GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–JANUARY 2026– Gulf County, Florida, located in the heart of Northwest Florida’s coast, is known as a destination that’s a little different than most. It’s a spot that invites visitors to relax and enjoy its beautiful beaches and low-rise lifestyle, to unplug yet reconnect and to savor the unique flavor of every season. Luckily for visitors, there is no “off season” in Gulf County. This time of year is the perfect time for those looking for a quiet retreat. Locals refer to it as the “cool season.” And visitors are part of the cool crowd who enjoy fewer crowds, milder temperatures and all the magic of Gulf County.

Two hours southwest of Tallahassee and just an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is known for its beautiful beaches and variety of water activities. Early in the year, mild temperatures add to the enjoyment of a bug-free, on-the-water outing, whether its paddling the calm waters of St. Joseph Bay on a nature tour or guided kayak fishing trip with Fighting Conch Rentals (850-247-9392), or taking on the inland adventure of exploring the mysterious Dead Lakes on a guided pontoon cruise with Off The Map Expeditions (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-819-3053). Of course, fishing is good all year long here. Experienced experts like T-Man’s Charters (Frank Pate Park, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-5802) offer inshore and nearshore trips as well as sunset cruises and more.

This is also the perfect season for shoreline strolling and shelling as well as for viewing unmatched over-the-water sunsets and savoring cozy beach bonfires. Gulf County’s low density and low-rise lodging options ensure stargazers can enjoy the magic of dark skies in the evenings. Beyond the beach, there are miles of trails to explore, without breaking a sweat. The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787) has multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and birding. Its visitor center and tram tours offer more insight into the area’s habitats, history and culture.

For a welcoming downtown experience, Port St. Joe’s popular Reid Avenue is the perfect location. It is lined with locally owned, family-run shops offering local specialties from art to curated coffee selections a variety of boutique and retail collections. Delicious Gulf seafood can be found on most any street corner and every menu. And everyone knows cooler weather means prime oyster season. Whether the choice is the fresh-take preparations at Provisions (222 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9200) downtown, the classic casual fare at Indian Pass Raw Bar (8391 County Rd 30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1670) or the coastal experience of a table with the view at Hunt’s Oyster Bar on St. Joe Bay (1937 SR 30A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456; 850-227-2285), the fresh seafood is the star of the menu.

Nightlife fun is year-round here, too. Hot spots like The Haughty Heron (117 Sailors Cove Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850- 229-3463) and Scallop RePUBlic (411 Cape San Blas Road, Cape San Blas, Florida 32456; 850-328-5518) have live entertainment schedules each weekend. Other options include pool tournaments, darts games, bingo and more at favorite local places like St. Joe Bar & Package (305 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9912), Lookout Lounge (8066 US-98, Port St Joe, Florida 32456; 850-647-8310) and VFW Post 10069 (1774 Trout Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-6826).

Where to stay

Gulf County has a wide array of lodging choices to fit any group’s needs. There are vacation rental homes of all sizes and inns and cottages, each with a character all its own.

Hotel Saint Joseph (504 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-253-7957) is Port St. Joe’s newest boutique hotel. It combines a tribute to the past with the best of today’s luxury and convenience. 

The Port Inn – Port St Joe, Ascend Collection Hotel (501 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7678) is a boutique hotel in Port St. Joe that offers modern accommodations with historic charm.

Turtle Beach Inn (140 Painted Pony Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9366) has achieved Green Certified Lodging designation and offers a beachfront bed & breakfast inn and fully equipped cottages.

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ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA—JANUARY 2026—Winter takes on new meaning in the quaint mountain town of Helen, only 95 miles from the bustling city of Atlanta. The mild climate of the northeast Georgia mountains means fun winter destinations, cozy lodgings and delicious culinary offerings without the harsh weather that winter can bring in more northern climates. If you’re searching for the perfect winter getaway, Helen has it all, from cottages, cabins and lodges with roaring fireplaces to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and breweries, including those serving up German specialties that mirror the town’s alpine flavor. It’s the perfect basecamp to the numerous attractions in town and neighboring countryside offering outdoor adventures.

Romantic mountain escapes

Visitors will find a wide variety of accommodations both within the alpine town of Helen and throughout the region. Choose between rustic river views or a cozy cabin at the Riverbend Motel and Cabins (134 River Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2155) which overlooks the beautiful Chattahoochee River. 

There’s so much to love at Unicoi State Park (1788 GA-356, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2201), only a short drive from the heart of Helen. Visitors may enjoy all that the town offers and then retreat to the mountain lodge with its massive stone fireplace and exquisite view or one of the state park’s many cabins nestled in woods. Unicoi offers a lake, restaurant serving local cuisine and lots of outdoor adventures, including hikes to the breathtaking twin falls at Anna Ruby Falls. 

A short drive from Helen, Smithgall Woods State Park (61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, Georgia 30545; 800-864-7275) offers cottages within the pristine Dukes Creek Valley in the middle of a Southern Appalachian wilderness. Accommodations range from individual one-bedroom cabins with wood-burning stoves and hot tubs to accommodating groups for all six cottages for a total of 17 bedrooms, all snug by rushing creeks outside the door where visitors may fly fish and hike the one mile to Dukes Creek Falls. 

Visitors may prefer something unique to add to their mountain experience, such as the Yonah Mountain Vineyards’ Dogwood Cottage in nearby Cleveland (1717 Highway 255 South, Cleveland, Georgia; 706-878-5522). For RV lovers, the peaceful Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds the 18 acres of Creekwood Resort RV Park & Cabins (5730 Highway 356, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-2164).

There are numerous motels in the vicinity, such as Helen’s Holiday Inn Express and Suites within walking distance to the town’s Festhalle, village shops, restaurants and many local attractions (8100 South Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-1084). The hotel also features the largest conference center in town.

Boutique stays

It’s easy for visitors to feel like they’ve been transported to Europe when traveling to Helen, with its unique Alpine flavor and German festivals such as the annual Oktoberfest. Equally transporting is Valhalla Resort Hotel (688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2200), reminiscent of an ancient Scottish castle. The hotel rests on a hill so there’s sweeping mountain views to enjoy with a craft cocktail on the rooftop sky bar or a romantic meal in the fine-dining restaurant. Valhalla is located within the Innsbruck Golf Community and offers golf packages in addition to arranged hiking, fly fishing and winery tours. 

For more lodging options in Alpine Helen, including charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, click here. 

Culinary trails

Helen offers a wide variety of dining options, from the Bavarian-flavored Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and G.I. Germany Pub with views of the Chattahoochee River that flows right through town, to more casual offerings such as food trucks, ice cream parlors, a pizza garden and candy stores. Don’t miss a chance to visit Betty’s Store in the heart of Helen, a grocery-deli-bar chock full of everything you can think of, from fresh bakery and deli treats to gifts and the largest German beer selection in Georgia. Betty’s is a perfect stocking-up stop for those residing in cabins.

Helen’s taverns and pubs let you hoist a glass or two and the region teems with wineries open for tastings. Because the North Georgia Mountains are ripe for grape production, producing some of the country’s finest wines, Helen tour operators will transport visitors for an exploration of the area wineries—and you don’t have to drive! Learn more about wine, breweries and vineyard tours here.

Sidebar – Plan Early for Helen 2026

Helen remains a top destination anytime of the year, including spring events such as the 53rd Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival in June, the South’s oldest balloon event and the country’s longest distance hot air balloon race. The fall brings the immensely popular Oktoberfest—one of the largest in the world!—followed by a brilliant alpine winter spectacular that continues into the New Year. 

Ongoing events happen throughout town and at nearby Smithgall Woods State Park, Unicoi State Park, Hardman Farm State Historic Site and within the neighboring quaint town of Sautee Nacoochee and its unique Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia.

This year offers special incentives to visit the North Georgia Mountain town with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta this summer. Helen is only 95 miles from the city so an ideal destination to add to World Cup travel. Do book early, however, for metro Atlanta (and Helen) will fill up fast with arriving World Cup international and national visitors. 

The post Winter in the North Georgia Mountains appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

KINGSLAND, GEORGIA—FEBRUARY 2025—Looking to Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler—aka “let the good times roll,” without leaving Georgia? Don’t miss the K-BAY 106.3 Mardi Gras Festival on February 6-7, 2026, in coastal Kingsland, Georgia. Catch some beads at the family friendly, colorful, lively parade; then, plan to stick around for the festival in historic downtown Kingsland on U.S. 17 and William Street for food, live music and more fun. The festivities take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, with the Mardi Gras parade stepping off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Dozens of floats, vintage autos, dancers, marchers and more will commence south on U.S. 17, ending at the corner of Central and U.S. 17 in historic downtown Kingsland.

During the two-day K-BAY 106.3 Mardi Gras Festival, downtown Kingsland comes alive as the backdrop for food, entertainment, arts, crafts and more. First, the food: Booths will be serving lobster, fried seafood, barbecue, Cajun, Cuban, Italian and Latin dishes, plus fair and festival food like pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and onion rings, sweets, treats and beverages. Some of the areas top restaurants are participating, so visitors will be wowed by the variety of offerings. Save room for tastings at the Camden County Chili Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, located at the historic Train Depot, where area chefs will compete for prizes and bragging rights.  

Peruse merchandise booths and bop to the beat of the bands: More than 200 booths will feature artists and artisans, crafts, antiques and far more. Tickets will be sold on the website in advance, and on the days of the event as seating space allows. The parade and festival are free; tickets for food and the kids’ entertainment area will be available for purchase. 

If you go

Located on the southeast coast of Georgia, off I-95 just three miles from the Georgia-Florida border and 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, Kingsland is a charming small town with natural beauty, Southern hospitality, delicious seafood, interesting shopping and loads of unique adventures. Make it a getaway and explore the serenity of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Head back to town and hop aboard the Georgia Coastal Railway for one of many themed train rides through the area. Next, indulge in some of the freshest seafood around and shop one-of-a-kind local treasures in a quaint historic downtown. With easy access on and off I-95, Kingsland offers many lodging options from big brand hotels to inns and RV parks. For more details on dining, attractions and accommodations, visit www.VisitKingsland.com.  

Event Listing

K-BAY 106.3 Mardi Gras Festival in Downtown Kingsland, Georgia
Feb 6-7, 2026
Family friendly event with traditional vendors and local entertainment all located in beautiful downtown Kingsland.

• Admission: none
• Days/Hours Open: 6-10 p.m., Fri.; 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.
• Address: US-17, Kingsland, Georgia 31548
• Attendance: 43,000

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CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—APRIL 2024—Long seasons of great weather draw visitors to outdoor pursuits in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, where the azure waters of Lake Murray and the swampy ecosystem of South Carolina’s only national park provide bucket-list opportunities to experience one-of-a-kind natural marvels. This four-county region anchored by Lake Murray and the surrounding counties of Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda is the perfect setting for discovering hidden gems. Conveniently located off Interstates I-77, I-20, and I-26 in the central part of South Carolina, it’s a destination for boaters, fishing aficionados and wildlife watchers. 

Connecting the four counties is Lake Murray, a sparkling jewel and South Carolina’s biggest best-kept vacation secret, with 650 miles of shoreline and plenty of amenities and attractions for lazy and lively aquatic adventures. Boating Magazine calls Lake Murray one of the country’s “Top 10 Boating Destinations and Places to Live,” yet it’s relatively uncrowded. Forested coves provide shelter for fauna year-round and staying at a vacation home rental might provide you with an up-close glimpse of some of Lake Murray’s natural residents.

Explore Astonishing Biodiversity 

South Carolina’s only federally designated park, Congaree National Park, is just a half hour from Columbia. Astonishing biodiversity exists in the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers carry nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support not only wildlife, but the growth of national and state champion trees.

Timing is everything for bucket-list phenomenon

Any season is perfect for a vacation, but dazzling nature displays are available for limited times only. Plan ahead to experience these unique events in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region:

Mid-May to Mid-June

Witness the magical, mesmerizing sight of synchronous fireflies only found in a handful of U.S. habitats, including Congaree National Park, southeast of the Capital City of Columbia. Unlike familiar sporadic backyard blinking, thousands of lightning bugs flash in a spectacular choreographed mating display. Guidelines have been set up to ensure the sustainability of this unique natural wonder. Check the timing, view lottery, and learn more at the Capital City/Lake Murray Country firefly page, which is updated annually.

Late June to early August

From late June to early August, the skies over Lake Murray come to life as a million Purple Martins arrive to roost on Bomb Island, exploding up and out to greet the sunrise and swooping and wheeling at sunset. This sanctuary provides the ideal layover before the birds make the long journey south to their winter home in South America. Rent a boat or take a Purple Martin cruise to the middle of the lake near the largest sanctuary in North America to see this bucket-list phenomenon. 

October

Take a guided kayak/canoe swamp tour of the Congaree National Park in cooler weather. Guided tours provide wilderness and shoreline views of river otters, bobcats, deer, owls, and wild boar in this preserve of some of the oldest, tallest hard-growth trees in eastern North America. Weave in and out of oxbows, discover labyrinthian channels, and paddle past cypress knees.

More to do on Lake Murray

From delightful dining spots to marinas and landings, visitors will fall in love with Lake Murray’s many recreational and dining opportunities. A wide array of watercraft is available for rent from local outfitters or visitors can bring their own. Some guests combine a Lake Murray vacation with visits to picturesque small towns, farmers markets, antiquing and agri-tours. Others love its close proximity to entertainment, concerts, museums, and dining just 30 minutes away in Columbia.

One of the many intriguing features of Lake Murray is Dreher Island State Park, a three-island outdoor wonderland covering 12 miles of shoreline. Visitors will find picnicking, camping, lakeside villas, recreational water activities, nature trails and prized fishing spots for striped and large-mouth bass. A tackle and gear loaner program is even available.

Fish a Tournament Lake 

Professional fishing league competitors and those who just love lake fishing are drawn to South Carolina’s Lake Murray for more than 12 species of fish, including crappie and the superstar, largemouth bass. In 2023, Bassmaster named Lake Murray the “Top Lake in the Southeast” and the #4 Lake in the Country for Best Bass Fishing. Some visitors plan their vacation to coincide with top-tier regional and national fishing tournaments; others make plans to visit during less busy times. Expert and entertaining guides and outfitters are ready to help both novice and experienced anglers reel in a big catch, and there are plenty of marinas and landings providing access to the water, picnic areas, waterfront dining, and live entertainment.

Explore More in Congaree National Park

Paddle through the swamp-like ecosystem along Cedar Creek. Self-guided or outfitter-guided tours are available of this 15-mile-long waterway. Opportunities are plentiful for viewing wildlife, such as river otters, deer, turtles, wading birds, and even an occasional alligator. Glide through intriguing wooded waters on marked canoe paths and pass through a forest containing some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. The trees average more than 100 feet; the tallest is about 17 stories high. 

Explore the Congaree Wilderness on land via 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. The boardwalk loop trail provides access to Weston Lake and other trails that wind through the Congaree floodplain. Ranger and volunteer guided programs are led on Saturdays year-round. Free wheelchairs are available to loan from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center during operating hours. Can’t get it all in one day? Pitch a tent under the stars at one of the park’s many campsites. Make a camping reservation by calling 1-877-444-6777, NPS.gov. (100 National Park Road | Hopkins, SC 29061, 803-776-4396; nps.gov/cong/index)

If You Go

Lodging includes name brand hotels. popular boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfasts throughout the region. Lake Murray rental homes can accommodate various group sizes, and some offer docks and water recreation amenities, outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas. For the perfect camping or RV’ing adventure in the great outdoors, there are elaborate and simple campgrounds on or near the water, including Dreher Island State Park and Sesquicentennial State Park, on Lake and closer to Columbia. Follow this link to find the perfect accommodations: https://accommodations.lakemurraycountry.com/search/?Checkin=2024-03-21&Checkout=2024-03-23.

Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-5940) to discover more hidden gems and trip ideas. Online, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com.

The post Capital City/Lake Murray Country: Explore Bucket-List Phenomena in South Carolina’s Midlands appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

1. First things first, book a cabin. With many lodging options available, you will find a spot that meets the needs of your group or family. From spacious cabins for multigenerational families to cozy creekside retreats perfect for couples, there is a plethora of choices ranging from luxury to rustic. Click here to see Blue Ridge lodging options. 
2. From annual holiday events to live music around town, there’s always something happening in Blue Ridge. Light Up Blue Ridge is a favorite among locals and visitors. This event is sure to fill everyone with holiday cheer. Click here to see a full list of winter happenings you don’t want to miss.
3. Taste the region by stopping in a local winery or brewery. With several to choose from, you’ll find some new favorites. Many offer live music on the weekends, stunning mountain views and food trucks on site. Don’t forget to pick up a few extra bottles to take back to your cabin.
4. Take a hike with the family. There are endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Blue Ridge. With 300 miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail terminus and three local waterfalls, it is easy to embark on a memorable adventure easily accessible from your Blue Ridge cabin. For an overview of area trails, click here. 
5. Spend a cozy evening at home! Think smores by the fire, football on the tv and some fun family games. Stop in Chester’s Provisions and pick up everything you need for a quiet evening in. Featuring specialty foods, local wine, craft beer and entertaining essentials, you’ll have everything you need for a low-key evening.
6. Take advantage of the stunning scenery. Make your trip to Blue Ridge even more memorable by capturing some professional family photos amid the area’s most stunning backdrops. With many local photographers, you’ll be able to document your trip in a very special way—and you’ll be so glad you did.
7. Discover the local flavors. A common theme among area restaurants is sourcing local ingredients. From local trout and barbecue to fried apple pies and biscuits and gravy, the Blue Ridge culinary scene has so much to offer. For a full list of where to eat, click here. 
8. Take a scenic drive. Drive in any direction from Blue Ridge and you’ll be met with beautiful scenery and gorgeous views. Click here for a full list of scenic drives and self-guided tours. 
9. Embark on a unique adventure with Blue Ridge’s Family Fun Adventure Game. This fun activity is one the whole family can participate in! Simply download and print out the game pages or pick up an official game booklet at the Fannin County Welcome Center. As you travel throughout the area, kids can fill out the game booklet answering questions about all the fun places you’ll be guided to. This self guided tour will have you making stops in the mountains, checking out nearby rivers, spotting wildlife and more. You’ll be amazed at all the cool things you experience along the way! For more information and details on how to play, click here.

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ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA–JANUARY 2023–Set the stage for romance in Alpine Helen and surrounding White County, Georgia, where mountain vistas, crisp air, waterfalls and outdoor pursuits are found surrounding a picturesque Bavarian village. An hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect marriage of in-town entertainment and quiet, remote beauty.

Here are five ways to design a romantic escape:

1. Downtown day and night life Stroll amid cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings through a lively downtown with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and live music, walking paths and accommodations alongside the Chattahoochee River. Tour the strasses and platzes of Helen’s Alpine Village in a horse-drawn carriage. Discover abundant shopping, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, traditional German dishes and international fare.

More than three dozen casual and fine-casual restaurants, gastro-pubs, bakeries, ice creameries and snack shops serve everything from authentic German cuisine to classic Southern to American steakhouse and barbecue. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on patios and decks all over town, many overlooking the river. HelenGAga.org/dining

Couples have endless choices among cabins, hotels and vacation rentals right in the middle of downtown fun. The Castle Inn is right on Main Street alongside the Chattahoochee with balcony views of the town and the mountains. For a resort experience high above town, Valhalla Resort Hotel offers mountain views from king and VIP suites and the area’s true fine-dining restaurant, within the Innsbruck Golf Community. Upscale amenities include concierge, valet, spa services, a relaxing pool and two additional dining areas.

2. Retreat to the artsy quiet side in historic Sautee-Nacoochee. Four miles from Helen, step into the past of a scenic rural community, with exquisitely preserved/restored artists cabins, home furnishings and mercantile stores. Stop by the Old Sautee Store, established in 1872 and famous for its combination of museum, gourmet foods, clothing and jewelry.

Unveil the cultural history of this Appalachian Mountain region at the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a thriving cultural and community gathering place that blends the old with the contemporary in a restored rural schoolhouse and adjacent modern post and beam building. The schoolhouse hosts juried events for regional artists, a gallery and museum. The adjacent Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases a 200-year tradition of men and women who shaped the earth and water of the Georgia mountains into once essential household items now valued and collected as distinctive folk art. On exhibit through May 1, 2023, is “Clint Alderman: A Modern Folk Potter.” Alderman has worked closely with noted folk pottery artists Edwin Meaders, C.J. Meaders and Michael Crocker. The Winterfest Arts Tour is held February 18-19, 2023, in Sautee-Nacoochee and Helen. More history and heritage discoveries can be found here.

Just outside the village of Sautee-Nacoochee, stay in a premium bed and breakfast like the romantic Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa. Breathe in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Sautee Valley and indulge in a menu of revitalizing therapeutic treatments.

Outdoor options? Ride horseback at Chattahoochee Stables. Zip from tree to tree while learning the history of North Georgia and the Nacoochee Valley on a Moonshine Canopy Tour at Nacoochee Adventures. This tour is perfect for beginners, starting off low and slow while guides tell stories of Native American inhabitants, the 1800s area gold rush and Prohibition.

3. Remote getaways To completely get away, serious and amateur outdoor enthusiasts head to the peace and quiet of the forested mountains surrounding the Alpine village. It’s all so close, yet so remote and rewarding that Alpine Helen and White County have been designated by the Legislature as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” In every direction are protected national forests, designated wilderness areas, state park land, rivers, scenic highways, roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking, tubing, kayaking, fly fishing, zip lining, horseback riding and more. To explore the opportunities, click here.

A few ideas: Horseback riding and zip lining at Sunburst Adventures, nine miles from Helen. Take a twilight zipline tour, soaring through the trees surrounded by sundown views of the waterways and ridgelines. Adventure Lodges of Georgia at Unicoi State Park offers a multitude of outdoor adventure activities, including paddleboarding and kayaking on Unicoi Lake, as well as a restaurant with high ceilings and a stone fireplace serving fresh local cuisine.

Close-by and remote mountain cabin rentals are plentiful, from Unicoi State Park’s Adventure Lodges of Georgia, to tiny houses to cabins large enough for several couples, where fireplaces, fire pits, hot tubs and well-equipped kitchens range from rustic to luxurious. Stop intown at Betty’s Country Store for a mind-boggling array of provisions: everything from fresh meats and produce, charcuterie and sandwich fixings to gourmet preserves and delicacies, along with wines, beers and unusual beverages.

4. Waterfalls After peak leaf season through early spring, the waterfalls and trails are even less traveled, and the views are even better. Next to Unicoi State Park, take a 30-minute trek to twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Follow the moderate ½-mile paved trail to two viewing decks, or take a more challenging hike through Unicoi State Park. There are plenty more to be found at the Alpine Helen-White County website’s waterfall guide.

5. Wine White County wineries are the perfect setting for views, proposals and perhaps a future wedding. Enjoy spectacular panoramas while sipping in the tasting rooms or out on the decks. Check out the listings for three transportation companies in the link above for a fun, safe and informative multi-vineyard experience. Savor sips with your sweetie at area wineries including: CeNita Vineyards, Winery and Tasting Room with magnificent views of Yonah Mountain; Habersham Winery, recipient of more than 150 medals; award-winning Yonah Mountain Vineyards, home to Georgia’s only wine cave and Kaya Vineyards and Winery with breathtaking views of the vineyards. To sample even more of Georgia’s wines, visit the in-town tasting room of Sweet Acre Farms Winery, specializing in fruit-based “country wines,” wine slushies and beer on tap.

A getaway to Helen leads to so many new and renewed love stories that many couples return to plan their weddings and engagement photography here. To find out how to design a dream experience, go to www.HelenGA.org/love-life-little-things/weddings.

The official website of the Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitors Bureau is www.HelenGA.org

Journalists: For more story ideas and downloadable photos, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/alpine-helen-white-county-ga/

Directory

CeNita Vineyards, Winery and Tasting Room 591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-865-7478

Habersham Winery, 7025 S Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-9463

Kaya Vineyards and Winery, 5400 Town Creek Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533; 706-219-3514

Sweet Acre Farms Winery and Tasting Room, 8016 South Main Street, Suite B-1, Helen, Georgia, 30545; 706-969-7111

Yonah Mountain Vineyards, 1717 Highway 255 S, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-878-5522

Betty’s Country Store, 18 Yonah Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2943

Chattahoochee Stables, 2180 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-7000

Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa, 964 Rabun Road, Sautee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-5055

Sunburst Adventures, 251 Sunburst Lane, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523; 706-947-7433

Nacoochee Adventures, 7019 S Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-9477

Adventure Lodges of Georgia at Unicoi State Park, 1788 GA-356, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2201

The post Five Ways to Find Winter Romance in North Georgia’s Alpine Helen-White County appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

Get away with the gals or escape with your special someone to Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575. Soothe the soul with spa treatments, food, vineyard and brewery tours. While in town, browse local shops featuring handcrafted goods perfect for giving all year long.

Start your tour

Ease into your getaway with relaxing sips at area wineries and breweries.

1. Established in 2017, Bear Claw Vineyard’s beautiful backdrop sets the scene for relaxation, overlooking the vineyards and on-site Blue Ridge Treehouse (available for overnight stays). Outdoor seating offers the ideal setting for sipping Chardonnay, Vidal blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Riesling and Cayuga. 706-223-3750; BearClawVineyards.com
2. Mercier Orchards is the only apple orchard in Georgia that grows, presses, ferments and bottles their own hard apple cider and farm wines. Mercier Orchards is also the first producer of hard cider in the state. Visit their 400-acre farm and enjoy a round of tasting; hard ciders include Grumpy Granny, Rock Steady Red, Adele’s Choice, Pearody, Black Bee, Lone Tree, Old #3 and Just Peachy. Their farm wines include Fall Harvest Apple, Blackberry Winter and Summer Sweet Peach wines. Mercier Orchards also has tastings of regional wines produced in the Georgia Mountains. 706-632-3411 or www.Mercier-Orchards.com.
3. Grumpy Old Men Brewing, A “Nano Brewery,” is home of sought-after beers like Moon Over Blue Ridge Wheat, Aska Pale Ale, Devils Den IPA and Hells Holler Porter. Established in 2012 by two “old retired guys” who were home brewing in an outdoor shower and graduated to their brewery on East Main in Blue Ridge, Grumpy Old Men Brewing’s corporate mission is simple: “If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it.” Live music on Fridays. Call 706-946-2739; www.GrumpyOldMenBrewing.com.
4. Angry Hops Brewing was founded by two guys who just love beer. Sip to the sounds of live music and enjoy ales like Belligerent and Bridge Burner. Visit www.AngryHopsBrewing.com.
5. Tipping Point Brewing Co. offers a variety of craft brews and seltzers, as well as the Sunday Ticket for NFL viewing! Open seven days a week. With three adjacent restaurants, it’s easy to grab a bite to go with your brew. Shopping, music outdoor games like cornhole and more complete the experience. Call 985-237-2503; https://www.facebook.com/tippingpointbrewingco

Pub Crawl

Blue Ridge’s pubs pair locally made brews with delicious food. Create your own ‘pub crawl’ using the route on the Chamber of Commerce’s digital Blue Ridge Brews and Wineries map, which highlights places to grab a bite to eat and a drink, including:

1. Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill–733 East Main Street: A rustic American bar and grill with an extensive wine list, signature cocktails and regionally crafted beer.
2. Fightingtown Tavern–511 East Main Street: A rock-themed tavern offering scratch made eats and cool brews.
3. Misty Mountain Hops—3300 East 1st St. Blue Ridge: A music-centric restaurant with great food and cold drinks.
4. Bin 322—116 West Main St., 1-D: A wine and tapas bar and Mona Lisa’s Dessert House, serving house-made desserts, cocktails, wine and champagne. 

TIP: Not into DIY when it comes to a pub crawl? Book a guided three-hour Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tour or Brew House Tour at www.BlueRidgeMountainFoodTours.com, 678-697-1120.

Sip Blue Ridge local flavors at these haunts:

1. Relax and unwind at Black Sheep, serving Southern comfort food–including cocktails featuring their house-produced moonshine and desserts like the bread pudding–in a historic residence once visited by Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.” 480 West Main Street
2. Located in a beautiful historic bank building, ambiance meets unforgettable eats like Blackened Pork Chops (a local favorite), Fried Chicken Paillard, Pecan Crusted Trout the Hand-cut Ribeye at the General Ledger. 260 West Main Street
3. Serving high-quality, sustainable seafood, cocktails, whiskeys and bourbons from all over the world and set inside a tastefully renovated, historic 1937 post office, Whiskey & Water’s Seafood and Bourbon Bar brings the best of America’s coasts to the North Georgia Mountains. 187 Depot Street

Drink responsibly. Always have a designated driver or call one of Blue Ridge’s local cab and transportation companies:

1. Blue Ridge Safe Ride, 706-455-4656
2. Hoppin’ Around Georgia, 706-889-9650
3. Howard Jabaley Taxi Service, 706-455-0082; 706-492-3244
4. Mountain Transportation, LLC, 706-851-9465

Shopportunities

Find handmade goods at local shops while enjoying your getaway.

1. The Pasta Market: In their Blue Ridge location you can shop for handmade pasta, sauce, pesto, savory salt, olive wood utensils, ceramics, cookbooks, chocolates, and more. Be sure to schedule some time to relax, sit in comfy chairs, have a glass of wine and sample one of their amazing charcuterie boards. Check out their location in McCaysville, with the same great products.
2. Tupelo Tea and Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company: Unique and healthful gifts can be found at these two side-by-side shops in downtown Blue Ridge and also in Copperhill. At Tupelo Tea, find designer one-cup tea ware or teapots with your choice from over 100 delicious and distinctly flavored loose-leaf teas and artisan honey. At Blue Ridge Olive Oil check out the six-bottle gift set of specialty oils and vinegars; buy the best sellers or make your own sampler. Enjoy the samples while you shop. Tip. make sure to sample olive oil on ice cream!
3. Mitzi’s on Main: An original “Cornbread” painting could be just perfect for a person on your list who loves folk art, but Mitzi’s has so many other things to choose from — you just have to browse and enjoy it!
4. Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company: For the bird lover in the family, a new bird feeder and yummy designer seed mix to help our feathered friends get through the winter.
5. Hunt treasure at High Country Art. Peruse this gallery for traditional and impressionist fine art, folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, antiques and collectibles by local artists and crafts people, as well as regular events and exhibitions.
6. Pop next door to Wrapsody in Blue for home furnishings, accessories and gifts that emulate the beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers of the area.

7. At Multitudes Gallery find hand-blown glass and handmade arts and craft work from over 120 nationally and regionally recognized artists, including jewelry, photography and more. Multitudes has been in Blue Ridge for over 20 years. Inside, also find Fishbone Studios, home to Betty Wassmer Ceramics, showcasing the original creations of this noted ceramicist.
8. At Out of the Bluediscover premier gourmet shop offering an extraordinary selection of fine wines, beers, international and local gourmet foods; beautiful linens, ceramics, glass and the coolest wine toys you’ve ever seen.

If you go

At Serenity in the Mountains, make getting away easy with package deals themed for girlfriend getaways or couples. For additional options, find links to rental companies for mountain cabins with lake-views and room for 20 (hot tub included!) at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com, 1-800-899-MTNS.

The post Plan a Winter Retreat to Blue Ridge, Georgia appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA—OCTOBER 2020—Southern hospitality is the cornerstone of a getaway to Henry County, located a quick 30 minutes south of Atlanta, and attractive as a wintertime destination. Garner inspiration through relaxing activities as well as adventure and prepare to take home a bounty of memories. 

Stay warm during the winter months with a stop at Drip-Thru Coffee. With locations in both Stockbridge and College Park, this is a fun place to grab a warm drink infused with delicious flavors or a classic coffee paired with a Holey Sweet Donuts treat, sold onsite as well. 

Holidays seem to bring out the “cook” in everyone and Olive in a Bottle is the perfect shop to help drive your culinary skills over the top with gourmet oils and vinegars. A specialty store in Locust Grove, Olive in a Bottle offers Ultra-Premium extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars from across the globe. Sample the products and wander through their fun Georgia Grown products selection for unique gift ideas. 

While in town, burn off energy while making memories at family favorites including Starlite Family Fun Center of McDonough, Urban Air Adventure Park of McDonough and Sky Zone of McDonough. Heart-pumping entertainment, rain or shine, these three options offer it all from laser tag, roller skating, to an arcade and more, including a full concession with kid-friendly foods. 

Holiday celebrations are typically filled with gratitude so it makes lovely sense to incorporate a visit to the Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough into your getaway, especially if you have military friends or family. There is a volunteer staff of veterans giving free guided tours or you can opt for a self-guided tour of the museum. Their personalized accounts of war experiences are moving and a complement to studies of general war history. The sobering effect of stories told through mementos and war time relics resonates deeply with most folks.  

Of course you’ll want to do some holiday shopping and one place you shouldn’t miss is BarnBeautiful in Stockbridge, the northernmost city in Henry County. BarnBeautiful is located in historic downtown Stockbridge and known for harvesting weathered wood, turning it into treasured home furnishings and décor. You’ll also see (and can purchase) the work of local artists displayed throughout the store. So many one-of-a-kind items will help you quickly check off many people on your gift-giving list. Stop by Magnolia Pink, Henry County’s first community of local artists owned and operated by the makers within, and shop handcrafted products, decor, jewelry and apparel. And, at Hampton’s Holy Cow Leather, find locally made artisanal leather goods, metal jewelry and fine wood furnishings.

If your visit is late November through mid-December, Southern Belle Farm offers pre-cut Fraser Fir Christmas trees, fresh greenery, handmade wreaths, holiday decorations and, on the weekends, Santa visits, hayrides, Christmas carols, cookies and cider. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a visit to Southern Belle Farm. 

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, Yule Forest transitions into a beautiful cut-your-own Christmas tree farm with splendid options such as Leyland cypress, Virginia pines and Blue Ice Christmas trees. There are also pre-cut trees available along with pre-flocked trees. You can grab a gorgeous fresh-cut wreath and/or garland as well. Yule Forest is just the jumpstart to the holidays that families need.

Wind down your holiday getaway with a pampering trip to The HoneyComb Cottage in Locust Grove or The HoneyComb Cottage Too in Hampton. Treat yourself to a spa day with a deep tissue massage, facial or another specialty service. You deserve it!

No matter if you are stopping for a night or two, or a long weekend, plan to include Henry County as a holiday or winter destination with lots of space for safe, socially responsible travel. For more information, area accommodations and restaurants, please visit VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com. 

The post Henry County’s Wonderful Winter Travel Options appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.