Amazingkae

Racing and automotive enthusiasts must take the time to visit the BMW “Zentrum”, the BMW museum and gallery in Spartanburg, South Carolina. From BMW’s beginnings as a maker of airplane engines to motorcycles to cars, the museums collection of artifacts is impressive—you don’t want to miss the museum (or the factory tour) if you are in the Southeast region and have a chance! It is the only BMW museum in North America, and if you like German engineering it is worth the trip.

Cuba, New Mexico is a wonderful place to stop for a siesta and a decent meal… besides, it is fun to call home and tell them you are horribly lost and the only signs for your location that you see say you have arrived somewhere in Cuba! Talk about a “Lucy” story… it is far more effective if you have come in by plane and are tooling around mapless in a rental car. :-)

The Valley of Fire has got to be one of the most spectacular geographical areas to visit in the world! I was overwhelmed… and you must climb to see the petroglyphs. However, even more odd is to read the graffiti that has been left with them over the years. “I LIKE IKE” stood out the most in my memory… Despite the human element, there is nothing quite like a visit to this area to meditate, rest, and relax. I would come back to visit any time—and it is a routine afternoon when I am in the area. Bring plenty of water and dress in layers, though. The elements are less than friendly at times.

Fun for the kids… the Ripley Museums are fun to kill time for a few days. The Aquarium is very well done for a small city. OBER Gatlinburg is a thrill for those not afraid to embrace riding rusty cablecars to soaring heights—

Definately opt for a mountain cabin rental; the city is not what you would call intellectually stimulating. The landscape, however, is stellar (misty mountains are always beautiful). Hot tubs under the stars and hidden under a canopy of trees makes for the best nightlife for the adults, and luxury cabin home rentals are spectacular for very modest reasonable prices. Food, if you are expecting gourmet (or even palitable) needs to be purchased from the local store and prepared at your get-away home. To accomodate the need, many places have huge kitchens and outdoor grills.

Everything in the city itself is rather tailored for two groups… back woods and blue collar. I think “Cooter” from the “Dukes of Hazzard” series was/is from this area, and has a museum there, if that tells you anything… (or was it “Uncle Jesse”)... As such, it has been appropriately nicknamed “the Redneck Disneyland” by our family and friends. Regardless, it is a tourist trap adventure that should not be missed for those with a love for cultural adventure and travel!

The drive in can be trecherous on ice or breathtakingly joyous if you are a big fan of hairpin turns. No matter how you get there, take your time. The journey is always ultimately more important than the destination (especially when it comes to Gatlinburg)—and “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” to get there is half the fun! I suspect, however, if you have a penchant for class, you will be fairly well over and done with this place within a day or two, seeking better horizons for your family and children to view during your free time together.

Note: THE local bank is housed in a converted trailer, bringing new meaning to words “drive up teller”.

I have too many good memories of South Beach that I am not able to tell. We’ll be back this year again, absolutely. NOT A VACATION FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! [Laughs]. The Art Deco buildings are the best, for sure… and add the perfect background element of hot to the whole social climate. The beach by day is great (even though it is crowded), and nights keep going past dawn. With the right group, South Beach rivals Vegas in fun… and if you need to hit a casino, you are so close to the Bahamas you can almost throw a rock and hit one. Take the boat or hop a mini-plane, and you are all inclusive. Geographically, for that reason, South Beach is a pretty great escape.

Buckhead is definately the most comfortable place in Atlanta for me. It seems to have the best clubs, restaurants and shopping (although Atlanta Underground is pretty neat as well). The salons and spas would be a real treat to include in your visit, and the neighborhood homes in the area are wonderful to tour. Another great long weekend retreat spot that can build those frequent flyer miles! They have some great furniture stores, too. ATL, here we come!

Wilmington, North Carolina is a beautiful Southern town with a “Cape Cod” atmosphere. Everything is very laid back and upscale, and the people are friendly. Retrospectively, I would be very happy to raise a family here or to allow my kids the luxury of college in this area, as the relaxed beachy/ocean front lifestyle is so compelling. Not enough time for me has been spent in Wilmington; I am looking forward to vacationing more in this area someday! Absolutely a great place for touring in the convertibles during the warmer months. ;-) A beachfront home for a few weeks will be a must.

Savannah is beautiful to visit any time of year. I recommend staying at a historical bed and breakfast (as opposed to the normal hotel centers), however, and that as such the city makes a great long weekend destination. Definately be willing to wander down by the water. The docks are really interesting and there are great restaurants and art galleries hidden. Because travel in the southeast is common to many people now, adding a visit to Historic Savannah as an extended stop is a must.

Clearly, Charleston is the wildest yet most refined of all the Southern hotspots. The first time I went to this place, I fell deeply in love with the city. Since that time, I always look forward to returning home here. There is something special about the low country area that allows such a delicious blend of atmosphere. Southern hospitality combined with a unique yet world-based sense of multiculturalism: perhaps it is the seaport atmosphere or simply the age of its urban center, but Charleston, South Carolina is truly an American treasure. Only the architecture seems to awe-surpass the stories from history when you physically see the place. However, voted “the city with the best manners”, listening to the local stories (and watching the animation of the people who tell them) can take center spotlight anytime during a day on the water or spectacular night on the town, in my opinion. The people of Chas truly make the town. Very positive, rich, and rewarding environment for visitors or those looking to make more permanent moving arrangements… the more time I spend, the more I absolutely love this place!