok, I really want to go see Niagara Falls now.

Sheraton on the Falls in Niagara

As for a Niagara Falls hotel which falls more easily into my (fairly picky) romantic category, the Lions Head Bed & Breakfast looks like a sure winner. I don’t have anything against large chain hotels, but they’re just so…large. The Lions Head has only four beautiful rooms housed in a gorgeous Craftsman style bed and breakfast, and it’s located only minutes from Niagara Falls. Two of the rooms overlook the Niagara Gorge. The breakfasts are elaborately prepared, and my mouth seriously watered looking at the pictures. Wine tours and tastings can be arranged at any of the 45 wineries in the area…now we’re talking!

And then, the Renaissance Fallsview Hotel seems like it would work out nicely. Many of the rooms have views of the Falls, and the hotel offers all sorts of packages ranging from family packages to romantic packages to entertainment packages. The basic rooms with a view of the Falls run about $100 per night, though the description reads a view of the “Niagara River.” The pictures seem to show the rooms having a view of the actual Falls though – the more expensice rooms definitely do. Some of the rooms are whirltub suites which sounds kind of fun!

One thing I didn’t realize was how beautiful the Falls appear to be at night. That changes my thinking about whether I want a room with a view of the Falls or not, because they looks really stunning lit up at night. At least I have some good choices to think about now. Niagara, here I come!

Niagara Falls at Night

Photo Credits: Randy OHC, Satoro Kikuchi, C.P. Storm