Atlanta Midtown

Atlanta is the economic, education, and cultural center of the Southeastern US. A sprawling City, it welcomes travelers from across the globe with world class shopping, restaurants, and events. Business travelers, students, educators, and tourists can pick from seemingly endless options, to make their time in Atlanta spectacular.

For over 70 years, Atlanta has celebrated spring and the blooming of the dogwood trees at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Held mid April, the 2010 festival is more exciting than ever. Last years comedy club debut was so popular, it has been added to this years festival. The international stage is expanded this year to an International Village, highlighting the diversity of Atlanta's cultures. Bring the entire family, the kids village will be open with a climbing wall and a play land of huge inflatables.

Note for Families w/ children: Six Flags over Georgia opens for the 2010 season March 6th – a great add on if you are in the Atlanta area.

Sports fans, winter and spring brings a lot of action to Atlanta. Of course it's basketball and hockey season and the Hawks and Thrashers have full schedules, if you want to catch a game. There are a couple of spectacular events not to miss at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR stars in the Sprint Cup Series have a qualifier for the Kolbalt Tools 500 the first week in March. The next day the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers hit the track for the Atlanta 200. The Kobalt Tools 500 will be held Sunday, ending a thrilling week of racing.

Runners - plan for the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon near the end of March. The day before there is a 5K and Kid's Fun Run, so the whole family can join the action.  The marathon start and finish are at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown – conveniently accessible with MARTA, Atlanta's rapid transit system. (If it's warm day, make sure to soak yourself in the Fountain of Rings).

The Georgia Aquarium is located across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. It is one of the largest aquariums in the world and features both fresh and marine water life. You know Usher and his family have been there, so has Chris Tucker, Martha Stewart and Al Roker – join the gang and visit when you are in town!

A must see exhibition in 2010 is Diana: A Celebration. The Atlanta Civic Center is hosting the exhibit through June. The exhibit showcases the life and works of Diana, Princess of Wales. Included in the display are her amazing wedding gown and accessories, as well as many of her dresses, suits and evening gowns. Diana was one of the most loved women of our time; this is a very popular exhibit - not to be missed when you are in Atlanta.

There is no better place than Atlanta's distinctive neighborhoods to enjoy some down time. Buckhead, Little Five Points, Midtown and recently revitalized Cabbagetown – all have unique personalities reflected in the restaurants and shopping. For accommodations, choose Best Western Hotels; conveniently located in and around Atlanta, facilitating your travel plans and schedule.

Augusta National Golf Course

From the classic Southern Culture of Augusta to the Chattahoochee Rivertown of Columbus, Central Georgia offers travelers a glimpse of the old south amidst the best of modern living. Rich in colonial, civil war and recent American history, travelers are captivated by the myriad of offerings found in Central Georgia.

Plains Georgia is the birthplace and current residence of American President Jimmy Carter. His boyhood home in Plains is a National Historic Site, and is open for visitors all year. You may not know he was the first US President to be born in a hospital, and he continues to teach Sunday school at the local baptist church.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt also had a home in Georgia, near Warm Springs. He built the home, called the Little White House, near Warm Springs so he could soak in the natural thermal waters in hopes of relieving his polio. 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of his death which will be commemorated at the home on Monday April, 12th. The Dip Into the Past, a special event in September, honors the President by refilling the pools with the warm waters, and allowing public access.

If pink is not your color, you may want to reconsider. Macon, in the spring, is awash in a display of pink cherry blossoms. Will over 300,000 cherry trees, the city is the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”. The last full week in March, Macon celebrates with the International Cherry Blossom Festival. The schedule includes the parade, street party, bed race, nightly concerts, a fashion show and the final night fireworks extravaganza, just to name the highlights. Bring the entire family, there will be festivities for all ages.

Does going to Dublin for Saint Patrick's Day sound fun? Do it right here in Georgia at Dublin's (Georgia that is) month long Saint Patrick's Day Celebration. There is a bit of the traditional and a lot more. Food will feature corned beef and cabbage as well as a barbecue cook-off, which is taken seriously here. For the active, sign up for the golf classic, bowling tournament or the road race. Watch hot-air balloon's float above the amazing scenery and enjoy a terrific parade. This St Patrick's event is a must see and do event.

Now is the time to plan for July's Summer Redneck Games in East Dublin. Attendance is growing rapidly and the event is getting significant media attention. You will have to decide how much practice is needed, if participation is a goal.

Redneck Games Tip: Unless you exceed 250lbs, it will do no good to enter the mud-pit belly flop competition.

Events include bobbing for pig's feet – which do not float, dumpster diving for prizes, a hub-cap hurl and toilet seat horseshoes. Something for everyone? Hint for the adults: Kids have the advantage in the armpit serenade, because they have smooth skin under there.

No matter what you choose to do, Best Western Hotels are in Central Georgia and will not pass judgment. Convenient and affordable they are the best choice for accommodations ,whether you are passing through or making it a full vacation.

Historic Savannah, Georgia

Savannah conjures images of moss draped Oak trees lining streets and parks full of blossoming Azaleas and Dogwoods. Genteel residents stroll calmly along sidewalks that front elegant Victorian homes and historic buildings, enjoying the afternoon sunshine, stopping to chat, and politely greeting visitors. Well – the images are true to life in Savannah and attract throngs of visitors to experience the real thing.

A highlight of the year in Savannah is the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens. The 2010 tour is the 75th year for the event which is held the end of March. During the peak of spring blooming season, visitors have the opportunity to tour through the homes and gardens in several of Savannah's neighborhoods. The tours are self-guided, allow you to go at your own pace, and visit the homes of your choice. Add a spectacular lunch at Paula Deen's world famous restaurant “ The Lady and Sons” on the first two days of the tour.

Georgia on your mind doesn't generally bring up fabulous beach destinations, unless you have been to Georgia's Golden Isles region. The region covers the southern half of coastal Georgia is a beach vacation paradise. Perfect for golf, bicycling, fishing and sailing – or just enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. St. Simons Island is just about perfect for any seaside activity, and also offers some added attractions for visitors. The Island Players theater group presents “Come Blow Your Horn” in March and in May, “ You Can't Take it With You”. Music aficionados will enjoy concerts by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. “Ode to America” will be featured in April and the Youth Orchestra will perform in May. The Symphony concerts are held in Brunswick at the Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium.

Ask any American the name of a swamp and chances are “Okefenokee” will come up. Here it is folks, in the far southeast corner of Georgia. It remains preserved much as it was when America was discovered. At the headwaters of the Suwannee River (another name etched into our childhood memories) – the Okefenokee swamp has been added to the National Wilderness System. Boat tours generally feature soundless propulsion to maximize wildlife viewing and environmental impact. Treat the kids to the sight of an alligator in its natural habitat, and hunt for the creature of the black lagoon – this is where he lives!

BONUS: Traveling to and from the coast in mid-March may take you along the route of the Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale. In its sixth year, a stretch of US Highway 341 becomes a 212 mile long yard sale.

Catch your breath - individuals, communities and organizations along the road will be clearing even more treasures out of their closets this year.

The route of the yard sale ends in the Golden Isles, and a rest at the beach will likely be in order. Better yet, look for a Best Western Hotel for a nice relaxing rest, and a safe place for all the bargains you found. Anywhere in Southern Georgia and the Coast, you will find Best Western Hotels convenient and affordable for your travels.