NASHVILLE - There’s no sweeter way to spend St. Valentine’s Day than with a visit to one of Tennessee’s State Parks. All eight state park restaurants will be open Monday, Feb. 14, serving a special Valentine’s Day meal and special overnight packages also are available at Tennessee State Park’s six incredible inns.

If you just can’t wait to spend time with that special someone, the restaurants at Henry Horton State Park and Pickwick Landing will offer a Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday, Feb. 12, along with the restaurant at David Crockett State Park on Sunday, Feb. 13.  

A romantic candlelight dinner package for two runs from $19.90 to $44.95, depending on the location. Prices do not include beverage, tax and gratuity. Dinner reservations are available from 4 p.m. until closing at most of the eight Tennessee State Park’s restaurants listed below. For dinner reservations or additional information, please contact the park directly at:

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Cumberland Mountain State Park -- (931) 484-7186
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David Crockett State Park (Lawrenceburg) -- (931) 762-9541
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Fall Creek Falls State Park -- (423) 881-5241
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Henry Horton State Park -- (931) 364-2222
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Montgomery Bell State Park -- (615) 797-3101
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Natchez Trace State Park -- (731) 968-8176
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Paris Landing State Park -- (731) 642-4311
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Pickwick Landing State Park -- (731) 689-3135

If you want to treat your Valentine to a romantic weekend or overnight stay, the following Tennessee State Park inns are offering a variety of special room packages, including a delicious St. Valentine’s dinner for two and other amenities. Prices for one- or two-night packages vary, depending on the location. For room reservations or additional information, please contact the inn directly at:

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Fall Creek Falls State Park -- (800) 250-8610
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Henry Horton State Park -- (800) 250-8612
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Montgomery Bell State Park -- (800) 250-8613
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Natchez Trace State Park -- (800) 250-8616
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Paris Landing State Park -- (800) 250-8614
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Pickwick Landing State Park -- (800) 250-8615

Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features include six conference centers and numerous recreational opportunities, including golf courses and many pristine natural areas. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1-888-867-2757. For additional information, please visit www.tnstateparks.com.

Tennessee Travel Tuesday is here!

We'd like to introduce some great Tennessee deals/specials for ya: http://www.tnvacation.com/t3/

A newly designed Wilson County Visitors Guide has been released for 2010 and promises to be an important part of tourism marketing efforts, according to the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Official 2010 Wilson County Visitors Guide provides visitors information about points of interest, listings of transportation services, hotels, restaurants, shops, annual events and more.

Designed to provide the most comprehensive tourism information to more than 70,000 consumers, the 24-page Guide includes maps, travel information and targeted advertising to the thousands of visitors and new residents who come to Wilson County each year. It is distributed to all Middle Tennessee hotels and attractions, Tennessee Welcome Centers, local chambers of commerce and sent to thousands of individuals who have requested more information about the area.

"It's a comprehensive listing of attractions, special events, restaurants and accommodations that give our communities its appeal as a great destination," Ricky Rodriguez, director of the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said.

To view the online virtual guide or to request a free 2010 Wilson County Visitors Guide, visit the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau's website.

(ARA) - The travel bug is striking Americans across the country. Most of us feel a need to get away and recharge our batteries with a change of scene. If this urge to travel has struck your family, there are deals to be found, whether you're planning an in-state excursion, flying across the country or even boarding a boat for a cruise.

Imagine taking your family to a national park this spring break. Or celebrating the end of the school year on a family cruise. Or taking some time away from the kids with your spouse on a romantic weekend adventure.

Whether you're planning to fly, drive, sail or just spend some time in the hotel, you can find fantastic travel deals and discounts right now.

* Look for the specials. Cruise ships, airlines, hotels, restaurants and even activity centers are offering special vacation deals. Think about visiting different port cities in Alaska or seeing the New England coast from your cabin's balcony. Or rent a convertible and feel the wind whipping through your hair as you drive through the mountains.

* Use your favorite online vacation search site for great savings when you combine hotel, car rental and airfare purchases. To make the deal even better, purchase your trip on these sites through Ebates.com, which will give you cash back on a percentage of your total purchase for additional savings. The best part about using a site like Ebates.com is that there are no points to accumulate or miles to redeem, and the cash back you earn is yours to use any way you want to.

* Consider varying the timing of your travels, especially if you're booking flights. Leaving on a Wednesday and returning on a Tuesday, or traveling early or late in the day can lower the prices tremendously.

* If you have accumulated miles, make sure you redeem them while searching for airfare deals.

* Start gathering the materials you need for your trip. Purchase travel books or luggage through more than 1,100 online stores on Ebates.com, and not only save money using coupon codes and discounts, but also receive a check back in the mail for a percentage of your online purchase.

Get started now on planning that vacation getaway to rejuvenate your body and refresh your mind. And try several of these tips to help you save money on your trip.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - American families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. Ninety-four percent of Americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by Expedia.com. To keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.

Expedia.com recently partnered with the National Park Foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's national parks.

"There are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars," says Lee Woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four. "Families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?"

Here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:

1. Get Inspired: Ken Burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for PBS titled, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Tune into PBS or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from Acadia to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

2. Pick the park: With original content from the National Park Foundation, Expedia.com's national park Web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.

The site offers pre-set "long weekend" itineraries to start your planning. You can also search through the "Can't Miss National Parks" section to learn about the park's location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. Expedia's site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.

3. More ways to save: Take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. While there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the Grand Canyon. Also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.

4. Book your hotel and rental car: If camping isn't your family's style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. And, if you're planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.

5. Give Back: Consider giving back to the National Park Foundation by visiting the Web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within America's national parks. Helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.

"Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get everyone involved in the process," says Woodruff. "There are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.

"While airfares and hotel rates do rise on and immediately surrounding major holidays, the weeks leading up to those times can yield amazing deals and wonderful opportunities to escape the hectic pace of the holiday season," says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Still not convinced now is the time for a quick getaway? Consider these facts:

Getting There

Airports will be crowded and frustrating as soon as the holidays arrive. Yet airfares are lower and airports are less crowded in the weeks leading up to peak holiday season. You're much more likely to score a good deal on airfare - and a less stressful airport experience - if you travel pre-holiday.

Driving trips are also easier before the holiday. Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, everyone will be visiting family and friends to celebrate. Highways are less likely to be clogged with traffic in advance of the holidays. To make the most of your weekend getaway, choose a driving destination that's easily accessible and offers the most "bang for your buck." Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example is a popular driving destination from many parts of the eastern seaboard and Midwest.

Hotel Deals

Hotel prices typically increase a day or two before a holiday - rates may even double over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. However, hotels are relatively empty and inspired to offer better deals in the weeks leading up to the holidays. In fact, rates can be reduced to more than half the cost of a room during peek summer season. You can find great package deals if you travel before the holidays, especially to affordable locations that are in their "off" seasons. Many beach resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages with admission to local attractions and many feature heated indoor swimming pools and even indoor waterparks.

Cool Prices on Hot Attractions

Attraction tickets that might seem pricey during high season will likely be more appealingly priced during the pre-holiday, "off season." Some outdoor attractions in more temperate climes, such as Myrtle Beach will stay open through the holidays, as will shows, indoor attractions and sites. Plus, you won't have to fight the "peak season" crowds or lines at year-round attractions like popular museums and aquariums.

A Taste of the Holidays without the Expense

What commercial venture in the United States doesn't stretch the holidays? With Halloween items appearing on store shelves in early September, is it any surprise that resort attractions will don their holiday décor and feature holiday-themed events and shows long before the actual dates arrive?

It's possible to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themed shows, attractions and activities when you travel before the holidays. For example, the Myrtle Beach area offers everything from live holiday shows to candlelit gardens with carolers, Christmas tree festivals to holiday markets.   

To learn more about a pre-holiday getaway to Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family.

A classic activity that has stood the test of time around the country - and sometimes can be forgotten during the vacation planning process - is miniature golf. While for some it may not be the sole reason for choosing a destination, it is an activity that never fails to please once travelers arrive at their vacation spot.  

Many of the country's top miniature golf courses were originally built in tourist destination areas such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is considered the unofficial  "Miniature Golf Capitol of the World."

There are as many as 50 courses on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, which is located on the southeast coastline of sunny South Carolina, and with more than 14 million tourists visiting each year, the facilities are always busy.

"Mini golf is great no matter your age, athletic ability or golf skills," says Bob Detwiler of the popular Hawaiian Village course in Myrtle Beach, "It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and may even spark some friendly competition during your family vacation."  

A versatile and diverting activity for any age, miniature golf is perfect for multi-generational travel groups, family gatherings, and even couples. Its affordability adds value to the vacation and is great entertainment for everyone.

Nearly all of the Myrtle Beach area's mini golf courses are meticulously landscaped and adorned with tropical plants and flowers throughout warm-weather months. But it's each course's unique theme that sets them apart from mini golf courses found anywhere else. From man-eating dinosaurs and 40-foot tall lava-spewing volcanoes, to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships, the area's mini golf courses offer a variety of options in ultra-thematic environments.

Some vacationers have even come to enjoy mini golf so much that they've taken up the activity as a competitive sport.  Each year Myrtle Beach's Hawaiian Village plays host to the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship in October when a slew of top mini golfers compete for the green jacket of ProMiniGolf.

"People are very intrigued by mini golf; there is a clear connection between the sport and happy memories associated with it," notes Detwiler. "More than 80 people participate in the Masters every year not only because it is competitive, but also because it's simply enjoyable and amusing for all who play."

For more information on the mini golf possibilities or to request a visitor's guide in Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The holiday season is practically synonymous with family vacations. Visiting relatives you haven't seen in a year, gluttonous eating and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom. It's all par for the course, right? Well, it doesn't have to be.

Travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon, where they're finding comfortable spaces, just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room. In this tough economy, owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash, according to HomeAway, a collection of vacation-rental Web sites. And as the market floods, prices drop to lure renters.

A recent online search of hotels in La Jolla, Calif., a beautiful seaside community that's technically part of San Diego, revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night during the holiday season. A search for vacation homes returned two bedroom, two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night.

Not only do you get more space, you get the luxuries of home, such as a full kitchen, washer/dryer and parking, all of which are further money-savers. Plus, standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring, rarely lending insight into the destination's character. Vacation rentals are an actual person's home, albeit a second home. And some are even pet-friendly.

Here's how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs:
 
Where to start: Away.com, a research and travel-planning Web site, offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals, including houses and condos, from all over the Web. Find it at away.com/vacationrentals.

Be comfortable: If the thought of renting a vacation home "sight unseen" and directly from the owner is daunting, work with a property management company. Such companies, particularly ones with local offices, know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises.

Do your homework: Check out online photos and read all property reviews. If you're renting directly from an owner, reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction. And the golden rule: Clarify all costs and payment methods upfront. Time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end. 

Whatever you decide is right for your holiday vacation, book it now. As usual, the early bird will get the worm.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

If you love winter sports and pastimes, Washington State offers your family a huge playground for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more. No matter if you are a young first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, the mountains, rolling hills and valleys found in Washington bring a breath-taking beauty to any winter outdoor sport.

For example, if skiing and snowboarding in Washington are on your to-do list this season, check out Crystal Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park where not only can you experience shushing through half a dozen basins, but also enjoy beautiful views of the mountain up close. Each year, snowboarders flock to Mount Baker, with an average annual snowfall of 647 inches, to experience terrain in one of the areas many call the birthplace of the sport. A short drive from the Canadian border or downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is an active volcano standing 10,778 feet, offering spectacular scenery and hundreds of acres to discover. Want adventure right outside the city? Head over to Snoqualmie Pass, one hour east of Seattle, which not only gives skiers and snowboarders of all levels excellent runs at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, but also provides access to tubing hills and cross country ski and snowshoe trails as well.

Snowmobile fans can find about 80 lots within Washington State Parks to park a car, unload the snowmobiles and head out on more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Echo Valley Sno-Park in the west central part of the state near Chelan and Lake Easton Sno-Park located on Highway 90 southeast of Seattle are just two of the popular sites to hit the snowmobile trails.

If ice skating is the winter sport that interests you, Spokane is hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January - where the U.S. Figure Skating team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be named, just in time for the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12, 2010.

Washington is just a short drive across the border from many of the Winter Olympic sport locations, making it easy for you to plan your outdoor fun around a quick trip to catch some of the Olympic action.

You say winter sports aren't your thing? Don't forget that the Puget Sound area often enjoys a snow-less winter, and cities such as Seattle and Tacoma offer a variety of indoor cultural experiences, including symphony, ballet, opera, live theater and Broadway road shows to name a few. For a relaxed adventure outside the bustling city streets, hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy some winter island time with hiking, kayaking, shopping or just cozy fireplace-sitting.

Once you have your winter fun trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:

* Washington's climate is mild, but the mountains can be much colder. Average temperatures for the winter months range from near freezing to around 40 degrees in western Washington, with below-freezing temperatures in the mountains, so remember to pack extra waterproof clothes in case your trip includes mountain adventures.

* Plan ahead for the equipment you need. If you anticipate renting everything, contact a rental place near where you're staying or heading out for some fun before your trip to reserve exactly what you need. Visit www.experiencewa.com to find links for locations of recreation businesses and sites including rentals. If you're bringing your equipment, make sure you plan around airline baggage requirements or space in your vehicle to get everyone to Washington comfortably.

* Don't forget the sunblock. Yes, even in winter, the sun's rays reflecting off snow can cause a painful burn.

* Pack a camera to capture everyone carving the slopes or flying down a snow tubing hill.

For assistance in planning your vacation, visit www.experience.wa.com for events, transportation venue links, the official state travel planner, lodging opportunities and much more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent