Close to home
While North Georgia Canopy Tours (5290 Harris Road, Lula. 770-869-7272, northgeorgiacanopytours.com, @NGaCanopyTours) is known as home to some top-notch zip lining adventures that send folks flying through the trees, offering birds-eye views of the dramatic North Georgia terrain, the eco-friendly company also provides some out-of-the-ordinary glamping experiences. Consider the campsites boasting seven teepees (photo courtesy of North Georgia Canopy Tours) — one sleeps 10 — outfitted with heating and air conditioning, lights and electrical outlets.
The sites are named after the seven clans of Cherokee society, and teepees are vividly painted with authentic Cherokee symbols. The campsites include a large bathhouse and grills for outdoor cooking.
You can spend carefree days on the scenic property, which is located on 136 acres bisected by the North Oconee River, where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Piedmont Plateau at the Eastern Continental Divide.
Along with zip lining, you can entertain yourself with disc golf — think golf with Frisbee-like discs instead of balls and clubs — geocaching and, of course, hiking or meandering among nature. But there’s nothing wrong with hanging out in the teepee with a good book, either.
Photo: Accommodations at Moorings Village and Spa in Islamorada, Fla., include the private Maroni Villa, which offers guests ocean views from its wrap-around porch. Contributed by the Moorings Village and Spa
Taste of old Florida
If you’ve ever yearned to go back in time and take refuge in what was once the casual elegance of old Florida, which, in truth, was probably as elusive as Shangri-la, wander about 90 miles south of Miami’s neon glare to Islamorada in the Florida Keys.
Make your way to the Moorings Village and Spa (123 Beach Road, Islamorada, Fla., 305-664-4708, themooringsvillage.com,@MooringsVillage). This former coconut plantation now is home to 18 blissful acres that include bright, sugary sands scattered with 18 self-sufficient island-style cottages and villas on a lanky stretch of private beach.
The Moorings easily combines luxury accommodations with a casual flair. The homes range from one to three bedrooms, with amenities that include flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, fine linens and bedding, and fully equipped kitchens.
No worries allowed on the property. The Moorings has little in common with corporate resorts. Rather, it was thoughtfully designed with serenity and relaxation in mind. Without leaving sight of your cottage, you can take advantage of the heated lap pool, indulge in a few tennis matches or get your zen on with beachfront yoga. Don’t forget, it’s a spa. Consider booking the Duo-Isla Sol massage, a signature treatment that uses hot polished gemstones.
The property also offers pier and private fishing, but, should you feel the need to venture away from the seclusion of the Moorings — and its many hammocks — you might check out one of the nearby ecotours or, better yet, spend a little time drifting peacefully toward the clouds while parasailing. You can leisurely explore the island by hopping on one of the Mooring’s beach cruisers and cycling your cares away.
A five-minute bike ride away, you’ll find Bitton Bistro Cafe (82245 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Fla., 305-396-7481), where you can pop in for a scoop of gelato and snap up a freshly made baguette for a surfside picnic at sunset.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a kayak and paddle over to the Lilliputian island that makes up Indian Key Historic State Park (a few hundred yards southeast of U.S. 1, Florida Keys. 305-664-2540, floridastateparks.org, @FLStateParks). There are plenty of diving opportunities nearby. Comprising a mere 11 acres, this deserted island — bring your own water and sunscreen — boasts sweet acacia trees and sea grapes along with the rubble of what once was a town that was home to those who made their living salvaging boats that ran aground on the many area reefs.
Dining in the immediate area offers plenty of options. Pierre’s Restaurant (81600 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Fla., 305-664-3225,moradabay.com) is housed in a graceful two-story Colonial plantation across from the teal waters of the Florida Bay. French techniques fused with exotic flavors from around the world make this a sought-after dining experience.
But, if you prefer to keep your flip-flops on, there are plenty of beach joints where you can feast on chilled beer and fried conch.
Land of the blues
Situated in the Delta, land of the blues, where Sam Cooke was born and Bessie Smith died, Clarksdale, Miss., also lies in the region known for King Cotton diplomacy. You can immerse yourself in both the blues and cotton’s historical impact on Clarksdale at the Shack Up Inn (1 Commissary Circle Road, Clarksdale, Miss. 662-624-8329, shackupinn.com, @TheShackUpInn).
Made up of 33 sharecropper and tenant shotgun houses (photo by Austin Britt) on the former Hopson Plantation, Shack Up Inn and the Cotton Gin Inn, comprised of rooms transformed from old cotton bins on the property, attracts visitors who have a taste for music, history and plenty of funk.
While the accommodations are certainly authentic and unaffected — teetering on unpolished — you’ll find plenty of modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable. But, please, don’t ask management about thread counts in the sheets or room service. There is, however, plenty of beer and blues.
And, if you have a musical bent, consider Shack Up Inn’s popular singer-songwriter, guitar and bass workshops as well as harmonica jam camps, which all sell out quickly.
Sanctuary in New Orleans
The French Quarter is the thumping heart of New Orleans, and the place to be in the Louisiana city.
But, just steps away from the busy din of the French Quarter is the historic Soniat House (1133 Chartres St., New Orleans. 504-522-0570, soniathouse.com, @soniathouse), which offers a soothing sanctuary. Built as a trio of town homes in the early 1800s by a French sugar plantation owner, the homes have been meticulously and lovingly transformed into a boutique hotel by owners Rodney and Frances Smith.
The Smiths’ passion for European antiques provided the cornerstone for the look and feel of Soniat House (photo courtesy of Soniat House). In fact, the property also is home to Soniat House Antique Galleries.
The subdued exterior boasts the requisite balconies framed by ornate cast iron, and the weathered brick and terra cotta facade is set off by soft green wood shutters. But, step inside, and that’s where the magic happens.
The salons and each of the 31 high-ceiling guest rooms and suites are furnished with gorgeous French and English antiques and exquisite European fabrics. Although modern conveniences abound — jetted tubs in the suites, flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi throughout the property — Soniat House offers its guests a taste of old world elegance and hospitality with myriad authentic details.
Wander around a pair of lush, shaded courtyards, pamper yourself with an in-room massage, then take in the elegant salon while sipping on a glass of fine wine from the well-stocked cellar and cozying up to Claire the house cat.
Of course, you can avail yourself in the area’s many fine restaurants but, for breakfast, don’t miss the hotel’s highly touted buttermilk biscuits served with the house strawberry preserves.
Floating hotel
If you want to experience Charleston, S.C., from an exclusive perspective while vacationing in total privacy, then consider a floating hotel — the aptly named Southern Comfort (17 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, S.C. 980-254-5572, motoryachtsoutherncomfort.com).
This classic Hatteras yacht stretches over 61 feet and boasts a roomy interior — more than 1,800 square feet — decked out in lustrous mahogany and teak (photo courtesy Southern Comfort Yachts). Guests can select from four staterooms with private baths, and the yacht is fully air-conditioned.
Part of the experience of the yacht is to take in the surroundings from unique vantage points. The covered deck offers grand views of the James Island Bridge and the sailing fleet of the Charleston Yacht Club.
From the Southern Comfort, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the Charleston City Marina’s proximity to the historic district, which is an easy walk. To venture farther, pick up the free marina shuttle that departs each hour.
While there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the historic district, a side trip to the nearby farming community of Johns Island is a must. Bring your appetite to the Fat Hen (3140 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, S.C. 843-559-9090, thefathen.com, @FatHenSC), the restaurant owned by acclaimed chef Fred Neuville and his wife, Joan. The casual cottage serves French-Lowcountry cuisine expertly prepared with local ingredients. It’s open for dinner and brunch. For dessert, don’t miss a silky slice of the Pluff Mudd pie — a double dose of chocolate with dabs of raspberry caramel.
You’ll find it difficult to bypass the star of Johns Island, Angel Oak Tree (3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, S.C. 843-559-3496,angeloaktree.com), a Southern live oak nearly 500 years old — or 1,500 years; there’s a bit of a debate. What’s not up for questioning is the 17,200 square feet of shade this impressive tree provides.
Down on the Gulf
Boasting nearly 30 miles of beaches, two state parks, acres of hiking and biking trails, and 100 public beach access points, Florida’s Panama City Beach provides an ideal destination for winding down. But sidestep the resorts and head about 3 miles south to St. Andrews State Park (4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla., 850-233-5140, floridastateparks.org, @FlStateParks) on the Emerald Coast, where you’ll find an abundance of undisturbed, rugged natural beauty.
Situated on a skinny peninsula bordered by the clear green waters of Saint Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the park provides a tranquil retreat for campers. But, really, why camp when you can glamp in style? No need to worry about the drudgery of setting up a bothersome tent and dusting off the sleeping bags. Let Fancy Camps (850-628-9696, fancycamps.com, @fancycamps) set you up with luxurious accommodations (photo courtesy of Fancy Camps).
Fancy Camps provides everything you need for luxury camping, including a roomy tent, a queen-size bed — or two twins — linens, carpets, furniture, lighting and even a heating and cooling unit.
But the amenities are only the beginning, Fancy Camps will make pretty much any experience you imagine a reality. For instance, if you’ve always fantasized about painting in the great outdoors, Fancy Camps offers an art package that provides you with paint, brushes and even an easel. Or, if you want a more traditional experience, you can rent bikes, paddle boards, pontoon boats or a canoe. And, the company gladly will arrange a beach bonfire complete with s’mores. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.
St. Andrews Park offers plenty of wild life, and you might check out Gator Lake, which allows a view of the giant reptiles in their natural habitat with a self-guided tour that takes under 30 minutes.
If you feel the need to venture away from your private paradise, head north a couple of miles and grab some fresh ceviche or fish tacos from the stationary food truck Finns Island Style Grub (7220 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, Fla., 850-249-3466,finnsislandstylegrub.com). If you’ve worked up a serious appetite, spring for the 2-pound burrito. You can work it off surfing, hiking or fishing.
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