Single Parent Vacationing with Children

Traveling as a single parent with your child or children can feel like a daunting task, but remember that you are not alone! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 13 million single parents are in the United States. With a little planning and a well-rounded destination suitable for all ages and interests, you will be off on your traveling adventure without a hitch.

Speaking of the well-rounded destination, we have the perfect suggestion for you and your brood: The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in the northwest part of Georgia and nestled in the woods, The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort offers some of the most spectacular views of the mountains, river, and nature. The destination also offers a wide-variety of amenities to suit everyone in your entourage’s fancy: swimming, tennis, putt putt golf, weight-room, Teen Center, game room, WiFi connections, fishing, hiking, kayaking, tubing, and much more!

So, the first rule of traveling as a single parent is not to schedule every moment of your trip. Sleeping in, hanging out by a pool, and taking a spontaneous stroll with your kids are excellent vacation activities, especially if you don't see your children every day. The Villas at Coosawattee offers all of these options—and more than you can imagine! Often, it's the unplanned moments that become the family memories.

Second, a relaxed and happy parent is usually a better parent. So, take advantage of kid-friendly facilities and activities so that you can relax and soak in the enjoyment of your surroundings. The Villas at Coosawattee offers a Teen Center and a Recreation Center that offer just that.

While the facility carries the name “Teen Center”, don’t be fooled; it really is more family friendly with kids from one to one hundred enjoying the sun and fun. The Teen Center features a beautiful outdoor pool, and kiddie pool is also available for toddlers and babies. Picnic tables are a perfect spot for pool-side dining, and a park is only a short walk across the Coosawattee River over the swinging suspension bridge.

The Recreation Center is the highlight of the Coosawattee River Resort which includes two indoor & heated pools (Junior Olympic and kiddie), Fitness Center, game room, satellite TV, tennis courts, 18-hole miniature golf course, and a basketball court. For those parents desiring a more sedate entertainment, the center also has a wide-screen television available in the lobby along with WiFi capabilities while the kids go play in the game room.

Third, outdoorsy trips are easy on the budget yet offer lots of family activities and programs for all ages. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort offers accommodations with reasonable and friendly prices. The amenities and usage of the six parks are all included in the price of the rental, and the wide range of natural attractions such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, and wading in the river are compliments of Mother Nature.

Tubing (and kayaking) is offered by The Coosawattee River Tubing Company located just outside the Eagles Mountain Gate. A fun-filled 2-1/2 hour inner tube float down the Coosawattee River in the North Georgia Mountains is a relaxing yet invigorating way of spending the afternoon with your kids. Floating down the river is a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the peace and serenity of the North Georgia Mountains! Maybe spending the night under the stars is in your agenda? The Villas at Coosawattee offers three tent camping parks (Indian Fish Trap Park, East Park, North Park). Each park offers restrooms, charcoal grills, & fire-pits, and Indian Fish Trap Park and East Park offer playgrounds too! Keep in mind that the tubing, kayaking, and camping each incur a small fee.

The Villas at Coosawattee is just 75 miles north of Atlanta in Ellijay, Georgia (Off of Highway 515, turn onto Old State Route 5. Take a right towards Historic Downtown Ellijay for approximately 4 miles, and then take a left onto GA Hwy 382 / Green’s Country Store. Travel up the hill for .6 miles, and take a right into the main entrance of The Coosawattee River Resort). Accommodations start at $95.00 per night. For more information about a single parent travel adventure that is relaxed, kid-friendly, easy on the budget, and full of fun for everyone, visit The Villas at Coosawattee’s website (http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com) or call (706) 276-1075.

Summer Travel with Pets in the North Georgia Mountains

This summer, you want to get from here-to-there as safely and comfortably as you can with your pet. The proposition is not easy but we can assist with making the journey relaxing and rewarding. The decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. Devote extra time to prepare for the journey by having plenty of supplies to keep your pet comfortable in addition to familiarizing yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, accommodations, and more. Reading the following tips for traveling with a pet will help make your journey safe and enjoyable for both you and your companion.

Before leaving, check to make sure your accommodation accepts pets and find out of restrictions and fees. For example, The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, located in the North Georgia Mountains, offers dog friendly units at a charge $15 per pet per night for guests traveling with adult dogs over 12 months old and under 25 lbs. No more than two (2) well-behaved dogs per unit are permitted. The facility is clear-cut on its restrictions and fees, which is valuable communication when traveling with your pet.

Also find Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you're headed. Again, for example, if staying at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, the Ellijay Animal Hospital is located in Ellijay, Georgia and offers after-hours emergency care. Your pets mean a lot to you, and you mean the world to your pets. Ellijay Animal Hospital treasures the bond between people and their pets. The hospital staff realizes that these special creatures are members of your family -- more than just a pet. Understanding you feel this way about your pets, their goal is to exceed your expectations in every way. If traveling to the North Georgia Mountains, you can be rest-assured that in the event you need pet care, you have quality services nearby.

If the pet travels with you, it will retain a sense of identity. However, pets can become frightened and bolt away from you out of open doors and windows. Keep your pet on a leash when outside your car or accommodations. The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort also has other helpful recommendations: In consideration of all guests, dogs must be attended at all times. Pets should never be left alone in a unit or automobile. Due to safety concerns for employees and the pet, do not leave your pet unattended in your vacation accommodation. Be considerate of other guests by making sure your pet is not a nuisance and have your pet on a leash or properly carried outside. Last, when you are out walking your pet on vacation, be considerate and clean up after your pet

Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. Keeping feeding to a minimum during travel is recommended:

• If you are traveling by car, a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave is advised.
• If you are traveling by air, a light meal four to six hours before departure is recommended.
• Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip.

Whether your pet travels with you or by another means it should wear a special identification tag in addition to its regular one. Write the pet's name, your name, the person to contact at the destination, their phone number, a destination address, or that of a friend or relative, in case you want to be reached.

Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad. Many airlines also require vaccinations. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required, and of course, check with the airline and country to which you're heading.

If traveling by air, check the airline's requirements to see if your pet can travel in a carrier that can be kept under a seat in the cabin or must travel by air freight. In regard to timing:

• Get the pet to the air terminal in time by arriving 45 minutes in advance if the pet is accompanying you.
• If shipping the pet, get to the flight terminal two hours in advance of your flight.

So, after all of these tips, where shall you go this summer? The North Georgia Mountains would be fantastic! You could rent a cabin or villa at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. Your pooch would love to go walking in the woods, splashing in the Coosawattee River, or even chase a squirrel. The facility even features a fenced in dog park where your pooch can run leash free in safety. Even though summertime has arrived, some nights get cool—what could be more enchanting and heart warming than man’s best friend snuggling at your feet?

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
website http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com
email info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com, or
call (706) 276-1075

One of a Kind Father's Day Gift: Adventure in the North Georgia Mountains

Father's Day gift-shoppers are urged to step away from that necktie and select a distinctive testosterone-fueled gift for your father: a relaxing, invigorating, and custom-made getaway in the Coosawattee River Resort. Whether Dad prefers to tube or kayak in down the river, cast a fishing line into the fishing pond, hike through the wooded mountains, have some recreational fun, or all of the above, The Villas at Coosawattee has a gift combination designed to get Dad’s sense of adventure revved-up.

Nothing says "Blue Ridge Mountains" like a cabin or villa in the mountains by the river. Although Dad and his entourage will have all the conveniences of home - plus a few unexpected luxuries – The Villas vacation rentals give the look and feel of being off in the vast wilderness. Scenic surroundings, mountain views and native wildlife are just some of what Dad can expect to see:

1. After checking into his cabin, Dad and gang can head off to a fun-filled 2-1/2 hour inner tube float down the Coosawattee River. Floating down the river is a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or if kayaking is more his style, Dad can reserve a kayaking trip that lasts 1-1/2 hours and includes equipment and shuttle to and from the river.
2. If Dad is more traditional, a day of kicked-back fishing might be his style. Nothing could be better than a relaxing day on the water surrounded by all of the peace and tranquility of nature. The sun on his shoulders, it's a Dad's dream come true!
3. How about starting a Father’s Day tradition of an annual hike? Breakfast in bed and the traditional giving of the gifts are Dad pleasers-- but maybe what he REALLY wants is a little quality time out on the trail. Throw in a waterfall, a wildflower or two, and you'll make his day! The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect spot to start your Father’s Day tradition. Make sure to take some pictures to commemorate the occasion and add to the Father’s Day Hike photos through the years.
4. Maybe Dad wants more of a ‘spa day’ filled with a dip in a heated pool, working-out his muscles, and some recreational sports. The Villa’s has just that for him! He can enjoy the heated Junior Olympic-sized pool and the Fitness Center which is complete with treadmills, weight machines, free weights, rowing machine, and exercise bikes. He and his entourage can challenge themselves in the Game Room with arcade games, pool tables, ping pong table, and an air hockey machine. The Recreation Center features tennis courts, 18-hole miniature golf course, and a basketball court.

So how about that gift!? Picture Dad and his entourage nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a cabin or villa at a resort for a weekend filled with all the things Dad loves—tubing / kayaking down the river, fishing in the pond, hiking thorough the wooded mountains, and having fun at the Recreation Center. To read and see more about The Villas, please be sure to visit http://www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com, and to make reservations, please call (706) 276-1075 between 8am & 5pm EST

Mother’s Day Wine Tasting in the North Georgia Mountains

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, and what better way to show how much you love that Mother in your life than by taking her on a wine tasting weekend in the North Georgia Mountains. Whether a new mom, a soccer mom, or your very own Mother, any lady will love this wine tasting excursion.

First, The Villas at Cooswattee offer cost effective and cozy accommodations for your stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend excursion or a week vacation, The Villas offer quaint cabins, hot tub villas, and gorgeous A-frames to suit your needs. The amenities at the resort are wide and varied, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, perfect for long drives or quick hops over to the many resort parks. And most importantly, The Villas provides the perfect proximity to the two main destinations for your trip! Directions: Off of 515 turn onto Old State Route 5. Take a right towards Historic Downtown Ellijay for approximately 4 miles. Take a left onto GA Hwy 382 / Green’s Country Store. Up the hill (.6 miles) take a right into the main entrance of The Coosawattee River Resort

Corks and Crumbs offers a wonderful introduction to the Northwest Georgia wine country. This quaint little bakery and bistro with a wine tasting room is located in the middle of the Ellijay square, perfect for a walk around the fountain and peeking into all the shops. But don’t do all your shopping in the square as Corks and Crumbs is also an antique shop! The bakery and bistro offers a full menu of salads, sandwiches, soups, and brunch. Enjoy a delicious glass of award winning Frogtown Cellars Wine with your meal-- the wait staff at the Tasting Bar is happy to make a recommendation. Or have a seat at the Tasting Bar and chose from a wide array of Frogtown Cellars Wines. Directions: Off of 515 turn onto 1st Avenue / Hardee’s restaurant. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light on GA Hwy 52 / River Street. Continue for 1 mile to the square, and Corks and Crumbs is on the left.

Sharp Mountain Vineyards is perfect for a day's outing. Pack a picnic, enjoy a beautiful mountain drive, and take a tour & tasting for just $5. Savor your picnic at our Pavilion while drinking in the beautiful view – rows and rows of espaliered vines against a backdrop of blue-green rolling hills and a commanding view of Sharp Mountain herself. Sharp Mountain Vineyards was established with a single focus: to produce the best quality wines possible. Unlike growth-oriented and machine-dominated vineyards, Sharp Mountain Vineyards produces approximately 8 tons annually with winery capacity of 7,000 bottles per year. All of the wines produced at Sharp Mountain are unfiltered and very low in sulfites, and the dry wines have zero residual sugar. Directions: Look for the Grape Cluster Signs on Hwy 515 before and after Mountain Side Hospital. Turn at Jasper Jeep (Salem Church Rd.) and continue to follow the Grape Cluster Signs 4.2 miles to the Vineyard on the left.

What a perfectly unique and thoughtful Mother’s Day gift that you can give your special lady of your life. She will be eternally grateful for the well planned, relaxing, and memorable excursion that you planned in her honor. Don’t wait another minute—reserve your spot at The Villas, save a seat at the Corks and Crumbs Tasting Room, and arrange for that outing at the breath-taking Sharp Mountain Vineyards. You won’t regret it… and she’ll love you for it!

Splashing into Tubing and Kayaking Season

Spring time is here, and summer is just around the corner. Now that the warm weather is upon us, why don’t you take a trip to the North Georgia Mountains for some tubing or kayaking!

The Coosawattee River Tubing Company in Ellijay is just an hour north of Atlanta, GA and just an hour south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. A fun-filled 2-1/2 hour inner tube float down the Coosawattee River in the North Georgia Mountains is all yours. Floating down the river is a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the peace and serenity of the North Georgia Mountains!

If you are coming from out-of-town or plan to spend more than a day, The Coosawattee River Resort features The Villas at Coosawattee with cozy and complete accommodations. The Villas at Coosawattee are the complete get-away with affordable prices, comfortable accommodations, and plenty to do for every member of your entourage. One bedroom cabins start at $105, two bedroom cabins start at $155, three bedrooms A-frames start at $190, and three bedroom villas start at $210. Accommodations may include hot tubs, peaceful river views, large decks, spectacular mountain views, and fireplaces. Throughout the property, abundant amenities are easily accessible, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Tubing down the Coosawattee River is a lot of fun, and The Coosawattee River Tubing Company furnishes the tube, life vest, and shuttle service to and from the river for an admission price. Changing rooms are available, as well as tubing/meal packages and group rates. Although reservations are not mandatory, trips book fast so availability inquiry and reservation(s) are advised. . Please note that children must be at least 5 years of age. A waiver must be signed and submitted prior to the tubing excursion. To save time, please read the rules and regulations and then print & sign the waiver prior to coming on the tubing trip

In free-floating tubing, the tube riders are un-tethered and conveyed by the current of the Coosawattee River. Tubers paddle with their hands to steer, or groups of tubers can rope their tubes together creating a large floating group. Tubes used for free-floating were true inner tubes, but the customized tubes used at The Coosawattee River Tubing Company offer comfort and ease of use. These tubes are donut-shaped to allow the rider to sit comfortably on their back across the top of the tube while sitting into the center.

The Coosawattee River Tubing Company also offers kayak trips by reservation. Each trip lasts 1-1/2 hours and is $25.00 per trip which includes equipment and shuttle to and from the river.

The tubing and kayaking season opens May 1st and runs through October. The Coosawattee River Tubing Company schedule is as follows:

• May 1st to Memorial Day: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Memorial Day to Labor Day: Tuesday through Sunday
• Labor Day to October 1st: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Come join us for a fun-filled outdoor adventure! For more information or reservations for The Villas at Coosawattee, please give us a call between 8am & 5pm EST at (706) 276-1075, email us at info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com or visit us on the web at www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com. The Coosawattee River Tubing Company is located at the Eagle Mountain General Store next to the Eagle Mountain entrance of the Coosawattee River Resort or at http://www.coosawatteerivertubingco.com on the web.

Watch Spring Blossom!

Watch spring blossom in the Blue Ridge Mountains from one of the charming cabins or spacious villas in The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. The Villas at Coosawattee has your complete get-away waiting for you with affordable prices, cozy accommodations, and plenty to do for every member of your entourage. This spring 2009, one bedroom cabins start at $105, two bedroom cabins start at $155, three bedrooms A-frames start at $190, and three bedroom villas start at $210.

Drive the hundreds of miles through the Coosawatte River Resort and take in all the beautiful spring foliage and wildlife. Get out and explore the rivers and streams throughout the property. Enjoy the crisp fresh air on top of the highest points of the resort. Throughout the property, abundant amenities are easily accessible, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

"Charming".. that is what the ladies say about these one bedroom cabins on the river that feature fireplaces in the living room and bedroom. "Romantic" is another word overheard that describes these quaint getaways. Couples of all ages find these retreats just what they've been looking for. Experience that special weekend vacation that can easily stretch into a whole week of joy. A queen bed adorns the bedroom with a queen pull-out sofa in the living room. Cabins sleep up to four. Another style of rental is The Villas' 3 bedroom villas in several clusters around the resort, each with 1500 square feet. The first level consists of a bedroom with queen bed, full bath, living room with fireplace, and pullout queen sofa-bed, TV, washer/dryer, dining area, and full kitchen. A four person hot tub is also featured. On the second level, a bedroom with twin beds, a master suite with queen size bed, and a full bath are available. All of villas have a large deck on the back. Villas sleep up to eight.

Do you want a spring time retreat from your everyday life? Do you want an Easter get-away for a weekend or holiday? Do you want to save money while still being able to take advantage of extensive resort amenities? Find our hideaway in Ellijay, Georgia just over 75 miles north of Atlanta. Give us a call between 8am & 5pm EST at (706) 276-1075, email us at info@thevillasatcoosawattee.com or visit us on the web at www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com

North Georgia Golf Vacation

Has the state of the economy gotten you down? Do you want a golf vacation but want affordability along with activities for everyone in the family? Are you craving a guy’s weekend or trying to find a new idea for a couple’s outing but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Do you want to play at some of the leading courses in America with some of the most scenic views?

Many people feel playing golf is one of the most splendid ways to vacation. Whether you are an amateur or an expert golfer, challenging golf courses never fail your enthusiasm and interest. And if you are one of those folks who dreams of a golfing vacation but hasn’t taken one due to the cost limitations, we can make your dream come true! For those dreaming of a golf vacation, The Villas at Cooswattee in the North Georgia Mountains is the place to realize your dreams! North Georgia has some of the most scenic golf courses and provides you with a variety of other activities for you and your family.

The Villas at Coosawattee in the Coosawattee River Resort offers affordable, spacious, and quaint accommodations in the North Georgia Mountains allowing you freedom to golf at courses such as Butternut Creek in Blairsville, Whitepath in Ellijay, or Brasstown Valley. Accommodations vary from one bedroom cabins, three bedroom A Frames & Villas to two & three bedroom Condos. The expansive and varied amenities are exhilarating reasons guests choose The Villas at Coosawattee. Throughout the property, amenities are easily accessible, ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, camp sites, river parks, exercise & weight room, game rooms, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Reserve your villa with The Villas at Coosawattee and enjoy unlimited use of all the location’s amenities while being only a short drive from scenic and leading golf courses. If your main goal is to be playing golf during your North Georgia vacation, then worrying about all the other available activities is unnecessary. But you may just be tempted to dabble in all the opportunities you will have before you. After all, North Georgia is home to the apple festival, scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, and breath-taking spring foliage.

Spring in the North Georgia Mountains begins early, bringing new life in March and as early as February. Enjoy North Georgia’s exquisite display of dogwoods, azaleas, wildflowers, and mountain laurels as butterflies and hummingbirds visit the colorful and fragrant flowers. Ellijay’s expansive apple orchards are blooming with aromatic and beautiful apple blossoms as the days become warmer and longer. The best thing to do is to take the time to plan before-hand for any miscellaneous activities you may have in mind.

As mentioned earlier, Butternut Creek, Whitepath, and Brasstown Valley are available for public play. Butternut Creek Golf Course is one of the area’s finest public golf courses. Butternut Creek is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains and features 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways. Experience the thrill of playing this mountainside course with 18 of the best holes in the northwest Georgia area. White Path Golf Course features 18 holes on a beautiful and challenging mountain golf course, with a driving range and practice green available. The golf course is open to the public; however, memberships are also available to Gilmer County residents and out-of-towners. Brasstown Valley Golf Club offers a spectacular mountain golf experience with scenery as breathtaking as the play is challenging. The club has been ranked by both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America as one of the top courses to play in Georgia. The golf course winds through wildlife preserves, ponds and streams framed in by the mountains. With four sets of tees, all skill levels will be able to enjoy a layout that is maintained to standards you’d expect from a course rated so highly. The facility also offers full practice facilities, Pro Shop, and lessons / clinics.

The Villas at Coosawattee has your complete golf vacation waiting for you with affordable prices, cozy accommodations, and plenty to do for every member of your entourage. Give us a call between 8am & 5pm EST at (706) 276-1075, email us at crravillas@crra.biz or visit us on the web at www.thevillasatcoosawattee.com