GEORGIA
News
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NEWS (Please note: Cities and Towns follow the NEWS)
2012 Georgia State Travel Guide Available
The Travel Guide serves as the state's main fulfillment piece and encourages travelers and Georgians to explore the state, according to Charlie Gatlin, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing.
'The guides are distributed through consumer orders online at www.georgia.org/travel or via 1-800-VISIT GA. The travel guide also is distributed at Georgia's 11 Visitor Information Centers located on major arteries throughout the state, at the 42 regional Welcome Centers, and at consumer and industry trade shows in the U.S.
An abbreviated version of the guide is produced in five foreign languages: UK English, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese. Foreign-language versions of the guide also are being developed in Japanese and Portuguese. The international guides are distributed through the state's foreign offices, group tour operators and at international trade shows.
The domestic version of the guide includes 216 pages, and is divided into sections, each representing one of nine tourism marketing regions in the state. Each section includes a map and introductory feature as well as comprehensive listings of the regionís attractions, visitor resources and lodging. The guide also includes feature articles that promote various aspects of the visitor experience: Southern Goodness: Key foods in Georgia's culture; The Show Must Go On: Georgia renovates and saves its theaters; Fun on the Water: Activities on and near the water abound across the state; One of a Kind: the products of craftsmen are abundant in Georgia and Fruits of Labor: Georgia's luscious produce offers great eating and entertainment.
For more information, visit www.georgia.org or call (404) 962-4075.
ATLANTA
Where to Stay
The Glenn Goes Green -- Guests to Downtown Atlanta Can Now Green Up their Travel
In addition to the high-end style and dedication to personal comfort that make the Glenn Hotel popular among both business and leisure travelers alike, the Glenn is now allowing ecologically concerned guests to leave smaller footprints when they travel. Guests with the most refined taste will continue to experience premium standards of service and luxury, while the Glenn utilizes non-intrusive, eco-friendly products and methods.
As one of Atlanta’s most innovative hotels, the Glenn is proud of the practices it has set in place to reduce impacts on the environment. Their dedication to ultimate guest comfort is only matched in their commitment to the environment by improving energy efficiency, reusing existing structures and leveraging and enhancing the assets of the existing urban environment. Through its renovation, The Glenn worked to incorporate building components that reduce overall energy consumption. New windows increase the hotel’s insulating capabilities, and improving on traditional hotel PTAC units, high-efficiency water source heat pumps provide heating and cooling to guest rooms. Finally, smart thermostats in each guest room control the HVAC and lighting systems. These thermostats sense when each room is occupied, and turn off lights and HVAC units when the room is unoccupied.
The adaptive reuse of the historic Glenn Building, which had been vacant for 20 years, in lieu of a building demolition and rebuild reduced the amount of new construction materials needed to create the hotel. This approach saved an architecturally significant building as well as reducing the project’s environmental footprint.
The Glenn is also making use of the existing urban environment to create convenience for guests and employees. The location, within easy walking distance of several train and bus stops, allows guests and hotel employees to take mass transit to and from the airport and around the Atlanta metro area. These efforts help reduce auto usage of employees and guests, improving air quality and traffic congestion in the city. With the hotel in close proximity to all Atlanta’s major event and tourist destinations, guests are able to walk to and from their destinations rather than travel by vehicle, helping to reduce traffic congestion and promote walking within downtown. In return, the renovation of the hotel turned a dilapidated corner of downtown into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly amenity for the city. The hotel’s restaurant, lobby bar and rooftop bar provide new restaurant and nightlife opportunities for residents and visitors to Atlanta, helping create a ‘live, work, play’ community in Downtown Atlanta.
Joining in the Glenn Hotel’s green initiative is Maxim Prime steakhouse.
Legacy Property Group is a real estate development firm that has pioneered the redevelopment of Downtown Atlanta. David Marvin is the CEO of Legacy, which has completed more than $100 million in new residential and retail projects. For more information on Legacy Property Group, please visit www.legacyproperty.com.
Desires Hotels is a Miami-based hotel management company which provides a wide range of services to both institutional and individual owners of independently branded modern boutique hotels in the United States and Caribbean. The Desires portfolio currently includes the award-winning 93-room Sagamore Hotel, and the 87-room condo hotel The Strand Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Fla., the award-winning 76-room San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the 110-room Glenn Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., and the recently opened 235-room Hotel Mela in New York, N.Y. For more information about Desires Hotels, call 305.577.8484 or visit www.desireshotels.com.
The Glenn Hotel is a boutique hotel offering style, sophistication and impeccable service. It is located at 110 Marietta Street in downtown Atlanta, Ga. The Glenn is within walking distance to the CNN Center, Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the new World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium. The first Maxim Prime restaurant debuts in the Glenn Hotel in March 2008. Maxim Prime, a modern Steakhouse developed in partnership with Maxim magazine, the leading young men’s lifestyle magazine, and famed restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. Please visit the Glenn Hotel online at www.glennhotel.com or call them at 404.521.2250.
What to See & Do
Atlanta Marriott Marquis -- Aquarium Family Package
In another fishy promotion, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis is selling an Aquarium Family package that includes a double guest room with two double beds, four unlimited access Georgia Aquarium tickets, free parking at the hotel, and free daily breakfast for two adults and two children (under 12). The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is at 265 Peachtree Center, in that towering atrium style skyscraper that revolutionized Atlanta's skyline many years ago. It's a good location for family sightseers and kids and their grownups will love the lobby- and city-view glass elevators.
The Marriott's weekend package rates start at $199/N. In this busy business town, weekdays cost more; package rates begin at $279/N for the same perks Monday to Thursday.
For reservations, call your travel agent, or the hotel at 800/834-7015, or make your reservations by going online to atlantamarquis.com and entering the promotional code EB6 in the Corporate/Promotional code box.
Art & Rich History in Atlanta
Shop OnlineAtlanta's extensive art scene and rich history create cultural offerings unmatched in the South. From historic to modern, visitors can enjoy art, performances, beauty, and education throughout the city.
If you like museum hopping, try:
Woodruff Arts Center:
Now the largest performing and visual arts center in the nation, encompassing the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Hall, the High Museum of Art (hosting world-renowned exhibits with works by Van Gosh, Norman Rockwell and Michelangelo, with a permanent collection of more than 11,000 works of art including African, American, decorative, European, folk, modern, and contemporary art, plus photography), Young Audiences, the 14th Street Playhouse, and the recently added Table 1280.
Atlanta History Center:
Explore Atlanta's story - the Civil War, civil rights and the antebellum South through two historic homes -- the 1928 Swan House and the Tullie Smith House, an 1840s plantation farmhouse with outbuildings, beautiful gardens, and nature trails.
Michael C. Carlos Museum:
This hidden jewel features the art of the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the Americas, including Egyptian mummies, pre-Columbian pottery, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, artifacts from the Middle and Far East and European and American works on paper.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum:
Carter's life and administration and the Oval Office are portrayed through films, videos, and displays. Popular exhibitions are also shown here, such as First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image, developed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Behring Center, and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum:
The largest museum of its kind in the Southeast, the Bremen museum offers two core galleries depicting "Creating Community: The Jews of Atlanta from 1845 to the present" and "Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years." Also featured are special exhibitions, archives, a hands-on Discovery Center, library and museum shop.
There are several more museums in addition to theaters including
Atlanta Ballet
-- is the longest continually operating ballet company in the United States. Catch presentations of classical and contemporary works are presented at the Fox Theatre and the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts); the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (performing over 250 concerts a year, many with the world's most prominent musicians, soloists and conductors); and the Atlanta Opera, (presenting full-staged grand opera performances in the Boisfenillet Jones Civic Center).
Atlanta Botanical Garden --
(a 15-acre oasis bordering Piedmont Park featuring outdoor display gardens, five acres of shade-loving ornamentals from around the world and walking trails.
Children's Garden
Across the Flower Bridge is a two-acre --
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site;
where you can visit Dr. King's grave, the King birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached.
Events are held year round, such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival; National Black Arts Festival; and much more.
For more information, contact the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, 233 Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404- 521-6600, or check web site www.atlanta.com..
DAHLONEGA
Smith House Inn
Georgias premier family-style restaurant and luxury inn, The Smith House Inn, in Dahlonega, Ga., announced today, they will be featuring the nature photographs of area-resident, Dallas Kinney, under the thematic title: My Appalachia: The Smith House Experience.
The first visual offering will be their My Appalachia: The Smith House Experience calendar series, was launched on April 1, 2008.
Each month, a new Appalachian study, by Kinney, will be featured. The free, four-color, calendar will be available on The Smith House, web site for downloading and printing, by The Smith House customers and the general public at www.smithhouse.com/gallery/my-appalachia-the-smith-house-experience/
Dallas Kinney, award-winning photographer, for this exclusive series, studied with the icon of nature photography, Ansel Adams, and is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for his photojournalism series: Migration to Misery. He has a long history in communications as a writer, photojournalist, director of graphic arts, and editor, for the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and numerous national and international magazines and organizations.
Kinneys area photographs, which will constitute the exclusive My Appalachia: The Smith House Experience series, will be most visible for The Smith House customers and the public, in a variety of attitudes.
The first in a series of dynamic seasonal My Appalachia: The Smith House Experience Flash presentations will be available on the Smith House web site. The seasonal Flash presentations, photographed and created by Kinney, will feature scores of Appalachian nature scenes, accompanied by regional music.
Also, The Smith House, will establish a My Appalachia: The Smith House Experience gallery, featuring framed prints from Kinneys Appalachian series. The, Giclee prints, using the most advanced pigment ink technology for archival stability, will be hand signed by Kinney, and available for sale, exclusively at The Smith House luxury inn.
Appalachian photographs, by Kinney, were also used to decorate the newly restored luxury rooms, and public areas, at the historic inn. Kinney, acknowledged his appreciation for having The Smith House, as the exclusive home for his Appalachian photography series. 'The Smith House is, to me, quintessential Appalachia. I can think of no better place to showcase my work. It is an honor and privilege to be part of The Smith House family.'
For more information contact Chris Welch 706.867.7000 - PH
The Smith House MGT Co. 706.864.3070 - FAX
84 South Chestatee Street chrisw@smithhouse.com
Dahlonega GA 30533 www.smithhouse.com
ST. SIMONS ISLAND
Historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort – Chosen by ‘The Knot’
The Knot 2010 chose the historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort as one of their recognized ’10 Most Talked-About Wedding Venues’ in Georgia, 2010. The magazine is a coast-to-coast guide to the country’s top wedding-related venues and participating vendor businesses dedicated to bringing wedding excellence to brides and their families.
According to TheKnot.com/Georgia “You’ve heard the hype - now get the scoop on these top Georgia spots”.
ROYAL TREATMENT: You’ll be treated like a queen at The King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island. (Psst! Your guests will also be pretty happy!) There’s room for up to 300 guests if you’re planning a seaside ceremony, or take the party inside the luxurious Lanier Ballroom. The stately Delegal Dining Room or Retreat Room with a 180-degree ocean vista is perfect for smaller guest lists.
King and Prince General Manager Michael Johnson states:
“The King and Prince wedding experience is a very special event for the bride and groom along with their family and friends. The staff of the King and Prince considers it the highest honor when we are chosen to host such a memorable event and promise to ensure that everything is taken care of, so that the bridal party can just have fun and enjoy the day. We have a talented team of catering and culinary professionals who prepare delicious food, provide outstanding service and create lasting memories. We are pleased to see that the readers of a publication as respected as the Knot have acknowledged our commitment and dedication to exceed our guests’ expectations; we truly appreciate the recognition.”
For more information or for reservations contact The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, 201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522; www.kingandprince.com
or call (800) 342-0212 direct. Stay at the historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort as this award-winning oceanfront hotel hosts guests who are interested in coming to the Island for Bobi Saal’s newly created . Recognized internationally as an educator, business woman and devoted ‘foodie,' Saal returned from her own culinary adventure in Italy deciding to open the door on the Georgia coast to the same kind of unforgettable vacation that goes beyond just having a great time.
For reservations, contact www.USA-IslandCookingClasses.com
The King and Prince Hotel History
If walls could talk, The King and Prince, (on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America), shares a rich legacy of its place in American history for 75 years. Originally opened as a private dance club, friends of owners Frank Horn and Morgan Wynn coined its name that befitted its regal atmosphere. This island beach resort has maintained a reputation for elegance and warm hospitality throughout each decade. The King and Prince has been a tranquil island haven for dignitaries, celebrities, discerning families and business travelers since pre WW II until today.
Oceanfront Tower Room
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
www.kingandprince.com
*Rate is based on Hotel availability
Eagle Lodge
Eagle Lodge sits alone – surrounded by wildlife and plants in their natural environment, offering peace, quiet and complete seclusion while completely outfitted with luxurious amenities. Thousands of acres of Georgia coastal marsh cut the lodge off from the rest of the world, although the wild beaches of Sapelo Island are only a short boat ride away from this uninhabited 10-acre private retreat. Explore the dazzling and miraculous Georgia salt marsh eco system, take coastal cruises or watch a full moon rising.
Eagle Island is a “5-Moon Getaway” – no agenda, no clock, no deadlines.
For more information contact:
Private Islands of Georgia
(office) 202 Marina Drive
St. Simons Island, Ga. 31522
(912) 222-0801
www.PrivateIslandsofGeorgia.com
The Nature Conservancy named this region of the Georgia Coast one of ’75 Last GREAT PLACES Left in the World’
SAVANNAH
Luxury Living Savannah: Relish An Enchanting Southern Wedding
Create a storybook wedding with Luxury Living Savannah, a collection of renovated historic properties that offers beautiful, traditional Southern settings as well as friendly, impeccable staff who can gracefully handle even the smallest detail for weddings of up to 175 people.
Luxury Living Savannah can plan every facet of the wedding event that the bride and groom desires -- from luncheons, rehearsal dinners and after-reception brunches to meet-and-greets, wedding party outings, and stunning receptions and ceremonies. Private chefs are available to customize a menu that will fit the wedding couple's palates. If you‚re planning a destination wedding -- or even one a bit closer to home - rely on one of the event planners to eliminate the stress associated with planning and managing such an important day.
The Luxury Living Savannah Collection offers three venues perfect for weddings and wedding accommodations:
The Forsyth Park Mansion: Located a block from one of the country‚s most beautiful parks, the Forsyth Park Mansion has undergone a painstaking renovation, earned its historic certification and created one of Savannah‚s finest and largest private gardens ˆ a beautiful spot for a wedding ceremony. This four-bedroom home also has five spectacular bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, a gourmet kitchen, rambling side porches, and garden with a soothing fountain. Weddings of up to 150 people can be accommodated. This mansion also can handle sleeping arrangements for up to 20 guests.
The Washington Square House: Just two blocks from the popular River Street, the circa 1790 Washington Square House retained much of its original details throughout its renovation, such as the original staircase, heart pine floors and plaster ceiling medallions. Conducted in accordance with stringent federal preservation guidelines, this award winning home has earned historical certification. The Washington Square House has four bedrooms and four, luxurious bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, a gourmet kitchen, sun room, and a courtyard with fountain. There is also a charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath Carriage House. This gives you the option of 6 bedrooms and 6 baths to. Weddings up to 50 people can be accommodated; the home can also handle sleeping arrangements for 16 guests
The Wedding Cake Mansion: The Wedding Cake mansion earned its name for its elaborate white bay window with ornate stained glass and white ornamental ironwork. This award-winning mansion, which has undergone a $3 million renovation and has earned historical certification, is located on Savannah≠s Monterey Square, made famous by the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This 1869 2nd Empire Baroque home features a main house with 4-5 bedrooms, 5.5 ornate, lavish bathrooms, a formal living and dining room a gourmet kitchen and lovely courtyard with fountain. There is also a 2 bedroom, 2 bath garden suite and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath carriage house. This gives you the option of 8 bedrooms and 8.5 baths to accommodate up to 21 guests. Weddings up to 50 people can be accommodated. The mansion can also handle sleeping arrangements for 21 guests.
Home to one of the U.S's largest historic districts, Savannah is an elegant, refined city that evokes images of the Old South and its impeccable hospitality. Guests who come for the wedding can also take time to visit some of the beautiful spots seen in movies like Forrest Gump or Something to Talk About. They can savor fabulous food at the city's popular restaurants, such as Lady and Son's Restaurant and Uncle Bubbas Oyster bar from Paula Deen. No visit to Savannah is complete without a trip to River Street, a cobblestone road that runs along the Savannah River and is known for its shopping and restaurants.
Luxury Living Savannah showcases a collection of five historic properties: the Wedding Cake Mansion, the Forsyth Park Mansion, Washington Square House, The Jones Street Suites and The Cathedral Inn. Additional guests can rent an entire home, or choose from several, smaller rental options within an individual home of their choice.
For more information, or to make a reservation, visit online at www.luxurylivingsavannah.com or call (866) 886-0809