SC: Stop at The Columns B&B For True Southern Hospitality

Posted on January 18, 2016 by sandra

Dillon, SC Exit 193: The Columns Bed & Breakfast Inn – After you pass through the columned veranda (comfy rocking chairs), a grand piano greets you and sets the stage for the French European elegance with its beige’s, gold and avocado green theme.

The house is Greek Revival style, circa 1903, and reminiscent of Antebellum architecture, with opulent parlors, a music hall, and many period details, including sliding pocket doors, fireplaces and crystal chandeliers.

The genial host offers you some wine when you arrive (glass or bottle). They know how to decorate a room (bedecked beds, hardcover books, bath salts) and how to set a beautifully appointed table with fine linens, china and silver to serve scrumptious breakfasts like eggs Benedict and piles of fresh fruit.

Location: The Columns B&B Inn, 601 East Main St., Dillon, SC 29536
Tel: 843-774-3456
www.thecolumnsbb.com
For Regional information, Restaurants & Attractions: www.cityofdillonsc.us

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NC: 100,000 sq. ft. of Antiques in Selma’s Antique District

Posted on January 13, 2016 by sandra

Selma, NC Exit 98: Selma Uptown Antique & Collectibles District – Antique Alert! If you’re a forager, you might as well take a nearby motel, because there’s 100,000 sq. ft. of antiques within walking distance of each other. It is very easy to park the car on the street. You can stop for a soda fountain treat at Creech drugstore when you finish.

The shops:
Keepsake Corner, 110 N. Raiford St. 919-975-0407
Reid’s Country Sampler and Bishop’s Emporium,
109 N. Raiford St. 919-965-7299
Annex of Keepsake Corner – 105 N. Raiford St. 919-965-6788
Antique Wish, 110 W. Anderson St. 919-202-4900
Country Boy Antiques & Bottle Shop,
104 E. Anderson St. 919-345-6658
The Treasury, 100 S. Raiford St. 919-965-5335
A Matter of Record, 126 S. Raiford St. 919-965-2640
Trackside Antiques & Collectibles, 107 E, Railroad St. 252-292-1776
TWM Antique Mall, 112 S. Pollock St.(US301). 919-965-6699.
Flea Market: Selma Cotton Mills,
1105 W. Anderson St. 919-202-0794.

You may want to stop for some refreshments at Creech Drug Co. 126 N. Raiford St., (919) 965-2316 opened in 1939 by Joseph Arnold Sr. and now run by Jr. (and sister Cindy). Their most famous drink is the cherry smash, made with maraschino cherry juice, crushed cherries and ice. But you can have a freshly squeezed orangeade or lemonade, coke float or malted or ice cream cone: moose tracks, cotton candy, white house cherry, Reese’s peanut butter or sugar free strawberry pecan. Hours – Mon-Fri 8:30-6, Sat 8:30-2

Tel: 919-989-8687
www.visitselma.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.johnstoncountync.org

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SC: Recycled Golf Balls, and Fireworks Too

Posted on January 11, 2016 by sandra

Hardeeville, SC Exit 8: So this is where all your balls (Titleist, Maxfli, Precept, Nike, Bridestone, Calloway, Srixen, Pinnacle) wind up after they’ve disappeared into the woods.

The Golf Ball Outlet and Fireworks Mega Store has been in the business for over 20 years offering quality products at great value.  They sell used golf balls, recycled golf balls, re-finished golf balls, golf tees, golf accessories and fireworks.

Pick a dozen golf balls for $4.95, $7.95 or $9.95. Recycled boxed ones are $13.95, and bagged shag balls go for 60/$9.95. Golf tees are only $2 a cup, and there are tee brushes, towels and caps.

In the 2/3 of the store that is fireworks, you’ll find an extensive line of fireworks from World Class, Black Cat, Cherry Bomb, Brother, TNT .  Don’t forget to look for the green price tag – buy one and the 2nd one is FREE. 

Location: Golf Ball Outlet & Fireworks Megastore, 132 Independence Blvd., Hardeeville, SC 29927
Hours: 7 days a week, 10am – 6pm
Tel: 843-784-5040
www.gogofireworks.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.jaspercountychamber.com

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FL: A Day at the Races at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Posted on January 6, 2016 by sandra

Miami, FL Exit 1A:  Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – James Deering (International Harvester VP) hired 3 architects to design this opulent winter home as a 400-year-old estate while he was off on European jaunts purchasing 34 rooms worth of 16th to 19th century ceilings and furnishings (Neo-Classical, Roman, Roccoco, Renaissance, Baroque).

It was quite modern for its time (1916), sporting central heating, an electric telephone switch board, 2 elevators, refrigeration and even a central vac and fire control system, but he only got to enjoy it for 9 winters before he died. The house is a gem, and the Baroque and Renaissance gardens are also worth the visit. There’s a cafe and gift shop.

A Day at the Races: On January 16, 1915, James Deering’s boat – a cabin cruiser – won a race against Carl Fisher in the Miami Regatta. What better way to celebrate the fun of a historic race than with a remote-controlled toy boat race in Vizcaya’s Center Island (in the formal gardens).  There will be an obstacle course and other surprises.  The race takes place on Jan 16, 10-12pm and is free with admission. vizcaya.org/calendar.asp?next=nxw

Location: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Hours: Daily from 9:30 – 4:30 pm,  except Tuesdays
Tel: 305-250-9133
www.vizcayamuseum.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.miamiandbeaches.com

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FL: Silver Science Days for 60+ at South Florida Science Center

Posted on January 4, 2016 by sandra

West Palm Beach, FL Exit 68: Silver Science Days taking place on the second Wednesday of every month from 2-5 pm, guests 60 and older can enjoy an afternoon at the South Florida Science Center.

Learn from guest presenters on various topics, view a planetarium show and interact with over 50 educational exhibits for only $10 per person. Complimentary refreshments and a planetarium show (3pm and 4pm) are included with admission.

Event date:                                    Presentations:
Jan 13, 2016- 2-5: Fossil Collecting
Feb 10, 2016 – 2-5: Botanical Gardens
March 9, 2016 – 2-5: Archaeological Society
April 13, 2016 – 2-5: Palm Beach Count Disaster Relief

Location: 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Hours:Mon-Fri 9 – 5pm, Sat 10 – 6pm, Sun 10-6pm
Phone: 561-832-1988
sfsciencecenter.org/silver-science-days
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.palmbeachfl.com

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FL: Zip Over Alligators at St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Posted on December 30, 2015 by sandra

St Augustine, FL Exit 311: Founded in 1893 and one of the oldest zoos in the country, this is the only place in the world that displays all 24 living species of alligators and crocodiles.

Just strolling through the lushly canopied boardwalk is a pleasure, and you might happen upon the rare albino white alligator or even an ibis, monkey, lemur or egret. In the Komodo dragon exhibit, see the Southern cassowary, the world‘s most dangerous bird, which looks more like a dinosaur than anything on the planet, and a 12′ king cobra, giant reticulated pythons,
shingle-back skinks and vipers.

There are hourly shows, underwater viewing areas where you can  come face-to-face with impressive 15 foot 3 inch, 1,250-pound Maximo, a saltwater crocodile, and don’t forget to see dear old preserved “Gomek” in all his 2,000 lbs. and 18 ft. glory.

Try the Python Challenge, a 40′ free fall or the 11 zip lines where you  can soar through a 35-challenge obstacle course with a birds-eye-view of the crocodiles and alligators.  Don’t fall! Leave time for the cool gift shop.

Location: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park:
999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine,  FL  32080
Hours: 9am to 5pm,  New Year’s Day Open 10 – 4
Tel: 904-824-3337
www.alligatorfarm.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.floridashistoriccoast.com

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SC: Build a Miniature Derby Car and Race Your Friends

Posted on December 28, 2015 by sandra

Florence, SC Exit 164: The Florence County Museum is host to the Pee Dee Soap Box Derby Exhibition that will be on display through March 6, 2016.

The exhibit highlights the history of the children’s annual Soap Box Derby race that took place in Florence during the 1960s and 1970s. Experience the excitement of local Soap Box Derby culture through the display of original Pee Dee Soap Box Derby cars and other related objects.

Families are encouraged to partake in the race by using the provided car kits to build their own gravity-powered Pinewood Derby cars to race down the authentic Pinewood Derby track. Learn about the physics of gravity-powered racing while competing against your friends and family to build the car with the fastest track time.

Admission is free to this family-oriented display and enjoy all the other fascinating exhibits.

Location: Florence County Museum, 111 West Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29501
Dates: until March 6, 2016
Hours: Monday- Closed, Tue – Sat 10 – 5 pm, Sun2:00 – 5:00 pm
Closed New Years Day
Tel: 843-676-1200
flocomuseum.org/exhibitions/pee-dee-soap-box-derby/
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.visitflo.com

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GA: Savannah, FREE New Year’s Eve Festivities

Posted on December 23, 2015 by sandra

Savannah, GA Exit 99: If you are on a budget, Savannah’s the perfect place to celebrate and  ring in the New Year as both events listed below are free and no tickets are required to attend.

The city’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration is a Southern-style block party at City Market, a shopping, dining and art hub in Savannah that takes up a four block area.

This family-friendly giant bash includes an array of activities for children and live music starts at 9 pm and lasts until 1 am. At the stroke of midnight, you will want to turn your attention to the fireworks launched from nearby Tybee Island.

Location: City Market: 219 W. Bryan St., Savannah, GA 31401
Date: Dec 31 2015  – Jan 1 2016
Time: 7 pm – 1 am
Tel: 912-232-4903
savannahcitymarket.com

Another fun alternative is to  raise a toast to the New Year in true Savannah-Style at the Savannah Waterfront Association’s 3rd Annual “Up the Cup” Countdown. The New Year’s Eve celebration will take place on historic River Street, celebrating both the new year and Savannah’s cherished tradition of being able to drink on the streets year-round.

The festivities offer: live music and the non-traditional “ball drop” with a Savannah twist. Countdown the final seconds of 2015 as Savannah raises their six foot “to-go” cup to the New Year. The six-foot-tall steel and plastic cup replicates those taken “to go” from bars. The “Up the Cup” countdown will start right before midnight, followed by a breath taking firework display to ring in 2016.

Location: Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, 115 East River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Date: Dec 31, 2015 – Jan 1, 2016
Time: 8 pm – 1 am
Tel: 912-234-0295
riverstreetsavannah.com/
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.visitsavannah.com

 

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MA: Battle a Giant Squid or Become a Secret Agent

Posted on December 21, 2015 by sandra

Foxboro MA Exit 9, south on US 1: Looking for a completely unique type of  entertainment?  How about an interactive, role-playing game where the whole family can participate. 5 Wits is a live-action entertainment venue that immerses you in realistic, hands-on adventures.

5 Wits operates two exciting exploits – Espionage, and 20,000 Leagues.  Computer-controlled special effects puts you in the center of the action, making you feel as if you’re in a movie or video game.

In Espionage, you to play the role of international secret agent. You’ll break into enemy headquarters, dodge security lasers and diffuse missiles to save the world. In 20,000 Leagues you’ll get caught up in the riddle of Captain Nemo’s lost ship when your “tour group” accidentally discovers the legendary Nautilus.

The adventures are just under an hour long, depending on your group’s performance. Each decision made by the group affects the story-line and outcome, making the experience different with each visit.

Need some adult time?  5 Wits Adult Adventure Night reserved specifically for Adults (18+) is a great opportunity to experience the adventures with the music turned up and no kids,  taking place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday after 5 pm.

Location: 202 Patriot Place, Foxboro MA 02035
Hours: Tues-Thurs 10 – 8pm, Fri-Sat 10 – 10pm, Sun 10 -7pm,
Dec 24 and Dec 31st- closes at 5pm, Closed Xmas day
Tel: 855-955-9487
5-wits.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: www.bostonusa.com

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NJ: Touch a Shark or a Stingray, if You Dare

Posted on December 16, 2015 by sandra

Camden, NJ Exit 3:  Two million gallons of fun can be had at the Adventure Aquarium  where families have the opportunity to explore, discover and play.

You just gotta see those hippos. Though Button and Genny jump and float (can’t swim) and seem so playful under water, they are the most dangerous animal to man, and have no natural predators.

Be awed by the 40’ suspended shark tunnel that offers 360 degree views with 2 dozen of them, the only great hammerhead shark on exhibit (in US), and 850 other living things swimming around you.

Head to  KidZone, where there is a  playground under the sea and prepare to roll up your sleeves and become part of the aquarium experience as you get hands on with more than a dozen warm-water invertebrates.

If that isn’t enough, you can touch a shark or a ray . There are daily dive shows or hippo, shark and penguin feedings (they eat 20% of their body weight a day).

Double and single strollers available to rent and wheelchairs available at no charge.

Location: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, open 365 days
Tel: 856-365-3300
adventureaquarium.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants:camdenwaterfront.com

 

 

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