Month: September 2010

DESTINATION WEDDINGS: TIE THE KNOT IN A BEAUTIFUL SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY SETTING

DESTINATION WEDDINGS: TIE THE KNOT IN A BEAUTIFUL SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY SETTING

Destination weddings are growing in popularity. According to destinationweddings.com, a destination wedding can turn a wedding day into an unforgettable “mini-vacation” for  a bride, groom and their guests.

But air fare is on the rise and the economy is in the doldrums, so many brides are reconsidering those pricey locations in the Caribbean and other exotic, off-shore places. And why not, when right on the coast of the eastern U.S., there are some incredible locations and some are offering incentive to lure wedding parties there?

Savvy wedding planners realize that the coast can be easily reached by car, saving on air fare. That keeps bridal party costs down and makes it more affordable for lots of guests to attend.

Brides who dream of marriage ceremonies on the beach or grooms who fantasize about saying their vows on the 18th green of a spectacular resort course can find just what they want along the South Carolina coast.

One destination growing in popularity is 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. The area’s premier resort, Pawleys Plantation, is a long-time favorite of honeymooners and, more recently, a top choice for destination weddings. In part, that’s because the resort offers wedding specials that deliver both elegance and extraordinary value.

USAToday.com calls Pawleys Plantation “one of the snazziest resorts on the Grand Strand” and Travel + Leisure Golf s are understatements. This is a hidden gem. The place itself is as romantic a setting as you will find anywhere. Think huge moss-draped live oaks, spectacular salt marsh views and an elegant clubhouse with huge white columns. Elegant Bride

The clubhouse and nearby conference center are perfect venues for indoor weddings. From the 4,500 square foot ballroom to the gracious Sawgrass dining room overlooking the marsh, the setting drips with charm and grace.

Outdoors, couples who love golf can exchange vows on the 18th green of  Pawleys Plantation’s awesome Jack Nicklaus golf course with the salt marsh and the ocean beyond. And, when brides choose to say “I do” on the lovely veranda, wedding parties are cooled by breezes drifting in from the Island while beautiful sea birds soar over the marsh and lake. If a beach wedding is on the agenda, Pawleys Plantation can make all the necessary arrangements.

Accommodations for the bridal party and guests are in casually elegant villas built in the Lowcountry style. Spacious and beautifully appointed, the villas line the park-like setting of the Jack Nicklaus golf course, providing magnificent views of the course, lakes and the salt marsh. On-site amenities include golf, tennis, swimming, and a fitness center, and the resort is perfect for strolling hand-in-hand or riding a bicycle built for two.

Pawleys Plantation’s staff is extraordinary and they specialize in staging stress-free weddings and receptions. There’s no need for a designated (and often expensive) wedding planner. When you book a wedding at Pawleys Plantation, a whole staff of planners pitches in, from the events coordinator to the banquet services manager to the executive chef. They can even leverage their business contacts to arrange limousines, horse-drawn carriages, flowers, musicians, and even arrange for a clergyman or judge to perform the ceremony.

Ask about group rates. The more guests who stay at the resort as part of the wedding, the lower the cost. Requesting “group rates” is no problem at Pawleys Plantation. Arrangements can be made for guests to come in a few days before the main event to relax by the seashore or hit the links — or  invite them to stay a few days after. In short, a wedding can become the centerpiece of a resort-managed party. Happy family. Happy friends. Relaxed and mellow.

Now, Pawleys Plantation has stepped up to add some extraordinary value to their elegant surroundings. For those who book their wedding before December 31, 2009, Pawleys Plantation is offering: complimentary round of golf for four; complimentary wedding night accommodations for the bride and groom; complimentary champagne toast for all guests; and a complimentary one-night stay on the bride and groom’s first anniversary. And, when a rehearsal dinner and wedding reception is booked at Pawleys Plantation, there is a 10% discount on food and beverages for both events.

No matter the season, Pawleys Plantation is the perfect spot for a destination wedding. Its rates are well below similar upscale resorts, especially for fall and winter weddings. Check out the look and feel of this fine small resort at www.pawleysplantation.com.

Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring

Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring

Has the high costs of Disney World kept you and your family from taking the vacation of your dreams? Perhaps you haven’t done enough investigating. Being aware of a number of little known cheapies and freebies might make your dream come true. Not everything at Disney World comes with a high ticket.

Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk, reminiscent of Atlantic City Boardwalk in the 1940s, offers plenty of family fun at little or no cost. For those staying on the Disney property, Disney transportation is available to get to the Boardwalk. For those driving, you can get a free 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant.

• The promenade along the water offers a breathtaking view. It’s fun to stroll and look.

• Often you will see street performers, such as jugglers, comedians, jazz ensembles or fire-eaters.

• Vendors along the Boardwalk sell inexpensive food treats.

• Carnival-style games are available for a small cost. Try your luck!

• Watch the Friendship Boats coming and going.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney offers a number of free and inexpensive things to do:

• Wonderful interactive fountains are amazing and fun. And what a great backdrop for your take-home photos! Jump in and enjoy!

• The kids will go wild at the Lego Imagination Center. The Center offers a 3,000-square-foot play area filled with thousands of Lego blocks. Huge Lego sculptures are also available to study and admire.

• Stop by the Magic Masters shop and see the FREE magic demonstrations. You may learn a few tricks yourself.

• Pleasure Island is an un-gated area at night. That means during the evening hours, guests are allowed in at no charge. It’s a fun place to soak up the ambiance – for free!

Budget Hotels

During the last decade, Disney has built budget-type, motel-type hotels which offers rooms for less than $100 a night. Efficient and clean, these facilities have met with mixed reviews. Check them out before deciding. The hotels are spread over four sprawling properties:

• All- Star Movies

• All-Star Music

• All-Star Sports

• Pop Century

Fort Wilderness

A little-known area known as Fort Wilderness offers one of the greatest bargains at Disney World, and lots of low-cost fun. Families can come in the family RV or rent one of the cabins. Either way, bring a few of your own basic groceries as the prices as the area stores are a little high.

Air-conditioned cabins (about 400 of them) offer the following amenities:

• Fully-equipped kitchens

• Dining table with seating for six

• Air conditioning

• Full bathroom

• Nonsmoking rooms available

• Irons, ironing boards, coffee makers, hairdryers and VCRs in each room

• Patio deck

• Picnic table and charcoal grill

• Fold-away crib

• In-room safes

• Dual line phones with voicemail

• Disney Channel and ESPN

• Daily housekeeping

• Access to nearby laundry facilities/services

The Campfire Program at Fort Wilderness is open to all Disney World guests. You’ll find it near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. A Disney Cast Member leads the sing-a-long while the kids roast marshmallows over the open fire. Your can bring your own marshmallows and snacks, or purchase them at the Chuckwagon.

The kids will be thrilled when Chip and Dale make an appearance and sign autographs. All this is followed by a Disney feature film on the large outdoor screen. Bleachers and benches are available or you can bring your own blankets.

Two heated outdoor swimming pools are available for Fort Wilderness guests – one near the Meadow Trading Post, the second smaller one located near the cabin area.

Guests appreciate the fact that at Fort Wilderness, a boat ferries between Magic Kingdom and the Fort Wilderness dock, which means they beat the crowds following the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

Food and Drinks

No one will deny that food at Disney World is pricey, but planning ahead can greatly reduce these costs.

Bring your own trail mix, energy bars, or bags of bagels for breakfast – a savings in both time and money. Keep in mind that early morning is the least crowded time of day so you’ll not want to waste it waiting for your order at a restaurant.

For another eating time-saver, take advantage of the counter-service outlets such as the Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari. Portions are large, prices are small, and service is quick.

Order double cheeseburgers and let the kids split them. It sounds cheap, but it’s another bargain idea to consider when a basic combo meal may run more than ten bucks.

Purchase refillable mugs offered at the Trails End Restaurant and refill them throughout the day at the designated locations.

Bring your own water bottles and fill them at the available fountains. Be sure to bring a carrying strap for them so your hands will be free.

Taking the time to plan ahead and cut a few corners with food and drink items, allows you to enjoy a few splurge meals in the more upscale Magic Kingdom eateries.

Add Your Own Ideas

This is not a comprehensive list of Cheapies and Freebies at Disney World, but it should get your creative juices flowing adding ideas of your own. And maybe, just maybe, it will help your dream vacation to become reality soon.