INSIGHT Magazine November 2013 | Page 23

Destin, Sandestin & 30A, Florida The uncomplicated and breathtakingly beautiful beach getaways of the Destin, Sandestin and 30A area have been my personal favorite for many years. Having worked a lot in the area and having over a dozen of my advertising clients there, I have come to think of Destin, Sandestin, Seaside, WaterColor, and the quaint beach towns that make up famous County Road 30A something of a home away from home for our family. The beautiful white sands and clear emerald waters of Northwest Florida’s gulf coast continue to grow in popularity and have been called the “B est Beaches in the World” by well known media sources from Frommer’s to Fodor’s to USA Today. Whatever you want to do, from golfing, to fishing, to water sports, to shopping, Destin and the surrounding areas have something for everyone. I have to warn you though, the place is addictive and you may find yourself in a habit of taking many long weekend trips a year once you’re hooked on those beaches. And, Yes, they’re even beautiful in late fall. moderate climate, the city is located within 90 minutes of six national parks, including the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, and is home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Known throughout the country for its unsurpassed beauty and tranquility, this eastern Tennessee city is alive with a variety of activities from concerts and festivals to art shows and sporting events –many of them freeyear round. No matter what your personal taste, ranging from the outdoors to the cultural arts, Knoxville has it. And, Yes! They’ll let you enjoy their city and sites even if your allegiance is to Alabama or Auburn. Nashville, Tennessee What can I say about Nashville that travelers and country music fans the world over don’t already know? The town offers visitors most anything and everything they can think of to see, do, and enjoy. From the best restaurants to a busy downtown atmosphere of clubs, pubs and music venues, Nashville has something for you whether you are Gatlinburg, Tennessee is best known as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is noted for its mountain handicraft shops, but don’t forget all the cool stops on the long strip; from Ripley’s to the Aquarium of the Smokies, to one of my personal favorites; Barris’s Cars of the Stars Museum. Even with all there is to do in this part of Tennessee, most vacationers come to see and enjoy the Great Smokey Mountains, where the fall colors paint a portrait like no other. The well known old south town of Savannah is widely renowned for its historical features which stand as an open invitation for visitors to uncover its hidden charms. From the luscious peach trees to the Civil War history, delicious cuisine, and ethnic festivals Savannah has something for everyone to experience and the fall is perhaps the best time of the year to do it. With elegant old mansions and centuries-old cemeteries add to Savannah’s rich and colorful history and are a must see for many visitors experiencing Savannah for the first time or the tenth. Many accommodations exist from old world guest houses to traditional B & Bs to recognized hotel chains in various price ranges Most of us in Calhoun county are well familiar with Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach, and have probably spend more than one vacation –some maybe ten, twenty or more- on the beaches that make up lower Alabama. The great thing about this area is that it’s a five hour drive, and there are accommodations in varied price ranges that make it wonderful for a fast, and affordable three day trip. Knoxville, Tennessee The city of Knoxville is growing in popularity with each passing season. In addition to a year round Gatlinburg Tennessee Savannah, Georgia Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama INSIGHT visiting for a weekend or an entire week. And don’t forget the many museums, golf courses, and shopping centers. I’ll put it to you this way, even if you’re not a huge country music fan Nashville still rocks! Just ask my recently graduated daughter, Channing who has fallen so for Nashville that she’s moved there for her own entrance into the “real world”. November 2013 23