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Need ideas for anniversary trip w/in driving distance of Atlanta

Need ideas for anniversary trip w/in driving distance of Atlanta

Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:05 PM
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Need ideas for anniversary trip w/in driving distance of Atlanta

My husband and I have decided to go somewhere for about 4 nights in mid-October for our anniversary. We could either drive (up to about 6 hours) or fly somewhere from Atlanta. Any ideas? We like to travel, but this time we don't want to be gone for a long time. We've thought about a cabin in the mountains, a beach resort, etc. I know this is very vague, but does anybody have any ideas?
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:11 PM
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Before your post loaded I thought about recommending Glen Ella Springs, but not sure you'd want to be there 4 nights. Several places in Asheville would be nice. If money isn't a problem, then check out Blackberry Farm in TN (do a search on this forum for more information).

Those are mountain ideas. If I were to fly somewhere I think I'd go to a beach.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:21 PM
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GracieB: I checked into Blackberry Farm. Yikes! The lowest room is $545 per night; we really can't justify spending that kind of money, especially because we have several trips coming up. We do have frequent flier miles, so flying isn't a problem if we could think of a special place to go. Thanks.
Sherry
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:26 PM
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You know where I would go? Ireland. Wrangle another night or two and enjoy a magical time in an amazing country. There are such good fly-drive packages in the fall you could even save your miles and still go economically.

Without knowing your interests I'm not sure what you would enjoy. A bungalow on Anna Maria Island, FL? The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island has really good rates that run in the AJC. I checked recently for Sept. and there was a $159 rate. If you are in Atlanta, you know how warm it can be in October. Just some more random ideas.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:32 PM
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GracieB: That's funny that you mentioned Ireland. My husband is going there for a business trip in November, and I have been planning on going with him. We are re-thinking our plans now and might go somewhere in October instead, because he'll be busy with work most of the time in Ireland. We're also (my husband and I) going to Aruba in March '05 for 5 nights. With 3 teenagers, it's hard to find time to take long trips.

We've thought about Amelia Island; might end up there.

Thanks,
Sherry
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:38 PM
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Hi,
Ashville is a terrific place to go in Oct. (Red Rocker Inn is nice) but I have another idea that's closer. What about driving up to Blue Ridge, GA? My friends rented a brand-new fully equipped cabin recently and think they paid about $120/nt. I saw pictures and it looked great! If you're interested, I'll find out the name.

How about Reynold's Plantation, the Ritz Carlton property on Lake Oconee?? I haven't been there yet but have 2 friends who have and both said it was very nice.

Charleston and/or Savannnah?? Hilton Head??

And if you're open to flying--NYC or Chicago??
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:39 PM
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Oh, please rethink your not going to Ireland. It is just so magical. Posters here can give you ideas for things to do on your own and then prioritize what to do when hubby is free.
I don't like "tours" but if you don't want to drive on the "wrong side of the road" you could take day trips to varied sights. You would LOVE the Waterford Factory. Truly do rethink Ireland.
If you are doing an Aruba trip, then do think about Amelia Island. I have friends that go every year and love it. It would be a perfect place to celebrate an anniversay.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:41 PM
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OneWanderingJew: Thanks for the information. That would be great if you could get the info re the cabin in Blue Ridge, GA. I'm a little unsure about renting a cabin without first-hand recommendations, since there are so many good and bad ones out there. We've considered Charleston and Savannah; we went to Charleston a couple of years ago on our anniversary and enjoyed that. We went to Hilton Head last year and enjoyed it there, too. I guess I was just hoping for somewhere "different" to go. I will look up Reynolds Plantation.
Thanks,
Sherry
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:44 PM
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GracieB: Yeah, I've done lots of research on Ireland and I know I would love it, but I'm thinking that it would be better saved for another time (maybe in April or May) when there is more light. In November, it gets dark around 4:30, and my husband found out he even has evening meetings on most of the nights, so I'm just not sure anymore about going. We haven't decided for sure, though, and even if I don't go with him this time, we'll go another time. I can't let all that research go to waste! I even bought an Ireland map, books, etc. There are 2 places on Amelia Island that look nice -- The Ritz and also Amelia Island plantation. The Plantation is quite a bit less expensive, but it still looks nice. Does anyone know anything about this place?
Thanks,
Sherry
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:55 PM
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Samsaf,
I just emailed my friends so will post that info later but here's the link to Reynold's Plantation http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/r...lantation/spa/

My husband, then boyfriend, and I were Asheville at the end of last Oct. It was a great little city and the leaves were out!

Ireland is great but I'm with you about waiting til spring.

Another thought--Destin...
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 02:59 PM
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You could try Litchfield Plantation on Pawley's Island, SC and stay in the old mansion. It's a very laid back island, away from the hustle and bustle of Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. The town is charming and the plantation is very romantic. They have a website. We've also enjoyed stays at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel on Jekyll Island, GA. I believe the prices are less than $200/night in October. If you haven't been before, the island was a private hunting club in the 1800s. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel was the clubhouse, a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian style building. They've renovated several of the old "cottages" into beautiful, elegent parts of the hotel. The entire area is designated a a historical site. Check out their website. There is also a new resort opening up on Kiawah (sp) Island in August that is being billed as the most elegent resort on the eastern coast. It's called The Sanctuary. It looks very southern, lots of verandas, with a tropical flavor. I called the number on their website several months ago, but they weren't going to be open in time for our trip. I don't know about the prices but it may be worth checking into.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 03:21 PM
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The Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island is wonderful. You can't go wrong there if you can find a good rate. Reynolds Plantation is nice too, but there's not very much to do there for much more than a weekend unless you're an avid golfer.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 04:16 PM
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Thanks, everybody. I'll keep doing research and will let you what we decide.
Sherry
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 04:22 PM
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We've been to Blue Ridge several times, and I can give you some cabin recommendations.
My first choice would be Black Bear Cabin Rentals(www.blackbearcabinrentals.com)
My second choice would be The Last Resort.(www.thelastresort.com).




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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 04:23 PM
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Another idea since you mentioned renting a cabin in the mountains. It may be pricey but there are rentals on Lakes Burton and Rabun. The water level should be still up so you could probably rent a pontoon boat (Anchorage Marine on Lake Burton or other options).
There are many nice cabins for rent in Rabun County. You could take a day trip up to Asheville if you wanted (91 miles), take the Dillsboro train, visit Highlands, Sylva, Dillsboro, etc) or just relax in the local area and take short hikes (ex. Tallulah Gorge) and eat at the Dillard House and Grapes and Beans. It wouldn't be an eventful trip, but a nice relaxing one.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 04:31 PM
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http://www.gamountains.com/accom.html#cabins

Here's a link to Rabun County accomodations. A realtor friend was talking about how nice Heather Glen (cabin rental) was. The testimonial page has great comments too. If you are interested in any of the others I can ask for "first hand" comments.
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Old Jul 21st, 2004, 07:47 PM
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Samsaf, we lived for ten years in Atlanta and here are some of our favorite romantic destinations:

- New Orleans, eight hours if you drive it, but there are always cheap flights out of Atlanta. We stay at this wonderful Greek Revival B&B less than ten blocks from the Latin Quarter. It's called Ashtons B&B, website is www.ashtonsbb.com. Rates are reasonable, breakfasts are to die for, and the hosts are really personable and professional (and natives, so they know where everything is!).

- Florida Panhandle, either the town of Seaside, or its newer neighbor, Watercolor, or down the beach road a bit towards Panama City, the town of Rosemary Beach. All these little towns have websites that you can take a gander at what they have to offer. They're all a little bit on the splurge side, but so romantic and wonderful, particularly if you enjoy a beach setting. Six hours driving.

- Savannah, any historic inn!

- Charleston, any historic inn, but especially the Elliot House Inn, where they offer you fat tire bikes to go toodling around town with. Also, there's a romantic courtyard with elegant hot tub, very nice in the Fall. If you like historic, Charleston's home tours run through October, and you can find more information by googling.

Hope you have a romantic anniversary!
 
Old Jul 21st, 2004, 07:49 PM
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Oops! Sorry, going to France in October, so have Paris on my brain! The really nice B&B In New Orleans is near the French Quarter, not the Latin Quarter.
 
Old Jul 21st, 2004, 08:06 PM
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October is a great time of year to visit Asheville or another place in the NC mountains, not far from Atlanta at all. The Biltmore in Asheville is wonderful, but there are many less expensive options also. Highlands and Cashiers are both very short drives from Atlanta (2-3 hrs) and have lots of rustic cabins and romantic B&Bs.
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Old Jul 22nd, 2004, 03:35 AM
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Wow! I got up this morning and saw all these new posts. Thank you all so much for your suggestions. I will start doing some research.
Thanks,
Sherry
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