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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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Best Spring and Summer Vacations in the Southeast

January 19, 2022 | Travel

It’s that time of year where I am cold all the time, wearing two pair of socks, and dreaming of going someplace warm (or somewhere indoors with fun things to do!) for a few days. I started thinking back over the past couple of years about some of the wonderful brands we have gotten to work with for vacations in the southeast. I wanted to share some of my favorite places in the southeast so you can start planning your spring or summer vacations. Let me know if you have any questions about these amazing locations!

Best Spring and Summer Vacations in the Southeast

Gaylord Opryland Hotel:

This hotel is an indoor and outdoor experience like no other. With seasonal events to entertain kids from 1 to 101, you will never be bored at this Nashville playground. From dining to scavenger hunts, to a spa and an indoor outdoor waterpark, this place truly has it ALL. I have stayed at a lot of places, and this one is truly one of my absolute favorites! I could spend a whole week at the hotel and never leave. Time to make it happen, haha!

Gaylord Palms Resort:

This gem is located just off Disney property in Florida, sshhh don’t tell too many people! We LOVE the waterpark here, especially the all new Crystal River Rapids, think lazy river without the lazy. It’s tons of fun, as are the other hotel seasonal events. They also have a bomb breakfast buffet.

vacations in the southeast

OWA:

We learned about OWA driving down to the beach a couple summers ago, and it has become a family favorite. Adorable walkable area, shops, restaurants, a magic show, amusement park, inflatable water park, hotel with indoor pool, and coming this year, an indoor/outdoor water park! We cannot WAIT to try it out!

Hilton Pensacola Beach:

Another family favorite we didn’t know existed (this seems to happen a lot…) Hilton Pensacola Beach is nestled in the best location on the beach, and boasts tons of rooms as well as HUGE gorgeous suites with sweeping gulf views. Rent some chairs or bring your own, relax at the pool or in the hot tub, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy. You are on vacation!

 

Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach:

This location is a great “halfway point” for us on our many trips down to Orlando. We loved the “extras” with this hotel, like a lazy river, fun games outside, a fire pit, and a seasonal tiki bar. The family suite had bunk beds and you can borrow Xbox controllers from the front desk. Score!

vacations in the southeast

The Lodge at Gulf State Park:

If you want quiet and peaceful to get away from it all, this spot in the middle of the state park in Gulf Shores is what you where you need to go! No other hotels around, everything has a very natural feel. The hotel has tons of sustainability practices, and one of the best breakfast buffets I have been to. Yum yum.

TradeWinds Island Resort:

This resort gives you a great “everything you need is here” vibe with restaurants, several pools, the beach, waterslide, live music, and even a miniature golf course! The sunsets are to die for, and the beach chair set up comes with amazing covers that provide perfect shade. Laid back and fun, we loved our time at TradeWinds!

vacations in the southeast

Walt Disney World Resort:

Obviously you all should know me well enough to know I had to include my beloved WDW. The water parks are now open (at time of writing, Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment but Typhoon Lagoon is open!) which I feel are a great way to beat the heat in the middle of your trip if you are wanting a more relaxing, leisurely day. Emma Kate was obsessed with the kids Ski Patrol area when we went on opening day last March, and we truly had an epic time. Of course ALL of WDW is amazing, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been lately! The resorts have great pools, the parks are always a good time, and the themed restaurants are out favorite.

Margaritaville Island Hotel:

This one is another family favorite, where we have made some amazing family memories. The first time we came here is when we fell in love with the Smoky Mountains, and we have been back several times since. The hotel is located on The Island which is full of shopping, dining, and did I mention dancing fountains? There is a luxurious rooftop pool and bar that make you feel like a celeb. There is a gym, bar, spacious well appointed rooms, and all the entertainment you can handle with a short walk downstairs to the Island. Such a blast!

vacations in the southeast

I hope you enjoyed this list of vacations in the southeast. We have made some wonderful memories, and I hope you get to make some with your family!

southeast vacations

 

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I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
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We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our favorite places to visit and feels like home. 🫶🏻

There are so many great businesses with employees that make you feel like family. Here are a few we visited over fall break. Be sure to save this for your next visit to the beach! Have you been to any of these places? 🍊 

@coastalorangebeach: Not only a beautiful restaurant right on the gulf with amazing food, drinks, and servers, but also a really great store with amazing merch! We found some great stuff. If you go to the restaurant, ask for J-Mac to be your server and make sure to get a bushwhacker with a peanut butter floater! 😋 

@florabama_olerivergrill : Right on the bama/Florida line, this fun restaurant boasts beautiful sunsets, a fun cocktail menu (the key lime colada was amazing!) and you can even rent pontoon boats and jet skis from the marina, or take a dolphin cruise! 🐬 

@theorangebeachstore : I’ve passed this store 100 times but this was my first time inside and now I’m mad that I have been missing out all this time. They have a beautiful selection of really nice souvenirs from great brand names you already know and love. Great quality clothing and other things like blankets, cup, hats, and candles. I shopped forever! 

@fbyachtclub_ : The Flora Bama Yacht club is also right on the state line on the bay side and has fun live music, a really nice menu including crab claws, hummus, chicken pasta, and key lime pie. Service was great and we loved the live music. 

Thank y’all for having us! ✨
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But why are they like this? I even tell him “I d But why are they like this? I even tell him “I don’t want a Bobby-sized bite” and it’s still fit for a polar bear. 🍰 

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Big batch, big flavor, zero stress! 😍 #sponsore Big batch, big flavor, zero stress! 😍 #sponsored 

I picked up the NEW Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage at @Foodlion and added it to my favorite red beans and rice — lean, smoky, and less sodium! 🍽️ 

The best part? This recipe makes plenty of leftovers, so no cooking tomorrow 🙌. 
Quick, easy, and totally elevated — your weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade! 

Comment “BUTTERBALL” to receive a link to shop these products at your local Food Lion. *Check your message request folder if you don’t follow my account in order to receive the link.

Bobby’s Red Beans and Rice: 

INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 - 1 cup celery, about 3-4 ribs
• 1 Sweet Onion
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 2-4 cloves Garlic
• Seasoning, Tony’s, chili powder, pepper, bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika
• 45 oz kidney beans
• 28 oz beef sausage, 2 packs
• 2 packs of Butterball Smoked Turkey Sausage
• 2 cup Beef broth
• Buttered Rice

PREPARATION STEPS
1. Chop/mince veggies (suggest food processor)

2. Warm butter on medium heat in pot then add veggies (about 10 minutes)

3. Add beans (slightly drain) and sausage (about 7 minutes)

4. Add garlic and seasoning and simmer about 10 minutes. 

5.) Serve over warm buttered rice

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Holiday shopping days with my mini me are some of Holiday shopping days with my mini me are some of my favorite traditions. ✨☕ 
From grabbing coffee to wandering through the decorated stores, there’s just something magical about this season. We laughed, made memories, and even managed to cross a few names off our list. 🎄 (ad) 

One of our favorite stops was Reeds at West Town Mall, where I spotted the new Victorinox Air Pro — a watch that’s Swiss-made with incredible craftsmanship, a stainless steel case, shock + water resistance, and even the ability to track 3 time zones at once. 🙌 It’s modern, timeless, and such a meaningful find for the men in my life.

The best part? Ending the day with full shopping bags, full hearts, and a gift I know will be worn and treasured for years. 💫 @victorinoxnorthamerica 

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Apple cider margaritas! 🍎 🍺 🎃 This reci Apple cider margaritas! 🍎 🍺 🎃 

This recipe is super easy and tastes like fall in a cup! A great option for people who want to have a festive fall drink but would prefer a cold drink. 

👉🏻Comment the word MARGARITA and I will send the recipe right to your inbox! ✨

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🏖️ I’m so thankful my parents took us on tr 🏖️ I’m so thankful my parents took us on trips growing up. When I was young, we didn’t have a lot of money, but they made every weekend getaway or camping trip special, and I have so many great memories. 

We may not have gotten to travel often until I was a teenager, but we still had a blast, and they even took us to a @spectrumresorts  property! (Ad)

As an adult, I am so grateful to be able to return the favor. To see them laugh and play with my daughter like they did with me. It’s one of those special full circle moments, those core memories that will stay with me forever. 🥹

Staying at @turquoiseplaceofficial makes things so easy, too. The condos are huge and we easily all fit without being on top of each other. There’s plenty to do with pools, a waterslide, lazy river, the beach, movie nights, kids activities, food, and more. ✨

It truly is the perfect place for a multigenerational vacation. So if you are looking for a great place to go with your parents, grandkids, aunts, uncles, or cousins, this is it. 💖

And, you can save 10% on your stay by using my code LOOKGLASS in the promo box when you are booking, here or at @thebeachclubresortandspa! 🏖️ 

Have you taken a multigenerational vacation? Where did you go? 

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We take her on these trips and cruises hoping she’ll soak in the adventure, the beauty, and maybe even the food from places different from where we live… but to her, nothing beats a corn dog and mac & cheese. 🧀 

And honestly, that’s the best reminder for us, that joy doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be yours. 🛳✨ 

#FamilyTravel #SimpleJoys #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycreators #cruiseship

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