Read more about the article Ritz Carlton Reynolds: Lake Oconee, GA

Ritz Carlton Reynolds: Lake Oconee, GA

I’ve stayed at many high-end hotel chains across the globe including Occidental Grand, Omni, Four Seasons, and InterContinental. However, I finally checked the Ritz-Carlton off my bucket list when DH (Dear Hubbie) had a company trip to the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee.

So what makes the Ritz so special? The brand became synonymous with luxury and opulence from its early beginnings. Opened by Cesar Ritz in 1897, the Hotel Ritz in Paris provided electricity and private bathrooms for guests. A few years later, Ritz opened the Carlton Hotel in London with a telephone in every room. The brand came to the US when Alber Keller purchased the franchise in 1911. Today, Marriott owns the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company with over 100 hotels in the world.

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Read more about the article National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche – St. Augustine, FL

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche – St. Augustine, FL

Just north of St. Augustine’s Old City Gates lies the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios. We learned about the site on the trolley tour when we moved our daughter into her dorm at Flagler College. Fast forward a couple of years later when we explored the tranquil grounds.

On the “Sacred Acre” visitors can see the site of the first parish Mass in the United States. The grounds contain trails through a rosary garden, the 14 stations of the Cross, the seven sorrows of Mary, and a historic cemetery. Our Lady of La Leche also encompasses a church, historic chapel, museum, gift shop, and pilgrimage center.

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Read more about the article An Overnight Stay at Tybee Island – GA

An Overnight Stay at Tybee Island – GA

Sometimes, I need a quick getaway from Atlanta to appreciate all the state of Georgia offers. After visiting the Okefenokee Swamp, we drove over to spend the night at Tybee Island along the coast.

To be honest, I hadn’t visited Tybee in over 20 years. As far as Georgia’s barrier islands go, we’ve spent more time at Saint Simon’s Island and neighboring Jekyll Island. Tybee, with a population of 3,000, lies less than 20 miles from Savannah so it’s worth visiting if you find yourself in the area.

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