As promised recently, I feel it's my absolute responsibility to remind you that it isn't too late for you to have a vacation escape this summer. In fact it's a great time, now that most of the summer crowds are gone from practically everywhere. I feel I have to do this - for your own good. If your summer months flew away as mine did, then you need a break. Here are some wonderful places that I've enjoyed at this time of year:
1. Shutters On the Beach, Santa Monica, CA.
I love the classic styling of this boutique-style hotel; it feels like stepping into a timeless, sophisticated movie - more like a seaside cottage than a traditional hotel. This is the only luxury oceanfront hotel in Los Angeles, with Santa Monica' s Main Street just a short stroll away. It is comfortable, yet elegant, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and California coastline. The interior is serene, yet modern, with impeccable service. Spa and fitness services are onsite; One Pico is the hotel’s signature restaurant with a market-fresh menu and panoramic ocean and coastline views. Relax!
2. Yellowstone National Park.
America's oldest national Park is nearly 3,500 square miles of dense forests and bucolic pastures dotted with geysers, hot springs, mud pools, bear, moose, elk, and so much more. If you've never been, then I bet this is on your list; and if you've been there, then you want to go again because you didn't see everything, and you probably went at the height of summer with the height of the summer crowd. Late summer is the BEST time to go: fewer people, less traffic, the weather is still good, and all of the park is still accessible. I'm not even going to TRY and explain or describe all the things you'll see; have your mind blown on your own time.
3. Gosby House Inn, Pacific Grove, CA.
I've mentioned Pacific Grove before, in my newsletter about Monterey. The Gosby House Inn is one of the town's treasures. It's part of the Four Sisters collection, a women-owned and women-run boutique hotel group that has grown steadily, with a strategy of selecting properties with historic and architectural distinction in sought-after California locations. The Gosby House Inn is more like home than a hotel.
Pacific Grove's best weather begins when the rest of the country is falling into fall. The fog rolls away, the sun comes out and strolling along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is totally delightful. It's like an extended cooler version of the summer.
4. The Lodge At Sea Island, St. Simon's Island, GA
This destination has long enticed golfers and couples. I was neither when I was there, yet had a wonderful stay. Sea Island is attractive to families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and folks that want to refresh and recharge. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for nine consecutive years. Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Sea Island features five miles of private beach, tennis and squash centers, yacht club, and shooting school. It is home to three championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA Tour's RSM Classic, and the nation’s finest Golf Performance Center. The nearby Broadfield, a Sea Island sporting club and lodge, offers a variety of seasonal hunting, fishing, sporting and organic culinary opportunities.
So, there you have four suggestions; a mere drop in the bucket of vacation possibilities. Of course I could drone on and on, trying to capture everything all over the world, but what would be the point? What is it that YOU are looking for as your late-season getaway? I intentionally avoided the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean; you know they're there and there are many desirable destinations, if that's your pleasure. If none of these suggestions trips your trigger, let me know what does - the world is a BIG place and awaits your adventurous spirit.
Hey, before you go, check out back issues you've missed. Everyone of them has a valuable nugget for you, so read and share them, dear friends.
'til next week.