Spring into your next family getaway by adding a touch of the unexpected to the timeless pleasures of a good old American road trip. Plug one, or all three, of these family destinations into your GPS and you’ll find adventures to keep everybody happy.

Quirky St. Augustine

There’s more to St. Augustine than meets the eye. With its strategic coastal location, once a magnet for plundering pirates, and deep Spanish roots, St. Augustine offers a Florida experience best suited to visitors interested in something beyond the usual. Yes, this town of 12,000 has great beaches, restaurants, historic sites and plenty of shopping. But wouldn’t you rather go gator tracking? Or see the world’s oldest rug? Sure you would.

Don’t Miss

•          Villa Zorayda, a Moorish castle and museum patterned after the Alhambra in Spain, complete with a cursed Egyptian rug woven from the hair of the sacred cats that used to roam the Nile.

•          Adrenaline Alligator Adventures, an interactive gator adventure that almost always gets its reptile. Sign on and you’ll be in the middle of the action, helping the pros snag and snare the beast while keeping those sharp teeth at bay.

•          Yarrr! The new timber-shivering interactive St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum transports your family back in time to the pillaging and plundering Golden Age of Piracy, complete with gold doubloons and treasure maps.

Springtime in DC

The cherry blossoms are in bloom until the end of April in America’s hometown, an ideal multi-generational destination. Between the grandeur of the national monuments, the Smithsonian complex and the National Zoo, home to giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Tai Shan, Washington D.C. has all the bases covered. Just keep in mind that the distance between wherever you are and the Washington Monument is farther than you think. The Mall — the heart of D.C. main attractions — is almost two miles long. And here’s a tip — if there’s a line to climb the Washington Monument, head for the Pavilion at the Old Post Office (Pennsylvania Ave., between 11th and 12th Sts. NW), where the clock tower affords an equally dramatic view. A food court on the main level offers snacks to keep everybody’s spirits high.

Don’t Miss

•          The Newseum, with its section of the Berlin Wall, gallery of Pulitzer Prize winning photos and an interactive newsroom, which gives kids the chance to be an on-camera TV reporter.

•          The National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall showcases some 8,000 artifacts including totems and both historic and contemporary art.

•          Fly high at the National Air and Space Museum, home to the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and a lunar rock sample that kids (of all ages) can touch.

Jazzfest in New Orleans

There’s always a party going on in the Big Easy but especially during Jazzfest, the annual music, roots and heritage fest held this year April 29-May 8 at the Fair Grounds Race Course.  What’s so special about this music event?

Depending on whom you talk to, it’s a tie between the 12 stages of music and the food, followed by, in no particular order, the people watching, the after-fest shows around town, and did we mention the food? With 2011 headliners including Jimmy Buffett, The Roots, local trumpet sensation Kermit Ruffins and Jersey boy Bon Jovi, Fest is an annual tradition for a legion of locals and music fans of all ages coming together for love of jazz and blues, Zydeco and gospel, and cochon de lait po’boys. Despite the thrumming crowds and weather that can range from gorgeous to blistering and torrential, the vibe is pure love fest.

Don’t Miss

•          Catch a Fest parade by the Mardi Gras Indians, a feathered and bejeweled tribal tradition that dates back more than a century.

•          New Orleans still needs a helping hand. With the sixth anniversary of Katrina approaching, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to aid in the city’s rebuilding. For a full list of options, visit Volunteer Louisiana.

It takes planning to figure out where you want to spend spring break, let alone what you’re going to do once you get there. To help with a few ideas to get you going, check out the Country Inns & Suites by Carlson amusement park hotel packages that you can tap into for an easier vacation experience and great savings. Here are a few to consider, and keep in mind, each offers a complimentary hot breakfast every morning:

• Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA) – Stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Williamsburg, Virginia and book the “Busch Gardens Splash Package”! Thrilling rides and fabulous shows combined with waterpark fun are included in this getaway. Book a three-day stay to enjoy two seven-day tickets valid at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, as well as $40 in area restaurant meal vouchers. Click for details.
• Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) – Visit all of your favorite Nickelodeon friends like Dora, Diego and Spongebob Squarepants at this unique, indoor theme park. This popular “Family Fun Package” at our Country Inn & Suites – Bloomington Mall of America includes two unlimited one-day ride passes, and coupons for exciting extras at the Build-A-Bear Workshop® and MagiQuest. Click for details.
• Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, AZ) – Now’s your chance to get up close with exotic animals like giraffes, monkeys and stingraysby booking the “Phoenix Zoo Package” the next time you stay at the Country Inn & Suites – Phoenix Airport at Tempe.  Two offers are available, and each comes with free zoo passes, free shuttle service to and from the zoo, and other valuable offers. Click for details.

View the entire list of up-to-date amusement park hotel packages by clicking here.

The end of winter is a great time to recharge with a break from the day-to-day. To help get you on your way, we’re excited to announce our Spring Getaway Offer for March and April that has you covered with great food or great entertainment.

Book a stay under the Spring Getaway Promotion for two or more nights between March 2, 2011 and April 30, 2011 at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and you will receive:

• Certificate code to redeem online for a $30 Amazon.com Gift Card* (or a 30 CAD Amazon.ca Gift Certificate*)
• T.G.I. Friday’s Offer* ($5 off $15 coupon upon check-in)
• 3,000 Bonus Gold Points^®*
• Free Hot, Expanded Breakfast
• Free High-Speed Internet

Spend your spring vacation at Country, and you’ll understand why so many guests are saying, “I love this Country.”

*Visit http://countryinns.com/springgetaway for more details and terms and conditions!

Travel writer Addie Hall developed this post on behalf of Country Inns & Suites and has been compensated for her contribution.

Whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, less is more when it comes to business travel. But even though it’s best to travel lightly, representing your company also requires that you dress professionally. In order to do this, you need the right tools.

Choose the Right Bag For the Job

If you will be taking a briefcase, be sure to either keep it with you or pack it safely within a larger bag. While multipurpose bags that hold both a computer and clothes are efficient, you may not want to drag a battered travel bag into a business meeting. And remember, if you’re flying you’ll need your laptop easily accessible at security checkpoints.

For shorter trips (1-3 nights)

If you’re only staying a few nights, you can usually get away with a smaller bag that can accommodate your office supplies as well as your clothes. Look for “weekender” or “overnighter” bags that have separate compartments for clothing and personal items. The Samsonite Wheeled Overnighter features a deep compartment for garments as well as folder pockets and a removable laptop sleeve.

For longer trips (a week or more)

If you plan on taking a week’s worth of clothes, you’ll need a bag in the range of 24-26 inches. Luggage made from ballistic nylon is a good choice because it is both lightweight and durable. Choosing a bag with four wheels—sometimes called “spinners”—such as the International Traveller London Range 24” makes it easier to get through tight spaces and change directions smoothly.

Travel-friendly Clothing

By choosing clothes in the same color family, you’ll be able to pack fewer shoes and accessories. Depending on the type of business you’re in, you’ll probably need one or two dark suits, a shirt or blouse for each day and a pair of casual pants, along with your basic underwear and socks. Many clothing retailers offer wrinkle-free travel clothing that is appropriate for business, such as Jos. A. Bank’s traveler shirts and pants for men and Brooks Brothers’ wrinkle-free shirts  for women. And women, be sure to pack extra pantyhose! Traveling wreaks havoc on your legwear.

Downsize Your Beauty Routine

When you’re visiting clients or attending business meetings, it’s generally not the best time to deviate from your normal routine. Take along your favorite toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser and lotion to ensure that there are no surprises from trying new products. Purchase smaller versions of your favorites from retailers such as 3floz.com (named for the TSA regulation of no more than 3.4 fluid ounces of liquid in each bottle in your carry-on) or fill reusable travel-sized bottles from your larger containers at home.

Addie Hall is a former magazine feature writer who got her start traveling the back roads of the South in search of good stories. She now works in corporate marketing in Birmingham, Ala., where the airport TSA agents know her by name.

In support of the current “Country Means Business” promotion, Road Warriorette will be featuring a weekly sponsored post on behalf of Country Inns & Suites and has been compensated by Country Inns & Suites for her contribution.

When deciding where to stay for a business trip, there are multiple considerations. Sometimes you just feel lucky to get a hotel within 20 miles of the office, as was the case when I was in a tiny town in Georgia last year. But when you have options, sometimes it can get overwhelming. Here are a few things to look for when deciding on your hotel.

Location. Different locations are important for different reasons. Obviously, proximity to the office can make things a lot easier. Commute time is shorter, and possible delays due to traffic are minimized. Sometimes, however, you want to be close to other things, like downtown, shopping, or the airport. This December I went to Pensacola, and the office I was visiting was as far away from the beach as you could get.  But I figured if I’m going to be in Florida, I’m staying at a beach. Even with the thirty minute drive, it was totally worth it.

Food. Will you be working late? Do you need to have room service available? Or is it enough to have good restaurants nearby? And what about breakfast? Do you enjoy the traditional continental option, or or will you build your own waffle?

Hotel amenities. Do you need a hotel with a gym or a pool? What about a fridge in your room? Will you need to print, copy, or fax anything while you are there? Do you need a universally accessible room? And of course, what about beds? Do you prefer a king, or two queens? Does bedding matter? Other amenities to consider are free breakfast and high-speed internet.

Reward programs. I highly, highly encourage you to try to stay at the same family of hotels whenever you can. Free trips are one of the best rewards for all of your business travel. The Home Warrior and I have taken many flights on American Airlines and Southwest from rewards points, and have been able to stay in hotels across the country for free. Another benefit? Once you attain Elite status you will often receive bonuses at check in, such as room upgrades, bottles of water, a free movie, or extra reward points. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, and most families of hotels have multiple price points. (Check out the Carlson family, which includes Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, Park Inn and Radisson hotels.)

Phoenix combines the best of the outdoors with the pleasures of city life.  By Mark Caskie
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San Francisco and its surrounding coastal areas accommodate a spectrum of moods.  By Nancy Oakley 

An improvised swing through San Francisco and south along the sunny California coast to Monterey delivers variations on a theme of scenic terrain and a parade of watchable people.
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 Seattle’s natural beauty and delicious cuisine create a wonderful family vacation destination. By Jennifer Haupt
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The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers a vacation playground for all ages. By Leah Shafer

With more than 6 million people, the Dallas–Fort Worth area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. But there’s still some folksy charm in an area that’s perfectly at home with the chic and fashionable, as well.

Day One
Start your day at upscale grocery store eat Zi’s, in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, minutes from downtown Dallas. Hit the grill and get breakfast sandwiches and fresh juice for everybody. Don’t forget an extra loaf of bread to feed the ducks.

Head two blocks east to Turtle Creek Boulevard; this is one of Dallas’ most tony neighborhoods, and the creek has plenty of shady spots to people-watch. Stop at Lee Park and see the classical architecture of historic Arlington Hall, built in 1939 and fully restored in 2002. The park itself dates back to 1903 and is one of the urban area’s treasured oases.

One of Dallas’ major airports is Love Field, which houses the Frontiers of Flight Museum in the terminal building. Take a flight through time with exhibits that range from the pioneering aviators of the 1920s to the rocket age that launched us into space. Kids love the old airplanes, hands-on models and interactive exhibits.

Head to the Knox-Henderson area and get ready for squeals of delight in Wild About Harry’s when your children try one of Dallas’ best frozen custard creations, such as “Mort’s Favorite” sundae with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. Sit outside beside the giant hot dog and watch the world go by.

Afterward you might head next door to Knox Street Market, a grown-up toy store with posh knickknacks and gourmet treats. A little farther down the street, visit Iota, a fine arts and crafts store showcasing sculptors, painters, jewelry makers and designers.

Dinner is upscale at Abacus, just steps away. The contemporary global cuisine of chef Kent Rathbun has kept this restaurant flush with accolades. Our favorite? Wood-roasted beef tenderloin with red wine butter, truffle-whipped potatoes and baby vegetables ($39).

Day Two
Start your day in Uptown at the most popular brunch spot in the area, Bread Winner’s Bakery Bistro. Kids love the breakfast tacos, and grown-ups can opt for the French ham Benedict.

Head west on Interstate 30 to Cowtown—Fort Worth got this name because it was a stop along the Chisholm Trail . Start the adventure at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Head upstairs and have a video made of everyone “riding” the mechanical bucking bronc; it superimposes your image on an old-timey video of a rodeo that you can download from the Internet later.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History offers an IMAX theatre, as well as special exhibits.

Don your cowboy hat and step into cowboy lore when you walk across the street to the Fort Worth Stockyards, at the center of the Stockyards National Historic District. There are more than 50 shops and stalls inside, but be sure not to miss the herd of longhorns that will walk outside at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wild West Weekends mean gunfights, cattle roundups, the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show at Cowtown Coliseum and the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze.

If you have extra time, you might mosey on over to the Log Cabin Village, with all the sights of 19th-century Texas on 2.5 acres in Forest Park. 

 Author Bio: Leah Shafer was dancing to “Cotton-Eyed Joe” before she could ride a bicycle.

Toronto is the place to see and shop for Inuit art. By Stephen Smith

A thousand years ago, Inuit nomads carved stone and bone and wood into figures of the animals they hunted across the eastern Canadian Arctic. Today, the descendants of those hunters continue to captivate collectors from around the world with the grace and spare beauty of their work. It comes in a variety of forms, from tapestries depicting northern scenes and stone-cut wildlife prints to what many consider a signature of the spirit of Canada’s far north: sculpture.

Toronto may be 1,200 miles from the tundra of Pangnirtung and Cape Dorset, where the works originate, but it’s also a must-visit center for anyone in the market for a musk ox or snow goose of serpentine. The best place to start the hunt? For a bit of background, browse the 200-odd pieces and interpretive displays in the Inuit collection at the Royal Ontario Museum also accessible for virtual browsing.

When it comes to buying, collectors know to head to established galleries such as the Mind Hat Gallery. You’ll find the city’s oldest dealer at The Guild Shop, where Inuit and Native art specialist Blandina Makkik (herself a native of Baffin Island) can help you navigate a collection of close to 300 pieces, priced $90 and up.

Walrus at rest or modern-day hunter riding a snowmobile? It’s up to you to choose between myth-based traditional work by carvers like Siutiapik Ragee and Ottokie Samayualie and more contemporary-themed pieces by artists like Ovilu Tunnillie. Polar bears hold an important place in Inuit spirituality, and it’s hard not to fall under the animal’s spell when you see the authority, grace and fluid power of Samayualie’s dancing bear in dappled black serpentine for approximately $1,600. Pick him up and you’ll have a hard time putting him down again.

Finished shopping? Time for lunch? Just down the street at Sassafraz, the menu has a perfect match with its creole spiced shrimp with double smoked bacon and corn risotto.

INSIDER’S TIP: The Guild Shop’s Makkik doesn’t mince words: “There’s a lot of bad imitation carving out there.” To be sure you’re getting the real thing, buy at reputable galleries and avoid tourist shops. Inuit carvings are unique, so there shouldn’t be duplicates on the shelf. Look for the distinctive igloo tag with which the Canadian government certifies original, museum-quality work.