Thursday, May 6, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Mom, 
      This year for Mother's Day and your birthday, we wanted to get you something you'd really love. We thought a long time about it, and Adam and I have decided to help pay for you and Dad to take a romantic vacation somewhere nice. We've assembled a few sample itineraries, with entertainment and dining suggestions. If you just tell us what you want, we'll book everything for you! 
      Love,
      Chris and Adam

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia

Entertainment:
There are two walking tour companies that appear to be head-and-shoulders above the rest.
Explore Savannah- offers one-on-one (or one-on-two, in this case) walking tours
Savannah Dan- former radio host and history buff gives group tours of historic downtown
OR
You can guide yourself. Make sure you hit the Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, the First African Baptist Church and the Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Really, you can't go wrong walking through historic downtown Savannah. 


Dining:
For Lunch
Wiley's Championship BBQ- The name says it all, no?
Starland Cafe- one of the top lunch spots in the city
OR
pack a picnic and find a park (there are about 27 of them in the historic district!) to spread out and enjoy the day


For Dinner
Noble Fare- the #1 most romantic restaurant in Savannah, offering Southern fare with a gourmet twist
Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House- the “must-eat” spot in the city. Even President Obama loved the local cuisine!
The Olde Pink House- Another delicious, slightly more upscale option for local seafood and southern classics


For the Sweet Tooth
Leopold's Ice Cream- handmade ice cream is the best in the city
OR
Try the handmade candy at one of the numerous shops on River Street (River Street Sweets has the best Caramel Turtle, FYI)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC

Entertainment:
The Biltmore Estate- This one goes without saying. Giant house, nice gardens, winery tours, the works!
Sliding Rock- If you're feeling adventurous, the Sliding Rock is a massive natural water slide
LaZoom Tours- A hilarious guided tour of Asheville
OR
Take a dayhike- Asheville is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains


Dining:
Brunch/Lunch
The Sunny Point Cafe- Best breakfast and brunch in Asheville
Luella's Barbeque- Top-notch BBQ, and a local favorite
Tupelo Honey Cafe- Brunch, done “Southern-style”


Dinner
Corner Kitchen- Delicious Southern food with a flair, served up in an restored historic home
Rezaz Mediterranean Cafe- Delicious Italian- and Greek-influenced food
Bistro- A farm-to-table restaurant within the Biltmore Estate

Monday, May 3, 2010

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC

Entertainment
U.S.S. Yorktown- An operating aircraft carrier, complete with military aircraft and a submarine
South Carolina Aquarium- Check out the albino alligator and the penguins, among hundreds of other marine critters
Ed Grimball's Walking Tour- Grimball is a Charleston native, and puts an interesting twist on Charleston's fascinating history
OR
Shop along King Street- It's free...as long as you don't buy anything!
Take a stroll around historic downtown


Dining
Lunch
Jestine's Kitchen- A local (and personal) favorite; so good, it's the only one I'm going to recommend!


Dinner
Carolina's Restaurant- elegant local favorites
Hyman's Seafood Company- Not the most fancy, but this Charleston establishment won't disappoint with seafood
Hank's Seafood Restaurant- voted as the best seafood in Charleston for 10 straight years

Sunday, May 2, 2010

St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, FL

Entertainment:
St. Augustine ECO Tours - See dolphins, birds, and other neat areas accessible only by water on this highly recommended boat tour of St. Augustine.
Castillo de San Marcos - The Castillo is the waterfront fortress built to defend Spain's claims in the new world. Now a National Park historical site, this is the most popular historical destination in America's oldest city. Great views of St. Augustine Bay.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum - Climb the stairs to enjoy the great views from St. Augustine's lighthouse. A little exercise with a great reward!
Schooner Freedom - Splurge on a sunset sail aboard a tall ship to relax and see great views of the city. Complimentary drinks and an incredibly friendly crew (who will let you help hoist the sail or steer the boat if you wish).


Dining:
Lunch
Casa Maya- Organic Cuban and South American fare is one of the finest Latin restaurants in the state
The Present Moment Cafe- Simple, creative organic and fresh food
Mango Mango's Beachside Bar- Tasty Caribbean food, right next to the beach

Dinner
Purple Olive- One of the most celebrated and romantic restaurants in St. Augustine
Cellar 6- An intimate wine and tapas bar in the heart of historic downtown
Kozmic Bluz Pizza- Best pizza in St. Augustine, if you're looking for something more casual