The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is just 80 miles south of Atlanta.

We’ll probably never sleep in that tent. My husband keeps promising (threatening?) me that he’s going to take me camping somewhere in North Georgia for a fun weekend getaway. But as I keep discovering new locations nearby that suit my more refined tastes (indoor plumbing), the possibility of that night on the cold, hard ground is becoming more remote than the odds of me dragging him to a day of shopping followed by a Chick Flick Film Fest.

My latest discover is the gorgeous and little-known Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens. I had no idea that such a luxury property existed inside the 13,000 acres of these beautiful gardens. I’d visited Callaway Gardens several times, for the magnificent Fantasy in Lights during the holidays and for trips to enjoy biking along the wooded bike trails, with stops at Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, Robin Lake Beach, the lovely Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel and my favorite, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.

After an easy drive south of Atlanta about 80 miles, we turned into the beautifully landscaped and wooded drive up to the Lodge, where the only indication of it being a Marriott property were two small signs on posts that read Autograph Collection, which is Marriott’s exclusive group of independent hotels and resorts.

The Lodge has a heated saltwater pool for swimming and relaxing year round.

The huge fireplace in the expansive lobby drew me in like a magnet and I pulled myself away only to go check out my room. Each of the 150 rooms in the Lodge has its own balcony, and mine overlooked the rock fountain directly below and further away, the beautifully landscaped saltwater pool where steam was gently rising off its heated surface. The swirling whirlpool and outdoor fireplace looked inviting and would be the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and romance.

The heated saltwater pool is open year round. I so wish my backyard looked like this. Hey I’d settle for just the whirlpool.
After a brief sigh of appreciation for my beautiful room, view, and free easy wireless connection, it was off to Spa Prunifolia (yes, we wondered about the name too. Seems it is named for the resort’s signature flower, the plum leaf azalea.) After relaxing in the quiet relaxation room, with another lit fireplace, I had a really soothing and much needed Swedish massage in one of the 13 treatment rooms.

The evening began with a dirty gin martini served by our friendly and accommodating waiter Travis in the Ironwood Lounge. Then we moved into the Lodge’s main dining room, the “Farm to Fork” Piedmont Room, where we enjoyed a magnificent dinner prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Walters with locally produced ingredients, starting with duck confit flatbread and ending with salted caramel apple tart. Glenda was our charming and gracious server.

It was a short getaway and after a wonderful night’s rest in the super-comfy bed, we were off. But I’m already planning a return visit. As long as there are rooms that pretty, pillows that soft and food that good, my husband doesn’t have a prayer of getting me into a tent. But somehow I think he’ll be happy with a long weekend getaway to the Lodge.

For more on The Lodge and Spa at Callaway, click here.

By Cara Davis

Brides are opting for more rustic venues for their weddings, like the Mead Gardens Amphitheater in Winter Park, FL

Economic woes continue to play a part in today’s weddings. Couples are opting for smaller weddings and choosing to spend their money more wisely. According to a recent study from TheWeddingReport.com, brides and grooms are paying for more of the wedding bill themselves (to the tune of $10,000 – $20,000), and they’re having more fun with it.

“We are seeing couples move away from formal and traditional type weddings to fun, romantic, simple, casual, and unique weddings with a touch of formal and tradition,” the report reads.

Here are more trends forecasted for 2012, as couples scale back, simplify and reflect their personalities.

1. It’s a small world

Couples are keeping a tight rein on guest numbers (under 150), as the overall cost of the wedding is directly affected by how many heads are in attendance.

2. Autumn leads

While June is the reigning month for marriages, September is a close second, and other months including August and October are on the rise.

3. Rustic and vintage themes

Rustic themes and vintage touches continue to trend. Kellie Hanley of Orlando, Fla., is planning a “rustic, country chic” wedding this June at the Mead Gardens Amphitheater in Winter Park, and a reception at the local Farmer’s Market “to tie in that ‘barn’ feel we wanted,” she says. To pull off the theme, she’s opting to do most of the decorating herself.

4. DIY reigns

“You can do things for so much cheaper yourself!” says Hanley, who relies on sites like Pinterest.com for ideas. She’s not alone. Megan Knight, from Coppell, Texas, is taking on most of the wedding day tasks. “Flowers, invitations, website, so far, perhaps even the cake,” she says. “We haven’t decided if we’re going to take on that yet.”

5. Tech love

Today’s brides (96% of them according to Weddingwire.com) are planning, shopping and registering online and even incorporating technology into the wedding day itself. Online blogs are providing the inspiration brides are looking for to piece together their day. Hanley’s other favorites include Sparkle & Hay, RuffledBlog.com and TheKnot.com.

6. Sweet endings

Dessert buffets continue to take a bite out of receptions, with nontraditional choices like: square mini-cakes and cupcake tiers or pies, macaroons, Whoopie Pies, cake pops, color-coordinated candy and even ice cream sundae stations or a cookies and milk bar. The dessert choices reflect the whimsical, fun nature of today’s weddings.

Brides are having more fun with desserts at their weddings, with cake pops and tiers of cupcakes or Whoopie Pies rather than the traditional white cake.

7. Color me vibrant

Knight, who describes her upcoming Texas wedding as “laid back” and “casual,” is using a formal royal blue theme, and softening it with yellow and white accents. Some of the biggest colors this year are purples and green as well as jewel tones, according to TheWeddingReport.com.

8. Casually groomed

Much to the relief of grooms everywhere, tuxedo rentals are out and suits and casual wear are in. TheWeddingReport.com states demand for tuxedo rental is down 11% over 2010 numbers (61% to 54% in 2011).

9. Candid cameras

Formal photos are out and candid shots are in that fit with the look and feel of the wedding day. Demand for photo booths continues to rise as a fun way to capture memories.

10. Non-traditional gifts


Non-traditional gift registries like CardAvenue.com are popping up, allowing couples to register for gift cards according to their tastes and needs, as research shows that couples are waiting longer to get married (brides are 27 on average, grooms 29).

11. Close to home


TheWeddingReport.com predicts destination weddings will decline or remain flat in 2012 as couples are sticking close to home for the wedding day. They’re also choosing more outdoor and/or all-inclusive locations to simplify their weddings and save money.

12. Staying put

Not only are couples staying close to home, they’re opting to host the ceremony and reception in the same location – again, to save money and simplify. Cindy Vega, who describes her upcoming wedding as “a little nontraditional” and “simple” has chosen Ashton Gardens in her hometown of Houston, Texas, because the on-site chapel and reception hall will allow them to keep the festivities in one location. “It was voted four years in a row as the top venue in Houston,” she adds.

Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.

For more information, to book a segment, or arrange an interview, email Cara Davis at cara@cheapwaysto.com.

Summer Beach in Amelia Island, Florida

For years we spent all our beach holidays on St. Simon’s Island on the coast of Georgia where my husband and his four brothers and sisters owned an adorable 3-bedroom home. We ate crab cakes at Barbara Jean’s, barbecue at Southern Soul, rode our bikes along East Beach and shopped at Harris Teeter. Then after a family meeting when a lengthy discussion about replacing a rug in the den turned into a mutual decision just to sell the house, we’ve been beach hopping. And having a blast. This fall we revisited Amelia Island in Florida, one of our favorite beaches, and found a perfect place to stay. Located on the southern part of Amelia,  Summer Beach is secluded without being isolated and luxurious without being uncomfortably stuffy. The property includes villas, condos and townhouses in separate developments. We stayed in the newest one, Ocean Place, which has two- and three-bedroom condos. Our three-bedroom condo had plenty of room, a magnificent balcony overlooking the ocean, easy access to pools and a huge master bedroom. The kitchen was fully equipped and the unit had a nice washer-dryer as well.

We were there in the fall and didn’t use these facilities, but rental guests also have access to The Golf Club of Amelia Island’s Beach Club Pool and Snack Bar as well as two tennis courts. Even though we didn’t spend much time on the beautiful beach, there are so many things to do on Amelia: we kayaked, visited the charming shops in the Victorian town of Fernandina and spent the afternoon in the Spa at the neighboring Ritz-Carlton. My husband’s only regret is we couldn’t squeeze in a visit to his favorite Italian restaurant, Ciao Bistro, which we discovered on our last visit. Now we’ve added Lulu’s at the Thompson House and Espana Restaurant as well. Next time we gotta go for a week.

Summer Beach Resort
5456 First Coast Hwy.
Amelia Island, FL 32034
904 277-0905

www.summerbeach.com

Please read the current issue of Travelgirl magazine for an article on Amelia Island with plenty more to do there.

Eating just half of a burger from Guy’s one makes me feel rather virtuous – hey, it’s all relative on a cruise ship where any type of virtue seems as rare as a quiet moment on the Lido deck.

By Jan Schroder

When I was growing up my best friend’s mom had a sign in her kitchen. “Eat to live, don’t live to eat.” I never really understood why you can’t do both at once and have pretty much devoted my life to that philosophy.

So I’ve been delighted to find that the Carnival Liberty, the cruise ship that is my home for this entire week, has amazing food. We are on board experiencing the beginning of the roll-out of Fun Ship 2.0, a $500 million multi-year initiative on the Carnival line, with the addition of new restaurants being just part of it. I’ll be heading back to both of these this week.

Guy’s Burger Joint. Fans of the Food Network will recognize Carnival’s partner, Guy Fieri, the white-spiky-haired big star best known for his show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” This cleverly decorated spot on the corner of the Lido deck (surfboards, car bumpers, servers in mechanic uniforms) serves up big, fresh burgers fast. Order one of six types of burgers, and head to the huge selection of condiments – underneath car hoods of course – to pile up with your choice of grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles and more. Burgers are served with large hand-cut fries.

The BlueIguana Cantina. Right in the center is the tortilla machine, which cranks out fresh tortillas all day.

They are large enough (as is my desire to still fit in my jeans post-cruise) that my husband and I could split one. And leave room for fresh sushi an hour later, which just jumped on my plate as I was walking by. I seem to be having the same issue with the frozen yogurt machine.

BlueIguana Cantina. Also located in a corner of the Lido deck, with rarely much of a line, the BlueIguana has one line for tacos (pork, fish or chicken) and one for burritos (chicken, beef or shrimp.) Again, the emphasis is on fresh food – even down to the tortillas, which are cranked out by the tortilla machine front and center. The fun really starts when you head to the salsa station where I loaded up on the selection of the usual, plus watermelon and jicama salsa, black and bean and corn salsa, sliced veggies and huge springs of fresh cilantro.

The BlueIguana Tequila Bar is adjacent to the BlueIguana for refreshing frozen drinks, margaritas and Mexican beers with your meal.

You may expect to pay extra for this type of custom dining experience, but both Guy’s and BlueIguana are free. Fast, fresh and free. Certainly fits my definition of fun.

We had so many fantastic items this year we couldn’t fit them all in the magazine. Here are some more of our favorites this year.

I totally fell in love with these suitcases from www.uniquevintage.com. This carry-on is made with faux ostrich, rolls and has a handle. $124.

This bottle with the image of a 400-year-old distillery is Peru is so beautiful you’ll want to keep one for yourself. This flavorful spirit is good straight or delicious mixed into a cocktail. Around $40 to $50. piscoporton.com/home

Forget the dreaded fannypack - these bags from Hipzbag are actually fashionable. Available in a variety of materials, this faux leather one is $.24.95 at shop. hipzbag.com

Two of the top items on my list are from Graf & Lanz, which has a beautiful collection of bags for men and women as well home accessories. This felt and leather Carry All is not only beautiful but it also folds down so it's easy to pack in a suitcase. $369 at www.graf-lantz.com

Perfect for travelers, this iPhone 4 case from Third Mobility protects your phone and gives you an extra battery without the bulk. $89.99 at www.thirdrailmobility.com

Supposedly for kids, but my college-age son will love this plush talking bacon that says “I’m bacon” when you squeeze him. $9.99 at www.thinkgeek.com

Love in a Nutshell Audio book Mystery fans will love the latest tale of romantic suspense by Janet Evanovich, the bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum novels, and Dorien Kelly. Unabridged is $29.99; abridged is $19.99 at amazon.com

These Hercules XPS diamond 2.0 speakers make a great gift for just about anyone. $29.99 at amazon.com

Bubblebum Perfect for families on the go, the BubbleBum is a portable booster seat that deflates, making it perfect for trips by plane. Just deflate it and throw it in your carryon. $39.99 at www.bubblebum.us

Throw this in the microwave and warm up with this line of Bed Buddy Herbal Naturals wraps infused with aromatherapy and lined with luxurious real lavender and chamomile. From $25.99 at drugstores and select retailers. www.carex.com/products/Bed_Buddy/93

Masi Agricola has several wines, perfect for toasting the holidays, all under $20. Try the Masianco Pinot Grigio ($18) or the Passo Doble ($17) or the Campofiorin ($20). Check you local Whole Foods for a selection of wines. www.masi.it

Yoga gear from Neon Buddha. These cute fashions are made of 100% preshrunk cotton by women in Thailand and 1% of every sale is donated to charities. Available at department stores and boutiques throughout North America. Prices start at $35. www.NeonBuddha.net

Forget gathering and packing all those cables — the AViiQ Portable USB Charging Station can charge four USB devices at once, even your iPad. $79.99 at www.aviiq.com/products/portable-charging-station

The Solo wine carrier is made from thick felt and leather, with detachable straps. A perfect tote for holiday parties or a hostess gift. $79 at www.graf-lantz.com

Ricossa Moscato d’Asti. This Italian sparkling wine is perfect to serve with dessert. Tie a ribbon on the bottle and it’s a perfect hostess gift. Around $14.99 a bottle.

Chicbuds has a fun variety of earbuds and fun speakers, including this one that looks like a bird. $34.99. www.chicbuds.com

This cute little fella is the perfect stocking stuffer and at just $3.99 it’s a sweet teacher present. Lindt makes plenty of other sweet holiday treats as well. www.lindtusa.com

Camus XO Elegance makes a memorable gift – even better if you can sip fireside with the recipient out of one of the beautiful glasses. $120 at select retailers.

Perfect for a Travelgirl, this limited edition gift set from Laurent-Perrier Champagne includes four Champagne glasses for toasting. $125 at select retailers.

David A. Martin of VeinInnovations in Atlanta

I’ve spent a lot of time on airplanes the past few months. And not in the stretch-your-legs-out comfort of a first class seat either. I am so not complaining — even though I had a 22-hour day returning from Ireland earlier this week, I would do it again to see the smilin’ Irish eyes on the Emerald Isle.

But I did worry about possible health problems from being seated for so long in one position. We turned to an expert to get some tips on how to avoid problems with blood circulation on long trips, which can lead to blood clots and other short- and long-term health problems. David A. Martin, a registered nurse, clinical director and the President and CEO of VeinInnovations, Atlanta’s leading vein health and treatment clinic, offers several tips for people traveling this season to keep the blood flowing.

• While sitting, do heel- and toe-raises to flex the calf muscles every 15 or 20 minutes.  This muscle flexing will help keep blood moving in the veins even if you can’t get up.
• If possible, get up and walk around at least every two hours. As with heel- and toe-raises, walking around for just a few minutes will get blood circulating faster in the legs. On a plane or train this may mean walking up and down the aisle a couple of times during the trip.  If driving, work a quick walk around the parking lot into your stops for gas, if you switch drivers or other breaks.
• While traveling, stay hydrated by drinking some water. Being dehydrated can cause your blood to thicken and make the formation of blood clots more likely.
• If you’re not allergic and have no history of stomach problems, take one adult aspirin per day while traveling.  This will also help thin the blood and reduce the chances of blood clots.
• Wear compressions garment like stockings or leggings.  These will help keep blood flowing more efficiently even when you can’t  move around. These garments also have the side benefit of helping to keep you warmer on those long road trips in our country’s cooler regions.
• If possible, elevate your feet above your heart a few times during a long trip.  Even if only for 30 seconds while sitting in the back seat of a car.  This will also help keep blood from pooling in the legs.

“Sitting for long periods of time is a big cause of leg blood clots, which can move to the lungs and cause serious medical issues,” David said.  “This is especially true in situations like an airplane or a car full of luggage and gifts where you’re not in an ideal position and can’t stretch your legs. Everyone can benefit from following these tips while traveling to keep blood moving and reduce their chances of having blood clot issues.”

The back of the Southern Star, where I spent most of the trip lounging and taking in the scenery. And enjoying that 4th glass of wine.

“The first two miles are the easy part,” I heard a crew member telling a fellow passenger. “After that it gets rough.”

As I recalled my four hours earlier in the week spent crawling over slick rocks, climbing up steep dirt-covered paths while meandering around those first two miles of the Napali Coast trail in Kauai, the word “easy” wasn’t one that came to my mind. But later he pointed out hikers further along the path who were plastered against the wall while navigating a 14” wide path that led directly down the side of a steep cliff.

Okay, so that is harder. But there was no question that we were currently taking the easiest way of all to see the scenery of one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Aboard a luxury yacht.

A zodiac boat coming out of one of the caves. That tour is for the more adventurous who can do without bathrooms and gourmet meals. I do not fall into that category.

We were aboard the Southern Star on a six-hour snorkeling sail. We set off around 8:00 a.m. with just 50 passengers on board the 65’ luxury catamaran. We were greeted with coffee, juice and freshly baked pastries while we set sail to view the entire 15-mile coast, accessible only by foot, air or sea.

A short while into our trip, we were charmed by the dozens of dolphins who choose to “surf” along side us, as the captain slowed down so we could all get a good look. After sailing along the entire coast to see the soaring 1000-foot cliffs made famous by such movies as Jurassic Park, South Pacific and Six Days, Seven Nights, we pulled into a small cove for snorkeling. After receiving our equipment and a detailed lesson, we suited up in masks, snorkels and flippers then plopped ourselves off the side of the boat to explore in the slightly chilly waters. We enjoyed seeing the fish dart in and out of view and spotted a large turtle meandering along.

Then it was back on the boat for just-cooked burgers, baked beans and a delicious cole slaw. The chef had come by earlier to take our order from the selection of chicken breasts, burgers or veggie burgers. Lunch is served with your choice of soft drinks, wine or beer. And the wine and beer just kept coming for the rest of the trip, graciously and continuously served by a friendly crew member. I didn’t realize I was about to have my 4^th glass of wine – until my husband, rather unnecessarily in my opinion, pointed it out.

The tour is pricey – $149 for adults if booked online. But for that you get true luxury, gourmet food, snorkeling equipment and instruction and a truly unforgettable experience in Kauai. Oh and one more thing – the most beautiful bathrooms I’ve ever seen on a boat with plenty of space to change into my bathing suit. It’s worth the splurge.

One of the most romantic spots on the planet

By Jan Schroder

When I was greeted with a cool beverage and a shoulder massage upon check in at the huge open-air lobby of Grand Velas I knew I’d found a happy place. The resort has one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all with private terraces and gorgeous views. This all-inclusive includes all dining, premium alcohol and the prettiest wooden wristband, heads above the usual plastic ones you get at other resorts. Restaurant selections range from the casual seaside snack bar to gourmet Mexican at Frida, international cuisine at Azul, gourmet French at Piaf and Italian-Mediterranean at Lucca.

I may have been content to spend my entire time here lounging poolside while enjoying the view of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains, with occasional breaks for the swim-up bar and an order of fresh guacamole.

But leaving the resort to swim with the dolphins at Vallerta Adventures was a highlight and resulted in my first dolphin kiss, fulfilling a fantasy nurtured since childhood viewings of Flipper.

On our last night we hit the nightlife in nearby Puerto Vallerta, where our group of five women enjoyed a variety of adult beverages and danced to a loud, pulsating beat in several bars, including one in which I posed for a photo in a cage that I then texted to my husband. Because nothing says, “I miss you” more than that.

For more photos, visit the Girl on the Go blog.

Note: From the U.S. Department of State site: “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere.”

Before traveling anywhere, please check current conditions and for any travel warnings with the State Department at travel.state.gov.

Lisa Baron, author of Life of the Party

My big regret about my interview with Lisa Baron, author of the hilarious Life of the Party, A Political Press Tart Bares All, is that we weren’t doing it over a delicious cocktail. And we didn’t have more time. She’s that kinda gal – the kind you want to share Lemon Drops and I-can’t-believe-I-did-that stories with.

The next best thing is to read her book, which contains plenty of those cringe-inducing, can’t-believe-she-got-away-with-it stories that will have you ROTF.

In her own words, her book is the story of “a woman who is socially moderate, wears her skirts a bit too short, is often over-served but gets the job done while working for a high-profile Christian politician.” Lisa, a self-professed not-so-nice Jewish girl, was the spokesperson for Ralph Reed, the Director the Christian Coalition. She says the theme of her book is that you have to carve your own path in life. “Coattails are for cowards.”

Purchase Lisa’s book on her site or on Amazon.

TG: What inspired you to write the book?

LB: The idea that when I finally stopped pretending to be something I wasn’t, I became who I am and became successful, in life and as an author. In a world where I probably didn’t work, conservative Christian politics, I realized one of these things just doesn’t belong. It was me. All along I sensed the absurdity of it and knew my life had the perfect trappings of a book.

TG: What advice would you give to young girl starting a career in politics?

LB: Stay true to yourself, get the job done, know all the questions, and keep your personal life separate from of your professional life. Answer all the questions like you know all the answers, particularly in a political environment. You have to be on your toes because you are being asked so many questions. You must be credible and knowledgeable. If you don’t know the answer, pretend you do.

TG: What qualities do you think are most important for women succeed in politics?

LB:  You have to have a tough skin and unforgiving work ethic. I still believe that women have to work harder to succeed than men do. When I see a female CEO or U.S. senator, I know they worked 10 times harder to get to where they are than male counterpart. I automatically have more respect for them.

TG: what do you always take with you when you travel?

LS: My Kindle and my iPod

By Jan Schroder

For me the quality of a wine tasting doesn’t depend totally on the wine — it’s a lot about the personality of the person conducting it. So we were in luck during a recent media trip to Barnsley Gardens, where the food and beverage director and self-professed wine snob Greg Teague led us through a holiday-themed wine tasting.

After an enjoyable shuttle ride up to this lovely resort about 60 miles north of Atlanta, our group was seated and began our Holiday Hobnob with the Wine Snob. Greg lead us through wine pairings of seven delicious holiday dishes with wines to complement their flavors.

Although the thermometer was still pushing triple digits, the aromas of sweet potato soufflé, gingerbread and pumpkin pie put me in a holiday mood. Well, not really a holiday mood – more of a let’s-eat-like-the-holidays mood.

Just six of the reasons we needed a shuttle to take us to Barnsley Resort

Greg was funny, entertaining, informative and happy to answer any and all questions we had. One of my favorite ideas, which I will definitely be using for the holidays, was to break up a piece of peppermint or use a whole peppermint inside a glass of champagne for a fun and festive cocktail. Unwrapping a peppermint is definitely in my skill set. Love those little effort/big result-type entertaining tips.

But you don’t have to wait for an invitation to experience a wine tasting with Greg. This fall, Barnsley is offering Fall into Flavor. Stay any Friday night in September or October and enjoy a wine tasting from 5-6 pm and receive a $100 credit for dinner that night. Rates for this package start at $299 a person. If you can’t make it to Barnsley this fall, schedule your own wine tasting with Greg for just $20 a person.

Barnsley Gardens is one of my favorite resorts and we’ve been lucky enough to stay there a few times. On our last visit I enlisted the help of the Fairy Godmother, who set the stage for an anniversary surprise for my husband. Yes, I did say Fairy Godmother, who is on staff there, and who does make wishes come true. She turned our adorable cottage into a Hawaiian paradise, where we had spent our honeymoon. You can read about that on the Travelgirl website here.

For information visit Barnsleyresort.com or call 770-773-7480.