Men's Traveler

Stories from the married male traveler

Family getaways to Chattanooga, TN

By Robert J. Nebel

Editor, Men's Traveler

The Southeast is home to some of the most educational destinations in the country. Chattanooga, Tenn., is one of them. More than just a fish tankWhen Chattanooga revitalized its downtown core, no one would have guessed the city would become an education destination for children. It's tough to think of a better spot for kids to learn than the Tennessee Aquarium. The Tennessee Aquarium is more than just a fish tank. It's a place where young ones can learn about the circle of life through a range of exhibits. Whether it's the Butterfly Garden or exhibits featuring a red-bellied piranha, the Tennessee Aquarium is chock full of information that's presented in a user-friendly, entertaining format. Kids can also learn about conservation and research programs here, such as the initiative to save the seahorses. As you view their comprehensive display of seahorses, the aquarium suggests ways to help preserve these creatures. Refraining from dried seahorse purchases and taking care of the local waters are just some of the things that grownups and children alike can do to keep the seahorses thriving. And of course, kids will love to top off the aquarium trip with a visit to its critically acclaimed IMAX 3-D theater.

A place for kids to discover

It's a snap to walk from one point to another in Chattanooga, so you'll have no trouble getting from the aquarium to the Creative Discovery Museum. The museum has plenty of play equipment, but children can also get a hands-on education there. The Riverplay exhibit shows how locks and dams work, how to pilot a river boat and how a river current is created. Kids are always fascinated with the Barsamian Sculpture known as "Lesson in the Park." The sculpture, created by Gregory Barsamian of Brooklyn, N.Y., features a three-dimensional bird coming out of a two-dimensional photograph. The bird turns into a pair of hands that release light and float away. Learning about diversity has always been important for kids.

Ruby Falls: An outdoor learning center

Ruby Falls is a Chattanooga institution. Long before there was talk about bringing revitalization efforts to the city, Ruby Falls was attracting visitors from across the Southeast. Known as America's highest and most visited underground waterfall, Ruby Falls makes you feel like you're worlds away from home. Located just south of Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls provides kids with a geology and history lesson. An elevator ride to the property's cavern is a ticket to a one-of-a-kind education. As they tour the upper and lower caves, kids learn about stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones and drape formations. Both caves are located in the limestone layer of the mountain.When it comes to historical facts, kids will learn that Lookout Mountain was discovered some 200 million years ago. It is believed the mountain was formed after a powerful earthquake lifted the mountain up from the seabed. More recent history is also on display here. Andrew Jackson, our nation's seventh president, left his signature in the cave.

An arts education on the river

Aside from the aquarium, the children's museum and Ruby Falls, Chattanooga provides an arts education at the Hunter Museum of Art, where children's Saturday morning classes run. Drawing and Printmaking for Beginners is a great way to introduce children to basic drawing skills.If you want to make the most of your kids' time off from school, look no further than Chattanooga. You can create your own educational getaway.

More info
· Tennessee Aquarium

Fun Facts

Isn't It Romantic?

By Robert J. Nebel 

“At last, I’m safe from holidays and special occasions,” I said to myself as I was doing my errands right after New Years. My neighborhood dollar store put the kibosh on that feeling. As I pushed my cart, I came upon the store‘s promotional area. Tables that were once filled with mini Christmas trees were replaced with heart-shaped boxes containing sweets. It was all a reminder that I needed to do something for Valentine’s Day. Since sweets are forbidden in our house due to dietary restrictions, I like to take romantic trips.

Romance in Augusta

If you’re looking for an affordable, quiet getaway, Augusta is the answer. Augusta has grown in recent years, but not too much. The city that’s known for its Masters Golf tournament has been going through a downtown revitalization that includes new shops, restaurants and its romantic Riverwalk that overlooks the Savannah River.

When you visit Augusta, take a romantic stroll down the long path at Riverwalk. Follow that walk with a meal at the nearby Boll Weevil or Blue Sky Kitchen restaurants. Dishes including Tuna Carpaccio are popular at the Boll Weevil while the Mojo Shrimp and Rice take center stage at Blue Sky.

If you plan to stay overnight, many hotels offer Valentine’s Day packages including the historic Partridge Inn on Walton Way, near downtown in the tree-lined Summerville neighborhood. The Partridge Inn is a renovated late 1800s structure which sits on a hilltop that provides sweeping views of the city.

While the Partridge Inn’s staff boasts about their comfortable rooms, high-speed Internet connection, and pool, I was sold on the Verandah Grill. To me, nothing makes a weekend more romantic than dining on their Valentine‘s Day meal which has dishes like Prosciutto Wrapped Halibut and White Chocolate Passion Fruit Mousse for dessert.

The Partridge Inn offers an “Amour Package.” This Valentine’s Day special includes accommodations, dinner, a bottle of champagne, and an assortment of chocolates, and a keepsake pair of champagne flutes, and a long-stemmed rose.

Love is in the “thinner” air

If you have the time, funds and energy, look into a romantic ski getaway. Park City, Utah is my favorite ski destination because it isn’t crowded like other resorts and the area is simple to navigate.

To get to the town that holds the annual Sundance Film Festival, you must book a flight to Salt Lake City’s airport, which is only 40 minutes to Park City. Driving from the airport to Park City is easy, but I prefer to take the Park City Transportation shuttle to my hotel. The last time I visited, I checked into the Canyons Grand Summit Hotel -- home to suites that make you feel at home with fluffy beds, state-of-the-art kitchens and fireplaces where couples can warm up with hot cocoa after a day of skiing.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, there’s a slope for you at the Canyons. Since my wife and I have little skiing experience, we were grateful for the resort’s accommodations including easy access to its lifts and a ski equipment storage room.

The Ski Butlers made our experience in Park City even more enjoyable. The Ski Butlers provide everything that you need for your skiing adventure. Tell them what you want over the phone and they deliver the goods to you in a timely manner.

When you’re not on the slopes, hit Park City’s main street which is home a number of shops and restaurants including filmmaker Robert Redford’s Zoom, Jean Louis and The Riverhorse.

Gorgeous Greenville

If skiing is not your idea of a romantic getaway, drive up the road to Greenville, South Carolina. Just like Augusta, Greenville has been sprucing up its’ downtown and the results are showing. When I arrived in Greenville, I was amazed that this metropolis has over 50 shops and restaurants in its downtown area.

The Westin Poinsett Hotel is my property of choice for a romantic weekend. This hotel has everything that you would expect from a Westin including a stylish lobby, elegant king and junior suites and a great restaurant. At this Westin, it is the popular Spoonbread restaurant that attracts locals and visitors alike.

You can’t beat the Westin’s location. The Bi-Lo Center, The Peace Center for the Performing Arts and the Greenville County Museum of Art are close by. Admission to their public art museum is free. This museum’s collection contains American art only and is currently displaying the works of native South Carolinian Jasper Johns and Andrew Wyeth.

After walking through the art museum, visit Trio-A Brick Oven Café. Duck Sausage and Penne pasta, Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Bow Ties and a selection of wood-fired pizza are all delectable dishes that draw patrons here on a regular basis.

Romance for anyone

So this year, forget about the box of chocolates and hit the road or the sky for a romantic escape.

The Partridge Inn

http://www.partridgeinn.com/

1-800-476-6888

The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel

http://www.thecanyons.com/grand_summit.html

Ski Butlers

http://www.skibutlers.com/

The Westin Poinsett

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1255

Did you know?

*Augusta was established in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe.

*The Partridge Inn is the first hotel in Georgia selected for inclusion in Historic Hotels of America.

*Park City, Utah’s Canyons Resort has 11 new slope side lodging/housing projects under construction.

*Over $10 million in improvements have been dedicated to The Canyons Resort including their new DreamCatcher quad chairlift.

*The Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina was constructed by W.L. Stoddard in 1925.

Kiawah Island

By Robert J. Nebel

Are you looking for the perfect getaway? How about a visit to a place where immaculate ocean beaches are the backdrop for well-preserved sand dunes, calming sunsets and gentle breezes? Kiawah Island, off the coast of Charleston, S.C., has all that and more.

Paige Pinson, a Peachtree Corners resident who visits the golf resort on a regular basis with her family, heads there to get away from crowded places like Panama City and Daytona Beach. “It’s quiet and simple,” she said. “There are no tall buildings. I have been all over the world, and Kiawah is one of my favorite places to visit.”

Recreation, nature live in harmony

In recent years, criticism has been aimed at resorts and hotels that have been built on beautiful natural habitats, exploiting the natural resources. That can’t be said about the lodging choices on Kiawah Island, though. Both the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island are luxurious places that are also environmentally responsible.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, which opened in June 2004, is located on a 50-acre site that uses less than half of that land. The luxury oceanfront hotel and spa features a grand lobby, retail shops, salon, two restaurants and spectacular views. Whether you’re in the hotel’s grand lobby or an elegant guest room, you will be guaranteed a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Sanctuary is appointed in a classic Southern decor, with high ceilings and Charleston brick, stone, stucco and copper. The overall effect makes you feel as if the hotel has been on the island for centuries.

Pampering at the Sanctuary begins when you enter your room. Each spacious guest room offers a king, double or queen size bed. A five-fixture bathroom features private water closets, dual vanities, deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers. The room also has the usual suspects, including a DVC/CD player and Internet access.

The pampering continues with the spa, which contains 12 treatment rooms, a steam room, whirlpool and sauna. You can lose yourself with any one of their treatments, which are based on Kiawah’s indigenous ocean and marsh qualities. The spa’s massages, Lowcountry Verbena Body Polish or Mint Julep Facial take you away to South Carolina’s Southern porches and gardens. The spa’s signature treatment, the Body Wrapture, is the first of its kind in the country. The technique blankets the guest in a warm grain and herb-filled wrap that induces deep relaxation.
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Lowcountry cuisine, you’ll find it at the hotel’s Jasmine Porch. It was named “Best Down Home Cookery” by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, a respected Web site dedicated to luxury travel. Seafood is the signature item on the menu at Jasmine Porch, which also offers an excellent Thursday buffet and Sunday brunch. The breakfast buffet is a great value for families — just $17 for an adult buffet and $10 for children ages 5 to 12.
For an upscale dining experience, visit the Ocean Room at the Sanctuary. Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, Domestic Kobe Beef “Flat-Iron” and Juniper and Fennel Encrusted Antelope Loin are all delectable dishes that make for a memorable dinner. This is a fancier dining area, so proper attire is required — dinner jackets are a must for the men.

If the Ocean Room is out of your budget, the Loggerhead Grill might be more in line with your bottom line. Located near Kiawah’s beach, the Loggerhead Grill boasts simpler fare, including entree salads and barbecue pork sandwiches. Interesting appetizers, such as Chilled Summer Gazpacho and a Logger Head Crab Cake, are elegant choices in a casual atmosphere.

Fun for the entire family

Aside from escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, Paige Pinson and her family escape to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort for its activities. “There is 30 miles of bike trails. The kids just love it,” she said. “They can ride to the pool or the ice cream parlor.” Visitors can also take advantage of canoeing, kayaking and bird walks.

Pinson’s husband, Shane, comes for the ultimate golf experience. The property has five championship courses, including the Ocean Course, where the Ryder Cup and the World Cup of Golf tournaments were held. It is also the future site of the Senior PGA and PGA Championship contests in 2007 and 2012, respectively.

Best of both worlds

Staying on Kiawah Island doesn’t mean you’re secluded from the rest of the world. The city of Charleston is one hour away. “If we feel we need to get off the island, we go into Charleston and do something like a ghost walk tour,” Pinson said.

When they’ve had their fill of Charleston, the Pinsons return to the island and stop at a farmer’s market to stock up on their supplies for their resort villa. Aside from its natural environment and unlimited recreation, Pinson said the best part about staying on Kiawah Island is the laid-back atmosphere. “Everyone you meet is extremely friendly,” she said. “The whole experience is good, clean family fun.”

More info

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

http://www.thesanctuary.comKiawah Island Golf Resort

http://www.kiawahresort.com

Fun Facts

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island hotel is raised to allow unobstructed views of the ocean from the first floor. Using the world’s largest mechanical spade, the Sanctuary has transplanted more than 200 live oak trees to create an entrance that appears to have been in place for centuries. The name Kiawah is derived from the Indians who lived in the area during the 1600s where they hunted and fished.

Sources: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Chamber of Commerce

Delightful Dahlonega

Montaluce Winery is a Tuscan-themed property that boasts a sprawling vineyard that will be on line in a few years.

Flee to the Cleve

The Cleveland area is a great weekend getaway

By Robert J. Nebel

I grew up in Cleveland when so many labeled it “The Mistake on the Lake.” I don’t know about my family, but its reputation gave me an inferiority complex. The city‘s river burned. The sports teams never did well. And the city went into default. Cleveland became the butt of so many jokes that I vowed to leave the area when I grew up.

While I came through on my promise to start a new life somewhere else, I’m sometimes sad for the decision. Ever since I left, the city has experienced a renaissance. The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, The Great Lakes Science Center, Jacobs Field baseball park and the Cleveland Browns stadium came into existence over the past decade and a half. Scores of eateries and shops popped up right along alongside those popular attractions. Suddenly Cleveland became cool.

Add Cleveland’s world-famous symphony, natural history museum and the world renowned Cleveland Clinic to the mix and you have a community that has silenced its critics. What was once a national joke, has now become a fun and affordable weekend getaway. So, book your tickets now and “Flee to the Cleve.”

Northeast Ohio is affordable, easy to get around

While you might find good airfares into Cleveland, look into getting a flight into the nearby Akron-Canton Airport. The airfares are low and the airport is easy to navigate. Within minutes of deplaning, you can pick up your rental car and hit I-77 which whisks you into downtown Cleveland in about an hour.

Nearby destinations provide a different getaway

If getting away to a big city is not your idea of a great weekend, Northeast Ohio has a bevy of offerings in the outlying areas. In nearby Aurora, you can find that much-needed “rest and relaxation” in places like the Bertram Inn and Conference Center. When staying here, you hardly realize that the big city is minutes away. Spacious comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor pool and the award-winning Leopard Restaurant take you to another world. Whether you are bringing the family along or are doing a couples weekend, the Bertram is the perfect weekend getaway. With a fitness facility, business center and game room, there is something for everyone.

July 4, 2007 in Aurora, Ohio. Many of Cleveland's municipalities celebrate July Fourth with huge parades and festivals.

Photo by Robert J. Nebel

When you are in the need to explore the area, hop on the Bertram’s shuttle service. The hotel will take you anywhere within a ten-mile radius which includes a trip to a nearby outlet shopping center. Other shuttle options include service to the Akron-Canton and Cleveland airports.

Spoil yourself

If you are looking to treat yourself on a weekend visit, then check into the Walden Country Inn and Stables which is right around the corner from the Bertram. This luxurious 26-suite slice of heaven is the ultimate getaway. Each suite is unique with its own set of amenities such as the Loft which features dramatic wood ceilings and stairs that lead to a second story. Comfortable beds, walk-in showers, TVs with superior sound and Internet access, characterize all of the suites including the more basic Walden Suite. The inn’s lobby is inviting with its candle-lit fireplace where you can have a cup of tea with hors d’oeuvres.

Take up your relaxation level further with a visit to Spa Walden. This spa is a private experience. Spa Director Jenessee Taylor believes in making this a total no-pressure environment where you take the time you need to enjoy a 60 or 90-minute massage, wrap, manicure/pedicure, facial or scrub.

Horses are the order of the day at Walden in the Cleveland area.

Photos by Robert J. Nebel

Top off the visit with the Walden’s breakfast that includes delicacies such as Buckwheat Pancakes with Ohio maple syrup or “Challah French Toast.” After breakfast, visit the property’s stables where Ohio’s prettiest horses reside.

East versus West

The Cleveland metro area is divided into an east and west side with the Cuyahoga River that acts as the dividing line. Both sides have their unique attractions. Just around the corner from Aurora, is the quaint suburb of Solon, home to one of the city’s best Chinese restaurants, the Imperial Wok. My family has been visiting this “institution” for years.

On most of my visits, I love to stroll Cleveland Heights’ Coventry Road. This progressive thoroughfare is filled with coffeehouses, bookshops, taverns and vegan restaurants. The east side’s ethnic neighborhoods include Little Italy where you can find mouth-watering pizza and pasta.

The west side is home to an array of ethnic cuisine. One of the most popular dishes on this side of town are Pierogies. Pierogies are semi-circular dumplings of unleavened dough typically stuffed with cheese, sauerkraut, meat, cabbage and more.

Another must-see attraction on this part of town is the West Side Market. Built in 1912, this market features colorful, fresh produce in an ethnic neighborhood.

A good time to visit

Now that autumn is arriving in a few weeks to this area, it is an excellent time to visit. I have fond memories of heading to nearby Burton to walk its downtown and purchase authentic maple syrup. I also used to hike the city’s Metroparks to view its foliage or visit their zoo. Whether you are in downtown or in the outlying areas, one thing is guaranteed: the gorgeous views of Northeast Ohio’s are enhanced by the hues of autumn.

Someone once said that “you cannot go home again.” Perhaps that is true, but I can do the next best thing and say that I’m proud be from Northeast Ohio.

The Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau

http://www.travelcleveland.com/

The Bertram Hotel and Conference Center

http://www.thebertraminn.com/

The Walden Country Inn and Stables

http://www.waldenco.com

Did you know?

Sources: Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Bertram Hotel and Conference Center and the Walden Country Inn and Stables.

*Visiting Cleveland proves to be an affordable trip. Last year, Trip Advisor rated the area as a Top 10 Value Destination.

*Cleveland, Ohio is on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Its region extends 100 miles along the lake’s shoreline and more than 40 miles inland.

*The Cleveland area is located within 500 miles of 43 percent of the U.S. population.

*The Walden Country Inn and Stables contains proportioned buildings that surround a 175-year-old barn and silo located on 32 acres.

*The Bertram Hotel and Conference Center is great for business retreats with its 82-seat amphitheater and 5,400 square foot ballroom.

*Day packages are offered at the Walden Country Inn such as their equestrian package which includes a horse back ride, spa visit and lunch.

Georgia's Callaway Gardens

By Robert J. Nebel

Editor, Men's Traveler

The rush of the air enveloped us as we glided down a shaded path on our rented bikes. The calls of sparrows, finches and cardinals swirled around us.

For more than 50 years, families and couples have come to Callaway Gardens to escape life’s pressures. Whether it’s to bike, golf or to simply relax, everyone seems to have one thing in common: to rejuvenate.

Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the resort is the ultimate weekend escape for families and couples.

An old friend

After a 10-year absence from Callaway, I took my wife Brooke and daughter Caitlin for a long weekend to clear our heads and get in touch with nature.

There is no better way to experience the environment than through a bike tour. After we picked up the bikes at the rental depot, we took to Callaway’s trails and headed toward the popular attractions.

At the time we visited the foliage was sparse, but the longleaf pines still retained most of their greenery. Indeed, we have plenty of these lanky pines surrounding our house, but they looked better here, as red-headed woodpeckers poked away at their bark.

Like an old friend I haven’t seen in years, so much has remained the same, and so much more has changed. The Callaway Memorial Chapel is just the way I recalled it. Perfectly situated on the Lower Falls Creek Lake, the chapel was a sight for sore eyes as we approached it. When we entered, the music emanating from the organ bounced around the chapel’s walls and beautiful stained glass. To me, it was like time stood still.

Kids love the butterfly center, garden

After reacquainting ourselves with the chapel, we headed to the crown jewel of Callaway Gardens: the Day Butterfly Center.

I had wanted to take Caitlin for years, but never got around to it. Even though she’s spent time in other butterfly centers, I felt she needed to see this one. I was right: The Day Butterfly Center went way beyond her expectations. The variety of butterflies, plants and birds inspired Caitlin to talk about it for days.

We wanted to stay longer at the Day Butterfly Center, but the sun wasn’t too far away from setting and there was plenty of biking to do. We had just enough time to visit Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden. Even though the peaceful garden is somewhat bare during our visit, some plants seem to always be in bloom, like the dark purple Lenten Rose.

New accommodations

When we returned the bikes, the three of us felt the soreness in our legs. We had just enough energy to retire to our room in the Lodge Conference Center.
This lodge definitely was not here 10 years ago. In fact, the lodge is so new it still has that “new structure smell” of fresh wood. Because it is so pristine, we were hesitant to touch anything when we first entered the grand lobby, with its high ceilings and fireplace.

“Go ahead, have an apple,” said Whitney, one of the front desk clerks. Each of us took a shiny apple and made the short trek to our room.

Each of the lodge’s 150 rooms has all of today’s amenities showcased in a classy, rustic motif. The comfortable beds, high-end bathrooms and flat-screen TVs don’t overpower the room’s decor.

After a hearty breakfast in the lodge’s Piedmont Room in the morning, I toured the property with Rachel Crumbley, Callaway Gardens’ corporate relations manager.
We took a look at the Presidential Suite, with its own appliances, dining room and a garden tub. The Presidential Suite’s little sibling, the Personal Suite, packs a punch with a perfectly placed Jacuzzi featuring an excellent view through one of the room’s sliding doors.

Crumbley and the rest of the Callaway staff are excited about the 13,000-square-foot spa. As workers were nailing, gluing and welding, Crumbley ushered me through the construction zones. She expects the spa to be open for business by spring.

Love is in the air

While my trip proves that Callaway Gardens is good for families, it is also a great romantic escape. Every February, couples take advantage of the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance. This overnight package, includes dinner and dancing.

If dancing is not your thing, then look into the resort’s annual Food and Wine Weekend,which runs in mid-February. Nothing says romance more than learning about fine food and wine. The event includes wine lectures, tastings and cooking demonstrations.

More info

Callaway Gardens
www.callawaygardens.com
1-800-CALLAWAY

Georgia Department of Economic Development
www.georgia.org/travel/

Did you know?

Callaway Gardens is the centerpiece of 13,000 acres set in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachians.

Cason Jewell Callaway co-founded Callaway Gardens along with his wife, Virginia. It opened in May, 1952.

Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden was the Southern filming site of the PBS series, “The Victory Garden.”

The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center opened in September 1988 as one of the first and largest tropical butterfly centers in the world.

As part of the resort’s commitment to balancing progress with nature, the Lodge at Callaway Gardens was built with energy efficiency in mind.

Source: Callaway Gardens

Coastal Fever

By Robert J. Nebel

I love going to Charleston. The weather is just right. The crowds are thinner than most hotspots in the Southeastern United States. And the city has a great mix of coastal scenery, shopping, lodging and most of all, dining. Every time I go back to Charleston, I’m amazed at the local cuisine’s quality and quantity.

The standout restaurant for me is the Oak Steakhouse on Broad Street. Chef Brett McKee delivers every time. Whether it is the succulent Marinated 36-Ounce Bone-In Rib Eye to the Sesame Encrusted Yellowfin Tuna, you cannot go wrong. My suggestion is to order something different and share your plates. If you think that you might be missing out on Southern fare, McKee comes to the rescue with his Southern Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken. One of the most interesting dishes is a new take on a kid’s classic: the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese.

Once I was done with my entrée, I just wanted to get out onto Broad Street and walk it off, but McKee wouldn’t have any of that. The lively chef insisted that we try the restaurant’s “Chocolate Indulgence,” which is described by the folks at Oak as, “…a six-layer devil’s food cake with chocolate butter cream and chocolate ganache.”

After our hearty meal and dessert, we were ready to hit Charleston’s easy-to-navigate streets. I loved strolling the Charleston City Market, which is located on the waterfront near the Ansonborough area. This legendary attraction is still going strong after 220 years. It consists of four buildings that house hundreds of vendors who sell everything from jewelry to rice and beans.

When I made my way back to my room at the Wentworth Mansion, I was beat, but fulfilled that I chose to visit. The Wentworth is located in the heart of the city’s historic district. This 1886 structure was renovated about 10 years ago. There are 21 spacious guestrooms, a spa and of course a top-notch restaurant called Circa 1886.

When I was making the six hour drive back to the Atlanta area, I have to admit that Charleston is loaded with many excellent restaurants and lodging choices.

Back to the beach

If it’s the beach you are looking for, but not the crowds, my suggestion is to make a visit to Amelia Island. No, you won’t exactly get a deep rich tan on this lush island in Northeast Florida, but who needs that with the sun’s harmful UV rays? Amelia Island is home to one of the finest properties that you can visit in the Southeast: the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This 400-plus-room Ritz is located on a 13-mile stretch of well-preserved territory. It has four restaurants and lounges. My family and I dined at Salt restaurant. While the menu includes exquisite selections, kids are welcome here too. The view of the ocean from Salt is beyond breathtaking.

For more relaxation, check into the Ritz’s spa. The spa has 26 treatment rooms that offer: two couples massage rooms; two spa suites; a fitness studio and movement studio. Separate sex wet areas feature a steam room, sauna, indoor pool, whirpool and private lounges. In short, I was in heaven.

While I was at the spa, Caitlin, my 9-year-old daughter, checked into the Ritz Kids Camp where she swam and had her hands busy with plenty of creative play. When I went to pick her up at the end of the day, I noticed the new teen program called “Our Space.” This program is for guests between the ages of 12 and 19. “Our Space” offers beach games, water sports, surf lessons, bike hikes, kayaking and pizza and movie nights.

After a few days at the Ritz, we decided to explore more of Amelia Island by taking a short drive to Fernandina Beach. This Victorian seaside port and fishing village is full of history and character. Many historians and Florida mavens alike say that Fernandina Beach is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. The cobblestone-filled streets conjure up images from a simpler time. My family and I loved the scores of small shops and restaurants which provide excellent service.

The best part about the Ritz on Amelia Island is its location. I’ll never forget strolling its breezy beach that features unspoiled vegetation and sand dunes. It was a stress-free spring break that I will never forget.

Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau

http://www.charlestoncvb.com

Oak Steakhouse

http://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

1-843-722-4220

Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm

Instead of battling the heat and crowds at amusement parks or beaches, some summer vacationers are seeking indoor recreational refuge. While the Southeast heat is on more than ever in states like Florida, a visit to a science center or environmental research reserve is an excellent alternative to crowded tourist magnets like Walt Disney World.If you need a break from the summer vacation rat race, then look no further than a trip to an education center.

Discovering science on the Emerald Coast

By Robert J. Nebel

Editor, Men's Traveler

After several hours of baking on the white hot sand on northwest Florida's Santa Rosa Beach recently, my wife Brooke, daughter Caitlin and I were in the mood for something different. We hopped in the car and drove about a half hour to Fort Walton Beach, where we stumbled upon the Emerald Coast Science Center. This simple yet informative museum is full of hands-on exhibits that children of all ages will love. Caitlin was fascinated with the science center's electricity and wind tunnel exhibit, where she received a lesson in transformers, inductors, diodes and transistors. The Van De Graff Electricity Generator and Wind Tunnel left the biggest impression on her. This generator shows how lightning and sparks are formed through the discharge of static electricity. The "wow factor" didn't end there. Caitlin was practically breathless when she experienced the wind tunnel. She had the opportunity to fly a model aircraft inside this amazing contraption, which was constructed by the Air Force Association.

The hands-on learning continues at the Emerald Coast Science Center's Hall of Life exhibit. Full-size models show visitors how the human body fits together. The Mr. Bones model uses a large skeleton riding a bike to illustrate how the human skeletal system works. A food pyramid, stomach model and microscopes show how human cells are formed. While the hands-on exhibits were a hit with Caitlin, it was the "Bill Nye the Science Guy" videos that were most memorable for her. An area dedicated to Nye videos attracted her and other children like magnets. For those who aren't in the loop, Nye gets kids interested in science with his fun yet informative presentations. Caitlin has been a big fan ever since the first grade, when her elementary school began showing them.

It was tough to pull Caitlin away from the gift shop. After begging us for the store's science kit or a Pet Tornado, we settled on a collection of exotic rocks.We hit the beach for one more day on that trip, but it was the trip to the Emerald Coast Science Center that made the vacation worthwhile.

Northeast Florida's environmental commitment

On the heels of the Emerald Coast vacation, we jumped to the other side of the state for a visit to the Ponte Vedra Beach area.

Just like in our northwest Florida trip, we needed a break from the beach. So, on the advice of locals in the area, we took a trip to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The name is a mouthful, but don't let that intimidate you. The reserve's Environmental Education Center is a real treat. Opened just two years ago, this state-of-the-art facility features interpretive exhibits, aquariums, a luxurious theater, a gift store and an outdoor amphitheater. Since it is set on the Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve, this environmental center offers spectacular views of northeast Florida's environment. It goes without saying that Caitlin loved the research reserve, with its myriad of hands-on displays, live animal exhibits and, especially, a scavenger hunt.

The reserve is committed to educating visitors about endangered species in the area, as well as something even more pressing these days - water resources. If you get a bit of cabin fever and are ready to get back outside, there is plenty to see in the area. Just outside of the education center's doors is an environmental wonderland. Visitors can spend hours exploring nature trails, fishing the estuary or frolicking on the nearby beach.

Whether you're walking, hiking or biking, you are guaranteed to see incredible plant and animal life on the Guana Tolomato Matanzas' trails. Wax myrtle, Spanish moss and live oak trees are just a few of the plants that will remind you you're truly in northeast Florida. It's no secret that fishing is popular throughout Florida, and the nearby Guana River dam area is open to the sport. In this estuary, you'll find blue crab, flounder, red drum, spotted sea trout, sheepshead and shrimp.

You can get your "beach fix" after visiting the Environmental Education Center by visiting the pristine beaches near Florida's A1A coastal highway. During the spring and summer, sea turtles are more likely to be spotted. During the winter months, whales are commonly found offshore.