Leaf Watch 2010

Park Rangers Anticipate a Vibrant Autumn:
Website Highlights Best Leaf Color in Georgia’s State Parks

For many people, the perfect autumn weekend includes cozy campfires, gooey s’mores and fiery-hued forests. To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2010” in partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether heading north for hiking and waterfalls or south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2010” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, travelers can get updates on fall color, learn safe hiking tips, and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks. New this year is a partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission and a webcam at Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton, Ga. Expert foresters will advise travelers about overall color, specific tree species and even the weather’s effect on leaf watching. The webcam will provide a glimpse of color progressing across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"Fortunately, there are no 'bad' years for fall foliage in Georgia," said Ken Masten, Gainesville District Manager for the Georgia Forestry Commission. "With moderating temperatures and sufficient rainfall in the next weeks, sunny and cool fall days should set the stage for the best showing of autumn color." Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Smithgall Woods, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel.

Since some of these parks are crowded on the prettiest weekends, visitors may want to explore lesser-known parks, which can be vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, has hiking trails that highlight sweetgums and sassafras. Hardwoods and mossy rock gardens can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. “We are excited to partner with Georgia Forestry Commission this year,” said Georgia State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “They can offer expertise on the most colorful trees in Georgia, and we can provide easy ways for visitors to get out and enjoy this beautiful season.”

Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages and yurts to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. Amicalola Falls and Unicoi state parks offer hotel-style lodges with restaurants. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.



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The Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection Offers Three Autumn Getaways

/PRNewswire/ -- Travelers who want to extend the vacation season with a fall getaway can find the perfect resort offering with one of Colonial Williamsburg's Resort Collection hotel getaways.

The Autumn Getaway starts at $149 per night and includes nightly accommodations at the Williamsburg Lodge and a $100 resort credit for guests arriving Sunday through Tuesday. The resort credit may be applied to spa services at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, golf at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, dining in a Historic Area Tavern or resort collection restaurant or purchases at an official, on-site Colonial Williamsburg-owned store. Package participants also receive a 20 percent discount on most purchases in official Colonial Williamsburg stores.

The Autumn Getaway is based on a two-night minimum stay and is offered Sept. 6 through Dec. 29, 2009.

For those who long for autumn romance, the Autumn Bed and Breakfast Package starts at $145 per room per night and includes nightly accommodations at an official on-site Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection hotel, length-of-stay hotel guest passes to the Historic Area, exhibition sites, daytime programs and museums, daily breakfast in the hotel (continental breakfast at the Williamsburg Woodlands) and a 20 percent discount on most purchases at any Colonial Williamsburg-owned store. The Autumn Bed and Breakfast Package is based on a two-night minimum stay and is valid Sept. 4 - Nov. 25, 2009.

Guests who like the scary side of autumn will enjoy the Ghosts and Legends Package, starting at $199 per room per night and including nightly accommodations at an official on-site Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection hotel, "Ghosts Among Us" tour tickets, length-of-stay hotel guest passes to the Historic Area, exhibition sites, daytime programs and museums, daily breakfast in the hotel (continental breakfast at the Williamsburg Woodlands), one dinner in a Historic Area dining tavern and a 20 percent discount on purchases at any Colonial Williamsburg-owned store. The Ghosts and Legends Package is based on a two-night minimum stay and is available Sept. 4 - Nov. 25, 2009.

Restrictions apply and availability is limited for all packages. For reservations, call 1-800-447-8679 or visit http://www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/.

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The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Planning an Affordable Autumn Getaway

T2F Note: Here are some great deals for the fall.

Myrtle Beach Autumn Packages:

Hotel Blue Fabulous Fall Super Saver

Fabulous Fall Super Saver includes oceanfront accommodations and discounted prices for bowling at Hotel Blue’s sister resort. (Bowling and entertainment center located one block away.) $38-53 per night. Sunday to Thursday. Excludes Nov. 26-29, 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelBluemb.com or call (800) 843-3466.

Springmaid Resort

Buy three nights of the Bed & Breakfast package at Springmaid Beach Resort and get the fourth night and breakfast free. Enjoy this great deal, plus Springmaid’s all ocean view rooms, six pools (two heated) , two lazy rivers, fitness center, onsite restaurants, full sized in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the famous Springmaid Pier.

Bed & Breakfast package includes:
- Nightly lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
- Daily hot buffet breakfast
- Free admission to Springmaid Pier
- Resort miniature golf course discounts

Rates from:
$44/person 8/31-10/2/08
$39/person 10/5-10/24/08
$34/person 10/26-11/26/08

Rates based on standard resort room, double occupancy. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Friday/Saturday and holiday rates available -- additional charges apply. For more information call (866) 764-8501 or visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/specials.html.

Marina Inn Fall Family Fun

Five Nights of Fall Family Fun for $999. Includes accommodations in a Grande Guest room for five nights, 1/2-day boat rental on a 22-foot FunDeck Boat, four general admission tickets to Hard Rock Park or four “Ticket to Play” passes that include top rated attractions at Broadway at the Beach and full breakfast each morning in Waterscapes, the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant. No blackout dates! Valid through December 31, 2008. For more information call (877) 913-1333 or visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/familyfun.


(ARA) - America’s wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers’ travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch. As wallets continue to tighten and stress levels rise, Americans are realizing just how much they need and deserve a vacation getaway that for now seems to be tossed on the backburner.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don’t have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season.

There are many ways to cut costs and allow for a fabulous fall trip. Here are some insider tips that will help you de-stress and recharge, while getting the most for your travel dollar:

Structure a Budget

First and foremost, figure out what you can realistically afford for your next trip, and stick to your guns. Create budget estimates for each vacation day, from meals to attractions, and even highway tolls. By understanding how much you have available before leaving home, you’ll save yourself the headache of ATM overdraws and never-ending credit card bills once you return from your trip.

Make a Smart Destination Choice and Create a Realistic Timeframe

Choose a destination that is close enough to reach quickly and cost-efficiently, but is a world away in ambiance. Do your homework and peruse through guidebooks, travel blogs, Web sites and newspaper and magazine reviews for destinations that provide climate-friendly options in which to spend a relaxing long weekend.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Select a hotel with an in-room kitchen efficiency so you don’t have to eat every meal in restaurants (that gets expensive!), and find a nearby grocery store so you can stock up with a few provisions. You’ll be amazed at how much money eating cereal for breakfast and packing cold cuts for lunch can save you each day. If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, check out beach homes, condos, timeshares and villa rentals, which can turn out to be a much less expensive option, per person.

Now is the time to also look for deals and offerings such as free nights, complimentary parking, or special incentives (like gas cards). With fewer people traveling these days, many hotels are offering attractive deals to get visitors in the door.

Research Affordable Activities

Seek out a destination with lots of activities that are free or highly affordable. When researching things to do or see in a destination, find attractions that will stretch your dollar the farthest. Savvy travelers will also plan in advance to save money through online coupons and deals. As a bonus, you’ll reduce stress while on vacation because your itinerary is already set.

By following the above tips, you’ll surely find and enjoy a long weekend break that fits within your budget. One terrific place you might wish to consider when putting these tips to the test is the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Known best as an affordable, budget-friendly vacation destination with a vast variety of accommodations, meals and attractions to suit every visitor, this is a great option for the smart traveler. Here’s why:

Location and Weather
Boasting a mild climate and perpetually temperate weather, Myrtle Beach is a great destination choice year round, especially in the autumn. Its pristine coastline, affectionately called the Grand Strand, is the star attraction here. Stretching for 60 miles, travelers have access to all kinds of public beaches and oceanfront access, from state parks to picturesque waterways -- the perfect oasis away from the stress of everyday life.

Quality Accommodations with Perks
With a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including many updated and spacious beachfront condos with kitchens and additional seasonal promotions, Myrtle Beach offers great deals for saving money on food and lodging costs.

A Variety of Affordable Activities
Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach for pennies or even popping a quick game of miniature golf -- Myrtle Beach is the Miniature Golf Capital of the World -- there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget in Myrtle Beach.

For further incentives, vacationers can get a great bang for their buck at Myrtle Beach’s acclaimed attractions. At Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis on the site of four former rice plantations, your entry ticket is good for an entire week. And if you visit Hard Rock Park -- the world’s first 140-acre, music-themed amusement park -- on the day of a big-name concert, you’ll be admitted free to that evening’s concert.

The moral of the story? If you’re itching to use some of those precious vacation days for an extended weekend this fall, choose a destination that has it all within reach. With the right combination of budget-friendly activities, great weather, and a mix of fun and relaxation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable and much-deserved getaway.

For more information visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (888-697-8531).

Courtesy of ARAcontent
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