KINGSLAND, GEORGIA—JANUARY 2025—Nestled on the southeast coast of Georgia, just three miles from the Georgia/Florida border and 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, Kingsland, Georgia, is a charming small town offering an array of outdoor adventure. Relax with a round of golf on a stunning coastal course, spend the day on the pickleball courts, explore some of the area’s best birding or hit the trails on bike or foot. Kingsland offers visitors the opportunity to go at their own pace when it comes to exploration and thanks to the area’s year-round mild temperatures, it’s always a great time to visit.

Play a round

Tranquil tee times await! Kingsland boasts 700+ holes of golf within an hour. Visitors will be surrounded by the area’s natural beauty and take in magnificent marsh views while playing a round at Laurel Island Links Golf Club. Featuring smooth greens and fairways lined with tall Georgia pines, this stunning course designed by Davis Love III is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Other noteworthy courses nearby include Trident Lakes Golf Club, located on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base and The Golf Club at Sanctuary Cove, a Love Golf Design/Fred Couples Signature course featuring a 7,003-yard layout offering a different residential golf experience. There’s also a miniature golf course, located within Crooked River State Park, offering a variety of challenging holes and obstacles, making it a great outing for a little friendly competition. Laurel Island Links, 233 Marsh Harbour Parkway, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-729-7277; Trident Lakes Golf Club 1010 USS Proteus Boulevard, Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia 31547; 912-573-8475; Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, 2050 Sanctuary Wynd, Waverly, Georgia 31565; 912-466-0080; Putt-Putt Golf at Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256

For more outdoor adventure, head over to Howard Peeples Park for disc golf and pickleball. Gum Branch Disc Golf Course features 18 holes on its pet-friendly, mixed-use public park. Grab paddles and hit the pickleball courts. Featuring eight pickleball courts within the park, there’s plenty of space to play a round of singles or doubles. Howard Peeples Park and Gum Branch Disc Golf Course, 656 Gross Road, Kingsland, Georgia 31548.

Wander the trails

Home to over 25 county and state parks, Kingsland offers a variety of trails suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether hiking or biking, exploring the area’s trails is a wonderful way to connect with Mother Nature. Crooked River State Park gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway and maritime forest. With over four miles of trails for hiking or biking, there are plenty of opportunities to observe Spanish moss-draped oaks, expansive palmettos, indigenous birds and the nearby tidal river. Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558; 912-882-5256

Next up, take a ferry ride over to Cumberland Island National Seashore, one of coastal Georgia’s most treasured places. Mostly made up of pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island offers roads and trails perfect for exploring. Wind your way through a forest of majestic live oaks and palmetto trees while trying to spot the island’s resident wildlife—wild horses, turkeys, alligators, deer and an impressive variety of coastal birds. Click here for more information on ferry reservations, bike rentals, tours and camping.

Birding at its best

Kingsland and the surrounding area are home to many beautiful bird species. From the beloved Roseate Spoonbill and Osprey to colorful Painted Buntings and stoic Herons, there are many opportunities to observe these species—and more—in their natural habitat. Check out the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, where over 300 species have been spotted among the 18 sites on the trail. Other popular birding spots include Crooked River State Park, and of course, Cumberland Island National Seashore. Additionally, nearby Woodbine is home to over six miles of the Georgia Coast Rail Trail which provides a natural bird sanctuary offering shelter, protection, water, food and nesting sites for many bird species. Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558; 912-882-5256

Local, fresh and delicious

You’re sure to work up an appetite after all that exploring! For a serious dose of Southern hospitality and delicious, made-from-scratch meals, step into Steffens Restaurant. This family-owned and -operated establishment has been serving the Kingsland community since 1948. Diners can enjoy a variety of menu options from fluffy pancakes to hearty burgers and homemade pies for dessert. Steffens Restaurant, 550 S. Lee Street, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-729-5355

Don’t miss local hotspot, The Firefly Taco Cantina. The Firefly specializes in flavorful tacos, refreshing beverages and a laid-back atmosphere. Offering live music most evenings, there’s always a fiesta at The Firefly.! The Firefly Taco Cantina, 609 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-673-8226.

For the freshest seafood around, stop in Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steaks. Serving a variety of Southern delights and fresh seafood dishes, Ship 2 Shore is a favorite among locals and visitors. Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steaks, 1947 Commerce Drive, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-882-5711

Where to Stay in Kingsland

With easy access on and off I-95, Kingsland offers many lodging options from big brand hotels to inns and RV parks. For a complete list of Kingsland lodging options, visit https://visitkingsland.com/stay/.

The post Play a Round in Kingsland, Georgia appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY SOUTH CAROLINA—April, 2024—Every second week in April, in a reverent homage to their sport and a certain televised tournament, avid golfers make reservations far ahead to play the courses near Augusta National. For them, watching the game isn’t enough, and many prefer the golf in nearby Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, where several courses boast their own pedigree and prestige.

Situated along I-20 between Atlanta and Charleston, just east of Augusta, Georgia, the rolling topography and mild climate make for fun, challenging and year-round play. In the late 19th century, as the railroads pushed farther south, Aiken became the home of the famed Winter Colony where Vanderbilts, Astors and other Golden Age notables vacationed in elegant resorts and “cottages.” Golf, croquet, polo and other equestrian pursuits became pastimes that are still treasured today.

Here are notes on some of the courses favored by locals, pros and duffers. Expect higher greens fees during the week-long event. Check the clubs’ websites or call for details and availability. While tee times are much easier to obtain than badges for the hallowed course, they do book quickly. Whether during golf’s greatest tournament or any other time of year, Thoroughbred Country is top of mind for golfers and their families who are looking for plenty of additional attractions.

The Aiken Golf Club  555 Highland Park Drive, Aiken, South Carolina; 803-649-6029. 18 holes. Par 70. Walk/cart. Designed by Donald Ross and originally built in 1912, this historic course has many ties to golf’s greats, including early ladies’ professionals. Extensive renovation has led to accolades: it’s rated in the “Top Three Courses to Play during Masters Week” by Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive,” one of the “Best Courses to Play Near Augusta National” by “Golfweek”; and “Best Kept Secret” and “Most Charming” by other critics. Just 20 miles east of Augusta National, this course tips its hat to Pinehurst as well as Scottish tradition. Fees are elevated during the championship, but it’s still considered a deal. Reservations required.

Cedar Creek Golf Club 2475 Club Drive, Aiken, South Carolina; 803-648-4206. 18 holes. Par 72. Walk/cart. Designed by Arthur Hills, Cedar Creek has been garnering awards almost since its opening in 1991. The course features long, par 4 holes and sloping fairways that can send shots into the rough and elevated, undulating Bermuda greens.

Midland Valley Country Club 151 Midland Drive, Graniteville, South Carolina; 803-663-7332. 18 holes. Par 71. Walk/cart. Designed by Ellis Maples and built in 1961, Midland Valley features towering pines, significant terrain changes and large, undulating Bermuda greens with plenty of up, down and side hill lies.

Mount Vintage Golf Club 375 Mount Vintage Plantation Drive, North Augusta, South Carolina; 803-279-5422. 27 holes. Par 72. Golf course architect Tom Jackson designed the 27 holes to fit perfectly into a diverse topography. The three nines provide a variety of shot values and distinguishing features, yet blend together to leave the golfer with vivid memories of an enjoyable experience.

River Birch Golf Course 128 Paw Paw Road, Bamberg, South Carolina; 803-245-8432 Built in 1981 and operated previously as the Paw Paw Country Club and the Bamberg Golf and Sports Club, River Birch was renovated in 2021 and is under new, experienced golf course and restaurant management. The par 72, 6,683-yard golf course was designed by Russell Breeden, who designed a number of golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area.

Sweetwater Country Club 571 Clubhouse Lane, Barnwell, South Carolina; 803-259-5004. 18 holes. Par 71. Walk/cart. Designed by Russell Breeden. Bermuda greens. This design is relatively benign in terms of elevation and length, but more than makes up for that with its water, sand and elevated greens.

The Inn at Houndslake/Country Club 897 Houndslake Drive, Aiken, South Carolina; 803-648-9535. 27 holes. Par 36 for each 9. This course was designed to offer versatility for both weekend golfers and professionals and hosts many tournaments. A pet-friendly, unique 30-room lodge is located on the grounds. Guests may use any of the Club’s facilities. The River Golf Club 307 Riverside Boulevard, North Augusta, South Carolina; 803-202-0110. 18 holes. Par 71. Designed by Jim Fazio. Bent grass greens. Cart. Built as a Hilton Head-style links course with mostly flat fairways and water on 11 holes.

Carolina Golf Range Driving range to hit a bucket of balls, lessons available. 4234 Whiskey Road, Aiken, South Carolina; 803-642-6411

Aiken Family Golf Range 1685 Columbia Hwy N, Aiken. 803.508.5635. Tues-Sun 10am-dark. Lessons available upon request.

South On Whiskey 3197 Whiskey Rd, Aiken. 803.643.1715. Wed-Sun. Miniature golf. Call for more information or to book a special event. www.southonwhiskey.com

If you go

Thoroughbred Country meanders through charming small towns with unique shopping, history and delicious Southern cuisine, creating the perfect road trip getaway with plenty to do for equestrian and active outdoor enthusiasts. Multiple disc golf locations throughout the region provide ample opportunity to try the sport from a slightly different angle. Take time to meander North Augusta’s 12-mile Greeneway Trail. Don’t miss the hidden gems: a drive-in movie theater, the Aiken County Historical Museum, the Savannah River Site Museum, Hopelands Gardens and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. Explore the city via the Aiken Trolley Tour or, if it is not a Saturday, contact Tailored Tours of Aiken. Nearby, the Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary offers opportunities to engage with nature up-close while Blackville’s God’s Acre Healing Springs is a popular site for visitors seeking out the storied waters. Visit the Veterans Memorial Trail in Bamberg and the Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site in Ehrhardt to gain insight into the area’s history. Here are upcoming events: https://www.tbredcountry.org/Calendar

For details, delightful and unique accommodations, dining and more, go to www.TBredCountry.org.

The post Master Your Golf Game in Thoroughbred Country South Carolina appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

Gather a group for an unforgettable weekend centered around golf on this semi-private course where public play is welcomed six days a week. Old Toccoa Farm was ranked the eighth-best new golf course by Golf Digest in 2020, and 18 holes are now open for play, complemented by a driving range and practice chipping and putting greens. The Bunker Hill-designed course is a par 72, links-feel course totaling 6,707 yards. Winding through 125 acres of ridges and meadows, the course features more than 280 feet of elevation change with spectacular views of the Chattahoochee and Cherokee National Forests and surrounding valleys. Among the massive bunkers and hardwoods, mountain laurel, rock outcroppings and colorful wildflower meadows line the flow of play. Lush Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens create a perfect surface as the course winds along the river and into the landscape’s secluded hills and draws. Native grasses and wicked bunkers complete the experience of this unique course.

After a round, indulge at The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm, which wows both guests and members with breathtaking views of the ninth hole, the Toccoa River Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indoor and outdoor seating, along with a cozy fireplace, act as the backdrop for delicious food, cocktails and fellowship.

Call ahead to make a tee time. Rates include greens fee, cart fee, range balls and taxes. Practice facilities, including driving range, chipping and putting greens are open to all golfers with scheduled tee times.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 18 holes $65 and 9 holes $45

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 18 holes $80 and 9 holes $50

596 Curtis Switch Road, Mineral Bluff, Georgia, 30559; 706-946-4653

If you go

Accommodations choices include intown lofts and B&Bs as well as hotels like the new lodge-like Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring a hot breakfast, balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. Not far away are stunning mountain properties, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. Blue Ridge is a North Georgia foodie destination, with a wide selection of casual, fine and late-night dining in town and in surrounding Fannin County. www.BlueRidgeMountains.com

The post Blue Ridge, Georgia’s Old Toccoa Farm Hits a Hole One When it Comes to a North Georgia Getaway appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.