GAY TRAVELERS MAGAZINE
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  • LGBTQ+ VOICES
    • * Tommy McGlothlin - before the age of nine, I knew I was different
    • * We Must Never Forget That Being Gay Was A Crime
    • * Scott Wood - 29 months since I accepted I was gay
    • * Why I Celebrate LGBTQ Pride by Steven Skelley
    • * On Coming Out, Self-esteem, and the Love of Being Gay by Curt Solash
    • * Chet Kabara - Fairy child that did not expect to live long enough to grow up
    • * Happy Pride From A Former Homophobia Hostage By Christen Christensen
    • * Michael Doonan - Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name
    • * The Truth About The COVID19 Vaccine
  • Florida Spotlight
    • Pride Journey Orlando By Joey Amato
    • Florida Things To Do Links
    • Big Gay Key West - A large social event for gay chubby men and their admirers
    • Steven and Tom Visit the Wizard of Oz Museum
    • Key West Pride to Feature Parties, Performances and a Parade June 1-5
    • We Would Choose This AirBnB Condo Rental Over Any Hotel Room In Melbourne
    • Key West Pride to Celebrate Diversity in Paradise June 2-6, 2021
    • Manhattan Tower – New Units, Covid Protocols and Dining
    • Key West to Host Annual Womenfest Sept. 4-8
    • LGBTQ Miami - The best choices to create your dream Miami vacation
    • CEDAR LAKES WOODS AND GARDENS - A must-see Nature Coast attraction
    • GayStPete House - the laid back, quirky, friendly and relaxing clothing optional B&B in St. Petersburg, Florida
    • One Magical Weekend - a new kind of PRIDE
    • Central Florida's Freebie and Cheap Fun for Families​
    • Florida Theme Parks and Attractions
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
    • Schooner Freedom - Tour St. Augustine In A Tall Ship
    • St. Augustine Gold Tours - Private Driving Tours of St. Augustine Highlights
    • Pompano Beach – Florida’s Warmest Welcome
    • Casa Grandview - Historic Bed & Breakfast in West Palm Beach Florida
    • WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Comes to the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida
    • Come Out With Pride Orlando – Our interview with Jose Luis Dieppa
    • Valerie Paul Wedding and Event Planning
    • LEGOLAND 2018 Events!
    • Beach House Cabanas - Treasure Island, Florida
    • The Villa Bed & Breakfast in Daytona Beach, Florida
    • Old Florida Vacation Rental Homes – Short Term Vacation Rentals Near Sebastian
    • The Big Coconut Guesthouse - The friendly clothing optional gay men's guesthouse
    • Fishermen’s Village – Charlotte County Florida’s Resort, Shopping, and Entertainment Icon
    • Orlando North – Food, fun and entertainment in Seminole County
    • A Celebration of Friends - a celebration of mature men in the gay world
    • Coral Castle Museum - Miami’s quirky, mysterious and world famous attraction
    • Five Reasons You Should Go To The Delray Beach Open
    • Florida.com - deals on restaurants, concerts, sporting events and more
    • Christmas at Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee, Florida
    • Big Cypress Gallery and Swamp Cottages
    • Butterfly World - Coconut Creek, Florida
    • Liberty Garden Suites
    • Grand Resort & Spa - Fort Lauderdale’s Luxury resort and spa for gay men since 1999
    • Reunion Resort
    • Where To Find Florida's Space Coast Surfing Hotspots
    • Palm Island Resort
    • Smyrna Beach Club
    • Black Dolphin Inn
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Welcomes LGBT Weddings
    • Playalinda Beach - Florida's Space Coast nude beach
    • Island House
    • Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & St Augustine’s Nights of Lights
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort
    • Surfing Santas
    • Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
    • Tarpon Lodge
    • Two Fish Inn
    • Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key
    • Cypress Cove Nudist Resort
    • Florida Keys & Key West Events Summer & Fall 2015
    • St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
    • Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
    • White Sands Buddhist Center
    • FREE Florida Travel App
    • Schooner Freedom Charters
    • St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
    • Manhattan Tower
    • The Hilton Orlando
    • Plaza Beach Resorts
    • Our Naples, Florida Top 5 Attractions
    • Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule
    • Marineland Dolphin Adventure
    • Babcock Wilderness Adventures
    • Steinhatchee Landing Resort
    • Florida Same Sex Weddings
    • Historic Casa Marina Hotel Offers Same-Sex Weddings
    • Daytona Beach On A Budget
    • MLB Spring Training 2015 Schedule
    • Fishermens Village Resort - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • The Shell Factory - North Fort Myers, Florida
    • Boca Grande, Florida
    • Blue Man Group - Orlando, Florida
    • Delray Beach Open - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Tuckaway Shores Resort - Indialantic By the Sea, Florida
    • Discover NW Florida – Our Pensacola Area Favorites
    • King Fisher Fleet - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • Lake Como Family Nudist Resort - Lutz, Florida
    • Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza - Mount Dora, Florida
    • B2 Hotel - Miami, Florida
    • Palm Beach Hibiscus B&B - West Palm Beach, Florida
    • Liberty Suites - Dania Beach, Florida
    • Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Orlando, Florida
    • Busch Gardens - Tampa, Florida
    • The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa - Wilton Manors, Florida
    • Camp Mars Gay Campground - Venus, Florida
    • Casa Marina Hotel - Jacksonville Beach, Florida
    • Charlotte Harbor Highlights - Charlotte County, Florida
    • Cirque du Soleil La Nouba - Orlando, Florida
    • Fort Christmas, Florida
    • Gatorland - Orlando, Florida
    • The Grand Resort and Spa - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Hammock Beach Resort - Palm Coast, Florida
    • Haulover Beach - Miami, Florida
    • Historic Cocoa Village - Cocoa, Florida
    • The Inn On Charlotte - St Augustine, Florida
    • Inn on Fifth - Naples, Florida
    • Jungle Adventures - Christmas, Florida
    • Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida
    • Key West Express - Key West, Florida
    • Koreshan State Park - Estero, Florida
    • Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club - Naples, Florida
    • Naples On A Budget - Naples, Florida
    • Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens - Naples, Florida
    • Old Powderhouse Inn - St Augustine, Florida
    • Renaissance Orlando at Sea World - Orlando, Florida
    • Ringling Museum - Sarasota, Florida
    • Titanic The Experience - Orlando, Florida
    • Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma
    • White Cap Beach Condos - Fort Myers Beach, Florida
    • Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort - Deerfield Beach, Florida
  • USA Spotlight
    • Autumn is Provincetown’s Secret Season
    • New Mountain Biking Tour of North Dakota's Maah Daah Hey Trail
    • The Naked Trainers LIMITLESS RETREAT - A Transformative Nude Wellness Event For Men
    • The best Pride celebrations this June
    • Glow in the Park at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
    • Southern Utah Offers New 190-Mile Glamping Trail
    • Pride Journey Savannah by Joey Amoto
    • Pride Journey Chicago By Joey Amato
    • Summer Series of Gay Wine Events
    • Pride Journey Colorado Springs By Joey Amato
    • LA Black Pride weekend kicks off free community driven festivities throughout Los Angeles & West Hollywood
    • Pride Journey - Palm Springs, California
    • 2021 NYC Pride
    • Pride Journey: Atlanta
    • The 190-Mile Aquarius Trail Hut System in Southern Utah Unveiled
    • Joseph Puopolo Hikes the Constellation Trail in Prescott, Arizona
    • Southern Christmas Getaways From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Blues of Mississippi
    • SILVER AIRWAYS NONSTOP FLIGHTS START NOVEMBER 23, 2020 WITH FARES FROM $49* TO ORLANDO, TAMPA, AND FT. LAUDERDALE
    • Pride Journey: Monterey, California
    • Pride Journey: Aspen Gay Ski Week
    • Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Grand Rapids/Saugatuck By Joey Amato
    • Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
    • Pride Journeys St. Louis By Joey Amato
    • Southern Decadence 2019 - parties, parades, brunches and events in New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Providence, Rhode Island
    • Las Vegas Accommodations For Every Taste
    • Las Vegas Grows More Fabulous with LGBTQ+ Events and Celebrations
    • Las Vegas Issues 20,000th Same-Gender Marriage License
    • Rainbow Room to Host Inaugural Pride Ball - NYC Pride’s Only Black Tie Event
    • Pride Journey: Spokane, Washington
    • Pride Journey: Phoenix/Tempe
    • THE FIRST ANNUAL MENDOCINO PRIDE: CHASING THE RAINBOW FESTIVAL
    • Escape Resort Palm Springs – Our interview with Co-Owner Mark Hunter
    • Pride Journey: Provincetown Cape Cod
    • Foodies Guide To New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Milwaukee
    • Pride Journey: Portland, Oregon
    • Triangle Inn - Award-winning, historic Palm Springs Resort
    • The Best of the Best By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
    • Bearfoot Inn - An oasis in the desert in sunny Palm Springs, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis
    • Experience Holiday Chill in San Diego
    • Park Ridge Lodge - a relaxing men's retreat nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains
    • Starland Community – campground/retreat center located in a Southern California high desert setting near Joshua Tree
    • How To Enjoy Three Palm Springs Gay Resorts In One Week
    • Tortuga Del Sol - One of the most beautiful clothing optional gay resorts we have ever experienced
    • Cedar City, Utah – The Amazing Destination For All Four Seasons
    • Tyler Morgan Tells Us about The Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City
    • US West Coast Holidays Bus Tour – Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and more!
    • Pride Journey: Kansas City
    • The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers' Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee by Carol and Jim Steiner
    • Pride Journeys: Rochester, New York
    • Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa - One of Provincetown's finest boutique guesthouses with a unique clothing optional spa
    • Southern Cheyenne Marlon Fixico Helps Us Understand The Native American TWO SPIRIT (LGBT) People
    • Grant Philipo’s Las Vegas Showgirl Museum
    • Pride Journeys: Houston By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Philadelphia By Joey Amato
    • The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ¬- just about everything one could ever ask for!
    • Kings Island - The perfect combination of world-class thrills and family attractions.
    • A Visit To The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta – Coke Nirvana
    • Copper Cactus Ranch Men’s Retreat – The Men’s Sanctuary Near Phoenix, Arizona
    • The Best Of LGBT New York City
    • Provincetown – Where LGBTQ+ can be themselves
    • Seattle - The perfect cocktail for adventure
    • Long Beach Pride
    • Philadelphia LGBT Hotspots
    • The National Gem and Mineral Collection of the Smithsonian Institute
    • Escape Resort - Palm Springs, California
    • Santiago Resort - Palm Springs private, luxury, swimsuit-optional escape for gay men
    • Pigeon Forge – The Great Smoky Mountains Destination With Something For Everyone
    • Memphis – Discover the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll
    • Circle J Guest Ranch - Where men can come together in beautiful East Texas
    • New Orleans Fall Festivals
    • Michigan - Home to the Midwest’s Largest Gay Resort and more
    • Hollywood Museum Salutes LGBTQ
    • Coney Island & Luna Park
    • Elvis Presley’s Graceland – The Memphis Mansion and Museum of the King of Rock and Roll
    • Nashville – The Songwriting Capital Of The World and Much, Much More
    • LBGT MUSEUM EXHIBITS IN NEW YORK CITY
    • Roseland Resort & Campground – The gay, clothing optional resort on 222 acres in West Virginia
    • Simple Ways To Save On Airfare – Tips from AAA
    • William McKinley Memorial Monument and William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
    • Silver Dollar City - The amazing theme park for anyone who has ever played cowboy or cowgirl
    • Gay Naturists International - An organization that cares about who you are, not what you do
    • San Francisco - Use Attraction Passes To Save Money And See San Francisco
    • Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
    • Arcadia – Washington State’s Romantic Nudist Club Getaway
    • Where You Can Fly High In San Diego
    • What To See and Do In Ptown In 2017 - Provincetown, Massachusetts
    • Hillside Campgrounds - Pennsylvania’s clothing optional attitude free campground for gay men
    • Freedom Valley Campground - Ohio’s safe haven for gay, questioning and straight men
    • Vermontology Guided Tours - An intimate tour experience that feels like traveling with a group of friends
    • Maison Dupuy – The New Orleans French Quarter Hotel just two blocks from Bourbon Street
    • CampBuckwood - The All male campground resort in the rolling hills of central Indiana
    • The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center welcomes tourists, visitors, and first timers in 2017!
    • The Woods Campground - The LGBT clothing optional camping resort in the Poconos
    • Camp Camp - The all-inclusive, week-long real summer camp experience for LGBT adults
    • NUDE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND CANYON
    • The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa - Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville, Arkansas
    • The Showboat Branson Belle
    • Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Show
    • PRIDE Events - USA, Canada, Mexico
    • Provincetown Spring 2016 Events
    • Our interview with American Association for Nude Recreation President Beverly B. Price
    • Louisville Celebrates Marriage Equality With Wedding Contest
    • Provincetown Halloween 2015
    • Hot Air Balloon Festivals
    • Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tips
    • Tin Can Tourists
    • Broadway 2015 / 2016
    • GNI Gathering 2015
    • AANR Skinny Dip 2015
    • National Register of Historic Places Itineraries and Self-Guided Tours
    • Do It Yourself Covered Bridge Tour
    • U.S.A. Tourism Links
    • A+ Weddings by Rev. Vernon Diannah Porter
    • Edenfield House Bed and Breakfast
    • Gay Hotels & Accommodations USA
    • Gay Campgrounds USA
    • Alabama Road Trips - Alabama
    • USA National Parks
    • USA Zoos
    • Land's End Inn - Provincetown, Massachusetts USA
    • Chatham Gables Inn - Chatham, Massachusetts
    • Captain David Kelley House - Centerville, Massachusetts
    • Old Manse Inn - Brewster, Massachusetts
    • St. Simons Island, Georgia - Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
    • Parliament Resort - Augusta, Georgia
    • Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten - St. Mary's, Georgia
    • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - New Mexico, USA
    • The Best of Columbus - Columbus, Ohio
    • Georgia Mountain Fair - Hiawassee, Georgia
    • Goodbread House B&B - St Marys, Georgia
    • Huntington Hotel and Nob Hill Spa - San Francisco, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis By Joey Amato
    • Inns of Elegance - St Augustine, Florida
    • Jekyll Island, Georgia
    • Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Long Beach, California
    • Luray Caverns - Luray, Virginia
    • Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa, California
    • Oahu Nature Tours - Oahu, Hawaii
    • Palm Springs, California
    • Philadelphia & Brandywine - Pennsylvania's Uniquely Beautiful Gems
    • Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival - Canton, Ohio
    • Pink Jeep Tours - Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Provincetown: The Iconic LGBTQ Destination - Provincetown, MA
    • The Queen Mary - Long Beach, California
    • Renaissance World Golf Village - St Augustine, Florida
    • Ritz Carlton LGBT Package - Cleveland, Ohio
    • San Francisco Helicopter Tours - San Francisco, California
    • San Pedro & The Port of Los Angeles - San Pedro, California
    • South Carolina National Heritage Corridor - Mountain Lakes Region
    • Terranea Resort - Los Angeles, California
    • Tower Tours / Yosemite In A Day - San Francisco, California
    • Tybee Gay Days - Tybee Island, Georgia
    • Unique Beach Vacation Ideas
  • International Spotlight
    • INTERNATIONAL MEN ENJOYING NATURISM - social and recreational organization of like-minded men
    • Norse Atlantic Airways takes off from the west coast for the first time with its inaugural flight from LAX to Oslo
    • Naturist / Clothing Optional Boutique B&B in East Northamptonshire UK
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
    • NO TAN LINES VACATION - Clothing Optional Condo Rental in Tulum, Mexico
    • R Family Vacations LGBThailand 2020
    • SIX OF THE BEST CITY TOURS BY BIKE
    • Saddle Skedaddle - Break away from the tourist hordes and enjoy a different side of France from the comfort of your saddle
    • WILD TERRAINS ANNOUNCES 2020 SCHEDULE FOR PORTUGAL & MEXICO CITY
    • Pink Rose Guesthouse & Spa - Experience Cape Town and the Winelands
    • GAY CANADA - The best links for LGBTQ2 travelers
    • PARIS FRANCE for the gay traveler
    • HAVEN RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT - This haven is a little piece of heaven that welcomes LGBTQ guests
    • TheXT10 Men-Only GuestHouse in Costa Rica
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Tulum Mayan Ruins, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Chichen Itza, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Vigeland Sculpture Park & Museum in Oslo, Norway
    • Frank Jones Visits The Magnificent Cave Temples of Dambulla, Sri Lanka
    • Adventure Trips for Solo Travelers
    • NKD Training – Nude Fitness In London
    • PrivateFly - Island Hop In The Bahamas Luxuriously
    • St. Thomas Food Tours - Walking tours with a delicious twist
    • Butterfield & Robinson Offers Amazing Walking Trips Europe Asia, Latin America and Africa
    • The Abridged Guide to Venice’s Most Beautiful Canal Crossings
    • Enjoy Budapest With Free, Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Amatungulu Tours – Nudist Activities In The Most Picturesque Places In South Africa
    • MajorPride - The first Pride event in Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, UK
    • 48 Hours in Stuttgart
    • IRELAND’S DROMOLAND CASTLE COMPLETES 20 MILLION EURO REFURBISHMENT
    • Flavors of St Thomas Food Tours
    • Sacred Tours of Mexico - Experience the spiritual and historical traditions of Mexico
    • Olympus Tours – Tours of Cancun, Chichen Itza, Tulum and More
    • Vinales Valley, Cuba - Touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Shady Ladies Tours Presents Shady Ladies of Paris
    • Rusty Rover Tours – Delightful Tours of Prince Edward Island
    • A Free Tour Of Quebec
    • Contiki Travel - Celebrate pride in Athens, Ios and Mykonos
    • Camp It - Australian Camping For Gay, Bi and Trans Men Who Love Men
    • Whistler Pride and Ski Festival - Sports, culture, entertainment and LGBT Human Rights celebration in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
    • Villa Rainbow – The charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males
    • Out & Out Club Jamboree - Toronto's fun-filled week of summer camp for LGBTQ campers
    • DETOURS Travel - Laid Back Gay Adventure Travel
    • Gay Homestays - Matching travelers with LGBTQ property owners
    • TLVFest - Tel-Aviv International LGBT Film Festival
    • Titanic Belfast - Experience the Titanic on the very site where the she was built
    • Zoom Vacations- Gay Vacation Experts
    • World Naked Bike Ride
    • Bimini
    • CUBA! NOW BY LAND AND SEA
    • Poldie's Bed and Breakfast
    • Mexico Travel Tips
    • Australia Tourism Links
    • Cozumel Cruise Excursions - Cozumel, Mexico
    • Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters - Nassau, Bahamas
    • Journeying Through The Swiss Alps - Switzerland
    • Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter Nassau, Bahamas
    • Abaco Island Beach Resort, Bahamas
    • Adventure Eagle Tours - Tahiti
    • Avventure Bellisme Tours - Venice, Italy
    • Bruges, Belgium
    • Butchart Gardens - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
    • Chez Rick & Phil B&B - a safe environment in Normandy France for LGBTQ brothers and sisters
    • Dover, England
    • Eze, France - A fascinating medieval village
    • Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours - San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Godfrey Tours - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
    • Best Western Hotel Bologna - Mestre, Italy
    • Nassau Bahamas Easy Walking Tour
    • Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Pride Journey Iceland By Joey Amato
    • Polynesian Xplorer Tours - Western Samoa
    • Reykjavic, Iceland
    • Red October Tours - St Petersburg, Russia
    • San Blas Islands - Panama
    • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    • Vancouver Island, BC Canada
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
  • Cruise Spotlight
    • The Big Easy Cruise - New Orleans music festival at sea
    • The 70s Rock and Romance Cruise
    • Ultimate Disco Cruise 2023
    • Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise 2023
    • Country Music Cruise 2023
    • 12 DAY POLYNESIA CRUISE ABOARD ARANUI
    • Uniworld’s Mekong Jewel - Spectacular vacation in Vietnam & Cambodia
    • California Cruisin’ with American Cruise Lines
    • MIM TRAVEL - Join our Annual LGBT Cruise Event for the mature male and his admirers
    • The Viking Mars Will Be Named on May 17 by the Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle
    • Great Deals on Two New Atlantis Cruise and Resort Vacations
    • MSC CRUISES OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE OF SHIPS AND DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023
    • VIKING Announces Newest Ocean Ship And Three New Itineraries
    • Atlantis 2021 Gay Greek Isles Cruise
    • American Cruise Lines - First to Cruise the U.S.A. and the Only Line Cruising the East Coast
    • Expedition Cruise Lines for Summer 2021
    • Overseas Adventure Travel to Resume International Travel
    • Two Bad Tourists Gay Sailing Trip of Croatia - August 2021
    • Star Clipper Returns to Mediterranean for 2022 Season Star Clippers has announced that its namesake tall sailing ship, Star Clipper, will return to ply the blue waters of the Mediterranean for the 2022 season.
    • MIM TRAVEL - 17th Annual Gay Group Cruise for Mature guys (and gals) and their younger and older admirers!
    • Virgin Voyages is Loud and Proud for Pride
    • TLO Cruises & Tours - Cruising with Polar Bears
    • We Cruised To CUBA For $339 With An Open Bar!
    • Here’s where to find your Cuba Cruise
    • MIM TRAVEL 2019 and 2020 Gay Cruises and Tours
    • ON THE BLUE cruise 2020 hosted by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues
    • Everything To Sea - Clothing-Optional Relaxed Sailing for Men
    • Atlantis Events - 2019 All Gay Cruises and Resorts
    • Upcoming Meet Me On Board Gay Group Cruises
    • NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS SAILS INTO MIAMI WITH $115 MILLION NEW LOOK
    • Princess Cruises to Activate Three Additional Princess MedallionClass Ships in 2019
    • Disney Cruise Line Epic Adventures in 2020 - Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • BLISS CRUISES– 2019 and 2020 Cruises for adult swingers
    • Norwegian EPIC 11 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Gorgeous Ladies of Wresting – From their Netflix tv series to ComicCons to cruises, GLOW keeps entertaining 80s style!
    • Discover Florida Cruise Ports & Which Cruise Lines Sail From Each
    • National Geographic and Scenic Add New Sailings for 2019
    • Princess Transatlantic Cruise
    • Disney Cruise Line Announces 2019 Return of Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky and Discover The Vinales Valley
    • Book Your Big Nude Boat Cruise For 2018 & 2019
    • Atlantis Events All-Gay Cruises For 2017 & 2018
    • Big Nude Boat – Start Your 2019 With A Nude Cruise
    • Windstar Cruises - Experience Asia in Private Yacht Style
    • Cunard Welcomes Same-Sex Marriages on its Iconic Three Ships
    • Five Reasons To Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky
    • Chub Cruises – Cruises For Large Gay Men And Their Admirers
    • SAILORdudes Gay Sailing Adventures – Nude and Clothing Optional Gay Cruises
    • Amazing Nude Cruise Opportunities For 2016
    • Norwegian EPIC – Our Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida
    • Atlantis Events – Gay Cruises and Events
    • Viking’s 10 New Ocean Cruise Itineraries for 2017
    • Why Oceania Cruises is the Best Choice for Mature Travelers
    • Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour
    • Chumley's BearCruises
    • Norwegian 2017 Itineraries
    • Cruising On The Carnival Breeze
    • Carnival Breeze Behind The Fun Tour
    • Prime Timers 7 Night Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises for 2016
    • Star Trek: The Cruise
    • Pearl Seas Cruises Cultural Voyages to Cuba
    • Avalon Offers Palate-Pleasing Themed Cruises in 2016
    • Cruise Line Websites
    • Caribbean Princess - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises - 2015 Cruise Schedule
    • Carnival Victory - 7 Day New England / Canada Cruise
    • Carnival Inspiration - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Cruise Line Carry-On Alcohol Policies
    • Holland America Statendam - Alaska: Glacier Discovery Cruise
    • Holland America - Panama Canal & Inca Discovery
    • Holland America - 7 Day Western Caribbean
    • MSC Poesia - Caribbean Cruise
    • MSC Musica - Mediterranean Cruise
    • MSC Poesia Transatlantic
    • Norwegian Cruise Line - Chef's Table Experience
    • Oceania - Western Caribbean cruise
    • Princess - Australia / New Zealand 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - Greek Isles 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - 28 Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure
    • Princess - 15 day Iceland & Greenland Transatlantic Cruise
    • Princess - Northern Europe Grand Adventure Transatlantic 28 day Baltic Cruise
    • Princess - 10 day Tahitian Princess Polynesian & Cook Islands
    • Royal Caribbean - 3 day 4 night Bahamas Cruise from Port Canaveral, FL
    • Royal Caribbean- 7 Day Serenade of the Seas Southern Caribbean
  • Nudist and Naturist Spotlight
    • Federation of Canadian Naturists - Canada’s national nudist organization
  • Entertainment, Dining & Theater Spotlight
    • Photographic Artist Gianni Gianorso Rauso Shares His Love Of Italy, Photography, The Nude Body And Body- Positivity
    • Sunken Roads: Three Generations After D-Day movie review by Steven Skelley
    • A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood movie review by Steven Skelley
    • DON’T YOU DARE by Gayla Turner Book Review by Steven Skelley
    • Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary
    • COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF NAOMI JUDD
    • 100 Years of Men in Love - The Accidental Collection movie review by Steven Skelley
    • THE BATMAN movie review by Steven Skelley
    • Farewell Yellow Brick Road - The Final ELTON JOHN Tour Dates
    • Gotham Knights NYC Gay Rugby Team 2020 Calendar
    • SISTER AIMEE - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • FREE ADMISSION EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
    • ROCKETMAN – Movie Review By Steven Skelley
    • Boy Erased - Movie Review by Curt Solash
    • John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • YESTERDAY The Movie - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • La Cage Aux Folles at the Titusville Playhouse
    • The Opera House - The Met’s odyssey for a new home in the 1950s and ‘60s
    • The Wizards of Winter - Time Travel Back To A 70s and 80s Prog Rock Holiday
    • Wilander On Wheels - The first fantasy tennis experience with a former World #1 that comes to you
    • Ollom Art – Our interview with John Ollom about healing art, nudity and dance
    • The Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts - Bringing World Class Live Entertainment to Florida’s Space Coast
    • The Court of Two Sisters – New Orleans
    • Naked Boys Singing - Six guys. Sixteen songs. No clothes!
    • The Birdcage Fine Art Gallery & Studio
    • Spamilton - A hilarious parody of Hamilton
    • Zeek Taylor
    • Tab Hunter Confidential Documentary Debuts on DVD and Blu-Ray
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows Laugh your way to solving a crime
    • AA Garden Fusion
    • The Cork & Bottle
    • Lewis Black
    • Sister Act
    • Belinda Carlisle
    • The Naked Magicians
    • Kathy Griffin Wows Audience on Carnival Cruise Ship
    • Hairspray
    • Savory Faire Food Tasting Tour
    • Dracula
    • The Shady Maple Smorgasboard
    • The Full Monty Titusville Playhouse Inc.
    • Brazilian Grill - Cape Cod, MA
    • Zeta Brewing Company
    • Arlo Guthrie - Alice's restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour
    • Al Capones Dinner & Show - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Arabian Nights - Orlando, Florida
    • The Best of Columbus Dining - Columbus, Ohio
    • Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Ft Myers, Florida
    • The Golden Apple Dinner Theater - Sarasota, Florida
    • Jakes On Market - San Francisco, California
    • The Lazy Goat - Greenville, South Carolina
    • Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant & Dinner Show - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Medieval Times - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Oh Canada Eh? - Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Outta Control Magic Comedy - Orlando, Florida
    • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Florida
    • Dining In Provincetown Massachusetts
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show - Orlando, Florida
    • Sugardaddy's - Columbus, Ohio
    • 3030 Ocean Restaurant - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Titanic Dinner Event - Orlando, Florida
    • To Live and Love Well: The true story of a gay man's struggle with poverty, abuse, and excommunication from the Mormon Church
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Farm Fun, Festivals, Fearsome Haunts and Spooky Tours in These 13 Southeastern Destinations

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Farm Fun, Festivals, Fearsome Haunts and Spooky Tours in These 13 Southeastern Destinations

Colorful fall getaways with serious shivers, show-stopping pumpkin patches

Combine eerie haunts with a leaf-peeping vacation in the Tennessee or Southwest Virginia mountains. Hit Florida beaches for a hair-raising end-of-summer hurrah. Also tracing through the Carolinas and Georgia to Louisiana and Mississippi, each is a scenic and colorful destination worth a fall drive. The added bonus: Those looking for a shivery thrill or outright horror show will find some of the most haunted towns and historic homes in the Southeast, along with best-in-class seasonal fright houses. From ghostly getaways, exciting dining to plenty of outdoor fun, these 13 Southeastern destinations deliver all the fall feels, even for the faint of heart.

While traveling, please heed area COVID safety policies and guidelines. Check each destination and attraction’s COVID announcements. Be sure to review the haunted tour and horror house websites for safety, photography and other guidance. 

The Mountains: East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia

Loudon County, Tennessee
Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga in East Tennessee, Loudon and Lenoir City in Loudon County are known as the less-congested Lakeway to the Smokies, full of fall color, beautiful scenery and a multitude of outdoor water and mountain activities. It’s the best of both worlds: close to the park while staying on the lakes and rivers in cabins far from the madding crowd. With the Smoky Mountains creating a backdrop for kayaking, boating and fishing on Tellico Lake or the Tennessee River, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning sunsets and trademark misty mornings. 

Loudon County’s Highway 321 is the most scenic and least trafficked route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East. Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique boutiques, antiques and dining spots. Near Loudon is the oldest family winery in the state, Tennessee Valley Winery. Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia demonstrates cheese and milk-making, offers tastings and a farm store. www.VisitLoudonCounty.com. Quail hunting can be pursued at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, East Tennessee’s resort and upland quail hunting lodge. A wide variety of farm fun and pumpkin-picking can be found at Deep Well Farm.

Nightfall Acres in Lenoir City is also a working family farm with harvest delights like pre-picked pumpkins and cornstalks for sale, but the biggest draw is after dark. Open September 30-October 31, Dead Man’s Farm offers serious fear factor. The haunted attraction enjoys many “Best Haunted Attraction” accolades, including "#1 Haunted House in Tennessee" by Frightfind, and named the "2019 Top 10 Haunted Attraction in America" by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. 

Each year the sprawling attraction adds new twists and themes to the frightening fun. Face down chainsaw-wielding evil in a three-acre corn maze. Scream your way through the revamped-every-year Haunted House Tour, with its story line of atrocities acted out in vivid detail. Coffins, virtual reality experiences and horror-based escape rooms all display professional street creds. Inside is not recommended for children under 12. Outdoor midway entertainment includes excitement for those more into freaky fun and less into fear, with performer photo opps. Open Thursday through Sunday every weekend in October. Check website for details/updates. www.DeadMansFarm.com

Abingdon, Virginia 
Founded in 1778, Abingdon is one of the oldest English-speaking settlements west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two hours northeast of Asheville, North Carolina and just past the twin towns of Bristol Tennessee and Virginia. Abingdon lies between the soaring peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Great Appalachian Valley, offering breathtaking fall color. The Virginia Creeper Trail offers sweeping elevated mountain and valley views from one of the country’s best rails-to-trails. Abingdon’s tree-lined 20-block Historic District is filled with art galleries, distinctive shops and more than 30 independently owned restaurants. Many ghosts are entrenched within its perfectly preserved Federal, Victorian and Colonial architecture. It’s a town to fall in love with, in spite of—or because of—its haunted history. www.VisitAbingdonVirginia.com.

“Haint Mistress” Donnamarie Emmert has been sharing stories of Abingdon’s haunts for 20-plus years. With a Masters in storytelling and a love of eerie history, she takes visitors down the brick sidewalks of the Historic district where colorful fall scenery and shivery stories abound. HaintMistressofAbingdon.wordpress.com Historic courthouse legends include a mysterious murder weapon disappearing act and a ghost that physically reacts to change. The landmark 1930s Barter Theatre entertains thespian ghosts (don’t be the last one out of the building). The Tavern, established in 1779, serves up German specialties, seafood, steaks—and spirits, including murdered card players, dead soldiers and one lively Tavern Tart. While the luxury accommodations at the four-star Martha Washington Inn and Spa inspire peaceful sleep, its long service as a private residence, women’s school and makeshift Civil War hospital carry haunted history. Hear tales of apparitions floating down stairs, haunting violin music and a bloodstained library floor. 

Wytheville, Virginia
Head high into the Blue Ridge section of the Appalachians to Wytheville in Southwest Virginia, at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81, 2.5 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina. Wytheville (ca. 1790; pronounced WITH-vil) is an off-the-beaten track getaway with unique in-town attractions, breathtaking mountain scenery and activities from fly-fishing and watersports to horseback riding and wilderness adventure.

Wytheville’s classic downtown includes the old, the contemporary and the quirky, like the selfie-worthy “biggest pencil in Virginia” outside the old Wytheville Office Supply. Just three miles from downtown, Crystal Springs Recreation Area and Big Survey Wildlife Management Area offer more than 9,000 acres of preserved lands, 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. A 57-mile trail, canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing are all favorites at the New River Trail State Park. Climb the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia, the 100-foot Big Walker Lookout, for views of five states at an elevation of 3,405 feet. The Big Walker Country Store offers live regional music, the wares of regional artisans, authors, and musicians, as well as gifts and locally made preserves and ice cream. 

Picking pumpkins and corn mazes are just the beginning of the reasons to visit two family farms. Plenty of seriously-fun activities can be found at Richdale Farm’s Fall on the Farm festival and Williams Orchard’s Fall Festival, and each has a different layout, adventures and ways to play. For more details on these, as well as activities at West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery, Seven Sisters Brewery and where to stay, go to the Visit Wytheville blog: www.VisitWytheville.com/wytheville-small-town-fall-town.

For paranormal activity, Wytheville has two options. In addition to an impressive military artifact collection, the 1870 Octagon Mansion History Museum is favored by bona-fide paranormal investigators. Have a gourmet Dinner with a Ghost and meet the spirits of past residents while engaging in a paranormal investigation. The Haunted Graham Mansion holds secrets along with unsettled spirits from the past trying to find rest from their dark memories. 

For those who love the scare-you-to-death vibe of a horror house, Helheim Haunted Attraction promises to “put the evil in Wytheville.” Housed in a creepy former 6,000-square-foot amusement park, this thrill-a-thon gets top ratings on sites like TheScareFactor.com. Actors are meticulous about makeup, costumes and special effects, which produce shock and awe in this post-apocalypse-meets-Viking-themed attraction. Helheim is the Norse word for hell, land of the dishonorable dead, but the owners will only hint at what’s in store. Definitely not intended for anyone under age 18. Fridays and Saturdays, September 23-October 29. ww.HelheimHaunt.com
www.VisitWytheville.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Onslow County, North Carolina
Located off of I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40, Onslow County is a destination full of history, coastal flavor, family fun and a host of water-related adventures for all ages and generations. The county encompasses Richlands, Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry and Swansboro, and is a playground for outdoor recreation from the beaches to exploring inland.

Local shops and eateries line the waterfront streets of charming downtown Swansboro. Locals say the best shelling can be found on Bear Island, a treasure of the beautiful Hammocks Beach State Park. All forms of fishing are popular here and plenty of experienced captains and guides can make any trip memorable. In Jacksonville, the county seat, sip and tour Walton’s Distillery, one of North Carolina’s favorite small-batch distilleries, manufacturing corn whiskey and moonshine. Huffman’s Vineyard in Richlands offers handcrafted wines in small batches. 

Mike’s Farm in Beulaville is a popular agritourism entertainment venue. Every year, Mike’s Farm is selected as the best pumpkin patch in North Carolina and is in the running this year for the top ten pumpkin patches in the U.S. with USA Today 10Best. Ride on a hayride and then pick your very own pumpkin. Afterwards enjoy a meal from their highly rated family farm to table restaurant, a dessert from the bakery or shop at the barn showcasing North Carolina products. In October, pumpkin patch hayrides will run continuously from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., along with the petting zoo, barn, gift shop and bakery. Restaurant and our Food Truck (weather permitting) will be open from 12-8. Visitors bring lawn chairs to enjoy free magic shows, live music and free tastings of North Carolina wines and wine slushies. An annual Haunted Hayride (October 27-29) is put on as a fundraiser by and for local volunteer fire departments. 

Lights, sound effects, woods, a scary walking trail past the Butcher Shop and other “abandoned” buildings. Fishstrong Foundation’s Annual Fright Nights brings on the fear and the fun with food and craft vendors, carnival games, a pumpkin patch and more. Proceeds from the hayride and walking Trail go to the Fishstrong Foundation, a 501(c)3 that raises funds to assist North Carolina families that are experiencing life-altering illnesses. Open Friday and Saturday nights starting September 30 – October 30, 2022, and a special night on October 31. Fishstrong Foundation’s Annual Fright Nights, 3100 Freedom Way, Hubert, North Carolina 28539 www.Fishstrong.org

For more information, including North Carolina’s COVID guidelines and mandates, visit www.OnlyInOnslow.com.

Goldsboro-Wayne County
In the heart of eastern North Carolina, halfway between Raleigh and the coast just east of I-95, is Goldsboro-Wayne County. Goldsboro sits on the banks of the Neuse River, where the brick storefronts have been reclaimed and restored, resulting in a delightful, award-winning town full of independent restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, art installations and galleries. Wayne County is home to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, one of the best (and oldest!) fighter communities in the world, and its military pride runs deep. Several of its restaurants are located on the NC Barbeque Society Historic Trail, and the Mt. Olive Pickle Company is headquartered here. Goldsboro is a welcoming Trail Town on the Mountains to Sea Trail, and outdoor lovers flock to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. 

Goldsboro-Wayne County was voted as one of the top five best locations in the United States to farm. With 500+ producers, agriculture is the largest industry in the county. Fall is the perfect time to sample and take home the bounty of the harvest, and plenty of events entice visitors. Plan to stay for more than a day just to visit an amazing array of produce stands, farmers markets and U-pick farms. The mission of the third-generation farmers at Odom Farming Company goal is to bring people back to the farm, get them excited about agriculture, and help kids see where food comes from. Among its events are Fall on the Farm, opening September 24-November 5, on Fridays and Saturdays. Two corn mazes, wagon rides, a playground with a hay jump, punkin’ chunkin’ and meeting the farm animals are just some of the entertainment, along with U-pick pumpkins and sunflowers. Check their social media pages for pricing and the latest updates. Friendly pets on leashes are allowed.

That’s just one of many stops on the Goldsboro-Wayne County Fly & Fresh Agriventure Trail, a new kind of trail that connects residents and visitors to eating fresh, supporting local, and getting outdoors. You’ll find an easy guide to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park and plenty of local parks, hiking and kayaking trails. Also included are farmers markets, farms with tours, produce stands, microbreweries and much more, including Heritage Farms General Store and some of the restaurants that incorporate this regional bounty on their menus. A few highlights: Holly Grove Farms, one of the largest farmstead and woman-owned goat dairies in the United States, offering cheeses, lotions and soaps, plus tours by appointment. Nahunta Pork Center offers delicious pork products using family recipes and old-fashioned cooking and curing techniques for taste and freshness not found at the supermarket. A Secret Garden Winery produces preservative-free, naturally fermented wines from the area’s native grape and the official state fruit, the Muscadine.

For chills and thrills, don’t miss the Ghost Walk of Old Goldsborough, Friday and Saturday nights during October and November. A paranormal investigator dressed in historical costume leads participants by candlelight and flashlight to discover unforgettable past inhabitants, hear what dark secrets downtown’s historic buildings hold, and why the spelling of the town’s name evolved. A paranormal investigator also leads the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield Ghost Tour, where 2,000 Confederate forces attempted to stop the Union’s 12,000 troops from destroying a vital railroad bridge. Both walking tours are about 1.5 miles in length, so wear comfortable shoes.

If you go
Stay overnight in flagship hotel brands, bed and breakfasts, AirBnBs and campgrounds. For more details on lodging, dining and things to do, go to www.VisitGoldsboroNC.com


FlORIDA

While some prefer to follow fall color forecasts, others love to chase the last notes of summer into the fall to some of Florida’s best hidden gems, where vintage and retro have been preserved and polished. Uncrowded beaches, nature preserves, natural springs, native American history and Florida cowboy ranches are among visitor superlatives. Best of all, farm tours and festivals last well into November.

Martin County, Florida
Stretching more than 22 miles along the Atlantic coast of South Florida, Martin County provides an uncrowded escape that combines Old Florida nostalgia and authentic seaside charm. From secret sun-drenched coves and private stretches of sand to expansive, lifeguard-protected beaches, there’s plenty of room to spread out and explore. This easy-to-get-to but hidden gem also offers more than 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, world-class fishing, lively downtown districts, endless golfing, unique attractions and more.

Agritours, U-Picks and festivals: In Indiantown, pick from a mind-boggling array of vegetables in season, including pumpkins, at 710 U-Pick, or enjoy a tour or farm-to table dinner at Kai-Kai Farm. At Pumpkin Towne Stuart, visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkin while exploring the kid zones and making memories at the fun photo spots. (open October 8 -31) Martin County’s fall festivals attract families from near and far. On October 2 the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast holds a fundraiser, Halloween Treasure Fest. Experience a ghost hunt, a spooky fun tent for little monsters, costume contests, face painting, vendors, food trucks, and more. Donate an item to the animals at the shelter for a free ticket into the drawing for a $100 gift card. On November 20, capture all the fun of the season at the 2022 Fall Festival Extravaganza, presented by Rockin H Ranch in Palm City. Time-honored activities include e a petting zoo, a car show, tug of war games, pony rides, pig racing, and hayrides, as well as a scarecrow decorating contest with a grand prize of $1,000.

Paranormal Ghost Tours: Port Salerno began as a humble fishing village before becoming a hub for the South Florida fishing industry. Today, it’s a bustling waterfront district known for its artistic flair, and its rich fishing heritage. But to learn more about the region’s spooky history and local lore, join a fun-filled night with Port Salerno Ghost Tours. During these year-round, nighttime excursions through historic downtown Port Salerno, participants hear hair-raising ghost stories and ancient legends. The search for lingering spirits uses instruments often seen on popular paranormal shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Tours are conducted by professional paranormal researchers, who also conduct separate investigations and events at additional haunted locations, such as the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Martin County’s oldest surviving building (ca. 1876) is the last of ten original safe havens for travelers who shipwrecked along Florida’s treacherous shores. Take guided tours through the building and learn about its fascinating and haunted past, which includes visions of apparitions and the aroma of beef stew wafting from the kitchen (which hasn’t been operational since the 1940s). 

Martin County is within 90 minutes to two hours of the Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando airports. A thriving arts and culture scene celebrates historic preservation and the region’s rich legacy. Area restaurants feature fresh-caught fish served alongside ingredients from local, organic farms. Martin County offers many lodging options, including quaint inns, one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts, chic oceanfront resorts, quirky fish camps, rustic campgrounds and favorite national and global hotel brands. www.DiscoverMartin.com

West Volusia County, Florida 
West Volusia encompasses 14 communities with an eclectic collection of attractions between Orlando and Daytona. From top-rated stylish and funky downtown DeLand to the scenic St. Johns River, this is real and authentic Florida. The region is known for everything from skydiving to manatee-sightings in Blue Springs State Park. DeLand’s “real Florida” downtown takes top rating as best outside of Orlando. Combining a sense of history and a contemporary vibe, it’s home to shops and boutiques, galleries and (nine!) museums, as well as a slate of annual events. Fabulous restaurants, microbreweries and a series of murals combine in this delightful downtown setting. Skydive DeLand is one of the busiest drop zones in the world. Eco-tours and fishing the St. Johns River are magnets for visitors. www.VisitWestVolusia.com

Neither haunted house attraction nor typical historic ghost tour, Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is in a class by itself. Established in 1894, visitors are drawn to the spiritual teachings and to experience the peaceful, healing energy of this community. Seminars and historic tours take place among the quirky cobblestone streets and meditation gardens. Walk and discover Cassadaga’s history, unique beginnings and the spirit activity that still goes on in the historic homes of present-day mediums. As the oldest active community of mediums in the Southeastern United States, and known as the Psychic Center of the South, readings and spiritual healings are given daily, preferably by appointment. Nearby, stay at Hotel Cassadaga, where Halloween takes on a more nuanced meaning. Mostly weekends, prices and hours vary with tour type. www.Cassadaga.org

GEORGIA

Americus/Sumter County, Georgia
In west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10, Americus is not only an ideal stopping point en route to Florida, it’s a top destination for its major attractions, including two national historic sites. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains honors our country’s 39th president, while the Andersonville National Historic Site is home to the Andersonville National Cemetery and the nation’s only POW Museum. 

The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a memorable ride in climate-controlled, 1949 vintage train cars. Regular weekend trips explore rural landscapes and the historic towns of Americus, Plains, Leslie and Archery, depending upon the schedule. Georgia’s only rolling state park is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, and has special tours planned, including a Murder Mystery Dinner Train on September 2. Taste of Sumter in Downtown Americus is held on Thursday, September 22, where Sumter County’s varied culinary scene is showcased. The Plains Peanut Festival is Saturday, September 24, which celebrates the farmers, the crop, all that is made from it, and a Nobel Prize-winning President. Activities include a road race and fun run, parade down Main Street, SAM Shortline train rides, all-day entertainment, kiddie rides, arts and crafts vendors and food. 

On October 1-2, history comes to life at the Andersonville Encampment in the Civil War Village of Andersonville. Hundreds of reenactors take part in mock battles both afternoons. Food, sutlers, vendors, and reenactments are part of the scene. One of Sumter County’s largest and most popular events, formerly known as the Andersonville Historic Fair, has been held for more than 40 years and offers something new every year. Free admission to American history lovers. The Americus Music Fest will be held at the historic Jackson Street Depot in Americus on Saturday, October 8. All genres of music will be featured in this newly launched event, which will include artisan and craft booths, food trucks and other fun. For details, visit VisitAmericusGA.com/local-area-events/

For deliciously shivery frights, take a Haunted History Tour on select nights in October, with stories of the ghastly ghosts of Andersonville, Plains’ haunted house, the historic Rylander Theatre’s “Frank the Friendly Ghost” and the grave of Sumter County’s first sheriff, killed in 1839. Built in 1892 to attract Northern “snowbirds,” the Windsor Hotel is a fully restored Victorian-Moorish architectural beauty with castle-like towers, turrets, balconies and a three-story atrium lobby. The benevolent ghosts of a housekeeper and daughter who were pushed down the elevator shaft to their deaths, and that of a beloved doorman, have been detected by certified ghost hunters. Even on tours, the creaky Windsor Hotel elevator might start up or a bell mysteriously chime. www.VisitAmericusGA.com.
www.Facebook.com/VisitAmericus

If You Go: Stay overnight and toast the spirits on the Windsor’s veranda, complete with rocking chairs and live music every Friday night. Have dinner at Rosemary & Thyme or a drink and appetizer at Floyd’s, the doorman’s namesake pub. Head to Café Campesino for a healthy breakfast and organic coffee. For more ideas, go to www.VisitAmericusGA.com.

Oconee County
An hour east of Atlanta and eight miles south of Athens, take the scenic route to Oconee County, Georgia, where visitors can pick buckets of flowers, play in a pumpkin patch, discover a treasured covered bridge, follow an antique trail, explore delicious local dining and more. Located in Georgia’s Historic Heartland region, the county seat is charming Watkinsville. Affordable and laid-back, Oconee County is a great basecamp for University of Georgia football games or other Athens’ activities.  

Take a scenic drive to the 1897 Elder Mill Covered Bridge, one of 13 functioning covered bridges in Georgia and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For horse lovers, Classic City Clydesdales offers farm tours in which visitors can get up close and personal with the larger-than-life breed, and experience shaggy-haired Highland cows and petting-zoo farm animals. 

For all-day activities, head for Washington Farms from September 24-November 6. Far beyond wagon rides and a petting zoo, farm fun includes more than 30 activities from a vortex tunnel and human foosball to pig races, jumping pads, climbing wall, low ropes course and a zip line. Pick from the pumpkin patch, get lost in the 6.5-acre corn maze and make a pledge on the wall of Growing Kindness. Pick a bouquet from sunflower and zinnia fields. To avoid extremely large numbers of visitors, capacity is limited per hour. The grill serves kettle corn, ice cream, hamburgers, pizza and more. To view fall U-pick, hours, activities and pricing go to www.WashingtonFarms.net/fall

Is there such a thing as too many flowers? Walk through rows and rows of blooms at Twin Run Flower Farm, where the owners provide shears, cups and buckets, even vases and ribbons for your creations. In a hurry? Stop by the Flower Farm Stand 9 a.m. -6 p.m., Wednesdays-Sundays, where pre-orders are welcome. The U-pick is open on Saturdays; weekdays by appointment, so check the schedule. Check their Facebook page for updates. 

For a lively fall fair atmosphere, don’t miss the Oconee Chamber Fall Festival October 15, in Watkinsville. A crowd-pleaser for 49 years and always held on the third Saturday in October, this outdoor event is a top regional draw. All items are handmade at this premier arts and crafts showcase featuring 200 vendors from all over the U.S. A wide variety of food vendors and fun activities make this a must-do. Free parking and admission; please leave pets at home. 

As one of the oldest towns in north Georgia, Watkinsville has some tales to tell that are both historical and eerie, including a haunted tavern, the lady who never left and more. Shivery thrills are enhanced by the fall air on a Watkinsville Haunted History Tour. Local folklorist, historian and actor Jeff Clarke has appeared in the series “The American Revolution” on the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel series “Tales of Terror–Historical Hauntings” and more. He takes guests on a spooky and spirited walk through downtown Watkinsville. 

Kingsland-Camden County 
On the southeast coast of Georgia, Kingsland is a small-town filled with natural beauty and Southern hospitality. A true nature lovers’ delight, Kingsland and Camden County are the gateway to historic St. Marys, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, some of the best kayaking in southeast Georgia, incredible inshore and offshore fishing and more. With proximity to the Georgia/Florida border, just 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, and easy access to Interstate 95, Kingsland is the perfect stop over for those traveling to Florida—it’s just under three hours from Disney. 

Known for its expansive salt marshes, winding creeks and nearby unspoiled Cumberland Island, Kingsland is a nature lover’s delight, especially during cooler fall weather. With three freshwater rivers and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, getting out on the water is easy. Kayak among the marshes, spot wildlife in their natural habitat or try your hand at fishing with a boat charter. Intown, find unique treasures along the redbrick sidewalks of Kingsland’s Historic Royal District, and browse the downtown Homegrown Market that is held is the second Saturday of each month. About three miles away, the Kingsland Farmers Market is on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1-4 p.m.

The Georgia Coastal Railway and museum is in historic Downtown Kingsland and offers themed train rides throughout the year. This fall The Georgia Train invites you to experience Halloween on the rails in two very different rides. Jump on the last train to escape a zombie outbreak, or have the kiddos face their fears and discover that not all ghosts are bad guys. Race to escape a Zombie outbreak on the “Survivor Train,” a live action, audience participation adventure to transport the survivors to a refugee camp. Running into some trouble along the way could be dangerous for anyone stuck outside the train with a zombie horde. Not recommended for children under 12 or anyone faint of heart. Kids and their adults prefer “Meet the Monsters,” a more family friendly, interactive train ride. Wear a costume and have a blast doing the Monster Mash with happy monsters ready to sing, dance, and share some candy. Both run October 8, 15, 22 and 29. TheGeorgiaTrain.com/halloween-train/ A Murder Mystery train runs September 10, 24 and October 1.

If you Go
Kingsland’s location off of Interstate 95 makes it a popular stopping place for visitors traveling in and out of Florida. Kingsland offers many lodging options from big brand hotels to inns and RV parks. For a complete list of Kingsland lodging options, where to eat and other ideas, visit www.VisitKingsland.com/placestostay.htm.

LOUISIANA

Natchitoches
In north-central Louisiana along the banks of the Cane River is the oldest city in the state, Natchitoches. Named after an American Indian tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is easy to access via I-49 which connects to I-20 to the north in Shreveport and to I-10 in Lafayette, to the south. Its 33-block National Historic Landmark District is paved with weathered brick and lined with wrought iron-laced buildings, stately live oaks, magnolia trees, shops and restaurants. Nearby, Melrose Plantation was built by the family of a former slave who attained her freedom. Don’t miss the works of renowned folk artist Clementine Hunter who began life as a field hand and cook here.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum celebrates legendary Louisiana athletes, along with unique state cultural traditions from early Native American civilizations to the present. Take a riverboat ride aboard the Cane River Queen or tour the riverbanks and picturesque downtown streets of Natchitoches in a classic horse-drawn carriage. Don’t-miss restaurants include Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen, where the legendary recipe was thought to originate, Cane River Commissary, with Creole cuisine and a monthly Zydeco Brunch and Mariner’s, serving seafood and sunsets along Lake Sibley. Stay in one of 30-plus B&Bs in the “Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Louisiana.” www.Natchitoches.com

A Natchitoches couple transformed a literal ghost town into Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, an outdoor adventure that combines a vintage setting with 21st century technology. Buildings in the former logging village have been preserved along with a rural cemetery and a turn of the century grave diggers shack. The new-each-year storylines bring the horror, folk tales and legends of Louisiana together in a unique immersive experience that is top-rated by aficionados, including The Scare Factor and Louisiana Haunted Houses websites. Character actors, detailed costuming, realistic sets and Hollywood-style special effects produce an atmosphere of foreboding and fright covering over one terrifying mile. Black lights, 3-D attractions with Chroma-depth 3-D glasses, strobe lights, fog and moving floors add to the shock, awe and fear factor. www.DarkwoodsHaunt.com

MISSISSIPPI

Vicksburg, Mississippi
Just 45 miles west of Jackson and 75 miles north of Natchez, Vicksburg sits at the intersection of I-20 and the famed U.S. Highway 61, known as the Blues Highway. According to all accounts, Vicksburg is the most haunted town in the Mississippi Delta, with seven locations holding years of anecdotal and paranormal-investigator evidence. From a former Civil War battlefield and hospital to stately homes, Mississippi’s most haunted house and one of the state’s most haunted hotels, visitors have plenty of opportunities for eerie shivers. Four historic Bed and Breakfasts even welcome guests to an overnight fright. Why so many haunts? Vicksburg has a long and bloody history of conflict, between Native American and European settlers to brother against brother in the war between North and South.

At Vicksburg National Military Park, where thousands of soldiers perished, paranormal investigations and ordinary visitors have reported hearing sounds, smells and sights of battle, including cannon fire, horses, orders issued and screams of the wounded over empty fields. Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Walk includes a 12-block, leisurely stroll through Vicksburg’s oldest, most haunted neighborhood. The Trail of Tears, antebellum duels, yellow fever epidemics and a 47-day siege have left quite a legacy of restless spirits. www.HauntedVicksburg.com/newghostwalk.htm

McRaven Tour Home is Mississippi’s “Most Haunted House” and is considered to be the third most haunted house in the entire United States. Years of ghostly and paranormal activity have been documented by professional paranormal researchers and explored on A&E, The Travel Channel, 48 Hours and more. From the hideout of a notorious highwayman on the Natchez Trace to a prominent businessman who was murdered by Union troops, discover why spirits have lingered in the gardens and home that held a Confederate campsite and field hospital. Year-round historic and ghost tours, private paranormal discovery tours, no charge for children 5 and under. www.McRavenTourHome.com.

If You Go: Overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is quintessentially Southern. Live music adds to the fun at rooftop bars overlooking the river and outstanding local restaurants throughout the downtown shopping and entertainment district. Historic trail bicycling, fishing and paddling the river are favorite outdoor pastimes. The cuisine is as diverse as the Mississippi culture. Both the Mississippi Tamale Trail and the Mississippi Seafood Trail are represented here, as are revered establishments featuring local produce, original recipes and a reputation for Southern hospitality. www.VisitVicksburg.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina
Just east of Augusta, Georgia, along I-20 between Atlanta and Charleston are the rolling hills of Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. This four-county part of the Palmetto State is filled with world-renowned horse racing, training and tracks, Civil War sites, gardens and plantation homes, state parks, historic healing springs, folk art and antique shops in charming towns. Thoroughbred Country’s epicenter is Aiken, developed in the early 1900s as a “Winter Colony” for the rich and famous, who introduced the traditions of polo and thoroughbred racing.

Roll into a day of fun with an Aiken Trolley Tour. This two-hour excursion is an immersion into the best of Aiken with a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens. Next door, enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. Year-round golf can be played on courses frequented by current, past and future greats.

Soak in nature’s restorative power at Aiken State Park where visitors can bring canoes or kayaks and glide along the 1.7-mile glistening trail winding down the south fork of the Edisto River. Explore authentic Mennonite culture with a visit to God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville. Drink from the artesian well and discover how this group brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here to drink and be well—a message we can certainly use today. 

Tailored Tours of Aiken–Haunted Aiken takes guests on a nighttime walking tour combining chilling tales of spirits with Aiken's history. Spooktacular stories include haunted secret passages in the Old Post Office and bones in the basement. In the former 1878 Aiken Hotel, phenomena over the years have included shadowy movements, whispers, crying and screaming from empty rooms, where toilets flush and doors open or close. Housekeeping carts found down the hall when left outside a room. These hauntings and more are included on a spooktacular nighttime walking tour offering combined with Aiken’s history. Ghost hunting tools aid in the discovery. Family-friendly. Year-round, including historic city tours. Learn more, here.

Stay in luxury at The Willcox Hotel, voted among the best in the world and consistently rated a favorite of guests and travel critics. Among the delightful area B&Bs are Rose Hill, the 1872 Carriage House Inn and the Lookaway Inn in North Augusta. Dining ranges from chef-refined and down-home Southern specialties, family restaurants, international cuisine and the unique find of a Mennonite bakery. More on what to do, eat, where to stay: TbredCountry.org


Article provided by Travel Media Press Room
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Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Copyright 2022 Sunny Harbor Publishing
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Sunny Harbor Publishing, Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone:
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Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com
Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org


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