The Camera Loves Savannah

She’s a beauty from so many angles, this charming Southern belle of a city. No wonder Sandra Bullock has a hideaway on Tybee Island, while films from East of Eden to The Legend of Bagger Vance have been filmed in the Savannah area over the past 30-odd years. Here are a few of Hollywood’s favorite Savannah spots:

Mercer House, the mansion where Midnight in the Garden of Evil was filmed, is not only where the true story played out, it also is still home to the same family, who graciously open it for tours.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, Georgia

Though the St. Paddy's Day celebrations in Boston and New York City may be better known, Irish eyes are smiling on Savannah, Georgia, every March 17th, when close to half a million folks fill the streets for the second-largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country. Beer is not the only thing that's colored emerald during the holiday. Every fountain within city limits is dyed green in a ceremony that dates back over a hundred years. Green also reigns supreme on everything from hair to dogs, even green eggs and ham.

Photo credit: Lafayette Square, Savannah (Savannah Area CVB)

Atlanta Day Trips: Unicoi State Park

One of Georgia's most popular parks, 1,050-acre Unicoi State Park lies just north of Helen and about 90 miles from Atlanta. During the state's 1830s Gold Rush, the area played a significant role in mining and shipping the metal to market. These days, however, visitors strike gold by way of 12 miles of hiking trails, eight miles of singletrack, and a 53-acre lake.

Photo credit: Unicoi State Park, Georgia (courtesy, Georgia Division of Tourism)

Cheap Family-Friendly Cities

Check out these four great destinations to get the best bang for your family travel buck.

Salt Lake City
Nestled at the base of a stunning mountain range, near miles and miles of shimmering salt flats and the Great Salt Lake, not to mention some of the country's best skiing. Cultural attractions include the Family History Center and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Stay in one of the city’s many hotels, or venture out to a nearby resort or campground.

Top 3 Romantic Getaways in the South

These gracious cities offer up Southern-style hospitality, history, and ambiance. To further aid your romantic tryst, here are some suggestions for budget-friendly options once you're on the ground:

Charleston
Summer and late fall are the priciest time to book that romantic B&B, so shoot for a midweek or off-season stay for the best rates. Check out the Farmers Market at Marion Square Park, featuring everything from musical acts to works from local artisans. Take a free visit to the Battery and White Point Gardens in the heart of Charleston’s historic district and stroll the romantic Gateway Garden Walk, also free.