I visited the White Birch Inn in Clayton. It’s a rustic yet elegant Georgia bed and breakfast. The local is ideal for visiting the numerous country festivals in the Georgia Mountains. Beautiful Lake Burton is frequented by visitors for boating, fishing and picnicking. Visitors might also want to gawk at the gorgeous mansions surrounding it.  Oh, and Helen, Georgia a destination for Oktoberfest and the cutest fairytale-like Christmas is just a few miles away.

White Birch Inn owners Chuck and Brenda Patterson fell in love with Clayton, Georgia. After building their own home there and partially relocating from Alpharetta, Georgia, the couple decided to use their talents to build a Georgia B&B. Brenda is an interior designer and Chuck is an architect. The rooms at the White Birch Inn are all named after trees. I stayed in the Hemlock Suite.

This  Georgia B&B is great for a mountain get-away, but you can still stay in touch with your friends and post your selfies. Wi-Fi available.

Chuck and Brenda Patterson, owners of the White Birch Inn, a Georgia B&B in the North Georgia Mountains.

Details like the tree branch on the wall behind the sofa add a lovely touch to the decor of this Georgia bed and breakfast and reminds guests of the birches on the picturesque North Georgia Mountains.

The inn itself is inside a restored building, redesigned by Brenda and Chuck. There are the usual comforts, Wi-Fi, a bright dining area, and a lounge area. There’s also outside sitting areas to take in the good old mountain air.

I enjoyed a delicious country breakfast at the Inn. Chuck is the chef in the family. He does a lot of  the cooking, and Brenda knows her way around the kitchen, too. She went to culinary school also.

Chuck made us all breakfast during my stay at the inn.

Guests can opt to eat out on the patio for breakfast if they wish.

The bed and breakfast is conveniently located in downtown Clayton. It is walking distance from restaurants, antique boutiques, and it is on the same street as a coffee shop. The coffee shop, White Birch Provisions is also owned by Brenda and Chuck.

White Birch Provisions is the two-level coffee and gourmet shop with wine and a plenty of adorable housewares. It’s a prime location for delicious baked goods, and the shop is just steps away from the bed and breakfast. It’s adjacent to the inn’s parking lot.

A Look at Clayton, Georgia

Fortify Kitchen and Bar

For dinner, I ate at Fortify Kitchen and Bar, a popular date night farm to table restaurant, which was full of people on Saturday night. The dress was casual or what we call, dress to impress. Menu items included entrees like filet mignon, crab cakes, and shrimp and grits. I had the fish and grits, which actually contained a combination of shrimp, grits, and fried chicken.

Yes. There’s beer at Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. There’s plenty of beer to partake in, but this Oktoberfest destination is also oodles of fun for families, also. Helen is naturally beautiful. The city looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. There’s even a store that pays respect to Hansel and Gretel. As I walked down the streets (which thankfully are not cobblestone) I heard a mother tell her delighted young son, “There’s Hansel and Gretel.”

Old Fashioned Fun for Oktoberfest

Helen doesn’t have to don decorations in homage of Oktoberfest. It’s an alpine city year-round. Nestled in the mountains, visitors will find homemade fudge, ice cream, and pretzels sold in the picturesque stores. Horses clop down the street, which is busy with SUVs, sedans, and tour buses. Yet, the horses pulling the carriages seem not to be bothered by all of the racket. The tourists in the carriages are delighted.  A horse walked slowly and steadily in front of my rental car, and I learned another lesson in patience.

I walked past a little old man playing the drums on the sidewalk. A couple of bystanders were drawn to him and chatted with him. Another performer sung German songs under a shelter,  and down the street yet another singer sung upbeat melodies on a stage. His audience members were ordering up all of the beer they could handle. Their voices were animated and jovial, festive. I’m not a beer drinker, but I thought about joining them for a hot minute. I didn’t, because there was so much more to see.

Festhalle Fun at Oktoberfest in Helen Georgia

The Chamber of Commerce building is the home of the Festhalle, an indoor venue with scheduled shows and plenty of singing, dancing and beer-drinking. ID’s are required to drink, but all ages are invited. There’s even a dance floor for the kiddies, and children under 6 can enter the for free. It’s half-price for kids who are 6 to 12. Admission is $8 Monday through Fridays. It’s $10 for adults on Saturdays, and it’s free to get in on Sundays. The Festhalle is open in the evenings, from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. from Mondays thru Thursdays and 6 p.m. until midnight on Fridays, 1 p.m. until midnight on Saturdays and 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sundays.  There’s more information about the Festhalle in Helen, Georgia on this calendar.

During the daytime hours, I saw dozens of people walking. Many people had pets with them. Pets are allowed in an area of the Festhalle, I read, but you should ask the Oktoberfest organizers first, to be sure. I even saw a sign in front of one of the small restaurants on the main drag, which said that the restaurant accepts well-mannered leashed pets. Not all restaurants accept, pets, though. However, some of them have outdoor seating, so you’ll have a better chance getting those restaurants to accept your pets.

To take a break from the excitement, some visitors like to float down the Chattahoochee River to relax and cool off.  Cool River Tubing is one of the popular companies for this activity. You’ll probably see a Cool Tubing bus going down the street during your visit. The water is calm and the breeze will feel great. It can get hot in Helen, even in the fall.

Aside from the table throwing, the Basketball Wives in Amsterdam was a great example of how to live your best life. Did you see the gorgeous countryside the Jackie, OG, Kristen and CeCe visited? Did you imagine yourself taking a boat ride like the Basketball Wives, without the confrontation, of course. Yes. You could swing by the Marijuana Museum or the Prostitution Museum, if you like.

Visit the Hash Marijuana and Hemp Museum like the Basketball Wives in Amsterdam

The Hash Marihuna and Hemp Museum is a favorite tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Shaunie O’Neal and Evelyn Lozada were a little too out of it to fully enjoy the museum during their visit, but if you don’t inhale marijuana before you go, you’re likely to see and learn about medicinal marijuana, how hash is made, and uses for hemp.  The museum is the oldest in the world dedicated to hemp or marijuana.

Museum of Prostitution

The Museum of Prostitutes is conveniently located in the Red Light District, housed in a former brothel. To curious visitors, it reveals the secrets of Amsterdam’s prostitutes.  Visitors can pose in a window  at the Museum of Prostitutes just to feel what it’s like to be a working girl, like the Basketball Wives did. Go inside one of the rooms where prostitutes. Learn sexy secrets and confessions.  The museum is sexy as well as educational. You’ll learn more than you ever thought you’d know about prostitution.

Basketball Wives in Amsterdam: Museum of Prostitution

Flower Market of Amsterdam

Floating Flower Market: Basketball Wives in Amsterdam

I love flowers, so I can’t wait to go to the Flower Market of Amsterdam where I could see all types of tulips and other flowers for sale. Amsterdam is an excellent place to shop for flowers and bulbs. Buy bulbs in the market and they can be shipped home. With a little care a colorful array of flowers straight from Amsterdam could be had. This floating market has been a source for gorgeous flowers since 1862, according to Holland.com. The flowers are sold from greenhouses affixed onto barges, definitely something to see.

De Wallen/Red Light District

Get an eye full or more at the famous Red Light District. Visitors have reported that the area is safe, but there’s bound to be lots of drug use, maybe it’s not so appropriate for kids. The Red Light District is where to go for people watching and window watching. Prostitutes dance or do whatever to lure those inside who want to buy, and there are plenty of places to legally purchase drugs in Amsterdam. Organized tours and other structured activities are there. You can’t go to Amsterdam without visiting the Red Light District. I’m calling it a must-see hot spot.

Amsterdam Historic Canal Tour

The Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam features a tour on a 100-year traditional Dutch boat. The tour takes visitors to Rembrandt’s neighborhoods and passengers will learn from the boat’s skipper, an experienced historian. This is really a special treat, because this beautiful salon-style boat only holds 12 people.

Do you feel stressed out, worried, or worn out? These luxury Belize resorts are just what you need to pamper you and rejuvenate your spirit. Which resort is the best for you? They all have amazing amenities, so read on to find out more.

Turtle Inn

Luxury Belize Resorts,Turtle  Inn Resort, Photo courtesy of the Coppola Family Hideaways

Turtle Inn Resort, a beach resort owned by Film Director/Producer Francis Ford Coppola, consists of 25 cottages, a family pavilion, a large beach house and another cottage called the Star Fish Cottage.

The resort is located between  between Seine Bight and Placencia, a vibrant little town with reggae bars, resorts,  and eateries. So, if you want to stay at a resort that is totally relaxing, yet not too far away from town (4 minutes away by car), Turtle Inn is the luxury resort for you. Be forewarned that Placencia has the smallest main street in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Photo courtesy of the Coppola Family Hideaways

Francis’ Family Pavilion is a luxurious dwelling in Turtle Inn. It has two bedrooms with a third bedroom loft. This is one of the most private options at Turtle Inn. Francis’ Family Pavilion is surrounded by a wall and it has pool access.

Beyond the pool is a dining terrace with a fabulous view of the sea. Guests who choose Francis’ Family Pavilion have a full-time butler and other comforts from a luxury Belize resort. For example, they are treated to comfortable robes, organic bath products, and an intercom system that links to the front desk of the resort.

Photo of Placencia by Bobistraveling Creative Commons

Placencia is a village near Turtle Inn where visitors can go shopping and grab some food in this tiny village.

Luxury Belize Resorts: Coral Caye A Resort to Unplug

Luxury Belize Resorts: Photo courtesy of Turtle Inn/Coppola Hideaways

Also among the Coppola properties is Coral Caye, located about 25 minutes away (by boat) from the Turtle Inn dock. Coral Caye is a private island and offers guests luxury accommodations, complete with a butler or caretaker a chef and housekeeping services.

The entire island has only two cottages and a great house for an ultimate getaway. Invite your friends. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated. Only one group or couple at a time may enjoy the accommodations, so your group will have the entire 2-acre island to yourself.

A Little Unplugged: Amenities at Coral Caye

 Luxury Belize Resorts: Photo courtesy of Coppola Family Hideaways

You can unplug a little at Coral Caye. The resort does have electricity, in every villa, but wi-fi is only an on-island amenity. There’s also no TV. Amenities include all meals, and the cottages have living rooms, sleeping areas and full bathrooms (with showers instead of tubs). The cottages have both indoor and outdoor showers.

The Great House

The Great House is actually a place for the guests to gather. It’s used as a giant living room/fun area with games, a full bar, kitchen, and a half-bathroom. Although guests use the Great House to socialize and for special dinners overnight arrangements can be arranged.

Luxury Belize Resorts: The Great House at Coral Caye, Photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

Coral Caye’s Island Amenities

Although it’s tempting to spend all of your days and evenings in the cottages, the island has the following amenities:

• scuba diving
• wi-fi
• shaded picnic tables
• hammocks
• fishing rods
• Canoes
• Suntan lotion
• The beach

Photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

Belize Ocean Club

Photo courtesy of the Belize Ocean Club

The Belize Ocean Club, also in Placencia, has one and two bedroom suites with ocean views and also views of the Maya mountains and the Placencia Lagoon.

Choose the Sunset Side of the Belize Ocean Club Resort for views of sunsets, the mountains and lagoon. It’s also the side of the resort where 16 Degrees Restaurant is located. This side is perfect for those who seek a romantic getaway.

Image courtesy of the Belize Ocean Club Resort

The balcony of the Sunset Side penthouse of the Belize Ocean Club Resort has a view meant to relax guests.

Belize Beach Club Ocean Side

The Belize Ocean Club has two significant and very different sides to choose from for your stay, the Ocean Side and the Sunset Side. The Sunset Side is for guests who want a little more privacy.

Photo by the Belize Ocean Club Resort

Penthouse on the Ocean Side of the Belize Ocean Club

So, the Ocean Side has views of the ocean, Latitude Beach Bar, and according to the resort, the “largest pool in Southern Belize.” Choose the Ocean Side of Belize Beach Club resort for easier access to the bar, beach and the pool.

Ka’ana Resort

Photo courtesy of the Ka’ana Resort

 Photo is Courtesy of the  Ka’ana Resort

If you happen to be a fan of the  TV show the Shahs of Sunset, the Ka’ana Resort and Spa might look familiar to you. The popular Shahs of Sunset reality TV show was filmed at the Ka’ana, and the show aired in the summer of 2016.  Located  in San Ignacio, the Ka’ana offers guest suites (Master suite, Casita suite, Balam suite) and villas in one and two bedroom configurations.  One important difference between the the villas and the suites is that the villas have private pools. Ka’ana Resort’s decor is minimalist, yet luxurious.

What Can You Do at the Ka’ana Resort?

Well, there’s a two-acre organic garden, so you can look forward to fresh, organic vegetables for your meals. Other amenities include free morning yoga classes twice a week and a spa. The resort has its own space for yoga, open daily. Private classes can be arranged.

Are you a fitness devotee, a culture craver, an epicurean, or a thrill seeker? There’s something for you to fulfill your healthy passions or remove a few items from your bucket list.

The Ka’ana Resort’s San Ignacio location places the resort near Mayan Ruins and a nature trail. So, it’s convenient to go horseback riding, have a jungle stay, experience history and culture during a tour of the ruins. You can also go zip lining, taking a helicopter ride or do some exploring underwater.

Yoga photo courtesy of Ka’ana Resort

Cayo Espanto

Cayo Espanto is a special, because not only is it one of the luxury Belize resorts, but it’s also an all-inclusive resort on a private island. This luxurious resort features five-star dining, stimulating and fun activities, and spa services.

Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto, a Belize Luxury Resort

Cayo Espanto features one and two bedroom oceanfront cottages and a overwater bungalow. Plunge pools, verandas, and private docks are some of the common features of the cottages. These cottages range from 1,200 square feet to 2,600 square feet.

Photo of Cayo Espanto, www.aprivateisland.com

Dining at the resort is a special experience, because Cayo Espanto presents individualized meals for its guests. Guests complete a survey, outlining your likes and favorite foods and dislikes. Once guests arrive, the chef and his team prepares meals that suits the guests individual tastes, therefore guests do not have to pour over a menu for meals.  Meals can be served outdoors or indoors, in suites, on terraces or in other pre-arranged locations.

Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto, www.aprivateisland.com

You will not need to pour over a menu to make meal selections. Just sit back and wait for gourmet delicacies to be delivered to you.

Because the point of staying on a private island like Cayo Espanto is to stay on and around the island. Cayo Espanto has enough activities available to keep you occupied. For additional fees you can:

You can:

• Swim with sharks
• Take a ride on a private yacht
• Go on a scuba diving trip
• Go bird watching
• Go on a tour of Belize
• Have a private picnic on a deserted part of the beach

Photo courtesy of www.privateisland.com Cayo Espanto

Terrazas Resort

Photo courtesy of Las Terrazas: Luxury Belize Resorts

As all of the accommodations on the list of  luxury Belize resorts, Las Terrazas, about 4 miles away from San Pedro, has  extra large residences, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, fully-equipped kitchens, in-room full-sized washers and dryers, and if you select a Penthouse suite, you’ll have either a personal plunge pool or a Jacuzzi.

Photo by  pixulture

Las Terrazas is located in the touristy area of Ambergris Caye, which is also where the airport is located. A few of the amenities at this boutique hotel include a 70-foot infinity pool, a poolside bar, airport transportation, and babysitting.

San Pedro, Photo by Taco Girl

Select Las Terrazas if you are up for an active vacation. The concierge has connections for zip lining, cave tubing, excursions to see the Tikal Pyramids, Xunantunich Maya Ruins, or the Lamanai Maya Ruins. You can also take a tour and see the sights by helicopter. The knowledgeable concierge can advise you of the costs and help make the arrangements.

Mahogany Bay Village

Photo used with Permission © 2018 Hilton

Mahogany Bay Village is a property within Hilton’s Curio Collection. Hotels in this are uniquely styled and cater to people who want one-of-a-kind experiences.

Choose Mahogany Bay Village if you want to stay in a hotel with a familiar name (Hilton) and be near the hustle and bustle of San Pedro. Mahogany Bay Village is only 10 minutes away from San Pedro, with its bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Photo used with Permission © 2018 Hilton

What’s So Special About Mahogany Bay?

Mahogany Bay has a variety of different accommodation choices, so if you are a single person, or if you have a medium-sized or large group, you can find a place that’s just the right size.

You’ll find accommodations ranging from small suites to family-sized townhouses. There are six different room types.

Mahogany Village  Bay offers its guests a private white sand beach, a saltwater pool, fitness center, carts and bicycles to rent. There is 24-hour security at the resort and a high-speed internet connection.