Monday, July 30, 2007

South Padre Island Golf

South Padre Island, Texas has developed into a popular vacation spot in the last several years. Everyone from families, to spring-breakers, to seniors enjoy the beautiful destination.

South Padre is also home to the South Padre Island Golf Club. Besides being simply a beautiful seaside course, the golf club has private instruction, group lessons, monthly golf clinics and the Landmark Land Junior Golf Academy.

Besides the golf, South Padre has lots of other things to do and lodging is plentiful. South Padre Island Vacation Rentals has a large selection of vacation homes, condominiums, and villas from which to choose. If hotels or resorts are more to your liking, there are plenty of those as well, from budget to luxury.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful sand and great golf make for a great getaway.

Sea Island, Georgia's Fabulous Golf

Sea Island and St. Simon's Island, Georgia was once the playground of the world's richest people. It has been said that at one time, early last century, one-sixth of the world's wealth was centered on those islands. Although it has become disbursed, they have retained the beaty and allure that brought people there in the first place. The golf is just as spectacular.

According to Suite101.com Golf, "recently ranked number one in Golf Digest's Best Golf Resorts in North America, the Sea Island Resort, situated on both Sea Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia boasts three 18-hole golf courses: Seaside, Plantation and Retreat." These courses each provide their own beauty and challenges and there's something for every golfer, including gators.

Yet, the golf is only the beginning. The Sea Island Resort will make you feel as though you are one of thewealthy people from long ago. You can choose as your lodging either The Cloister, The Lodge, The Cottages or Cabin Bluff, each with their own special feel and each fitting different needs.

Follow this link to the resort website and find out for yourselves how beautiful coastal Georgia can be.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Golf at Kings Island

One of the most entertaining family getaways is a visit to Paramount's Kings Island, a theme park near Cincinnati, Ohio. But, the park is only the beginning of the fun.

Recently voted the best theme park in the Midwest for families, Kings Island has something for the whole family. Nickelodeon Universe is for the wee ones and has 18 rides, a Dora the Explorer live show, and a great place to cool off in Sponge Bob's Bikini Bottom Bash. a

There are other live shows, tons of rides and great food, but the roller coasters are unequalled. From the new Firehawk to the old standard that many call the best coaster in the world, The Beast, which is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world.

For the golfers, there's the Golf Center at Kings Island. Featuring two Jack Nicklaus designed courses (the championship Grizzly and the family oriented Bruin), and a state of the art practice facility. The center is open to the public, but has all the feel and amenities of a country club: pro shop, locker room, restaurant, grille, sports bar, as well as meeting and banquet rooms.

A great place to stay near the park and the golf center is the Marriot Cincinnati Northeast. The hotel is well appointed. The rooms have brand new, large flat-screen TV's, and the beds are the most comfortable ever. The hotel's restaurant staff are also very much in tune to guest needs. Two pools and a fitness room add to the allure of the hotel. The Marriot Northeast is less than five miles from the park. It's also near all the shopping anyone could ever want to do.

Even though they're having a bad season, but coming on strong lately, taking in a Cincinnati Reds game is essential. The park is only about 20 miles from Great American Ballpark, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Reds. Great American is something to behold.

Cincinnati has it all. The best part? It's close to Kentucky.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Golf in Alaska? Now's the Time!

Don't be so surprised. Summer is a great time of year in Alaska. Beautiful weather, long days and great golf.

Ranked as Golf Digest's Top-Rated Golf Course for Alaska for 2005-2006 was Eagleglen Golf Course in Elmendorf Afb, Alaska, near Anchorage. The course is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design an opened in 1971. According to player reviews, the scenery of the course is virtually unmatched and it is a course every level of player would enjoy.

Wouldn't some great golf go well with a memorable summer Alaskan cruise? Sure, it would. Pack the family and the sticks and head north!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Upscale Golf Travel Provider, Cork & Tee

In response to upscale travelers’ desires for more experiential and specialized travel, boutique travel provider CORK & TEE has launched its one-of-a-kind offering that blends the best of golf with behind-the-scenes wine and interactive culinary adventures.

The North Carolina-based company offers personalized independent itineraries to destinations worldwide for groups of two to 20 and will launch high-end packaged tours later in 2007.

CORK & TEE’s golf venues range from legendary courses including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews to hidden gems such as the Course at Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California and Sandpines on the Oregon Coast. Additionally, the company has designed a broad range of experiential epicurean adventures. Examples range from private tastings at future cult wineries and food-wine pairing instruction to memorable winemaker dinners, as well as personalized cooking instruction.

Visit them at www.corkandtee.com.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Cooperstown Baseball and Golf

Summertime was made for baseball, and golf. Plan a family trip to Cooperstown, New York and enjoy the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Ostega Hotel overlooking Lake Ostega and some great golf in the surrounding area.

Cooperstown is located east of Albany, New York. It won't be your typical urban visit to the Big Apple, but rather a largely rural getaway to the Empire State. Pack up the family and the clubs and visit this historic area.

The Leatherstocking Theatre and the Susquehanna Flight Park are two of the other activities you can choose from. Weather and scenery are beautiful this time of year.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Las Vegas TPC Golf and Spa Vacation

Suite101.com Golf has featured two of Las Vegas' best "things to do" if you're a golfer in it's article Las Vegas Golf at Its Best. The article describes the JW Marriot Las Vegas Golf Resort and Spa and the TPC The Canyons golf course.

The JW Marriot is one of Las Vegas' most spectacular spas and a great destination for the entire family. It's only 18 minutes from the airport and has too many activities and amenities to list in full, but a few are its seven restaurants and lounges, an onsite casino, a fabulous spa, pools (which are particularly beautiful at sunset), over 500 elegant guest rooms and suites, and many nearby activities for everyone in the family. All that is in addition to the best golf anywhere, as the TPC The Canyons Course is located adjacent to the resort.

Las Vegas golf often gets overlooked amid the blinding lights of the city. A close look would show the golf to eclipse everything else. Give Vegas resorts and golf a look and forget about all the other nonsense.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Northern California Vineyards and Great Golf

Golfers looking for someone special to add to their afternoon foursome at The Course At Wente Vineyards, in Livermore, California, this summer might consider comic genius George Carlin, or the soulful Gladys Knight. They are among the headline performers included in the Tees & Tunes Package that combines golf with dinner and the sounds of the Concerts at Wente Vineyards.

The Concerts At Wente Vineyards, now in their 21st season, are known for unforgettable nights of stellar entertainment and fine dining. And new this year for select shows: a dance floor to move, groove and swing everything but your golf clubs. The Tees & Tunes Package is available for: July 24 (Gladys Knight), July 26 (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), Aug. 8 (George Carlin) and Aug. 15 (UB40). The cost is $209 per person, up to a $65 savings for some acts. The Tees & Tunes Package is available only through the Wente Vineyards Box Office. Call (925) 456-2424.

Northern California has a lot to offer golfers, non-golfers and the whole family. Visit The Course at Wente Vineyards at www.wentegolf.com.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Three Best Locations for an Autumn Golf Vacation

It seems like summer has just started, but fall is just a few weeks away. If you're planning a fall vacation, you'll find the best weather in these locations:

  1. Northern Ohio, United States - Although not typically a vacation hot-spot, the Cleveland area has a great golfing tradition. There are several courses to play and tons of other activities. The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper lists 117 golf courses in Northern Ohio. The weather will be turning a bit cooler, but that is always a good time to play.
  2. November is the rainy season for San Diego, California; however, the average one-inch of November rain typically comes mostly during only one or two days. As a result, chances for a rain-free golf outing are very good. The lack of rain and temperatures around 70°F will give the golf traveler the chance to play Torrey Pines Country Club, site of memorable PGA Tour events, or many other clubs and courses in the area.
  3. December weather in Sydney, Australia is spectacular. The beginning of the Australian summer sees daytime temperatures averaging 77°F/25°C. With more than 340 days per year without rain, you'll probably not see a single drop.

Of course, great golf can be found anywhere. If you're taking the family, just make sure there's lots of fun stuff to do.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Ryder Cup Golf Packages

It is never too early to plan the family golf trip of a lifetime. As we mentioned in an earlier post, the Ryder Cup Matches return to the United States next year. They'll take place at Louisville, Kentucky's Valhalla Golf Club.

Suite Golf Travel has discovered a travel company, Premier Golf Classic Destinations, that has been the official travel company of the Ryder Cup. They offer tons of information and packages for a weekend or longer trip to the Ryder Cup next September.

Take a look at their website, get their brochure and give them a call to receive information about where to stay and what to do while in Louisville.

More as the matches get closer.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

A Pebble Beach Vacation for Mom and Dad

Situated on the Monterey Penninsula just south of San Francisco are the Pebble Beach Resorts. If mom and dad are looking for a great getaway, this could be the dream weekend.

The resorts, though not inexpensive, provide every, yes every, imaginable luxury in one of the most beautiful settings on the continent. As you travel along the famous 17-Mile Drive through the penninsula, you'll find the resorts: The Inn at Spanish Bay; The Lodge at Pebble Beach; and Casa Palmero. The amenities of each, as well as the accolades they have received, are too numerous to list. A visit to the Pebble Beach Resorts website will answer any questions and do the destination more justice than we can.

Golf on the penninsula is simply a dream. For most, Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Del Monte Golf Course would constitute a dream vacation.

There may not be a better golf and spa vacation.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Pinehurst Golf Resort, Great for Families

The Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina is home to one of golf's most famous courses and the fantastic resort that is it's home, Pinehurst Golf Resort.

In addition to the golf, the resort is a fantastic family destination. According to Pinehurst's Resort Services staff, they offer babysitting for the youngest, "The cost for 1 or 2 children is $20 per hour and increases with the number of children. There is a 4-hour minimum charge and the fee is billed to your room. The babysitters are certified and quite wonderful...We also have a KidsClub between Memorial Day and Labor Day (every day except Sunday) for children ages 3 - 12. The daily hours are 9am-4pm."

Family-friendly golf, called Family Fairways, a 200-acre lake for boating, Teen Adventure Camp, beach club, KidSpa, junior tennis and much more highlight a great time for the kids. Visit their website for the complete list of kids activities, as well as the tons of things mom and dad can do.