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Imagine a place where the water is luminescent blue and green, where you can sunbath on your own private beach, and where you can snorkel in/snorkel out from your pale pink cottage by the sea. This was my Bermudian vacation. As Mark Twain said, “You can die and go to heaven, I’ll stay right here in Bermuda.”
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Located high above the unrefined cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, just around the corner from the Carmel Highlands, sits the Tickle Pink Inn, the location of my first, but hopefully not last, honeymoon.
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Looking for a true travel experience that ventures beyond simply sitting on the beach? The Berkshires located in the western parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut is a north eastern destination known for its enticing cultural activities from plays to unique shops to beautiful landscapes.
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When you find yourself too old for Cancun, but still want to soak up that Mexican sun, head straight for the Turtle in Playa del Carmen.
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With any thriving metropolitan area comes a plethora of activities. After a recent trip to oh-so Hotlanta, My Scoop put together the Perfect Day for you to enjoy in the Peach State's capital.
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Kick off your stilettos and lace up your hiking boots for a little slice of heaven. A few My Scoopers left the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind for a refreshing breath of fresh air – fresh air that was in abundance since we were the only ones breathing it for the sum of our stay on Eagle Island, a ten-acre, wooded private island just off the coast of Georgia. Being that Eagle Island, close to much-loved St. Simon’s Island, is only accessible by boat, our girls’ trip was so private that we felt like celebrities avoiding the annoying flash of paparazzi cameras! Tag along for the inside scoop on our luxurious yet rustic getaway.
Day 1: After a lavish night’s sleep at Atlanta's W - Buckhead, we hit the road headed toward the sleepy, coastal town of Darien, Georgia where we would meet our host, the owner of The Private Islands of Georgia, Captain Andy Hill. We were a bit pushed for time, so we indulged in the contents of our cooler on the way there – Newk’s chicken salad and pimento cheese, Redbull, Diet Coke and SmartWater.
Once we arrived in Darien, the cheery clapboard houses and hovering oak trees that make up the quaint settlement greeted us. This is where the royal treatment began. Hill’s staff loaded our belongings onto a boat and zoomed off toward the island that would become our home for a few days. We boarded our chariot – a motorboat – and made our way toward Eagle Island.
We passed the historic (and still operating!) shrimping boats docked at the port of Darien as we zipped through the marshes that bordered the coast. The muddy banks and tall marsh grass were (much to my surprise) one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. During our journey, Hill gave us a glimpse of Darien’s rich history as well as a geography lesson on his seven Private Islands of Georgia.
Upon arrival to the island, we were met by a glorious deck overlooking the marsh. I eyed the swing, knowing it would be the spot where I would spend some serious quality time with Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams at some point over the weekend.
The crunchy pathway, consisting of oyster shells led us to a charming arbor, which Andy built with his own hands out of driftwood he found on the nearby islands or drug out of the marshes. We then got the grand tour of the island's peaceful grounds and its sprawling lodge with a fully stocked kitchen!
After an afternoon of h’ors d’oeuvres and serious relaxing on the wrap-around screened-in porch, I hopped in the outdoor shower, where I felt like I was at a rustic spa.
A chef from St. Simon's joined us on the island, with oysters in hand, just in time for dinner. In the lodge's commercial, outdoor kitchen he gave us the ins and outs of oyster preparation. We uncorked a bottle (or four!) of wine and got to work. Under his direction, we prepared and indulged in raw and steamed oysters, as well as oysters smothered in green onions, jalapeño, bacon and cheese. The chef also prepared Captain Any Hill's mother’s recipe for garlic butter shrimp, which was to die for!
After dinner, we headed out to the fire pit beside the island’s pond, where we roasted marshmallows and enjoyed campfire tunes supplied by one of the girls! After a long, leisurely day full of laughs and fun with friends, I hit the sack.
Day 2: I woke up to a cool breeze, the sounds of birds, and the smell of something wonderful in the kitchen. The “chef” of our group was already busy in the kitchen, making frittatas using the leftover shrimp from the evening before.
After a hearty breakfast, we met one of the local naturalists for a kayaking tour of the marsh. Slicing through the water, I felt as if I was the only person on the face of the planet. I soaked in the local wildlife and soaked up some sun. During this tour we paddled our way to nearby Escape Island, a teeny tiny spot of land where Hill plans to host glamping retreats in the near future.
At this point, I was starving. So after shoveling lunch into my mouth, I took advantage of the porch swing bed I eyed when we first arrived. With Sylvia Plath short stories in hand, I found myself horizontal in the swing with the cool, fresh air breezing by.
That afternoon, we had the pleasure of meeting Wendell Harper, one of the region’s most experienced and outrageous fishermen. After hearing his incredibly entertaining stories, I couldn’t wait to book an excursion with him to fish for everything from tarpon to king mackerel.
That night, our chef gave us a lesson in preparing Private Islands of Georgia's famous Low Country Boil, complete with sausage, shrimp, potatoes and corn. This night I opted for a sleeping adventure... instead of my bed, I chose to settle into the swinging porch bed for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: We started the day out drinking strong coffee while taking in a view of the island woods from the vantage point of a dunk in the lodge's hot tub! After breakfast, we hopped on the boat for a tour of nearby Mayhall Island, which Hill is currently preparing for more luxurious private island vacations. From there, we zipped around the marshlands before landing on Sapelo Island. Here, we got a firsthand peek at the mansion once owned by R. J. Reynolds.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Cornelia Bailey Walker, the matriarch so to speak of the Gullah Geechee people that inhabit a portion of the island. The Gullah Geechee are descendants of the slaves that were brought to the island to man the rice fields, which once made up a large part of the land. From their distinct dialect to their simple way of life, it was a true pleasure that made us feel as if we were visiting a foriegn country.
On Sapelo, we headed out to Nanny Goat Beach, for some sand and shells. Nothing but sand and water for as far as the eye can see. I’ve always dreamt of having my own private beach – which is exactly what we got, if even for only an afternoon. We found a ton – I mean a TON – of fully intact sand dollars and conch shells. It was truly the perfect end to a perfect weekend.
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Old Crow Medicine Show’s Wagonwheel kept chiming in my head as my friend Jenifer and I traveled passed the Ocoee into North Carolina for a rustic girls’ trip. Our destination Waynesville, a small …
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Capella Ixtapa reads like a want ad that goes something like this "Couples looking for a splash of romance and pure relaxation." Capella Ixtapa is built into the Sierra Madre Mountains of …
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Are you one of the many people planning a road trip with your pet this summer? 18% of adult travelers can’t imagine a vacation without Fido.
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Beautiful by Nature, that is the slogan for Turks and Caicos and once you arrive on the beautiful white beaches you can easily see why. The resort Amanyara embraces this in every way with its …
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Tackling a visit to Los Angeles can be a daunting task for the average gal. We've pulled together a guide that will help you experience the city like a local, without breaking the bank.
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