In Boca Raton For The Allianz Championship? Where To Stay, And What To Do

J. Chad Barnett, Contributing Writer

Many golf fans are gearing-up for the Allianz Championship in Boca Raton, Florida. With beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring golf courses, who can blame them. The tournament will be held at The Old Course at Broken Sound starting February 9th, and ending February 15th.

After consulting with some acquaintances of mine that have stayed in Boca Raton before, I have a couple of tips to help make your trip to Florida a memorable one.

First off, here are a couple of places to stay that were recommended to me:

The Towneplace Suites by Marriott is a lovely, family oriented hotel, located near the Boca Town Center, and various enticing golf courses. A Bar-B-Q grill is located by the pool area for guest use, and they even have a “lending library”, stocked with board games, playing cards, VCR's, portable CD players, etc. to help make guests feel more at home. The rooms are over sized to provide more living space. Look them up at http://towneplacebocaraton.com/, for more information.

The Hilton on Deerfield Beach is pet friendly, and offers a casual atmosphere with posh standards. Lounge by the tropical outdoor pool, or relax on the balcony while watching golfers on the nearby course. With the Hilton Family Advance Purchase, if you book a vacation 14 days in advance, and stay between January 1st thru March 31st , you can receive up to 20% off of your stay. Get more information at http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DERHIHF/index.do.

There are also a variety of activities and things to do while you are in Boca. Here are some of the better ones:

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – With a mile-long trail connecting 6 different Japanese-themed gardens, this attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. There is also a 225 seat theater, a tropical banzai collection, koi ponds, and more. Check out http://www.morikami.org/, for more details.

McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary – This is a unique experience for the whole family. Privately guided tours are by appointment only. The prices are reasonable considering the one-on-one with the animals. No pesky tourists blocking the view here. Get closer to tigers, monkeys, and other animals than is possible in zoos and other tours. For the ultimate family wildlife adventure, go to http://www.mccarthyswildlife.com/visitors.html and check it out.

These are just a sample of places to stay, and things to do. With beautiful golf courses, fabulous cuisine, and an “old world” feel, your trip to Boca could be a memorable one indeed.

New England Golf at Mt. Washington Golf Course

New Hampshire is a truly underrated destination for golf travel, but those familiar with this state’s golfing culture will probably point out the grandeur of the Mount Washington Golf Course, a course that first opened its doors way back in 1915 and has kept visitors happy ever since. Located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, this is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States as it rests among a landscape of colossal boulders and incredible flower gardens. Fall golf doesn't get much more breathtaking that in New England and Mt. Washington G.C.

There is also a fun miniature golf course in proximity to the “full sized” golf range so if you are bringing your family along this may prove to be a really fun destination. As such, if you are planning a fall golf excursion to New England this is definitely a spot to consider.

Glacier National Park Golf Trip

When it comes to states that are best known for golfing, most people think of California and Florida, but one of the most underrated locations for a golfing vacation is Glacier National Park in Montana.

Yes, Montana has gained quite a bit of exposure lately due to the fact that many movie stars have moved there and this has also had the ancillary effect of spotlighting other areas of popularity in the state – golf courses being major attractions. Glacier National Park also has a number of activities for the whole family such as hiking, bird watching, rafting, etc., so a trip to Montana for a golf excursion can be a truly well rounded affair.

Learning Golf on a Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday

Many people will select a vacation based around their common tried and true "likes." There is an alternative to this "commonality" and it involves taking a vacation that centers on something that you may have never done before. Sometimes, there is a great deal of fun found in the "unknown" and learning a new hobby or activity can be quite exhilarating. There is a new rage in vacationing circles known as "learning vacations" and one of the more unique of these is a vacation based on learning golf. Of course, you must also select the best vacation destination first.

There are a number of great destinations where one could learn golf, but very few destinations are as fun as a golf learning vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In addition to being the number one golf location in the USA, Myrtle Beach is quite simple one of the most beautiful coastal communities on the southern east coast and it is a completely family friendly environment that has something for every one of all ages. Seriously, you can’t go wrong picking Myrtle Beach as your golf learning vacation!

Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Packages

Save some money at one of Orlando's and Florida's top, new destination hotels with one of two golf packages: Deluxe Golf; and Golfer's Retreat.

Available August through December 2007, The "Deluxe Golf" package offer golfers the best of Central Florida golf experiences and starts at $181 per night, single occupancy and $240 per night, double occupancy (inclusive of tax and subject to availability) and includes: Luxury accommodations (among the largest guestrooms in Central Florida at 436 gross sq. ft.) One round of golf per person at Shingle Creek Golf Club, golf cart, range balls, GPS, club cleaning, locker and storage Breakfast buffet per person at Café Osceola Complimentary scheduled shuttle based on availability and discounted tickets to Sea World and Universal Orlando Optional one-hour lesson at the onsite Brad Brewer Golf Academy for an additional $130 per person.

The "Golfer's Retreat" package offers world-class golf followed by a relaxing respite at the hotel's 13,000 square foot spa and an evening of culinary delights at Cala Bella. This package is based on a two-night minimum and starts at $606 single occupancy and $968 double occupancy (inclusive of tax and subject to availability) and includes:

Luxury accommodations (among the largest guestrooms in Central Florida) One round of golf per person at Shingle Creek Golf Club, golf cart, range balls, GPS, club cleaning, locker and storage, breakfast buffet each day per person at Café Osceola, lunch one day per person, dinner one evening per person at Cala Bella, the hotel's Italian fine dining bistro, one Shingle Creek Golfer's Delight per person, a massage created specifically for golfers, in which heated golf balls are used to relieve any discomfort and to restore proper balance and flexibility, special golf amenity per person, complimentary shuttle based on availability and discounted tickets to Sea World and Universal Orlando, optional one-hour lesson at the onsite Brad Brewer Golf Academy for an additional $130 per person.

Wow!

The course, which opened in December 2003, features undulating fairways and interconnecting waterways bordered by the natural backdrop of dense oaks and pines along historic Shingle Creek. The club has received numerous awards including "Top 100 Golf Shop" designation from Golf World magazine and the "Greens of Distinction" from Corporate Incentive & Travel magazine. Most recently Brad Brewer, who heads Shingle Creek's renowned Brad Brewer Golf Academy offering first-rate golf instruction including computerized swing analysis, was named one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers for 2007-2008.

Wow!

The 1,500-room resort is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport.

A golfer's dream.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Family Trip to the 2008 Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup Matches return to the United States 2008. They take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from September 16-21.

The Ryder Cup is one of the best golf events for kids who are developing a love of the game to see. More than just a tournament, the Ryder Cup Matches pit the greatest players in the game from the United States an Europe against one another in a team competition. They play not only for themselves, but also for their countries.

If you want tickets, visit the Ryder Cup homepage and get further information. In a nutshell, to get tickets, you have to enter a random draw. Of course, later you can probably pay a premium for them from ticket agencies.

There are lots of things to do for the whole family in the Bluegrass Area. The horse farms, Kentucky Kingdom, and U of L Football are all great options for the Louisville area. The golf is great too. There are numerous golf courses in the area. Kentucky's state parks are among the best in the nation and arre abundant across the state.

As the Ryder Cup approaches, look for more information here on things to do and places to play. In the meantime, visit http://www.kentucky.gov/ and http://www.golfkentuckylinks.com/.

A Kids Golf Vacation

A junior golfer on a family vacation often has a tough time. Most resorts and other courses cater to adults and frown on children attempting to play. The David Ledbetter Golf Academies (DLGA) can remedy that problem. In addition to their adult academies, they cater to kids.

Ledbetter Academies are located in several locations across the USA: Bradenton, Champions Gate and Naples, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Vail, Colorado; and Maui, Hawaii.

Conducive to family vacations, they offer weekly boarding and non-boarding programs, ranging in price from $1,395.00 to $1,630.00 per program. As you can see, your children need to really enjoy the game for the course to be worth the price, but the outcome could pay big dividends.

Another positive aspect to attending any of the DLGA locations is simply that, their location. All are in great vacation spots. Visit www.davidledbetter.com.

Hilton Head for Women Golfers

Hilton Head Island has plenty of everything for mom or the girls on a weekend or week-long golf getaway.

Aside from the beautiful early summer weather, there is ample golf from which to choose. Whether you go for Harbor Town Golf Links in Sea Pines, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes, Gary Player's Hilton Head National, the Golf Club at Indigo Run, or any of the dozens of other area championship quality courses, you cannot loose.

Myrtle Beach calls itself the golf capital of the world due both to the quality and number of courses, but Hilton Head more than stacks up with it in both areas.

In addition to the golf, there are numerous great restaurants. Hilton Head has all the famous franchises. There are also notable local favorites. Hudson's, located near the entrance to the island, is a fantastic choice for seafood and steak. If you're looking for a great breakfast (anytime of day) or fabulous sandwiches, Signe's on Arrow Road is a can't miss.

Shopping is abundant throughout Hilton Head and in nearby Bluffton, with malls, Tanger Outlet centers and more local boutiques than you can possible get to.

Add to all that some great evening activities and you have a fabulous trip, centered around golf, of course.

Hilton Head Golf Vacation

Sitting in the condo in Hilton Head, South Carolina's Palmetto Dunes area during a breezy mid-June evening gives the golf traveler the sensation that there aren't too many better places in the South.

Palmetto Dunes has a Robert Trent Jones Course, an Arthur Hills Course and a George Fazio Course; all beautiful and fabulous tracks in their own rights. They are all also within just a few minutes of one another, and the beach.

The weather in Hilton Head this June, as during most years, is not too hot, nor is it too cold. The water is perfect and the kids are having a blast at the beach and pool. Hilton Head being a relatively small island, all the activities are well within driving, or biking, distance. Shelter Cove, which is only across the street, has fireworks on Tuesday evenings and lots of other activities for the kids.

Bring the family. It's worth the trip, no matter where you are.

Go Ahead, Rent Golf Clubs When You Get There

When you’re on a family vacation, it’s not always prudent to pack your big ole golf bag. The kids have their stuff, the spouse has his/her stuff, and they’re the priority. Right? Right.

Not to worry. You can rent great clubs when you arrive at your destination. Just don’t look in the traditional places, the resort or golf club. If you do, you’ll be paying more than you should.

A Hilton Head Island vacation will provide plenty of opportunity for golf. Many of the courses provide rental clubs at upwards of $25 to $50 per round; however, if you look to some of the areas golf equipment retail stores or sporting goods stores, you can get a much better deal.

Golf Outfitters, a Hilton Head golf store, offers complete golf club set rental for $25 per day or $100 per week. With Golf Outfitters, you can choose from a variety of new, used and demo sets. Golf Headquarters rents generic club sets for $20 per day and $10 for each day thereafter. (Source: WorldGolf.com)

So, don’t let the golf courses you play hit you for more money than they already get. Spend the money you save on a new boogie board for the kids.

Top Five San Diego Attractions for the Kids

While you're hitting the fabulous golf links in the San Diego area, there are a number of attractions the kids will enjoy. Here are our top-five places for the kids to visit during a San Diego family getaway.

1. San Diego Zoo - Arguably the most famous zoo in the world, and rightly so. It's home to over 4,000 exotic animals and beautiful botanical displays. Admission is relatively cheap; $21 for adults and $14 for children ages 3 to 11.
2. Sea World Adventure Park - Kids of all ages will enjoy this spectacular display of aquatic life. Pet the dolphins, visit Atlantis or watch Shamu (and get soaked).
3. Ultrazone - Wow! A 4,000 square foot multi-level laser tag arena. The older kids will get all the excitement they can handle here.
4. Miramar Speed Circuit Indoor Cart Racing - Also for the adventuresome. These go-carts can travel up to 40 mph.
5. Disneyland Resort - What visit to Southern California would be complete without a visit to the place we all know and love.

This only scratches the surface of the array of activities for adults and kids. With so many places to visit, stay, shop and eat, it could be easy to forget about the golf!

Family Golf Getaway to Florida's Gulf Coast

How about a Florida golf getaway with more activities for the kids than you can imagine?

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, on northwest Florida's Gulf Coast near Destin, is possibly the best choice you can make year round.

First, the golf. The resort, which has been listed in Golf Magazine’s Top 75 Golf Resorts in America, has four courses; Raven Golf Club (home to the Champions Tour Boeing Championship), Burnt Pine Golf Club; Baytowne Golf Club and The Links Course. The courses were designed by some of the foremost golf architects and present a challenge to any golfer.

For the kids, there’s any number of activities that will keep them entertained for several days. The younger kids and teens will enjoy Euro Bungy, the rock wall, Jolee Island (a pirate ship playground, junior tennis, junior golf and much more. The teens will find the weekly free concerts are a happening place to meet friends and listen to great tunes. With different hangouts and a numerous scheduled activities, all of your kids will be glad you decided on the Sandestin Resort.

If shopping is the thing, there are tons of specialty boutiques and shops nearby the resort. There’s also the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the Southeast’s largest outlet center. Silver Sands has over 100 specialty designer shops and name brand factory stores. If you can’t find in Destin, it can’t be found.

If you want to find other things to do in the area, assuming you have time, here are some pre-planned ideas.

Believe us, you can’t go wrong with the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The kids will love you for it, and you’ll love the golf.

Family, Fun and Golf in Hershey, PA

The whole family will have some great memories of your golf trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania's Hershey Lodge.

The Hershey Lodge offers something for everyone in the family. First, the golf.

Guests have access to Hershey Country Club. Golf enthusiasts may recall that Ben Hogan was the head professional at Hershey C.C. from '41 to '50. The club has three courses of varying design and character.

If more of a family golf setting is what you need, there is also a local nine-hole course perfect for mom, dad and the kids.

The Lodge, and Hershey itself, has lots for the kids to do. At the Lodge, kids can enjoy the pool, gameroom, playground and a "Dive-In" Movie during the summer months. Guests of the hotel also receive special deals on tickets to Hersheypark, the area's main attraction.



Guests also have access to The Spa at the Hotel Hershey, a full-service spa that allows guests to be pampered with every modern luxury. From a variety of spa treatments to fitness activities, the list of possibilities is almost endless.

Rates at the Hershey Lodge start around $279 and can go to around $550 during the peak summer season. There are also several golf, golf and spa and spa getaway packages.

This is simply a can't loose golf and spa vacation.

In the alternative, here is a great Hershey family fun trip that includes a little golf and a lot of fun. Tripwiser.com offers multiple ideas for trips to the Hershey area.

Kid Friendly Lodging Near the U.S. Open!

Even at this late date, with the U.S. Open starting on next Thursday, family-friendly lodging can still be found in the Pittsburgh/Oakmont area.

If you are looking for facilities with child care, your choices are limited. Extremely limited. Don't fret, because Suite Golf Travel has located at least one great hotel with what you need.

Pittsburgh's Wyndham Garden Hotel-University Place, offers a great place to stay for the traveling family. If the children are too small to spend a day or multiple days at the U.S. Open, the Wyndham Garden Hotel offers child care services. Rates run from $269 per night during the week of June 11-17.

It is located near the center of Pittsburgh, only a short distance from the U.S. Open location in Oakmont, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

It would be a good idea to contact the hotel a soon as possible if you want to make the Open and take the family. There are a few other reputable places to stay in Pittsburgh during U.S. Open week, but not with everything the family needs.

If the spouse and children don't particularly like golf, Tripwiser.com has some fantastic ideas for things to do in the Pittsburgh area. While you're at the Open, you'll know they're having fun!

A Toddler Golf Vacation on Hilton Head Island

Who says you can't have a golf vacation when you have toddlers? Check out these four great resorts and hotels on fabulous Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, all of which offer excellent childcare.

1. Hilton Head Marriot Beach and Golf Resort - Five championship golf courses, 25 tennis courts, four on-site restaurants, high-speed Internet connectivity. Highly rated by both guests and experts. Around $200 to $250 per night.
2. Hilton Oceanfront Resort - Easy access to all of Hilton Head's fabulous golf courses, corporate and fitness facilities, parasailing, tennis, and all in a luxurious setting. Around $150 to $200 per night.
3. Crowne Plaza Resort - Overwhelmingly recommended as perfect for families. The amenities are plentiful: again, fabulous golf; tennis; high-speed Internet; and much more. All in an upscale environment. Around $150 to $200 per night.
4. Daufuskie Island Resort and Spa - All the great courses of the Hilton Head area are nearby. Daufuski, adjacent to Hilton Head, still a bit unknown, which makes it a more serene getaway. The resort has all the amenities one could want, and it is highly rated by guests. Around $200 to $250 per night.

For more ideas on traveling with toddlers and children, not just on a golf vacation, visit Tripwiser.com's Traveling with Toddlers page.

TPC Sawgrass: Jacksonville Golf for the Family

What golfer wouldn't like to play TPC Sawgrass, the golf course home of the American PGA TOUR's Players Championship? None. If they don't want to, they can't really call themselves "golfers."

At first glance, a golfer with a family wouldn't give a serious thought to spending hard-earned vacation time to travel and play Sawgrass. After all, what's in Jacksonville, Florida for the kids and spouse to do anyway?

Well, a lot!

While exploring the Jacksonville area, Suite Golf Travel found, through Tripwiser.com's Jacksonville information, that the area has tons of activities for the kids, great places to stay for any budget, and fabulous golf. We were more than pleasantly surprised that the whole family could enjoy a short golf break or an full-fledged vacation.

Recommended place to stay: The Omni Jacksonville Hotel.