A HOP, SKIP AND JUMP
FROM BRADENTON
by: Kelly Stilwell
Where to go when you already live in Paradise? We have ideas! Whether you’re looking for a hop overnight, a skip for a long weekend, or a jump for a week-long
getaway to rest, relax, and restore, we think you’ll love these destinations!
A HOP
For a great overnight trip, Winter Park is a fantastic choice, especially for foodies. The city has a quaint, small-town vibe, and it’s very walkable, so park your car and start exploring.
For dining, Bulla Gastrobar is perfect for sharing appetizers for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for fine dining, head to The Alfond Inn to Hamilton’s Kitchen. The
menu has a lot of delicious choices, the steaks are cooked to perfection, and the wine list is long.
If you’re planning an overnight stay, The Alfond Inn is the perfect spot. Have an extra glass of wine and take the elevator to your room.
For more ideas for your itinerary, check out The Morse Museum where you can view the Tiffany exhibit including the amazing Tiffany Chapel, Orlando Museum of Art, Quantum Leap Winery, and East End Market – a culinary hub! Your drive-time to Winter Park is approximately two hours.
A SKIP
For the long weekend, take a drive over to the other coast for a trip to Palm Beach. Though I have to admit I love our calm beaches more than just about anywhere, it’s fun to see the bigger waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The drive over is pretty uneventful, but once you get there, the food and shopping is incredible.
A stop at The Breakers is a must, even if you only look around at the shops and grab a coffee. We had lunch at the legendary Seafood Bar restaurant. Sit at the bar with the built-in aquarium and ocean views. The food and drinks were exceptional. Unbeknownst to me, they serve a huge piece of cake to those celebrating a birthday. As I was one of three at the bar with a birthday on that day, I’m guessing it’s a popular birthday tradition!
For shopping, you can’t beat The Square, an open-air, Mediterranean-style haven in West Palm Beach. The shops are mostly national chains, but there’s something about this upscale area, and you can stop for a bite at one of the many exceptional restaurants in between your purchases.
For a little culture, check out the 8200+ works at the Norton Museum of Art. For some family fun, check out Cox Science Center and Aquarium or Palm Beach Zoo. Palm Beach is about a 4-hour drive
A JUMP
For that longer vacation, Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, is not only a golfer’s paradise, but it’s also well equipped for family fun. A little over an hour’s
drive from Atlanta airport, you could be there vacationing
tomorrow.
For those hitting the links, you’ll have six championship
golf courses, two of which are ranked in America’s Top 100. Reynolds Lake Oconee boasts designers making up the “Mount Rushmore of Architects,” so you can play a
Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the morning and a Tom
Fazio-designed course in the afternoon. Want to work on
improving your game? The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake
Oconee is one of only two facilities of its kind, combining
instruction, experiences, and Taylor Made club fittings.
For families, Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offers
adventure for everyone. From the 20-station sporting clays
course to the archery range to fishing and kayaking, your
days will be filled with outdoor fun.
When it’s time to rest, you’ll have a choice of staying at the
gorgeous Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee, or renting a cottage
or condominium right on property. Two-, three-, and four bedroom cottages are available, but reserve well in advance
as they fill quickly.
There’s even great dining right on the property. When you
get hungry, you’ll have choices like Gaby’s by the Lake,
Linger Longer Steakhouse, Georgia’s, and the National
Tavern. If you do feel like exploring, take a 15-minute drive to
downtown Greensboro where you’ll find Oconee Brewing
Company, shopping, and more
HAVE A FAVORITE HOP, SKIP OR JUMP? LET US KNOW AND YOU MAY SEE IT FEATURED HERE IN A FUTURE ISSUE!