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Starting in the jewel of the Lone Star State, get whisked away to San Antonio and venture on the world-famous San Antonio River Walk or the family-friendly San Antonio Zoo for their special holiday events.

Can’t go to Texas and not visit the Grapevine:The Christmas Capital of Texas. Tons of beautiful events and things to do.

As you leave Texas, there are a myriad of things happening from the East Coast to the West Coast. From the incredible offerings in Santa Barbara, California to the family-friendly happenings in Kissimmee, Florida, the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy these cities.

New to our magazine is our Wellness Travel section. With wellness travel being a multi-billion dollar industry, we felt it was imperative we started offering our readers an updated approach to that segment. We are pleased to announce our partnership with Medical Travel Today who is the foremost expert in Medical Travel across the globe. Be looking for that section to expand as we target new opportunities for your benefit.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

Happy Holidays!

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Make no mistake, North Carolina is exceptionally beautiful all year around, but there’s something particular about its Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall months. Especially when you’re a Floridian who sees nothing of fall unless you wander.

I’ve been taking the North Carolina ‘destination fall’ road trip with my son for years. Not only has it become a tradition, but a necessity. After months of long summer heat, we’re ready for that crisp cool air at autumn first crack. So, like clockwork, every second to third week of October, we pack up and head for the mountains in search of much needed quality time, adventure and of course, those amazing fall colors. Our final destination: Linville Falls, North Carolina to the Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground.

Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground

When you want to get away, unplug and just get yourself a little dirtier than usual, Linville Falls is the place to do it.

We stumbled upon this gem about four years ago on a misadventure from Charleston, SC. It was just one of those things where we decided to head to the mountains late afternoon, no plan in sight. When we came to the mountainside campground we were immediately charmed. Still, we had only one day. So, we vowed to make it back to this perfect little campground, this time with marshmallows in tow. And that’s just what we did.

This time it was mid day. The cool crisp air was met by the bright sun which seemed to make the yellow leaves brighter than usual. Winding mountain roads led us through sleepy mountain towns to the sound of our favorite music. It was a twelve hour drive from the 85 degree heat we left in Florida. The windows were down, the wind blew the dog’s hair back and I thought to myself,

“We’ve arrived to our destination, fall”

We made our way into the campground and met with the owner who patiently sits in the little check-in cabin at the front. This campground is very much like arriving to your favorite aunt’s house. Very laid back with the sense that you belong there.

There were towering trees all boasting a different vibrant fall color. It’s uncanny how beautiful the brights reds, yellows and oranges look against a crystal clear blue sky.

I could hear the leaves crunch beneath my feet as I approached our cabin, the ‘Locust Loft”. While it’s not the most inviting of names, it is by far, one of the most inviting cabins I’ve ever been to.

The Locust Loft is just as it states, a loft. With nothing but a wooden ladder which leads you to a full sized bed. Below there’s a futon (for extra sleeping), a small bathroom with shower and a vanity. A back door leads you to a deck built around an old oak tree, and a tin roof lets you hear the chipmunks as they pass by with their winter bounty.

One of my favorite parts about this cabin is the kitchen which is outdoors. Just in front of the little front porch and barn door the kitchen is built into a double door half-shed. No doubt this is a custom build, complete with sink, microwave and gas stove for all your cooking needs. The campsite is complete with a firepit and picnic table. It’s literally your own perfect little slice of fall.

For kids there’s a small park with basketball, tetherball, and various yard games leaving you plenty to do in the afternoons after you’ve spent the day exploring the Blue Ridge Mountain Region.

Things to do in Linville Falls, NC

Don’t let looks deceive you. There’s plenty to do in Linville Falls which will easily keep you busy all day long. Here are some favorites of mine which have served me well over the years:

• Grandfather Mountain – This state park opens the mountain’s 2,456-acre backcountry to spectacular hiking and backpacking. Home to the mile-high swinging bridge, its terrain is a site and reminds me of the Rockies.
• Linville Falls – The most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” The Gorge is the largest in the Eastern United States.
• Linville Caverns – Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature.

Whether you are in need of a city-break away or you just want to get refreshed with the vibrant colors of fall, Linville Falls, NC and the Linville Falls Campground is a perfect way to spend a few days in October.

Tips: Booking in October can fill up quick for the cabins. They are equip for RVs too. It is advised that you book in advance as this is a very popular time of year in the North Carolina Mountains. Weather can be in the 40’s at night at 60’s during the day so plan for light layers and good hiking shoes. You can bring your own food so a trip to the market may be ideal for you. You can get data on your phone at the Locust Loft by the campfire but service is hit or miss. Maybe bring a game of Yahtzee or a deck of cards for campfire nights. For more information about Linville Falls, NC go here.

Special thanks goes to Jim and Dot of Linville Falls Trailer Lodge and Campground. While they sponsored our visit, it in no way shapes my opinion of this trip. I sought them out after having such a wonderful experience the first time.

By Christa Thompson, Senior Travel Writer at The Hotel Guide and Editor in Chief at www.TheFairytaleTraveler.com.

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This edition of The Hotel Guide has a myriad of options for you. Start in Florida at the PGA National Resort. Aligned with golf history galore, an updated Jack Nicklaus-course and a wealth of things to do, this “destination resort” is a must when traveling to the Sunshine State.

Can’t leave Florida? Head on over to Daytona Beach and see all the new things happening there. It will surely amaze you!

Head West and visit the world-class Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Another divine oasis mixed in with golf, spa treatments and delectable dining. A “can’t-miss” property. Further into California, partake in the Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Quaint, family-owned and ready to make your trip a memorable one.

If international is more your travel style, venture to Cobble Beach in Canada, but dress warmly. Also, consider jetting away to Maldives and experience a lifestyle that is unique and inspiring.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

Happy Travels!

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Budget – let’s be honest, Santa is expensive. Traveling on a dime before the fa, la, la is a wise move when Christmas is approaching. Check out these budget friendly picks for a weekend in Fort Worth.

Spirit air offers insanely cheap airfare into Fort Worth. Travel light and you can go without even paying for luggage!

The Omni Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth has all the class of a luxury hotel without all the luxurious prices. A great central location in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth. Here you’re within walking distance from dining, shopping, and local attractions like the Water Gardens and Sundance Square Plaza.

Convenience

     There’s underestimated value in stress-free traveling. Make the best of a short vacation with as little hang-ups as possible. Fort Worth is great for convenience. Everything is within minutes of the city center. Downtown, dining and shops are within walking distance from hotels.

Arrive in style (if you want to splurge) and rent an Audi A4 from Silvercar at $50/day. With built in navigation, Sirius Radio and 3G data, you’ve got all the ingredients for a stress-free weekend. And since you’re only gonna have it for a weekend, why not spend the extra few bucks for those built in seat warmers.

Experience

It’s hard not to take home a cowboy hat and boots once you’ve been to Fort Worth, but one thing you’ll be taking home for sure is a killer experience. With a variety of historic, cultural, nightlife, and family-friendly points of interest, Fort Worth is that kind of place that makes everyone happy. Here are my top crowd-pleasing picks:

History 

They say Fort Worth is where the west begins. One visit to the Stockyards National Historic District and you’ll see why. The Stockyards were the last stop before drovers started on the Chisholm Trail to get food and supplies for the journey ahead. Today it’s a thriving echo of the 1800’s with its historic western buildings inviting visitors into saloons, restaurants, and shops. Be sure to check out the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame featuring the Sterquell Wagon Collection.

Culture

With Fort Worth’s Cultural District, you’ll find a collection of art museums spanning art history through the ages.

Nightlife 

Take your pick from one of the local Saloons in the HIstoric Stockyards or find your dancing boots and head over to Billy Bob’s Texas for the biggest ‘honkey tonk’ in the west. If you’re looking for something better for all ages, head over to the Stockyards Rodeo. There is no better way to take in the excitement of the American West.

Family

Just a few minutes from the city center you can enjoy a day of horseback riding with the whole family at Benbrook Stables. This is a fun and memorable activity for all ages. Small children can be walked in the arena area.

Free in Fort Worth!

• The twice daily cattle drive in the Historic Stockyards

• Live gunfighting by Legends of Texas in the Stockyards Station right after the cattle drive

• Historic buildings in the Stockyards National Historic District are great for photos

• Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU is awesome, you can touch rocks from other planets!

• Fire Station No 1 has a super cool museum of Fort Worth’s history

• Stockyards Museum has some really cool western artifacts. In the Stockyards Exchange

• Amon Museum of Art

• Kimbell Art Museum

•Cowtown Opry

• Fort Worth Water Gardens

• Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

History Buff Tip

If you really want to take in the history of America’s Wild West, check into the historic Stockyards Hotel in center of the National Stockyards Historic District. Erected in the heart of America’s wild west, this historic hotel is furnished with antiques and western flare. It’s even got ties to American outlaw legends Bonnie and Clyde!

For more information and to plan your trip visit Fort Worth online at www.fortworth.com

(In partnership with Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. All opinions my own. Written by: Christa Thompson, from www.TheFairyTaleTraveler.com)

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The Historic Cary House Hotel, Placerville – The Cary House Hotel is legendary and has seen some of history’s most notable names. opened in 1857 by William Cary this then three-story hotel had 77 luxurious rooms. Only the wealthiest of people would stay here from famous politicians to gold striking miners. The Cary House Hotel was suited for people with money. With guest book signatures by Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill. Today, the Cary House sits with four stories and 40 rooms. If you stay at the Historic Cary Hotel, you’d be adding yourself to the guest list after  legends like Buffalo Bill, Black Bart (a famous stagecoach robber), Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, Elvis and many more. www.caryhouse.com

The Groveland Hotel, Groveland – Situated just miles from the entrance to the world-famous Yosemite National Park is the tiny and charming historic town of Groveland, home to the Groveland Hotel. This historic building sits next to California’s oldest saloon and is a popular stopping point for travelers today. Its vintage decor and comfortable rooms really provide a historic ambiance. With a full service casual yet fine dining restaurant, outdoor dining courtyard, saloon and massive award-winning wine selection, this is a great place to stay if Yosemite is your destination. www.groveland.com 

The City Hotel, Columbia State Historic Park – The only thing missing from this historic hotel is the dirt road. The City Hotel sits on Main Street in the Columbia State Historic Park, a living museum of California’s Gold Country and American Wild West. This is one of the most pristinely preserved working heritage parks I have ever explored, and bam smack in the middle of it is the City Hotel, a fully operating historic hotel, part of the park itself. The staff, like all of the staff in the park, are dressed in time-period clothing and all of the furniture antique. If you really want to get a feel for the “way it was” this is your place. www.parks.ca.gov/columbia 

Article written by: Christa Thompson, The Fairytale Traveler

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1.Early Entry To Parks – With early entry for resort guests it’s a no brainer, beat the crowd! There’s only one thing better than Diagon Alley and it’s Diagon Alley with minimal people.

2.Fun in and Out of the Sun – Here you can enjoy two giant resort pools, a lazy river and a waterslide so your kids can go bananas while you soak up the sun. You’ll also find a bowling alley upstairs for evening entertainment right outside your door.

3. Cocktails – Poolside bars with retro inspired cocktails bring the fun to the sun. There’s something about atomic cocktails that make every vacation better.

4. Atomic-Age Retro Theme – The super cool retro design of Cabana Bay is out of this world awesome. Every detail brings you back to the rockin fifties.

5. Dining for All – Finally, dining options for everyone, even healthy choices! With reasonable prices at the Bayliner Diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s no reason you need to go anywhere else.

6. Cup of Joe – Wait for it, there’s even a Starbucks. Win! Now you can get your favorite latte on your way to your new favorite theme park.

7. The Shaggin Wagon – Not that you’ll want to leave, but you can go back and forth as much as you like with the super cool shaggin wagon which transports Cabana Bay guests to and from Universal’s City Walk.

8. Perks – Priority seating in select restaurants, complimentary delivery of any merchandise purchased in the parks and City Walk, dinner with characters in certain restaurants, and you can even get a wake up call from your favorite characters!

9. You Don’t Need a Second Mortgage to Stay – Hooray! Finally, a quality hotel, with all the amenities to keep the family busy without all the dramatic prices.

10. Don’t Mess Up Your Figure – Cabana Bay features a state of the art fitness center themed after the famous Jack LaLane.

     For more information on this incredible destination Universal Orlando Resort.

Written By: Christa Thompson of www.TheFairytaleTraveler.com.

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Happy Travels!

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Texas boasts the 100 year anniversay of the San Antonio Zoo along with incredible equine beauty in Denton. Still want something fun to do in the Lone Star State? Head on over to Port Arthur and partake in a myriad of incredible adventures.

As you discover new places, how about the MGM Grand’s new “Stay Well” suites? Perfect for that health and wellness-conscious traveler. The New York Hilton is showcasing it’s broad shoulders as the largest property in the Big Apple.

Want more? Visit the Sirtaj Beverly Hills where you are minutes from the epicenter of opulence or venture to the Conrad Hong Kong. Both properties boast an impeccable array of amenities and are memory-making stays in and of itself.

Ever wondered what it’s like being the child of a travel blogger? Check out Christa’s Column as she sits down with three pint-size travelers who revel in what makes our business so much fun.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

Happy Travels!

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Favorite Rides: I loved all of them! My favorite ones were Coastersaurus, Project X, Flying School, Boating School, Driving School, the Dragon, and the Quest for Chi.

Kid Tip: Don’t wear sneakers cause when your socks get all wet you get blisters. Flip flops work best!

Final Thought: I’m thinking I want to go back to Legoland.

Written by: The Little Fairytale Traveler 

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