Search results matching tag 'Fishing'

Explore Idaho: Sun Valley is Just the Beginning

Jennifer — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:40:00 GMT

Sun Valley is the vacation mecca for the stars of yesterday and today, with the likes of Demi Moore, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Arnold Schwartzenegger taking in the highlights. This was the home of Ernest Hemingway and where he wrote many of his books. He and his wife are buried in Ketchum and a memorial in his honor is on Sun Valley Road.

Get out and explore, unplug from the modern life with a stay at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch in Stanley. There are no phones, TV or radio to distract you from the Valleys and their activities. From the ranch there is horseback riding, a natural hot spring pool, hiking, and fishing. The cabins and lodge rooms have an enchanting western flair that will take you back in time when ranches were the norm.

Whitewater rafting on the Salmon and Snake Rivers can be found in Stanley and Ketchum. There are seven outfitters to choose from with to six day trips in the wilderness. One of the outfitters has arrangements for fishing floating on the calmer waters of the Salmon River.

For the experienced mountain bikers there are challenging single track trails on the 1500+ miles of choices around Ketchum. Trail maps can be found at the local bike shop in town. Sawtooth National Recreation Area has more tracks to ride with guides or alone. Bike rentals and guidebooks are available in Stanley.

From the slopes of Bald Mountain in Ketchum there is paragliding with no "jumping off" for a sky view of the beautiful mountains. Seated next to your pilot, all ages from 3 to 93 can take a ride of a lifetime.

Whenever I want to find my father I just head to the freestone headwaters of Salmon River where he is taking advantage of the fishing. Rainbow, cutthroat, bull trout, steelhead, Chinook and sockeye salmon are plentiful thanks to the efforts of the game rangers.

The reason I come here is for the hiking trails. The canyons and gulches has a wide variety of trails from beginner to the advanced with magnificent views of Boulder, Pioneer, Smoky Bald and Sawtooth Mountains. Park your car at Tyrolean Lodge, cross the Big Wood River Bridge and stay right of the lodge. The trail up Bald Mountain gives full panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. It is about a nine mile hike and such an adrenaline rush.

Ketchum has seven parks: Atkinson, Rotary, Forest Service, Knob Hill, Guy Coles Skate and Ketchum Parks. Atkinson has many sports facilities with a range from tennis to basketball courts to choose from. Ketchum is historically wonderful with the Wagon museum and Bonning cabin that was built in 1882 to browse around.

Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage and Ski Museum on the corner of First Street and Washington Avenue has two buildings of exhibits and a great gift shop. Learn about the area's Shoshone Indians, Ernest Hemingway, mining, sheep ranching and war veteran information.

There are two mid-level golf courses with 9-holes in big Wood and Warm River Springs. The top level courses are at Elkhorn (private), Sun Valley in Ketchum and Valley Club at Hailey. Warm River Springs is right along the river so watch for the water hazards.

Arco has the Craters of the Moon National Monument. This crater landscape of rugged black lava was used as a training ground for early astronauts. Permits are required for these hikes, but there are caves in this area for exploring also.

Other points of interest are two ghost towns of Custer and Bonanza that is great for investigating the old mining way of life. Bison Jump is a cliff the Shoshone used in hunting buffaloes, they would just push them over the edge. Challis has Lands of the Yankee Fork, a state park that commemorates the mining era.

This guide to Sun Valley and the surrounding areas was brought to you by Kellea Croft.

Four-Season Tips for Catching the Big One in Lake Tahoe

Jennifer — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:02:00 GMT

Fishing the beautiful lakes of the high Sierras is an absolutely unforgettable experience. Anglers from across the globe trek to the area in hopes of landing a trophy, and one of their prime targets is Lake Tahoe. Located on the California-Nevada border, the lake has an elevation of 6,230 feet, with crystal clear waters holding a variety of exciting gamefish. In fact, the area offers some of the best freshwater fishing on the planet, with abundant brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, and the delicious Mackinaw, which is caught year round. Most of the other species are seasonal. And speaking of seasons, here are some tips and tricks to fishing year-round.

SPRING and SUMMER When the water warms up a little, it's time for the brown, brook, and cutthroat trout, along with the Kokanee salmon, to start biting. For browns and brook trout, try the western end of Lake Tahoe. These fish prefer shallows with rocky bottoms and any type of structure, like piers, submerged brush, and docks. Small lures and night crawlers are the preferred baits, but dry flies can be deadly, as well.

The best method to hook a cutthroat is to troll from a boat with a nightcrawler near the surface. For shore fishing, try Rubicon Point. Make long casts using baits like worms or salmon eggs, slightly jigging the bait on the retrieve.

To catch Kokanee salmon, you'll need a boat. Load a few worms, accordian style, on a number six hook and troll the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe or the Cave Rock area until you begin getting strikes. The average size for Kokanee in the lake is 1.5 pounds, not huge, but they're fun to catch!

FALL The dropping temperatures of the cool autumn days entice the beautiful rainbow trout to bite. These fish reach amzing sizes in Lake Tahoe, up to 25 pounds. Trolling or casting small lures on or near the surface is the best way to land a rainbow, but they are voracious feeders, eating a variety of insects, crayfish, and smaller fish. They also put up quite a fight on a fly rod when they devour a dry fly.

YEAR ROUND Lucky for fishermen, the Mackinaws bite all year. These fish prefer deep water, so you'll need a boat to reach them, along with downriggers. Try deep-trolling worms or flashy lures. Hookups can also be accomplished by freelining live minnows, but the minnows must be nettted in the lake. The average Tahoe Mackinaw is four pounds, but eight pounders are common. The state record, a 37-pound monster, was landed in Lake Tahoe.

If you're visiting Lake Tahoe and want some exciting angling action, you'll need to purchase a non-resident license. You can buy an annual license for $94 or a 1-10 day temporary permit for $18 for the first day and $7 for each additional consecutive day. Most tackle shops sell licenses and permits.
If you're serious about landing a trophy, your best bet is to hire a fishing guide. Tahoe is a huge lake, 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with over 191 square miles of surface area. Depths reach over 1,600 feet. That's a lot of water! A professional guide knows the lake well and will be able to put you on the fish. By booking a half-day or allday trip, your chances of battling a lunker will vastly increase, and so will your enjoyment. Let them do all the work, while you have all the fun!

This guide to year-round angling in Lake Tahoe was brought to you by Holle Abee.

Tips and Tricks for Catching "The Big One" on Lake of the Ozarks

Jennifer — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 01:18:00 GMT

Lake of The Ozarks has nearly 1200 miles of shoreline and is approximately 90 miles long. Plenty of fish and an extremely long fishing season attract both professional and amateur anglers from around the United States.

What about those fish? Well, let me just say that this lake is filled with some of the biggest fish around. The Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Crappie, Strikers and Catfish are the main attractions at Lake of the Ozarks. Just remember that if one species is dormant or too choosy to take your hook just relax, another species will be along shortly. The fishing here is about as diverse as it can be in any one body of water. Here are some tips and tricks to get your reel ready, any season of the year!

In the spring, try working the cool waters using deep diving crank-baits and jigs. When the water begins to warm you should try the top-water lures you have in your tackle box. You will get some monumental, earthshaking strikes on your line.

In early May, after the Bass have spawned, you will probably have god luck with your plastic worms.

In the summertime, most bass are found around boat docks, drop-offs and deep points in the lake. After the warmth of summer has gone, never fear for the bass will return to the shallow waters for feeding and will be much obliged to snap that hook for you.

For information on the regulations governing fishing on The Lake of The Ozarks you should contact the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City, Missouri. A fishing permit is required of all anglers either pro or amateur. You may purchase either a daily or annual permit.

When planning your trip to The Lake of The Ozarks you may wish to contact a guide service. There are several guide services available, so shop around for one that offers competitive rates and a good knowledge of the lake.

If you do not have access to a boat while at the lake never fear. The resort or condominium that you choose to stay at has more than likely gone out of their way to make sure fish are attainable at their docks. They tend to cater to the fisherman and want the fisherman to have a pleasurable experience, whether or not he comes with a boat.(They do this by sinking brush piles near the docks and baiting the area with alfalfa hay to attract minnows and other bait-fish which in turn lures in the game-fish.)

If you want to hike a little bit you will be able to do some bank fishing in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Hiking away from the crowds and up to the coves in the spring will more than likely yield you some crappie and bass. Sometime in June you should also be able to get some Catfish in these areas as they begin to spawn.

No matter what type of fish you are looking for, or how dedicated or experienced you are as an angler, the Lake of the Ozarks will provide you with a wonderful experience. There is also plenty for the better half to do if he or she isn't into the sport of fishing; plenty of great accommodations and friendly people add to the charm of the lake. Plan a week and stay for two. The fishing is worth it!

This guide to your Lake of the Ozarks fishing holiday was brought to you by Stanley Roberts.

Four Fabulous Beaches in St. Simons

Jennifer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:26:00 GMT

St. Simons Island, Georgia is an island rich in history and rich in natural marvels that will make you feel like you are the only person to have discovered this beautiful paradise. The shores of this haven of nature, abounds in sugar white beaches that offer you a tranquil, more private beach experience.

There are scores of private beaches on this 31-mile paradise. Many hotel resort communities have come in and snatched up glorious areas of once public beach making them their little slice of heaven. (Obviously the only way in is to sneak into these areas and look like you belong, unless you plan on staying at one of the resorts. You must talk about the rooms and how wonderful they are, or just act aloof and completely ignore everyone else!) The resorts have glorious beaches that are well kept, and looked after and have lifeguards monitoring the area. But, there are four beach access areas that yes, people who don't stay at a resort can abide in. They are as follows:

1. St. Simons Beach, also called Masengale Park, has several miles of beach that is absolutely glorious. The sand is sugary white and practically falls off of you when it dries. The water is warm and wonderful to swim in almost all year. Masengale Beach allows drinking, but it is a very family friendly beach with free parking and picnic areas. There is a playground for the kids to romp around on. There are on-duty lifeguards from June 1 until Labor Day. This beach provides bathroom facilities with showers, and a bathhouse to change in. There are also some gorgeous old Southern trees here that provide some necessary shade. This beach is also great for water sporting activities such as jet skiing, boating, and fishing.

2. East Beach has a maritime museum located at the access point of this beach. Pretty cool huh? You can go to the beach and get a quick history lesson about this history- laden area. Magically enough, this beach is located on the Eastern side of St. Simons Island, and very family friendly. It isn't as popular as the other beaches, but maybe that's because it is a smaller beach than the others. There are bathrooms and showers here and picnic facilities.

3. Coast Guard Station Beach is a very family friendly beach. This beach is a wonder to behold in that it has a large stretch of sand that seems to go on forever. It is great for shell collecting and sighting those playful dolphins. You can drink alcoholic beverages here while relaxing in the glow of the sun. There are bathhouses and showers here also.

4. Neptune Park Beach offers much more than just a beach, its an entertainment complex too! I guess you could call it that, there's a beach here, mini-golf and a live music venue. It's got everything! There's a pier here to fish off of and catch some small sharks, and watch the dolphins swim around seeing what trouble they can get into. Neptune Park Beach has picnic areas, and some of those gorgeous trees you only see in the South. Here you can enjoy the water to its fullest by participating in any water sport known to man such as windsurfing, kayaking, boating fishing, hanging on a raft, or tube.

St. Simons Island Beaches are a part of history dating back thousands of years, so enjoy your time spent in this rich island paradise. It's well worth the trip!

This guide to St. Simons Island was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall: Four Seasons of Fishing in Lake of the Ozarks

Jennifer — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:53:00 GMT

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri should be called the fishing capital of the United States. If it already hasn't been deemed this official designation, I hereby decree that Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri is the fishing capital of the United States. How could it not be given this official title?

There's a huge lake smack dab in the middle of the Ozark Mountains that has many tributaries running off of it, that are teeming with fish. The lake itself is 92 miles long, with just shy of 1200 miles of coastline, that has an abundance of fish swimming around waiting for someone to entice them onto their line. The fish are practically jumping out of the water at Lake of the Ozarks, begging you to catch them.

Let's get down to some statistics first. The State of Missouri's record for largest striper catch was set right here at Lake of the Ozarks, in 2002, weighing in at 20.5 pounds. Back in 1998 a huge paddlefish of 134 pounds was caught right here at the lake. A 77- pound flathead catfish was captured in the Missouri River in 1997. Catfish are a popular fish in Missouri, so anything is possible here at Lake of the Ozarks!

The type of fish you can catch here in this Central Missouri location are numerous: catfish, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, white bass, crappies, stripers, walleye, and Kentucky bass all swim and bite here.

Fishing season is truly amazing in Lake of the Ozarks--it never ends! It goes from January 1 to December 31. It might get cold in the Midwest, but the fish are always ready to be caught. In the springtime anglers work the cool, spring waters using deep diving crank baits, with jig-n-frog lures. In mid-spring the plastic worm replaces the crank baits. In the summer, anglers find bass hanging around the deeper parts of the lake. Just when you thought the action was over, it's not. When October and November come, the fish come back to the shallows where the water is warmer, especially those sneaky bass.

There are certain times of the year at Lake of the Ozarks that are better for catching fish. Anytime of the year is good here to catch large mouth bass. The absolute best time though is during the spring when they are when they go into the smaller tributaries for spawning season. Fish are pretty smart though, because in the summertime large mouth bass will hide in submerged timber about 30 feet deep.

Small mouth bass are good fighters and you can find them at the lower end of the lake, and the upper reaches of the main tributaries, especially in the spring. While Kentucky bass are abundant in the entire lake, they can be found in the larger tributaries.

For the avid angler that loves to compete in fishing tournaments, there are so many at Lake of the Ozarks, that they are too many to name. Every month except December, January, and February has numerous fishing regattas. I'm not talking about ten to twenty either, no the number is closer to one hundred. (Don't despair, if you are looking to compete in the winter--December, January and February have fishing regattas, but under twenty are held during this time.)

You can charter a boat, rent a boat, have a guided boat tour and you can always bring your own boat to fish here at Lake of the Ozarks. There are tributaries along the lake that you can just wade into the water and fish.

Any time of the year is a great time to go fishing. Make sure you get up earlier than all those other anglers, though. That way you can catch more fish, without all the competition. You might just have your name in Missouri's record books for having the biggest catch!

This guide to the year-round fishing availabile in Lake of the Ozarks was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Spend Your Winter Holidays in Tamarindo

Jennifer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:20:00 GMT

Do you prefer tamales over Thanksgiving turkey? Are you planning on asking Santa for a warm weather vacation this year? Had enough of the hustle and bustle? Well, there's a Costa Rican town with a laid back vibe ready to welcome you this holiday season. A trip to Tamarindo is a perfect gift for yourself and your family.

Located on the Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular tourist destinations. December marks the beginning of Tamarindo's dry season, making the holiday season a perfect time to visit.

There are a number of reasons why this coastal town ranks so high with travelers. Tamarindo is best known for its high waves and surfing. But there's much more to be enjoyed in this Central American getaway, including deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jungle safaris. A visit to Tamarindo Beach lets you experience the many specialty shops, sign up for diving or surfing school, or book a day trip with an eco-tour operator. If you wish to slow things down a bit, mountain bike and car rentals are available for you to explore the town and the coast at your own leisure.

Tamarindo's accessibility to other nearby attractions is another reason why it is so popular. For those wanting to get a peek at the native wildlife, The National Park Las Baulas, located north of Tamarindo Beach is a great place to visit. Here you can choose a jungle boat tour or take a nighttime tour and see giant leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the sand.

As a predominantly Catholic country, Costa Rica is big on Christmas celebrations and traditions. With a paved highway between Tamarindo and San Jose, you will be able to charter a bus or rent a car and enjoy San Jose's annual "Festival de la Luz." This festival of lights is preceded by a daytime carnival and is a great way to experience Christmas in Costa Rica. You may also want to check out a traditional holiday bullfight. Rest assured that Costa Rica does not harm the bulls in their fights. These bullfights are a holiday custom that gives the participants an opportunity to release any burdens they have carried throughout the year and enter the New Year carefree (albeit slightly gored).

As you travel between Tamarindo and San Jose you can't help but notice how important nativity scenes are to the Costa Rican culture. These nativity scenes are called "Portals" and the baby Jesus is placed in the manger the night before Christmas. In Costa Rica, it is the baby Jesus who leaves gifts for the children, instead of Santa.

The 24th of December is also the night to feast on a traditional Costa Rican Christmas dinner. The dinner menu is centered around pork leg, tamales, and traditional pastries and desserts. If you wish to attend worship services, you can join local families at La Misa del Gallo, or midnight mass.

If tamales and pork aren't your thing, Tamarindo offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine, including vegan restaurants. A wide variety is also available when it comes to accommodations. You can choose to spend your holiday in a beachfront bungalow, a traditional hotel, or a private rental home.

Costa Ricans celebrate the Christmas season until the sixth of January, marking the day that the three wise men came to visit baby Jesus. What better reason to extend your stay in Tamarindo and welcome in the New Year?

This guide to a Tamarindo holiday was brought to yo by Madison West.

Sunriver: A Baby Boomer's Vacation Nirvana

Jennifer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:06:00 GMT

Baby boomers beware: Sunriver, Oregon wants to take you away. And once you go to Sunriver, at the foothills of the Cascades, you won't want to go home. You'll want to stay in Sunriver and let the beautiful mountain resort community and all it has to offer, shower you with fresh air, sunshine, and relaxation galore.

Formed as a resort community in 1968, only about 1,800 lucky souls get to live in this natural world of breathtaking, spectacular mountain views, crystal clear sparkling lake water, and a small town charm that all envelope you as soon as you arrive. You'll feel like you have reached baby boomer heaven!

Why is Sunriver a wonderful place for baby boomers to vacation? Because this is a retreat from the real world, where you can let someone else pamper you, while you enjoy a natural paradise.

One of your first activities in Sunriver should be horseback riding. Take an adventure, see the colorful wildflowers growing, and listen to the water of the river splashing along. Sitting atop a pretty horse as he runs along the Deschutes River in a wonderland of nature, how could you possibly resist the temptation to saddle up every day?

And speaking of the Deschutes River, be sure to take advantage of the water sports available. Whether you are kayaking, rafting, or just dipping your toes in, the water is beyond incredible due to how crystal clear, and cool it is. You'll get to see bald eagles, hawks, and osprey all searching for their daytime meals. You'll have crystal clear mountain spring water splash up on you, cooling you off from that splendid sun shining down on the land.

One of the most favorite natural pastimes in this resort area is going fishing. Fly- fishing in Sunriver is an experience of a lifetime because there are thousands of large fish to be caught. The Deschutes, Crooked, and Fall rivers all offer excellent fishing experiences, and it is common to catch 5 to 20 pound fish in any one of the rivers here.You can go by boat, or stand on the shore and wade in with your hip waders and cast your line.

Besides fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, there is an activity that almost any baby boomer loves--golfing. Some of Oregon's finest golf courses are located right here. Plan a golf vacation in this temperate climate, for pro and amateur golf tournaments in August and late September. You won't have to deal with the horrid heat and humidity of summer at Sunriver. There are several world-class championship golf courses in this hilly region. And they all have been designed by the pros. Crosswater golf course has won many national golf awards. Bob Cupp designed some of these beautiful courses himself, that are graced with carefully preserved wetlands, and forested meadows.

The accommodations here are stellar with your choice of vacation homes to stay at for as long as you desire. How could you not want to come here? There's so much to do and enjoy, and if you like you could be pampered in a world class spa and get the royal treatment. It truly is a baby boomer's natural nirvana!

This guide to vacationing in Sunriver was brought to you by Kate Johns.

For the Ultimate Vacation Experience, Try a Cruise on Lake of the Ozarks!

Jennifer — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:42:00 GMT

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is a popular vacation destination for families and anyone looking for fun in the sun. The water is the main attraction here, with every water sport and activity known to man to participate in.

Just what is there to do in Lake of the Ozarks? You name it; it's all right here. There's water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing, speed boating, regular boating, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Lake of the Ozarks offers another incredibly popular activity; boat cruises. They offer more kinds of cruises here than practically anywhere else. It's truly amazing. All you have to do is sit back and relax, and let someone else do the steering while you enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh splendid air of the Ozark Mountains.

Would you believe there's a tropical cruise in the Ozarks? It's like being in the Bahamas! Once you board one of the Tropical Island Cruise yachts, with the wonderful ambiance, the breathtaking scenery, and the island music, you can't help but feel like you are in a remote tropical paradise. The Tropical Island Cruise offers tours for up to 150 people, and lunch or dinner cruises lasting about two hours. You can enjoy a family cruise, a business cruise or have a wedding reception cruise.

Did you ever experience a cruise on a paddle-boat? Now is your chance to have a wonderful cruise on the Tom Sawyer: The Paddlewheeler. What an incredible way to go back in time when paddle-boats were the only way to go. Just the sound of the paddles hitting the water makes young and old alike truly feel like life has slowed down becoming easier. You can opt for a family cruise, or a more romantic evening cruise with dinner. Facts and trivia about the Lake of the Ozark are offered in this 90- minute sightseeing adventure.

For a more intimate, private tour of the lake, go on a cruise with First Mate Charters. If you want to take a tour of the lake with your family, they will take you there. If you want to have a business, lunch, and float past million dollar homes, that's okay with the flexible people at First Mate. Charter a boat to go fishing, and they will even show you how catch some of the rather large fish in the 92 miles of lake. You even get to see Bagnell Dam that creates electric power for Central Missouri.

For the party animal, Silver Lining Charters offers the chance to have a rowdy sightseeing time by taking you to Party Cove. Party Cove is famous for its major partying atmosphere, hence the name Party Cove. Nakedness is not allowed here, but women of all ages are routinely seen here topless. The Playboy Channel came here and did a show on party Cove and the overall atmosphere here. Silver Lining is just a laid back kind of company and will take you anywhere on the lake your heart desires. Whether you want to take the family for daytime cruise, or whether you want to whoop it up at Party Cove they can take you there.

Lake of the Ozarks offers so much fun wrapped up in 92 miles of water that you won't be able to fit it all in. Save some time for a lake cruise whether you want a relaxing adventure, or a rowdy partying experience, it's all here on the water at Lake of the Ozarks.

This guide to cruising along Lake of the Ozarks was brought to you by Kate Johns.

Sea Pines Resort: The Perfect Way to Vacation in Hilton Head

Jennifer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:36:00 GMT

It was all set! We had a babysitter (my parents) and my husband and I were off for a romantic three day getaway close to our Atlanta home. The destination? The stunning Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Islands Magazine calls Sea Pines "real...timeless...and magnificent." As we drove in, the beautiful, colorful lighthouse was beckoning, the waves of the deep blue Atlantic ocean were rolling and we were enamored from the start.

We relaxed the first day by doing a little crabbing, a favorite island past time. Once I got past the raw chicken bait, I actually enjoyed myself and got into the spirit of catching these blue-green guys in my own, resort provided bucket. I was not used to catching my own dinner but as the competition flared between me and my husband, I was determined to catch dinner for the entire resort. Six crabs later, I was exhausted and hungry but it is only catch and release at Sea Pines (I later learned) so we headed off to the Topside at the Quarterdeck for the freshest and most amazing seafood that I have ever had. My husband had a thick, huge steak and we both were ready for naps.

A horseback ride after dinner exposed us to the magnificent, untouched Low Country that Carolina is famous for. My horse lazily walked through a beautiful canopy provided by the old, moss covered trees and (I swear but my husband says it's not true) past an alligator or two. We passed a few historic sites and several families fishing (also a resort activity). We ended the evening sitting (ok, lazing) in the lounge chairs overlooking the amazing Atlantic Ocean and listening to snippets of live music coming from the Quarterdeck Cafe. What an evening!

We woke up early the next morning with an 8:00 AM tee time at the PGA tournament golf course. What could be better than teeing off overlooking the pristine Atlantic Ocean on the Harbour Town Golf Links? Maybe the service and the hotel provided caddy. These touches made this an unforgettable experience and a true luxury to play one of America's 100 Greatest Golf courses' as named by Golf Digest. After golf, we enjoyed lunch at the Harbour Town Grill overlooking the 9th hole of the course we just played. With an amazing wine list, we could have lingered all afternoon.

Late afternoon had us on the Alligator Boat Tour. This 'jungle safari' exposed us to the plants and animals of the inland freshwater lakes of the Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve. Although we were a little tempted to tease these reptiles, we quickly learned that they are a forced to be reckoned with. Viewing the American Alligator in all its splendor is a surreal experience. They just stare and we, of course, broke eye contact first.

We dined outside that evening at the Sea Pines Resort Beach Club. We listened to the rolling waves of the ocean in between sets from the musicians. After dinner, my husband and I held hands which is a rare treat for us (with three kids we are always holding children's hands) and just strolled around the resort taking in the surroundings. We ended the evening with a fabulous dessert and luscious coffee drink at the Tartan Room Bar before heading up to the room and dropping into bed, exhausted yet relaxed.

The next morning we dined on savory French Toast at the Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe. We walked off this big breakfast by shopping in the boutiques on the property. With 40 stores to choose from, we found something for everyone and some great things for us as well. Since we were guests of the resort, we were given the Lighthouse Card which granted us an exclusive 10% discount at all of the shops which was an added bonus.

When it was time to depart, I found myself wishing that we had more time. We did not get to ride bikes, take a boat ride, play tennis or even leave the resort. Of course there was no need to leave the resort. We could have spent a week there and still not seen or done everything. Maybe next time we will!

This first-hand account of a Hilton Head Sea Pines vacation was brought to you by Stacie Haight Connerty.

Ring in the New Year on Anna Maria Island

Jennifer — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:09:00 GMT

I can't imagine a better place to spend the New Year's holiday than on Anna Maria Island! The small island is truly amazing, almost like being in the Caribbean, with white sands, calm blue water, and tropical foliage everywhere. Anytime is the right time for a visit, but a winter getaway to Anna Maria is a special treat.

While most of the rest of the country is wrapped in a frigid blanket of ice and snow, the weather on the island is more like spring. The January days here are in the low seventies, and the nights rarely drop below fifty degrees. A freeze here is practically unheard of, so all those beautiful plants and flowers just keep on keepin' on! The water temperature is actually even warmer than the air temp, getting up to almost eighty degrees. Yep! Even in January.

Bradenton Beach, at the south end of Anna Maria Island, hosts a spectacular fireworks display on New Year's Eve. They're launched from a barge in the gulf, near the Beach House restaurant. For a front row seat, bring a beach chair and enjoy the festivities in comfort!

If you don't want to fight the crowds, I have a better plan. Mosey on down to historic Bridge Street a couple of hours before sundown. Visit the numerous shops, filled with unique gifts, clothing items, and home decor. Then walk to Rotten Ralph's at the end of the street for a great meal.

Rotten Ralph's has a fun, laid-back atmosphere with delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Folks here are super friendly. Patrons freely talk to one another, and you're sure to meet locals, along with visitors from all over the U.S., England, and Germany. (Europeans just love Anna Maria Island!) Dine inside or on the covered deck outside.

After you eat, walk out to the adjacent pier for a magnificent view of the fireworks. This is a brand new structure with lots of benches, a snack bar, and squeaky clean outdoor restrooms. If you're a fisherman, bring along your fishing gear. Tthousands of bait fish can be seen in the clear water, and they attract the big boys. I can almost guarantee that you'll catch something! Even little kids can land grunts, trout, and mangrove snapper.

Even if you don't enjoy angling, adults and children will delight in seeing the fish that hang out at the pier. It's not unusual to view large snook in the rocks near Rotten Ralph's, trout in the "hole" at the end of the pier, or sheepshead feeding around the pilings.

The pier has plenty of wonderful vantage points for a perfect view of the night sky and the New Year's festivities. There's room for everyone!

For some live entertainment after the fireworks, head to the Beach House or to the Sandbar for a tropical drink, where you can sit outside and enjoy the music. Both establishments are right on the beach, so you can dance on the sand if you wish!

On the morning of New Year's Day, take a stroll on the beach to look for shells. Large sand dollars and huge starfish are easily found in the shallows and at the tideline. After you've worked up an appetite, drop in to the Guld Drive Cafe for one of their famous breakfasts. And you can sit outside for another stunning view of the turquoise gulf!

After breakfast, head to St. Armand's Circle just down the road for some world-class shopping, or drive over to one of the malls in Cortez or Bradenton. Also, there's a HUGE, beautiful outlet mall just up I-75 at Ellenton. You'll find some great bargains at the after-Christmas sales!

This guide to the New Year Festivities on Anna Maria Island was brought to you by Holle Abee.