Suffering from the Cold Weather Blues? We’ve got the cure!

Are you tired of those cold, dreary days? Does the snow seem to be piling up faster than you can shovel? Well, it’s time to pack your bags and travel down to warm, sunny Florida for a tropical getaway like no other.

Forget about visiting the theme parks this time around. Instead, visit Florida’s ultimate tropical paradise – the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. It doesn’t get much better than this. Palm trees swaying in the warm Florida breeze. The surf gently crashing ashore bringing treasures up from the sea. Temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 70’s. Still not convinced? Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Sanibel & Captiva.

1.Beaches, Beaches, and more Beaches – These sandy white beaches are world renowned. The beautiful blue, green waters of the Gulf are calm, making it a perfect place to swim and snorkel. Beach walks are highly encouraged, since beaches seem to stretch endlessly for miles. And it’s easy to stake out a secluded spot to spread out a blanket or beach chair and crack open that best seller you’ve been trying to tackle.

2.World’s Best Shelling – Many experts consider Sanibel & Captiva to be the “Shelling Capital of the World.” More than 250 kinds of shells make their way onshore. Many of these shells are intact and are just waiting for you to pick them up and add to your collection. There’s even a name for shelling on these islands – “The Sanibel Stoop.”

3.Spectacular Sunsets – Sanibel and Captiva’s sunsets are legendary. What better way to cap a day then head out to the beach and watch the Sun slowly sink into the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re lucky, you may even see the Green Flash.

4.Delicious Fresh Florida Seafood – Flounder, pompano, grouper, trout, and snapper are just a few of the fishes that frequent these waters. And Sanibel’s restaurants know how to prepare them in a delectable delicious fashion. Crunchy Grouper is a must at The Timbers. The Caribbean Grilled Grouper is suburb at the Old Captiva House.

5.Luxurious Resorts – Capitva’s South Seas Plantation & ‘Tween Waters Inn are the ultimate beaches resorts. Secluded beaches, sparkling pools, award winning restaurants, full service marinas, and nature trails are just a few of the amenities these resorts offer. But, you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay on Sanibel. There are accommodations choices for all budgets!

Interested in learning more? Purchase our Great American Vacation Ideas Sanibel / Captiva Pocket Travel Guide to plan your ultimate getaway. You’ll find in-depth descriptions of the area’s beaches, attractions, accommodations, fishing and boating excursions, day trip suggestions, and more! Buy the guide directly from Kindle www.amazon.com/dp/B006MHDFA2 or buy directly from our website: www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html

Maui’s Tedeschi Winery is a Must for Wine Lovers

Nestled high on the slopes of Haleakala sits Maui’s only commercial winery. Since 1974, the Tedeschi Winery has been creating some of the most delectable and refreshing wines this side of Napa Valley. They grow their own grapes here. The volcanic soil on the slope is remarkably fertile. And they use the famously sweet and delicious local Haliimale Pineapple in their pineapple wines. It is Hawaii after all!

Initially, the winery didn’t set out to become the premier producer of pineapple wines. While waiting for their first batch of grapes to arrive, they did a little experimenting with some of the local pineapple. The result was a sparkling pineapple wine that became a hit with the public. Then, they perfected the still pineapple wine process and released the ever popular Maui Blanc. The winery’s 1st grape based wine was produced in 1984. Today, the winery produces thousands of cases of wine that is sold on the islands and the mainland.

Visitors are invited to tour the winery and enjoy a free wine tasting in the “Merrie Monarch” cottage. The grounds are filled with history. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani fell in love with the area and had the “Merrie Monarch” guest cottage built. Robert Louis Stevenson and General George S. Patton visited the area too. Free guided tours provide visitors a chance to learn about the area’s unique history and peak inside an actual working winery. Then, it’s off to taste up to 3 of their delicious wines. You have to try at least one of their pineapple wines – they are delicious, crisp, and not too acidic. Our favorite is the Maui Blanc. Their Ulupalakua Red is fantastic too!

So, take a break from Maui’s sun-drenched golden beaches and enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful drives to the Tedeschi Winery. Not only will you see breathtaking views of Maui, but you’ll probably bring back a bottle or two of Maui Blanc.

For more details and directions, visit www.mauiwine.com

To plan your perfect Maui vacation, purchase our Maui Pocket Travel Guide. Inside you’ll find complete itineraries, including one for Haleakala’s Upcountry, a tour of Maui’s beaches and golf courses, along with local dining and accommodation recommendations! Have a Kindle, IPhone, or IPad? Then, purchase our guide directly from the Kindle Store: www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0JJA6. Or purchase the PDF version from our website: www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Hawaii.html

Christmas in Savannah

This genteel city of the South is set to celebrate the holidays in style. Savannah’s historic homes are tastefully decorated, holiday themed cruises are sailing down the river, and the Historic Savannah Theater is putting on A Christmas Tradition. It’s the perfect time to visit this Southern City. Humidity and heat are virtually nonexistent. Temperatures are comfortable, seldom dipping below freezing. And the breeze off the Savannah River keeps everyone in a festive move.

Savannah is not decorated with the latest garish Christmas decorations or flashing Christmas lights. Christmas decorations here have a more Colonial theme. Most of the city’s historic homes are decorated with boughs of holly, pine branches, and bright red bows. Just the way the original colonists decorated. You can drive or walk around these squares. Or you can take one of the city’s many trolley tours to see these festive decorations.

A cruise down the Savannah River is popular any time of year. At Christmas time, the Savannah Riverboat offers a holiday twist. The Santa River Cruise takes passengers on a narrated tour with a visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas Gospel Dinner Cruise features some of the area’s best gospel stars singing Songs of the Season as delicious Southern delicacies are served.

Then, there’s the popular Savannah tradition at the Historic Savannah Theater. The theater first opened its doors in 1818. Performers like Tyronne Power and W.C. Fields played here. This holiday, A Christmas Tradition, will play through December 26th. It’s a production that Savannah residents and visitors enjoy year after year - a festive Christmas celebration filled with singing, dancing, comedy, and a little audience participation with the little ones.

To help plan your Savannah getaway, visit the following websites: www.savannahvisit.com/groups/itineraries/celebrate-the-season-tour; www.savannahriverboat.com/;
www.savannahtheatre.com/shows/a_christmas_tradition.html

Looking for gift ideas? Head to our website, www.greatamericanvacationideas.com, and browse our selection of travel guides to some of America’s most popular destinations!