Monday, July 27, 2009

PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING? HERE'S HOW TO PAY LESS AND GET MORE


Destination weddings were all the rage until the economy put a damper on the travel plans of brides who dreamed of tying the knot on a wind-swept shore on a tropical island. If you've backburnered your destination wedding plans, here's some news that may cause you to think again.

First, you need a little attitude adjustment. You want to be married on a beach. That doesn't mean it has to be in the Caribbean. Your family and friends will love you more if you save them some airfare. And, if you can deliver on the promise of a beautiful location with character and elegance, who cares if it's offshore?

Scratch the pricey and exotic locations from your wish list because I've got two words for you that will save you a bundle and set the stage for the wedding of your dreams: Pawleys Plantation.

Tucked just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Pawleys Plantation is cooled by sea breezes that gently sway the palm trees and rustle the Spanish moss in the giant oak trees of this former rice plantation. One writer from Elegant Bride magazine swooned that it “sets a high standard for Lowcountry romance.” And, when you pull up to the beautiful clubhouse with its massive white columns, you'll understand why. Inside, there's a 4,500 square foot ballroom that drips with southern charm; and outside, a spectacular veranda tailor-made for weddings. Still want your vows exchanged on the beach? It's nearby and Pawleys Plantation will help with those arrangements too.

Next, check out the spacious and beautifully-appointed villas where everyone in the wedding party can relax in surroundings of casual elegance and southern charm. Take in the spectacle of the awesome Jack Nicklaus golf course with its salt marsh views and the ocean beyond. Tennis, swimming, a fitness center. And lots of paths for scenic strolls hand-in-hand or riding a bicycle built for two.

No other place delivers such extraordinary value and atmoshere.

So, how come this resort is so affordable? Like others in the travel business, this sweet little location is looking for a way to climb out of the recession and jump-start its next year. They've cooked up some special add-ons to help build their 2010 wedding business back to pre-recession levels.

When a wedding is booked before December 31, 2009, Pawleys Plantation will throw in complimentary wedding night accommodations for the bride and groom. To get the party started, the resort will spring for a complimentary champagne toast for all guests. Got some golfers on your guest list? Pawleys Plantation is throwing in a complimentary round of golf for four.

There's even a 10% discount on food and beverages when you make a reservation for both your rehearsal dinner and wedding reception at the resort. And, last – but certainly not least -- Pawleys Plantation stretches the wedding dollar ever farther by inviting the bride and groom to relive the magic a year after the big event with a complimentary night of accommodations on their first anniversary.

So, where is this place? Pawleys Plantation is in Pawleys Island, S.C., a quaint little beach town about 30 miles south of the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach and an hour north of historic Charleston. USAToday.com calls it “one of the snazziest resorts on the Grand Strand.”

As the economy strengthens, perks like these probably won't last, so check this place out now at www.pawleysplantation.com. And, be sure to ask about group rates so your friends can share in the savings.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

DREAMING OF SCOTLAND? CHECK OUT THE NEXT BEST THING TO TURNBERRY AND THE BRITISH OPEN


Watching The Open on ABC TV and longing to hop a jet and head to Turnberry to pursue your own scoring dreams?

If your wallet's thin and that's just not gonna happen, you might consider a trip to some Scottish-inspired layouts in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The rolling, links-style fairways of Heather Glen will transport you to Scotland in your mind. Or head over to Glen Dornoch and feel the wind off the Intracoastal Waterway in your face. Gorse-like grasses, pit bunkers, sea breezes. These Scottish-inspired, award-winning gems are among the best in the U. S.

If you have a third day to tee it up, head inland to Shaftesbury Glen, a course just awarded the prestigious Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Course Of The Year honor. The folks that voted on this are the owners of the 100 courses in the self-proclaimed world capital of golf, so when they chose the best, you should perk up your ears.

In for a penny, in for a pound. Why not just complete the fantasy by staying in the Scottish-inspired Village of the Glens or go first cabin and bunk in the exclusive suites above the clubhouse at Shaftesbury Glen. No matter which you choose, you'll spend a fraction of the cost of a trip across the big pond.

The Glens Golf Group, owners of these super courses, have some great deals. Find them at http://www.glensgolfgroup.com .

Myrtle Beach may not be Turnberry, but you just may find the Glens courses are the next best thing.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

HOT TIMES, SUMMER IN THE CITY: START PLANNING A FALL GOLF TRIP


Whether you're sweltering on the fire escape or soaking up rays in the hot sun on a sunny beach somewhere, if you're a golfer, you're already thinking about your Fall golf trip.

If you start planning now, you can snare some excellent deals. And, if you love playing golf along the coast, there's no better deal than the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail.

The Trail snakes along the lower North Carolina and upper South Carolina coast. Because all its courses are within a few minutes of each other, you can easily squeeze in 36 holes a day.

And, you can't beat the scenery. Spectacular river, marsh and waterway views are on tap at courses like Rivers Edge, Tidewater and Glen Dornoch. Fairways that glide over ancient tidal sand dunes feature impressive elevation changes at Tiger's Eye, River Hills and Heather Glen. Lush tree-lined routing is accented by sparkling lakes at Sandpiper Bay, Farmstead or Sea Trail's Jones Course. This Trail even leads out into the Atlantic Ocean where, by ferry, you can reach the Bald Head Island Club.

Great package deals can be arranged through any of the three Trail accommodations partners — The Village at the Glens, Brunswick Plantation and Coastal Getaway.

From Southport, N.C. to North Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Trail offers courses that are listed on some of the most prestigious rosters in golf. America's Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses. Best New Course in America. Golf Digest's “Places To Play” 4 star rankings.

So while you're sweltering in the sun this summer, let your mind drift to cooler times and golf along the coast. Make plans to hit the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail. Book online or call 888-999-9520.