If ever there was more truth in the saying that big things come in small packages, the Victorian resort village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas is undeniable proof. This is a vacation destination that delivers something breathtakingly special for everyone. The words “I’ve found it!” is probably uttered from the mouths of the more than 1 million like-minded tourists who visit “Little Switzerland of America” each year for a day trip, family vacation, business meeting, wedding, family reunion, or honeymoon. Proudly selected as one of America’s Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Eureka Springs offers not-to-be-missed big and small attractions. The beauty and grandeur of this city is found in the small shops, art galleries, fine dining, outdoor activities, ghost tours, festivals, and luxurious spas and inns. We’ve compiled a list of some must-see places and activities that will awaken all of your senses when you visit this historical gem in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

What to Do:

Visitor’s young and old alike may never look at a house cat the same way again after they visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Center. Home to abused, abandoned, and neglected “big cats,” this refuge provides fun, educational information on the physiology of big cats. Animal lovers will want to spend all day admiring these beautiful creatures.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to behold the beauty of nature, look no further than the Thorncrown Chapel. Designed by noted architect, E. Fay Jones, this forty-eight-foot tall wood structure with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, is located in the woods about 3 miles from Eureka. This serene architectural delight, included in Budget Travel’s “12 Most Beautiful Churches in America,” will take your breath away.

Head to the Blue Spring Heritage Center, where you can view prehistoric artifacts that date back 8,000 years. It is one of the largest natural springs in the Ozark Mountains sending 83 million gallons of water each day into a trout-filled lagoon. More than 500 feet deep and an important stopping point on the Cherokee Trail of Tears, visitors can explore the rich history surrounding this scenic site.

Pivot Rock Park is a notable and unique landmark attraction. This natural rock formation has been a tourist attraction for more than 100 years. The park features paved pathways winding through rock formations and the beautiful mountain scenery of the Ozarks. Featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not and photographed by generations of visitors, it is about twice the height of an average person and looks like “a top balanced on its pointed end.” After the kids see the full-size tropical plants and trees growing from natural ground soil on the first floor of Quigley’s Castle, you’ll never be able to tell them not to bring dirt into the house! The dream home of Elise Quigley, an Italian immigrant with a green thumb, this castle features lush perennial gardens and lovely paths, ideal for holding hands and strolling with your true love. Children will be spellbound when they see the spectacular underground formations in Onyx Cave Park. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore these caverns and learn about chambers and rock formations.

Where to Stay:

There’s a lot to see and discover in Eureka Springs, and because there are no traffic lights along the five-mile long loop of winding streets, there is nothing to stop you! Learn about the history of the incredible Victorian architecture and arts on a walking tour, go shopping, and enjoy some down home southern cooking. Then relax and recharge after a full day of activities in the comfort of a Eureka Springs inn such as Arsenic and Old Lace B&B. This elegant estate property features original artwork, antiques, and crystal chandeliers that adorn the rooms. Choose from five luxury suites with stunning views of gardens and hills. Turn up the romance with whirlpools and luxury spa showers. The massive windows are perfect for watching the amazing fall foliage color shows during peak season (October and early November) while you enjoy gourmet breakfast in bed in the morning. The peaceful views of the Arkansas hills are best viewed from the large wrap-around veranda, and are also an ideal location for intimate wedding celebrations.

After a day of sightseeing, put your feet up on the porch at 11 Singleton House B&B. At this whimsical B&B, prepare to take a trip down memory lane where you will receive a wealth of local knowledge from your hostess, Barb, Eureka’s oldest operating innkeeper. You will learn about how Singleton Street is the only street in Eureka still retaining only original Victorian houses. Choose from one of five cottages available, many with their own private entrance. The lovely garden and pretty outside seating is perfect for reading a good book. You can walk one block to Ermillo’s Restaurant, and enjoy a delicious pasta dinner. Avid shoppers will enjoy the downtown shops, spas, galleries and cafes, which are one scenic block away. Before returning to the inn, admire the beautifully restored Victorian homes as you stroll and star gaze.

Who said elves are only around during the holidays? When you stay at Cliff Cottage Inn – Luxury B&B Suites and Historic Cottages a little “elf” (innkeeper Sandra) will set up any additional extras you might consider for your fun-filled getaway (canoeing on the White River, soaring through an Ozark mountain forest with a 2-hour zip line tour, or enjoying a peaceful horseback ride). Upon your return to the inn (no driving necessary since you are already located in the center of the village) enjoy your lovingly restored historic cottage that has private entrances and spacious Jacuzzi suites. Then explore the age-old cave behind the cottage, which Innkeeper Sandra has converted into a wine cave. Enjoy a glass of wine in your private outdoor hot tub tucked in the woods. Guests might arrive tired and stressed, (a hot stone massage at Healthworks Massage and Reflexology Center will cure those ailments) but you will definitely leave with your spirits revived, heart warmed, belly full, and soul nourished from the overflowing Ozark hospitality.

September is finally here. Autumn is arriving. The hush of the hot summer season is winding down. As the locals exhale and the tourists head out, these beach towns are still hot in the off-season. Check out our slideshow of the top beach town B&B’s to enjoy below. Make sure to click the arrows on the top right to enlarge!

It’s here! The big day has arrived and you’re filled with big hopes and dreams for your wedding celebration. Rustic. Vintage. Garden. Fairy Tale. Whatever your style, these B&Bs will help you and your beloved plan the perfect wedding and honeymoon destination package for your special day.

Seven Hills Inn, Lenox, MA

Nothing says treasured wedding day memories like a ceremony at a magnificent mansion on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, blooming gardens, and quiet, wooded lanes. Surround yourself in the beauty of the Berkshires at Seven Hills Inn in Lenox, MA, as experienced wedding specialists help you turn your wedding dreams into a reality. Take your walk down the aisle outdoors on the white stone, flower-lined path. The glorious fall foliage will be the picture perfect backdrop. After the ceremony, your guests can take in the eclectic art and stunning hand-carved fireplace before they indulge in cocktails on the patio, enjoy quiet conversations in the parlor, socialize in the music room, and dine and dance the night away in the ballroom which accommodates up to 165 guests. Guests will appreciate a relaxing and luxurious night’s sleep in one of the inn’s 44 elegant guestrooms with mahogany beds, pillow-top mattresses, velvet chaise lounge, and Jacuzzi tub. The hearty country breakfast will restore their energy after a night of non-stop revelry.

Don’t leave your wedding day to chance. Many people consider the number seven to be good luck, which might explain why so many couples entrust the dedicated Seven Hills Inn staff to make their wedding day spectacular. With their help, you and your betrothed will be forever lucky in love.

Bridgeton House on the Delaware, Upper Black Eddy, PA

Your nuptials are a major life-changing event. Why not celebrate this joyful occasion amid the transformation of the summer foliage into autumns beautiful sea of reds, oranges, and gold? Bridgeton House on the Delaware in Upper Eddy, PA, was named one of the top 15 honeymoon destinations in the country by Country Living. With the Delaware River delivering a breathtaking setting, it’s no surprise so many couples choose this inn as the location for their once-in-a-lifetime elopement or honeymoon destination. The inn’s event coordinator will help make the bride and the design of your getaway package, the center of attention. But the river valley hillsides, alight with vibrant colors, reflecting in the glistening water of the beautiful Delaware River, will be a close second as a scene-stealer!

If the cold corridors of City Hall aren’t what you have in mind for your no frills ceremony, Bridgeton’s elopement package which includes an afternoon tea served in suite upon arrival, two dozen long stem roses, use of the riverside Boat House grounds, and breakfast in bed, is just what the love doctor ordered. Honeymooners will also feel pampered in one of the 10 unique rooms featuring private porches, two person Jacuzzi tubs, and fireplaces. Turn up the heat and romance with a candlelight dinner prepared by a private chef and served in your room, and an in-suite couples’ massage.

Fall elopements and honeymoon destinations are always beautiful because Mother Nature’s treasures are everywhere you look. This luxurious bed and breakfast helps couples make their day a treasure to behold for many years to come.

Holladay House Bed and Breakfast, Orange, VA

With more than 100 wedding celebrations under their belt since 1864, the innkeepers at the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast in Orange, VA, have clearly found their passion. “We try to get in the mind of the couple who has just been married and make their three days with us feel like seven,” says innkeeper Sharon.

Fall’s amazing seasonal highlights give couples eloping and their guests, a picture perfect environment to make their day extra special. Local attractions like James Madison’s Montpelier, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a 5-minute drive from the inn. Guests should be camera ready when visiting the wineries and Civil War sites. These historic sites and attractions let them soak in the past as they celebrate their future. Upon your return to the inn, enjoy homemade goodies in front of the Victorian marble fireplace, or some complimentary Virginia wine and craft beer.

At the Holladay House, featured in USA Today as one of the top places in Virginia for all-inclusive elopement weddings, the innkeepers are ready to make your wedding day memorable and a part of the everlasting and heart-warming legacy of this historic 19^th century home.

Four Chimneys Inn, Bennington, VT

If saying, “I do” inside of a sunny French-paned glass patio, in front of a roaring fire, outside on an expansive lawn under a 100-year-old pines, or in a lush garden courtyard, is your idea of a dream fall wedding, then four times is a charm at Four Chimneys Inn, located in Bennington, VT. This charming New England eleven-acre estate sets the perfect mood for your intimate and unhurried elopement ceremony.

Bask in the season of changing leaves and the crisp night air with a ceremony under 100-year-old pines on the beautiful lawn, and then snuggle up in front of a gas fireplace in your unique room. Relax while the staff handles the details, from photographer recommendations, the post ceremony champagne toast, to the Vermont gift basket upon arrival. Remember to save your appetite for your romantic dinner for two at your choice of two delicious dining establishments.

A perfect, stress-free wedding is waiting for you at this lovely Vermont getaway. You’ll be glad that you said, “I do” to a bed and breakfast that made your wedding romantic, elegant, and memorable.

Castle in the Country Bed & Breakfast Inn, Allegan, Michigan

Castle, check. Horse drawn carriage, check. Enchanted Forest, check. Camelot Suite, check. The crowns may be not included in this wedding package, but everything else will make you and your love feel like a king and queen on your big day.

Tie the knot with your true love at Castle in the Country Bed & Breakfast Inn, located in Allegan, MI. Exchange vows on this beautiful 65-acre country estate with a gazebo, enchanted forest ballroom, and exceptional comfort and luxury everywhere you look. This fairy tale setting is the ideal location for your enchanting elopement, wedding/reception, or destination weekend package. From the spa services, fireplace suites, kayak rides, and celebrated dining options, the inn’s staff works with you to create the perfect intimate setting for couples to begin their happily ever after.

L’Auberge Provencale, White Post, VA

Serenity now. The party of many is now an intimate party of two. Escape to the Shenandoah countryside for your honeymoon in this Northern Virginian French Country Inn, L’Auberge Provencale. Relax with your sweetheart amidst the picturesque gardens, embark on fun outdoor adventures, and enjoy couples massages. A dozen roses and house-made chocolate-covered strawberries await you upon arrival in your elegant suite with views of the gardens and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge in a complimentary bottle of champagne in your king white sleigh bed, the ultimate in French country comfort. Enjoy the award-winning breakfast in the morning before a sommelier chauffeured 4-hour wine tour of Virginia’s most premier wine country of the Shenandoah Valley. This bed and breakfast sets the perfect tone for a romantic honeymoon dedicated to pampering newlyweds.

Antlers on the Creek Bed & Breakfast, Durango, CO

You can’t beat the beautiful setting of the Colorado Mountains. Antlers on the Creek Bed & Breakfast, just a short walk from lovely hiking trails, offers a variety of whimsical ceremony locations. Exchange your vows on the patio overlooking the creek or outside of the historic Colorado barn. Invite 18 of your closest friends and family for your low-key celebration. Your guests will enjoy unlimited outdoor adventures, a three-course gourmet breakfast, gazebo hot tub, spacious and modern rooms, and complimentary happy hour. The romance, beauty, and intimacy at this peaceful mountain retreat will make your small wedding a big and memorable occasion that will not be forgotten.

With only a few more days left in August and summer coming to an end, our mouths are still watering over the delicious flavors of summer. So before you break out the pumpkin-spice, apples and butternut squash, pay homage to the warmest season of the year and end on a decadent note with a cool end-of-summer treat: Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Cake, courtesy of L’Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast in White Post, VA.

Ingredients for the Fudge Brownie Ice Cream Cake:

2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
1 pink of raspberry sorbet, softened
2 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened

Topping:

1 cup whipped cream
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
fresh raspberries

Directions for the Fudge Brownie:

Line 8-inch square pan with buttered parchment paper or foil. Melt chocolate and butter in a double broiler (hot, but not boiling water) and stir until smooth. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt – set aside. Blend egg and sugar using mixer at medium speed. Add vanilla. Gradually add chocolate mixture. Stop mixer when combined and mix in dry ingredients using a wooden spoon. Spread batter in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 19 minutes until it is springy to the touch, but not dry. Cool completely, invert onto rack and remove paper.

Directions for the Topping:

Mix ice cream and sorbet together by gently folding in. Spread over the cooled brownies. Top with whipped cream and raspberries. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: You can add the whipped cream and raspberries if you want to freeze ahead and remove the brownies 15 minutes before serving. Then top.

Tired of traditional corporate outings that promise fun team building activities? While trust fall exercises with coworkers are great ice-breakers and can bring teams together, it’s time to put these cliche ideas on ice and spice things up that will make your staff feel appreciated and re-energized.

Inn on Lake Granbury, Granbury, TX

The Inn on Lake Granbury, surrounded by three acres of landscaped grounds, will help your staff to press the pause button on their everyday workday routine. Having served over 400 group retreats, the inn boasts an impressive resume when it comes to business travel. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company, small non-profit organization, or college and/or university, this lakefront inn retreat in the historic town of Granbury, Texas, offers the ideal setting for team building. From the initial booking to everyday service, groups are provided with a single person offering personal concierge service. Happy hour is also included (sans fee!) for groups and includes wine and delicious appetizers. Choose from 15 luxurious accommodations, all with breathtaking balcony views of this beautiful facility. Then brainstorm with your team while boating, visiting wineries, or just relaxing under the magnificent live oak trees overlooking the lake. Hungry team? Praised Chef Wolfgang Weichert, recognized globally for his five-star culinary creations, numerous restaurants, and the man behind catering for Presidents GW Bush, Clinton, and Obama, is on staff for overnight retreat groups to whip up award-winning dishes for both lunch and dinner. The gourmet buffet breakfast served each morning will help your team refuel for another day of team-building activities. The Inn on Lake Granbury, named one of the top places for small business retreats in Texas, by Texas Meetings and Events Magazine, adds the perfect luxurious and personal touch to your next company retreat.

Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island, GA

The fictional characters Jekyll and Hyde experienced memorable personal transformations, so too will your staff at this ultimate corporate getaway. Before your sunny, energetic, and creative staff members turn into inconsistent, moody, and stressed-out work robots, plan a meet and retreat at Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, GA. Offering 197 guestrooms, and over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, this luxurious resort with riverside and oceanfront venues, will inspire them to change their workplace personality. Your team can reconnect on the bike trails, strategize playing water sports, enjoy a scavenger hunt as they explore the beautiful and historic grounds, and focus on communication skills while enjoying delicious food and great conversation at The Grand Dining Room. This resort offers the perfect atmosphere to help your team clear the air, work out differences and find the right balance to return to the workplace renewed and recharged. The fictional characters Jekyll and Hyde experienced memorable personal transformations, so too will your staff at this ultimate corporate getaway.

L’Augerge Provencale, White Post, VA

If a corporate retreat to a quaint village in the French countryside isn’t in your budget, the stress-free atmosphere, rolling hills, and Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop at L’Auberge Provencale is surely the next best thing. Situated in the Shenandoah Valley, this elegant Virginia bed and breakfast resort is a unique place to put your staff in a new frame of mind. They will be energized for creative sessions, strategic planning, and team building after spending a night in a room decorated with cheerful French country antiques, original artwork, and a comfortable queen size bed. Wake up to the smell of freshly baked croissants as you look out onto your private deck with sweeping views of Shenandoah Valley. Activities like hiking, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and hot air ballooning are a welcome change to help businesses bring their teams together. The intimate private meeting room accommodates up to 16 people and looks out onto a lovely terrace. After a marvelous chef-prepared meal of veal sweetbreads and baby back lamb with ratatouille vegetables, your team will have no doubt that they have left the hectic office atmosphere back home, and landed in a French country dream.

Woolverton Inn, Stockton, NJ

Escape the constant distractions like the whir of the copy machine and the sight of stale break room donuts, on 300 acres of beautiful farmland at Woolverton Inn, a grand country estate in central New Jersey. This 1792 stone manor, high above the Delaware River, is an ideal off site location that can help staffers relax, unwind, and increase productivity. Your meeting at the New Hope Conference Center will fit small groups for planning sessions, crafting business strategies, and bonding exercises. During your team-building meeting, enjoy a catered three-course country breakfast on the covered porches. After your workshop, relax in one of 15 individual rooms with feather beds and private baths. This tranquil bed and breakfast expertly blends business and pleasure in an environment that makes guests feel valued.

Black Sheep Inn and Spa, Hammondsport, NY

Balance. Space. Healing. These are just some of the things business guests seek and find at Black Sheep Inn and Spa. This stunning farm-to-table bed and breakfast in the Finger Lakes allows team members to bond over food by working on the inn’s onsite farm, then bring back the ingredients to prepare a meal. Once your appetite has been nourished, sit back and relax in one of the five unique guestrooms with spacious sitting areas and private baths. From the breathtaking local waterfalls, art classes, kayak rentals, and wine and beer tours, these shared experiences can help staff affect positive changes in their everyday and business lives. Look no further than this welcoming and relaxing bed and breakfast and spa for a creative company retreat that will rejuvinate your team.

Some of the best ocean views are the ones that you don’t even have to get out of bed to appreciate. From the sparkling waters of St. Augustine to the rocky shores of Maine and infinite views of the blue Hawaiian sea, these eight B&Bs provide a piece of paradise.

There’s a reason why horses are called gentle giants. With their quiet grace, unsurpassed beauty, and carefree spirit, it’s no wonder so many B&Bs offer horseback riding packages or onsite ranches. Check out these noteworthy getaways for aspiring equestrians and animal lovers.

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, Middleburg, VA

The scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect setting for your equine adventure. Offering 265 acres of trail riding, this quaint country inn showcases the rolling hills and lush countryside of Virginia’s horse and wine country. Choose from one of the18 luxurious guest rooms, or 6 historic guesthouses. Enjoy afternoon treats in the Carriage House Great Room before your feast at Goodstone Inn’s restaurant. This farm to table dining experience will rejuvenate you after a day spent getting up close and personal with these beautiful beasts. End your day relaxing in the Stallion Queen Suite, an equestrian-themed suite with a jetted soaking tub.

First Farm Inn, Petersburg, KY

Some might say that horseback riding is like dancing. You have to communicate with your partner, move as one, and always have a calm touch. This unique B&B in Northern Kentucky gently coaches guests about the fine art of horseback riding. This relaxing trail riding experience takes you away from the big city life and transports you to the majestic hills and quiet woods of Northern Kentucky. From the gorgeous old barn, to the swings, hammocks and rockers on the veranda, to the friendly horses grazing in the field, this historic farmhouse is the picture perfect snapshot of an ideal country getaway.

BlissWood Bed and Breakfast, Cat Spring, TX

Are you anxiously waiting to exhale after a stressful week, month, or year? Then you will happily release a huge sigh of relief when you step onto the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast Ranch. What better way to reduce the stress in your life than by roaming the 500 acres of rolling hills of Texas Hill County astride a beautiful horse? Take in the stunning meadows and forests on a guided trail ride then enjoy a lovely picnic lunch overlooking the Enchanted Lake. The 12 houses and cabins on the main ranch, and the quaint Bluebonnet Bungalow, deliver a relaxing and calm respite from your hectic life. Sit on the porch and enjoy a glass of wine or sink into the hot tub out back, and enjoy nature at its best. If you want a stress free ranch experience, this rustic, serene setting, definitely checks off all of the boxes.

Farm by the River Bed & Breakfast with Stables, North Conway, NH

Set in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, this getaway exudes New England charm. This ride and stay B&B offers on site, year-round horse rides on 70 scenic acres. Enjoy panoramic mountain views on your horseback ride through lush meadows and along the Saco River. Rooms feature old-fashioned decor and modern amenities like gas fireplaces and double Jacuzzis. With views of the mountains and horses, Mrs. Carroll’s room is the perfect retreat to bask in the beauty of nature. Farm by the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables is a historic property that dates back to 1771, but the full country breakfast, relaxed atmosphere, and personal attention by the hosts, never gets old.

Whip up this delicious Almond Cake with a sweet and juicy Raspberry Coulis sauce courtesy of White Oak Inn- the perfect tasty topper for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth (morning, noon, and night).

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup blanched and sliced or slivered almonds
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the Raspberry Coulis:

1 (12-ounce) bag frozen raspberries, thawed
3/4 cup sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease and flour 9-inch or 10-inch round springform pan.

Cream butter and gradually beat in sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the creamed mixture. Stir in the almond extract and sour cream. Batter will be very thick. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan. Level the top and sprinkle the almonds evenly over the top. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool and remove from the pan. Sieve powdered sugar over the top.

To make the coulis
Combine raspberries and sugar in a blender or food processor and process on low until combined.

To serve, slice cake into 10 or 12 slices. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of raspberry sauce into a pool on the plate. Garnish with fresh mint if available.

Fore! August is National Golf Month so look out for all of those golfers logging practice hours hoping to make their dream of wearing the coveted green Master’s jacket a reality. Lucky for them, many B&Bs are now offering stay and play and hassle-free unlimited golf packages that will help them improve their golf handicaps. These luxurious getaways will help you work on your putting stroke, and simply enjoy a dinner overlooking stunning fairways.

Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Mint Julep. Just as these classic and refreshing drinks help you unwind after a long day, so too does the charming Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn in Bardstown, KY. This historic bed and breakfast features ten spirit-themed, spacious guestrooms decorated with antique treasures, overlooking the beautiful private grounds. Reserve your tee times and a cart of your choice at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, which features 6,351 yards of golf, or the 120-acre Lincoln Homestead State Park. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the nearby quality restaurants of your choice. Then relax in your private Jacuzzi tub for some quiet teatime as you think about your morning tee off. Don’t forget to add a shot of bourbon to your nightcap. After all, you are in the Bourbon capital of the world.

The LODGE at Spirit Hollow, Burlington, IA

The LODGE at Spirit Hollow, framed by the beautiful Mississippi River Valley, delivers an exhilarating, challenging, and rewarding golf experience. Rolling hills and natural streams offer the perfect setting for unlimited golf the day you arrive in Burlington, IA. Choose from 8 guestrooms that feature original paintings of golf’s greatest players, all with amazing views of the course. The deck overlooking the beautiful grounds is the perfect respite after a day full of chunks. Fuel up before your next round with dinner at The Claret Jug, the private dining room for guests of the Lodge and the Cabins, named in honor for the Open Championship. This hassle-free getaway helps guests retire for the evening with visions of birdies dancing in their head. The LODGE, ranked number two in Iowa by Golf Digest and Golf Week, is truly a golf enthusiasts dream.

Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, Jacksonville, IL

Hallelujah! Southern charm and hospitality are on full display at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful 120-year-old mansion in Jacksonville, IL, features suites that invite guests to take in the rich history and culture in the heart of the Midwest. Antique chandeliers, private sitting rooms, and an inviting deep slipper tub will transport you back to a time of indulgence and decadence. Play some early bird golf on Saturday at The Links in Jacksonville’s Nichol’s Park so you can spend your afternoon and evening visiting the Underground Railroad sites, watching stock car races at the Jacksonville Raceway, or following the steps of Abraham Lincoln as you explore exhibits. Before you retire for the night to your feather-topped bed, schedule you’re A.M. tee time, then count your blessing that tomorrow is another opportunity to face the course again. Maybe you’ll even make that elusive hole-in-one. Amen to that!

York Harbor Inn, York Harbor, ME

Experience golf in the grand style of Scotland and Ireland at York Harbor Inn in picturesque coastal Maine. The natural landscape exudes beauty and inspires greatness on this par 71/6500-yard championship course. Choose from six separate lodges with ocean and beach views, or the main inn, which offers 22 guest rooms featuring such amenities as fireplaces and private baths. Take in the beauty within the walls of the inn then embrace it again on The Outlook Golf Course in South Berwick, Maine. Your seacoast golf experience includes 18 holes of golf with a cart for two players. Spend the day perfecting your swing on a traditional golf course then enjoy a lovely ocean view dinner at the 1637 Restaurant. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, venture below deck to the Ship’s Cellar Pub in the lower level of the inn. After spending hours on the links, sinking into a comfortable leather chair is the perfect way to end the day. No need to check your scorecard to know that this getaway is an ace.

If there is one West Coast city worthy enough to roam every inch of, it’s San Francisco. Thanks to an endless stream of unique attractions and nearly 1 million vibrant residents, the “city by the bay” played host to a record number of travelers in 2016 – 34.9 million people to be exact – and with so much to see and do, that number is expected to break yet another record in 2017. From famed attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Fran is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the bay area and an international tourism icon. But there’s more to this progressive city than notable landmarks and attractions. Eccentric festivals, a salt-brined artist’s workshop along the coast, innovative industries and a booming tech economy coupled with stunning scenery, progressive individuals, and salty waves, you’d be remiss not to take part in discovering one of the most enchanting coastal cities in America. Make the most of your getaways to the coastal shore of Southern California and let us help you navigate the best things to see, do, and where to stay.

What to Do:

Kick-off your getaway in San Francisco in the SoMa neighborhood, which is short for South of Market. Stretching from Market to Townsend and Embarcadero to Eleventh Street, this trendy neighborhood boasts a patchwork stylish nightlife, art galleries, several museums, shops, and more. Admire over 30,000 pieces of breathtaking contemporary art at the newly renovated San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Catch a ballgame (and an incredibly gorgeous view of the bay) at AT&T Park, home to the world-champion Giants. After, take a few steps from the park and soak up the San Francisco sun at The Yard, an outdoor space brimming with top eateries and a brewery.

You can’t spend a weekend in San Francisco without walking along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The best way to see it? By bike. Rent some wheels and cycle over the bridge before taking a quick walk to Golden Gate Park, which some would say is the “Central Park of California”. From scenic trails to picturesque picnic spots to gardens, courts, and even museums, there’s enough to see and do to spend an entire day exploring.

Named after generations of fishermen that sold their daily catches on the harbor many years ago, Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf, is the number one leading attraction according to SanFranciscoTravel. Featuring plenty of shops and restaurant options, the pier also includes expansive bay views.

From the pier, catch a boat to another iconic San Francisco attraction: Alcatraz. A must-see for tourists, Alcatraz, the former federal prison that housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals (we’re talking about you, Al Capone), is a piece of American history set on the small, rocky Alcatraz Island. Get up close and personal with interactive cells, voiced over by inmates and prison guards, and enjoy the complimentary audio tour, free with your ferry ticket.

Did you know that San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia? Boasting the oldest and most expansive Chinatown in America, this San Fran neighborhood is lined with an impressive display or market shops, specialty stores, restaurants, and stunning Chinese architecture.

Where to Stay:

“Our valued guests will tell you…Life has a slower pace a little further uptown (1-12 blocks), in the Pacific Heights neighborhood”, says the owner of The Queen Anne Hotel. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, this charming property offers guests a quiet, elegant retreat. Noted for excellent dining options, Jazz District, and grand Victorian mansions lining the streets, this luxurious property exudes a timelessly romantic and stately ambiance similar to the style that the Gold Rush brought to San Francisco in the 1800’s. Blending luxury and history, a stay at The Queen Anne Hotel brings forth unforgettable memories of a bygone era. Furnished with heirloom vintage antiques and modern conveniences such as free WiFi, flat-screen TV’s, luxurious bathrooms, and more, each guest room or suite features engaging spaces flooded with natural light. Wake up each morning to a delectable continental breakfast and take advantage of the properties 24-hour front desk service, a concierge desk, valet dry cleaning, afternoon tea & sherry, and parking access (both self and nearby).

Set in an upscale yet quiet and residential neighborhood of San Francisco, My Rosegarden Guest Rooms is located in a part of the city known for its scenic walks with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Centrally located among great restaurants, shops, and public transportation, this B&B is the perfect option for travelers looking to experience the heart of the city and all of its attractions without having to stress about proximity. Situated next to Presidio, which is now a National Park, and within walking distance to the beautiful Golden Gate Park, My Rosegarden Guest Rooms serves as a comfortably quaint haven for summer travelers. Breakfast is a pure delight -  a feast for both the eyes and the stomach – with staples including everything from vibrant fruit to freshly brewed coffee and tea, eggs, scrumptious coffee cakes, tortes or quiche, set in the warm persimmon colored dining room. The inns signature breakfast, the San Francisco Sourdough Waffles, are a guest favorite and always made with local fruits purchased when in-season.

Take a step back in time at The Inn San Francisco and experience the elegant experience of the Victorian era. Originally built in the early 1870’s, this historic twenty-seven room Italianate Victorian bed and breakfast is set among nearby Bay Area attractions and activities including fantastic eateries, museums, theaters, shops, and convenient public transportation. Ranging from charming to cozy and intimate, each guest room is individually designed to reflect its own unique atmosphere. Relax on the inn’s rooftop sun deck, where you can see sprawling views of Twin Peaks, Cathedral Hall, City Hall, Union Square, the Financial District and The Bay Bridge. Centrally located, The Inn San Francisco allows guests to experience the surrounding neighborhoods of the city: Noe Valley, The Castro, The Civic Center, and South of Market.