Archive for October, 2010

When I think of taking a trip to see the beautiful colors of changing autumn leaves, my mind naturally wanders to the usual spots. The north Georgia mountains (or just a bit up the mountain roads into North Carolina or Tennessee) are the closest big-color destinations, and a first getaway for many Atlantans looking for leaves at their fall peak. Those roads are also often crowded during the peak leaf-viewing weekends.

Quite a bit farther up the Eastern seaboard, are the traditional, red-hued landscapes of New England, offset by quiet, little towns and quaint, steepled churches.  A visit to Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Maine this time of year is like walking around an old set of Newhart with a jug of maple syrup in your hand. New England just oozes quintessential Americana from every autumn leaf clinging to the tree branches.

Some people prefer the more rugged, western landscapes with their different, but still exquisite, changing leaves …

Continue reading Fall for autumn in the Ozarks »

Conde’ Nast Traveler has released its 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards, and when given the choice, travelers all over are well-impressed with the South’s hotels, resorts and islands.

Charleston and Savannah made the top 10 list of travelers’ favorite U.S. cities, coming in at number two and number seven, respectively. That’s really impressive, especially when you consider these Southern belles share the top 10 stage with much bigger boys like New York, Chicago and tourists’ number one choice, San Francisco.   

It’s impressive, but not surprising. Many Atlantans are well-versed in the charms of the classic coastal cities of Charleston and Savannah. But look closer at Conde’ Nast’s lists for 2010, and even born-and-bred southerners may find an extraordinary or unexpected new place to try right around the corner.

Coming in at number six on the list of 100 best properties worldwide is Louisville’s 21C Museum Hotel. This Main Street hotel was once home to classic …

Continue reading Did your favorite southern spot make Conde’ Nast’s list? »

Last week, we addressed the very real effect that terror threats can have on some travelers’ inclination to leave home. This week, however, I wanted to take a much lighter look at a different kind of frightening travel in recognition of Halloween this month. 

Most people – especially families with children – limit their Halloween travels to a spin round the block. Others might venture out to a local haunted house. But if you’re tired of your local haunts and are happy to forgo the buckets of candy, it might be time to take a trip this Hallow’s Eve.

Associated Press reporter Beth J. Harpaz recently uncovered a host of spooky travel treasures to consider this month.

Theme parks throughout the country are tapping into Americans’ desire to have their wits scared out of them in a safe environment.  Even though some of the places Harpaz mentions in her article are better-known for family fun for children of all ages, most of the haunting attractions at these parks are …

Continue reading Halloween: Where’s the scariest place you’ve ever traveled? »

The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory over the weekend, warning Americans of potential coordinated “soft-target” terror attacks in cities throughout Europe.

Officials suspect teams of terrorists may be targeting pre-security areas of several major European airports, along with other public transport systems and tourist attractions, for possible attacks on civilians. Japan, Sweden and Britain have also warned their citizens of the terrorist threat and asked those traveling abroad to be especially vigilant.

On Monday, Pakistani authorities said potential terror-plot leaders have been identified and targeted. They also reported that a drone strike killed a group of possible militants in the North Waziristan region that is thought to be the area where the Europe plots were hatched.

Homeland Security is asking Americans traveling in Europe to be aware of their surroundings and use common sense, especially in transportation hubs and tourist spots. State Department …

Continue reading Soft-target terror threats making you rethink travel plans abroad? »