If we had to pick any city on the Eastern seaboard for a relaxing weekend getaway, hands down we will select Charleston, South Carolina every time. Nestled against the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, situated almost dead center on the state's coastline border, Charleston is great little town rich in antebellum history, colorful architecture, and fine lowcountry cuisine. The downtown area provides visitors with many opportunities to enjoy individual or guided walking tours, taking in the beauty of a city immortalized as Rhett Butler's home and a true survivor of the Civil War.

Here follows just a brief primer of personal favorites - from food to fun to relaxation. Once in the city be sure to pick up a downtown map, as you will need it to wind through the many mews and avenues that conceal delightful hidden treasures.

Where to Stay

Staying in the downtown area is a must, as it allows for maximum walking time and close-up enjoyment of Charleston. As you compare prices on Internet travel sites and searches, you may find rates fluctuate according to the season. The Spoleto Festival, held annually in the early summer, tends to bring large crowds, so it is important to book early if you plan to soak up the sun. Otherwise, here are a few favorite accommodations which offer the location and amenities to guarantee a relaxing weekend:

• The Ansonborough Inn - 21 Hasell St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Planters Inn - 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Fulton Lane Inn - 202 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

What to See

The more often you visit Charleston, the more acquainted you will become with the names of the short streets that bisect the downtown area - Market, Meeting, King and Queen. Along the way you are certain to enjoy some of the most beautiful homes in the South, preserved antebellum structures that hearken back to another time, and the delightful pastels of Rainbow Row, a series of eye-catching townhomes situated along the battery. The Market Street outdoor market offers a bounty of local and regional goods, from delicious preserves to the intricate palm weavings of the Gullah women. Here are just a few favorite sites to see in and around the city as well.

• The Citadel - the famed military school allows visitors to stroll the grounds and witness the weekly afternoon parades
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum - Location on Charleston Harbor, visitors can explore the USS Yorktown and take in Charleston's storied military history
• Fort Sumter National Monument - The scene of struggle between Confederate and Union forces, visitors may take a ferry from Patriot's Point to tour this preserved war monument
• Charleston Walking Tour - One of the best ways to know the city is with a guided tour. Various themes apply, from spooky twilight ghost walks to a lively pub crawl, knowledgeable and friendly guides further enhance your visit

For a weekend fling or an extended vacation, Charleston is one spot on the map to visit. Family friendly and a romantic backdrop for honeymoons, this city is full of Southern charm.

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Thanks to great progress in archaeological research, we are learning more about the role of African-Americans in our nation's history. Where once it was only known that many lived here as slaves and in subservient roles, we can learn more about how African-Americans lived in colonial and Civil War times, and how their cultures are remembered and felt today. Stafford County, just 25 miles from the nation's capital in Northern Virginia, was witness to much of the nation's history. Today, anyone interested in African-American history may visit a number of area landmarks.

Chatham Manor

This beautifully restored Georgian mansion, located near Fredericksburg, just may one of the most important houses in Virginia history - Chatham is believed to be the only private residence visited by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Erected in the 18th century by wealthy landowner William Fitzhugh, the daily operations of the home and plantation were seen to by upwards of a hundred slaves. Today, visitors to Chatham may learn more about life on the plantation through preserved slave quarters and stories of uprising and rebellion. By the time of the Civil War, Chatham was transformed into Union headquarters, ushering in a new era for Virginia's African Americans.

Moncure Conway House

While Virginia pledged loyalty to the Confederacy during the Civil War, not everybody who lived in the state supported slavery. Moncure Conway was perhaps one of the most vocal abolitionists of his time, and his Virginia home remains a testament to his beliefs. Visitors to Conway's home will learn of the owner's heroic efforts to free his family's slaves, and his ensuing disownment. Today, Conway's home is nominated to be linked to the famous Underground Railroad.

The Rowser Building

The early twentieth-century saw segregation in the South. Separate buildings for separate colors. In Stafford, African-American children attended Rowser, an all-black school established in the late thirties. While the structure today no longer resembles the small school of a long-gone era, the Rowser Building remains a landmark and a reminder that things can change for the better.

In Stafford County, American history lives on in the landmarks, museums, and historical homes. Anyone planning a trip to Washington, DC would benefit from a side trip to this part of Northern Virginia. The Stafford County Department of Economic Development at http://www.GoStaffordVa.com offers free brochures to all who are interested in learning more about our nation's history.

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See Suffolk in comfort, enjoy a driving tour on your very own FlowCushion, the alternating air pressure travel cushion.

Her name means, literally, "territory of the southern people," and it is quite fitting since in Southeastern Virginia, Suffolk lies south of Norfolk. Situated approximately twenty miles from Norfolk and nearly an hour and a half from Richmond, Suffolk is attractive to Virginia residents for its distance from the more populous areas of Hampton Roads. In recent years, too, many major industries have come to set up large offices in Suffolk, among them Unilever and Target. However, this does not detract from the rural charm of this growing city, and it is certainly one place anybody visiting southern Virginia should see.

Where other areas of Hampton Roads offer excitement at the shore and historical interest with Colonial-era curiosities, Suffolk's attractions are unique and as equally interesting. Suffolk is a haven for the outdoors-bound with opportunities for fishing, camping, golf, and hiking. Part of the Great Dismal Swamp lies in Suffolk, close to the North Carolina border, and here visitors may explore the over 100,000 acres of natural wildlife refuge. Boating is permissible year round, and deer hunting is permissible during the season.

Cycling enthusiasts will want to visit Suffolk in the fall for the Great Peanut Tour. Many people know that Suffolk is home to Planters Peanuts - the original Planters Peanut Center is still open to visitors and sells all sort of delicious peanut treats - and the Peanut Ride is just one way people in southern Virginia celebrate Suffolk's heritage. Each year, thousands of cyclists embark on a series of rides over Suffolk and neighboring towns, fueled by a love of the sport and the energy of a few peanuts!

Even more popular is the annual Peanut Festival, a weekend long fair celebrating the best of Suffolk. Thousands of visitors descend upon the fairground each year to sample local fare and enjoy top music acts. The Peanut Festival is one of the top fairs held annually in Virginia, and is a must-see if you are visiting in the fall.

Peanuts made Suffolk famous, but the city's natural beauty and offerings for outdoor recreation make Suffolk a place to visit any time of year.

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When visitors come to the Southeastern part of Virginia for vacation, the itinerary is pretty much set with trips to Williamsburg to soak up our nation's Colonial heritage, then on to Virginia Beach to soak up the sun. Maybe there will be time to shop in Norfolk or watch the ships cross the bay to Newport News, but you plans don't necessarily have to end there. A side trip to Surry offers visitors an unspoiled view of rustic Virginia, hearkening back to centuries of tradition and hospitality.

Surry County sits on the opposite end of the James River from the Jamestown Settlement and James City County. If you are coming to Surry from the Williamsburg/Jamestown area, you will have to take the Jamestown/Scotland Ferry, a short 15-minute ride to the other side of State Road 31. Once on the road, you have the opportunity to explore landmarks than span nearly five hundred years of American history, from when Captain John Smith walked the land to the early twentieth century and the construction of the county courthouse.

Here are just a few attractions to highlight your trip to Surry:

Bacon's Castle - Not a castle in the storybook sense, this building offers the visitor a chance to see one of the oldest examples of Jacobean architecture in the country. The house's moniker is derived from Nathaniel Bacon, the notorious Jamestown settler who incited the rebellion that also bears his name. Visitors can learn more about that infamous time in early American history at the source.

Smith's Fort Plantation - This land has a storied history, with tracts endowed to John Rolfe when he married Pocahontas. There also remain on the property ruins of a fort constructed by Captain Smith in the early seventeenth century. The brick home open to guests has been standing since 1751.

Surrey House Restaurant - After a day of pleasant countryside driving and sightseeing, Surry House Restaurant is a must. The menu is traditional, pure Virginia, featuring salty ham, cream of peanut soup, and delicious apple fritters that have to be split!

Step back into time with a side trip to Surry County on your next trip through Virginia. The serenity of the countryside and the hospitality of her people is time well spent.

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A trip to Williamsburg is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the growth of our nation. As the former home and haunting grounds of America's forefathers, and home to one of the oldest colleges in the nation, Williamsburg is a town rich in Colonial pride and heritage. It is no surprise that thousands of visitors to Virginia take the time to stop off Interstate 64 to spend a day or two exploring the attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Though the historical aspects of Williamsburg are a big draw, there is more the town than its outward appearance as a living textbook. Here are just five reasons why Williamsburg is a frequent stop in my leisurely travels, and why you should consider a visit as well.

Colonial Williamsburg - Carefully preserved for centuries, the shops and homes of the colonial district's main thoroughfare give the town that rustic, anachronistic atmosphere. When the road turns to cobblestone you know you have stepped into another era, and a large cast of reenactment players in period dress present daily life as it was lived way back when. Visitors can visit a working blacksmith shop, sample handmade soaps and sundries, and tour the state's original governor's mansion. What is particularly charming about Colonial Williamsburg is, although there are souvenirs to be had, the district doesn't have a tourist trap feel to it. It is an enjoyable place to see.

Busch Gardens Europe - Many visitors are surprised to know that Williamsburg is host to as large a theme park as Busch Gardens. While it doesn't receive the media attention its sister park in Tampa does, Busch Gardens Europe is equally, if not more appealing. Spine twisting roller coasters wrap around the various sections of the park, each representing a different European nationality. For authentic German fare, the Festhaus offers a daily fest with live entertainment. Be warned, though, that Busch Gardens is a seasonal park, open in the Spring through Halloween, when the gates stay open late into the night for some spooky fun.

The Trellis - If have seen the PBS show "Death By Chocolate," then you know that The Trellis is where the mayhem originates. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the state, The Trellis offers delicious seasonal menus ranging from exotic salads and gourmet hamburgers to savory meats with seasonal vegetables. If you can save room for dessert, be sure to split the Death by Chocolate with your table - each slice of this decadent cake weighs a full pound!

Waller Mill Park - Nestled outside the colonial area is this nearly three-thousand acre park, filled with hiking and biking trails, a 300-acre lake for fishing and canoing, and vast play and picnic fields, perfect for a large party or family reunion. Waller Mill makes for an excellent getaway when the stress of work and traffic become too much.

Pierce's Pitt BBQ - There's no mistake with the spelling. The original sign maker purposely spelled Pitt with two T's, and the name stuck. But you don't have to be a champion speller to enjoy some of the best barbecue pork and chicken in the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy it with a pint of slaw and beans on the outside picnic tables, but be sure to come early. Pierce's can get busy around lunchtime, but people are willing to wait a long as thirty minutes for a JC's Special sandwich and fries.

History, cuisine, and excitement define Williamsburg as a unique and favored destination. For a summer getaway, Williamsburg offers a variety of fun options for anyone looking for a bit of everything in a vacation.

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Having lived in Jacksonville most of my life, I can remember a time when the speed limits on the roads were not as high as they are now. It seemed it always took forever to get somewhere when on vacation, even via the interstate. Fortunately, the turn of the century brings more technology to the road trip, and anybody in the Jacksonville area looking for a quick getaway will be happy to know that the city is not so large that you can't go anywhere for a day.

So if you have a weekend free and are looking for a change of scenery, a day trip around North or Central Florida provides the fun and relaxation you want. You won't have to spend too much time in the car, and there is always something to look forward to, coming and going. Here are just a few suggestions for your itineraries:

St. Augustine: Depending on where you are in Jacksonville, you're looking at a minimum of forty-five minutes to an hour to get to the nation's oldest city. Here you can tour the historic Castillo de San Marcos, which guarded this part of the new world from sea-faring invaders, then enjoy a stroll through the historical district and enjoy the eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants. The secluded beach areas also provide serenity that stays with you on the trip home.

Gainesville: Contrary to popular belief, there's more to this town than the Florida Gators. Gainesville's historic downtown offers a great opportunity for leisurely lunches and antiques browsing. Nature lovers can take in the lush Kanapaha Botanical Gardens or Marjorie Kinnan Rawling State Park for an intimate nature walk. Depending on where you are in Jacksonville, getting to Gainesville may take a mere one to one and a half hours on I-75.

Amelia Island: For the adventurer, Amelia Island is the perfect North Florida getaway. Kayaking, nature walks, fishing, and exploration of historic Fort Clinch are just a few of the activities that await you here. Afterwards you can enjoy some of the best seafood on the east coast as you watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. Amelia Island is less than two hours from most parts of Jacksonville, and some parts are so compact you may not need your car for most of the day.

Nature and history, fine dining and romantic scenery are yours for the price of a short drive from Jacksonville. Take a weekend and enjoy a neighboring town for a refreshing and exciting mini-vacation.

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Nowhere in the Mid-Atlantic United States will you find a more active and celebratory city than Norfolk, Virginia. With a growing downtown culture and the expanse of Town Point Park bordering the Elizabeth River, Norfolk sets the stage for many lively festivals that keep residents and visitors entertained throughout the year. No matter what season brings you to the heart of the Hampton Roads area, you are certain to find something fun to do and see.

Norfolk's festivals highlight the best of the city, from art and music, to regional cuisine and a strong pride in heritage and history. These events are continuous popular traditions for residents old and young, and newcomers to Norfolk are always welcome to join in on the fun. Be sure to mark your calendar and save the dates for the next big event, as accommodations and parking sometimes come at a premium.

Here are just a few of Norfolk's popular annual events:

International Azalea Festival: (April) Since 1953, the city of Norfolk has set aside a weekend in the Spring to commemorate the installation of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic presence in Norfolk. The Azalea Festival salutes the many nationalities and cultures that have helped shape Norfolk's diversity. Each celebration pays tribute to one particular culture and features the stunning Azalea Queen and her court, who lead one of the city's most popular parades.

Harborfest: (June) Harborfest is a celebration of Norfolk's nautical heritage. As one of the nation's oldest ports, Norfolk was and remains an important port of call for military and industrial ships. Each year at this festival the waters are alive with hundreds of boats sailing the river. Live music from top popular acts sets the energetic tone of the weekend festivities.

Virginia Wine Festival (October) One of the city's favorite fall traditions is the wine festival held at Town Point Park. Here wine enthusiasts may sample the best of the state's vintages along with gourmet snacks provided by local restaurants. Live music accompanies the scene as guests enjoy the cool autumn air.

Norfolk Jazz Festival (August) Grab a blanket and relax on the spacious grass of Town Point Park for two full days of world-class jazz. The Norfolk Jazz Festival is known for attracting some of the best-known names in jazz, reggae, and rhythm and blues, as well as thousands of music lovers who fill the park until past sundown.

Whenever you decide to visit Norfolk, you can be sure there is something fun planned. Enjoy the sights and flavors of this wonderful Southern city with a visit to any of her annual festivals.

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If you live, have lived, or have visited the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, chances are you have seen the outstanding changes made in Norfolk. Once regarded as a simple Navy town and a stop on the way to the beach or the more historical areas of the state, Norfolk is fast becoming an impressive metropolitan city. A lively cultural calendar, increased interest from major corporations, and the presence of NATO make Norfolk a city to watch in the future, for potential businesses and residences.

If you have never been to Norfolk, or merely drove through on the way to somewhere else, you should definitely consider a stay. Here are just five reasons to love Norfolk.

1) Growing downtown area There used to be a time, friends have told me, when people were reluctant to go downtown, as it had little to offer in the way of shopping and recreation. In the last five years, however, those same people have changed their tunes! Norfolk is steadily developing the downtown area to be more consumer friendly. The MacArthur Center, one of the city's largest shopping complexes, sits in the heart of an area revitalized by incoming boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Buildings on the perimeter are being renovated to accommodate urban, loft living, while corporations headquartered nearby encouraged the influx of employees to become residential neighbors. To have everything within walking distance - goods, services, churches, and recreation - makes Norfolk a very convenient place to live.

2) Sophisticated dining options With the growth of the downtown area, Norfolk is quickly vying other localities in Hampton Roads for dining honors. From nationally-renowned restaurant chains like Shula's Steakhouse to legendary eateries like Doumar's Cones and BBQ, Norfolk has just about every style of cuisine foodies can enjoy. Eclectic fusion dining, cozy coffeehouses, and savory ethnic restaurants await the famished here.

3) Family friendly activities One can only spend so much time at the beach! A trip to Norfolk offers visitors (and residents) many options for family-friendly entertainment. Recent additions to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk have made this park a growing local attraction, while the Waterside complex offers visitor a casual day of food and fun along the Elizabeth River. Nauticus, Norfolk's own nautical museum, gives visitors the opportunity to experience life under the sea and on the deck of the mighty USS Wisconsin.

4) The Norfolk Tides Did you know Norfolk is home to a professional sports team? The Norfolk Tides are AAA baseball at its best! Boasting one of the most beautiful ballparks on the East Coast, the Norfolk Tides are farm team to the New York Mets, and have delighted sports fans for several years. Many former Tides have gone on to successful careers with the MLB, and it is always fun to watch games and see tomorrow's sports stars playing today.

5) Year-round festivals Town Point Park in Norfolk is always busy, hosting festivals throughout the year on grassy lawns overlooking the Elizabeth River. From live jazz and reggae music, celebrations of Virginia wine and lowcountry cuisine, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks, Norfolk knows how to entertain.

The next time you consider a visit to Virginia, come to Norfolk and fall in love with this diverse, growing city.

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