Sunday, December 09, 2007
Life, Travel
Go toward the light
Holiday festivities get underway at local hotspots
By David Danzig
Maybe it was the 38th candy cane you ate. Maybe it was 94th time you walked into a store playing the Muzak version of “Rudolph” that did it. Or maybe it was coming home and seeing your annoying neighbor’s oversized, neighborhood covenant–defying inflatable Santa snow globe from CostCo that finally pushed you over the edge. Whatever it was, you’re officially burned out on the holidays and there’s still time to go.
Here are a few suggestions on how to enjoy the holiday spirit without the in-town or suburban mania. This holiday, breathe in deeply the crisp Georgia countryside air and enjoy the festivities at these resorts:
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Lake Oconee
What: The Lodge at Reynolds Plantation tastefully decorates the property’s trees with 1.2 million tiny white lights, resembling a glowing snow covering. Check out the largest gingerbread house in the South, made from 300 pounds of sugar, more than 500 pounds of flour, spices and candy galore, topped off with more 300 pounds of icing as well as edible-sized cookies available daily within the gingerbread house. Also enjoy a special breakfast with Santa on Saturdays through Dec. 22.
Where: Greensboro, Ga., an hour and change from downtown Atlanta on I-20 East.
When: Now through Dec. 30
How much: Visiting the Lodge is free as is seeing the ginger bread house. Breakfast with Santa is $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger.
Special packages: The “Holiday Lights” Bed and Breakfast package starts at $249 a night and includes resort view accommodations, buffet breakfast for two at Georgia’s restaurant and valet parking.
Insider’s tip: Request a special lakeside “chiminea dinner,” where you curl up with a blanket in front of your personal chiminea on Adirondack chairs, dine on gourmet Ritz-Carlton cuisine, sip champagne and roast smores.
How: 706-467-0600 or www.ritz-carlton.com
Callaway Gardens—“Fantasy In Lights”
What: Jump on the “Jolly Trolley” and witness what 8 million (yes, 8 million) lights and 3900 man-hours can create. Steer your car through more than a dozen scenes including Snowflake Valley, a winter wonderland filled with enormous snowflakes and thousands of white lights, Magical Christmas Garden with a 24-foot wreath entrance and Santa’s Workshop, showcasing animated lighted versions of Santa’s elves. Two spectacular scenes are set apart from the drivable route and incorporate narration, music and choreographed lights to tell the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and the Nativity on Robin Lake Beach.
Where: An hour and a half south on I-85 to Pine Mountain, Ga.
When: Through Dec. 30
How much: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children
Special packages: Stay and play with the “Fantasy In Lights” holiday packages, which start at $157 a night. This includes accommodations, breakfast buffet, Fantasy In Lights admission each night, admissions to the gardens, use of the Callaway Fitness Center and a limited edition “Fantasy in Lights” ornament.
Insiders tip: Feel green on the light tour: the 6 1/2 miles of lights and Christmas scenes are conscientiously lit by compensating every kilowatt of power with green power—a renewable energy resource where wind power credits offset conventional electricity.
How: 1-800-CALLAWAY or www.callawaygardens.com
Lake Lanier Island and Resort—“The Magical Nights of Lights”
What: Lake Lanier might be a little short on water these days, but not lights. In its 15th year, the resort boasts—get this—6 1/2 miles of animated light displays. Kind of like a Christmas light safari. At the end of it all, there’s a carnival, pony rides and marshmallow roasts.
Where: Located north of downtown Atlanta, take I-85 N to I-985 N to exit 8 (Friendship Road). Follow the signs to LLIR. Or take GA 400 N to exit 14. Go East on GA 20, turn left on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, and follow the signs.
When: Through Dec. 30
How much: Mon.–Thu. $30/car (up to 9 people); Fri.–Sun. $40/car. Vans (10–15 people) $55 and buses (16+ people) $150 anytime.
Special packages: Staring at $179 a night, you can arrange a stay at the Emerald Pointe Hotel and Conference Center, which includes accommodations for up to five, a vehicle pass for the Magical Nights of Lights, complimentary amusement park rides for up to three children, and complimentary breakfast with Santa in the Resort’s Window’s restaurant.
Insiders tip: Buy your ticket online for $30 plus a $1.95 fee for entry anytime, which will save you on the weekends.
How: 1-800-840-LAKE or www.lakelanierislands.com
Château Élan Winery and Resort—“18th Annual Lighting”
What: More than 35,000 lights outlining the buildings, vineyards and manicured grounds, plus a multitude of other Christmas-themed interactive activities. Santa Claus will also be making his annual appearances every Saturday and Sunday, until Dec. 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 40 minutes north of Atlanta, off exit 126 on Interstate 85 North.
When: Through Christmas
How much: A visit to the grounds is free. Some activities have separate charges.
Special packages: “Lighting of the Château Holiday Package” starts at $199 plus tax, and includes overnight deluxe accommodations for two at the Inn, breakfast buffet in Versailles Restaurant and a commemorative bottle of Château Élan wine.
Insiders tip: “Like the Dickens” carolers stroll around the property every Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 15.
How: 800-233-WINE or www.chateauelan.com SP