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Travel - In The Southeastern United States
Union Station - From Train Station to Boutique Hotel PDF Print E-mail
Written by Erika Storm   
Sunday, 21 February 2010 06:00

Union Station Hotel

 

Nashville’s historic Union Station took on a new life as a boutique hotel in 1986 after serving as a train station since 1900.  The impressive Kentucky limestone structure was built in the Romanesque style of architect H.H. Richardson by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.  It opened on October 9, 1900 but was later turned into the hotel due to the decline of passenger rail traffic.

Now, A Wyndham Historic Hotel, Union Station is a member of Historic Hotels of America.  There are 125 guest rooms, and no two are alike.  It boasts of 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with six different meeting rooms.  Complete with a complimentary business center, the hotel offers many perks for travelers like a fitness center, concierge services and high-speed and wireless Internet service.   Union Station Lobby

Some amenities include Plasma flat-screen televisions with premium cable TV service, Herman Miller Aeron work chairs and personal work stations, cordless, dual-line telephones, voice-mail and dataport, complimentary weekday newspaper, coffeemakers, valet parking and more.

When you first walk in the lobby at Union Station, the beautiful architecture becomes evident.  There’s a stunning 65 foot high barrel-vaulted ceiling with 128 original stained glass panels that will take your breath away.  Marble floors, oak-accented doors and walls, sliver mirrors and limestone fireplaces are a fePrime 108w of the other architectural features. 

In October 2007, exactly 107 years after the building originally opened as a showplace train station, Union Station celebrated the completion of a $10 million dollar renovation.  During this transformation, a new restaurant was added among many other projects. Using only the freshest and finest products available, Prime 108 offers a delightfully sophisticated dining experience. Whether you require a venue for a special evening for two or a place for a business dinner, Prime 108’s menu offers a variety of scrumptious choices, making the restaurant a perfect location. 

Overall, Union Station offers a luxurious ambience.  It’s near the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Ryman Auditorium, the Sommet Center, the Nashville Convention Center and Vanderbilt making it a great place to stay when visiting Music City.  For more information or to make reservations, visit www.unionstationhotelnashville.com.    

 

Last Updated on Sunday, 21 February 2010 20:36
 
Escape to River Dwelling...A Modern Mountain Retreat in Blue Ridge Georgia PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristy Ensor   
Saturday, 06 February 2010 06:00

River Dwelling

 

Nestled in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath contemporary vacation rental called River Dwelling.  From the moment you pull into the driveway, this traveler’s paradise evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.  You can catch an afternoon nap on the screened-in sleep porch, read a book on the riverside hammock or slip into the hot tub beneath the old oaks and pines.  Regardless of your leisure choice, stress will melt away as you relax and unwind.

For the more adventurous spirits, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.  From kayaking and horseback riding to hiking or biking the nearby Aska Trails, the possibilities are endless.  In fact it was outdoors enthusiasts, Dan and Heather Kaufman, of Atlanta, who fell in love with this Blue Ridge, Georgia location.  They purchased the riverfront property with intent to build a second home for their family’s continued enjoyment of the area.

Instead of building a typical log cabin, they opted to take a more modernistic approach.  Dan, whose undergraduate degree is in architectural design, teamed up with Robert A. Tretsch, AIA of Harrison Design Associates, and they designed River Dwelling.  The two allowed the land to dictate the design of the house. Additionally, they partnered with builder Juan Ramirez of Studio D + C Construction.  With the combined efforts of these three men, who share the same ideals and passion for modern architecture, they were able to infuse the great outdoors throughout the inside of the home.  For example, expansive windows offer gracious views of the Chattahoochee National Forest while a 10 by 16 foot garage door wall, adjacent to the dining room, opens to the sounds of Mother Nature.

As one guest described…the home is a welcoming blend of “Soho chic and rustic beauty.”  The high ceilings present an open, airy feeling while the slate and dark hardwood floors coupled with the glass, stainless steel and concrete elements lend themselves to the modern aesthetic.

Located on a quiet stretch of the Toccoa River, just a quick jaunt from Atlanta, River Dwelling is a wonderful laid back travel destination.  It’s definitely a place where you can leave the worries of the world behind and get back to nature. For more information, visit their website – www.riverdwelling.com.

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 March 2010 00:24
 
Travel from small town B&B to metropolitian five star. PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristy Ensor   
Monday, 01 February 2010 09:00

Union Station Exterior

  

You may prefer staying at a quaint Bed & Breakfast in the country or perhaps a posh boutique hotel in the city is more your style.  Regardless of your choice, there are certainly many options for today's traveler.  The southeast offers many destinations to choose from, and we look forward to bringing you an array of travel ideas in this section.

 

Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 05:54
 


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