Leslie’s Leisure Presents Luxury Locales, Etcetera in Historic Savannah, Georgia

I absolutely love historic Savannah.  Whenever I visit, I prefer to stay on world famous River Street or Bay Street.  I find the water to be so calming and relaxing.  My husband and I stroll along the internationally renowned streets just enjoying the beauty of the city.  I really like the hanging moss from the centuries old trees, blooming flowers and historic artifacts of the past.  If you are planning a trip to the city and are looking for a great place to stay, there are a number of luxury hotels from which you can choose.  In the last year, I visited these Savannah hotels and locales in order to bring you this exclusive “Luxury for Less” excursions article!  Just a little tip, select river views.  In my opinion, they provide the best views!

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa

Set on the beautiful banks of the Savannah River, this extraordinary resort is a great place to spend your vacation.  I especially like that guests can take a complimentary ferry ride over to River Street and explore all of the shops, eateries and tours.  The lovely rooms and suites feature the famous Heavenly Bed.  Dine at the Aqua Star, luxuriate in pampering at the Heavenly Spa and as a special treat, stroll over to the Riverside Oasis.  It has an interactive kiddie zone, hot tub, saltwater pool and full size bar and restaurant.

Click on this link for special offers:  http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Savannah-Harbor-Hotel-1169/special-offers

 

The Hyatt Savannah

Just steps away from the Savannah River, this luxury hotel brings back such fond memories for me as a native of Savannah.  Selecting this lovely locale would be an excellent choice.  Behold the river view from the largest balcony in Savannah at Vu Lounge.  Sipping on a tasty smoothie or cup of java at Perks Coffee Shop and relishing in a southern, down-home breakfast at Windows are just a few of the amenities you will enjoy at the Hyatt.

Click on this link for special offers: https://savannah.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers.html

 

Savannah Marriott Riverfront

This absolutely stunning hotel will make for a great stay.  The indoor atrium pool is wonderful.  Make reservations at their Magnolia Spa for a tranquil escape with a couples’ massage or fly solo.  Dine at Blue, A Savannah Bistro or slip off to the Atrium Bar and indulge with light food fare and specialty beverages while enjoying a view of the Savannah River.

Click on this link for special offers: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/savrf-savannah-marriott-riverfront/

 

Andaz Savannah

You simply must have the Andaz experience.  Located right in the heart of City Market and just a few blocks from River Street, this luxury hotel is certainly worth the visit.  In-room bars are stocked with free snacks and soft drinks.  The charming terrace pool area is surrounded by cabanas to shield you from the heat and a fire-pit to warm you on those cool days and nights.  Delight in their market-to-table restaurant dining at 22 Square.

Click on this link for special offers: https://savannah.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers.html

 

Tours & Attractions

My daughter Antasha and I started our tasty Walking Food Tour at Smith Brothers Butcher Shop.

Savannah Taste Experience Tour Guide was AWESOME!

• Take a Segway Tour with Adventure Tours in Motion – http://www.adventuretoursinmotion.com/.
• Take a Walking Food Tour with Savannah Taste Experience – https://www.savannahtasteexperience.com/.
• Take The Sixth Sense Savannah Ghost Tour with Jones Street Productions – https://6thsenseworld.com/.
• Take the Savannah Saunter Tour with Noble Jones Tours – http://noblejonestours.com/.
• There’s fun for all ages at Surf Lagoon Waterpark in nearby Pooler – http://www.surflagoonpooler.com/.

Legendary Restaurants

The Pirates House – (since 1753) Loved it as a child.  The food is fabulous!  See: https://www.thepirateshouse.com/.

Delicious Pirate’s House Shrimp Dish!  You’ll love them!

Leopold’s Ice Cream (since 1919) – Love the sandwiches! Great ice cream!  https://www.leopoldsicecream.com/.

 

I drop in every time I go to Savannah! Great place!

FREE Samples

Savor the tasty Byrd’s Famous Cookies (http://www.byrdcookiecompany.com/), flavorful oils from The Ancient Olive (http://theancientolive.com/) and appetizing jellies at Cinnamon Bear Country Store (https://cinnamonbearstores.com/).

Ask about FREE samples at Cinnamon Bear Country Store!

Ask about FREE samples at Ancient Olive!

Ask about FREE Samples at Byrd’s Cookie Company! 

For places to stay, great restaurants, tours and more, see Visit Savannah website: http://www.visitsavannah.com/.

 

 

September Leslie’s Lane: How Business Owners Can Save and Make Money! Just Dream Fearlessly!

Hi Beautiful Family and Friends! 

How are you?  I trust that you and your families are doing well!  I don’t think many of you know that I write for a wonderful company called American Family Insurance! It has an online publication and resource called Dream Fearlessly!  I am a freelancer for the online pub.  I write articles that show small business owners how to make money and save money!  Now you know I love that!  For August Leslie’s Lane, I decided to share those articles with you!  Please check out the links below! (Some of them have my name on them and some don’t!  But don’t worry!  It’s me!!!!)  Please feel free to forward the links to individuals that might find the articles helpful!

Thanks and have a wonderful day!

Leslie

How to Create a Landing Page

https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/resource/how-a-landing-page-converts-better-than-your-website/

Share Your Expertise and Boost Your Sales

https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/resource/share-your-expertise-and-boost-your-sales/

How to Reduce Costs with the Internet of Things

https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/resource/how-to-reduce-costs-with-the-internet-of-things/

Can You Deduct Your Social Media Costs?

https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/resource/can-you-deduct-your-social-media-costs/

Cutting Edge Marketing Strategies to Attract New Business

https://www.dreamfearlessly.com/resource/cutting-edge-marketing-strategies-to-attract-new-business/

Leslie E. Royal is an international freelance journalist and travel writer.  Her articles have appeared in WSJ, Dow Jones Newswires, FORTUNE, ESSENCE, upscale, Dream Fearlessly and many online resources.  She is the creator of Leslie’s Lane Blog.  Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @LesliesLane.

Take a Solo, Couples or Group Retreat to Wondrous Serenbe! It’s Heaven on Earth!‏

 

The Beautiful Serenbe Inn is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat for you and your group.

If you’ve always imagined getting a little closer to heaven, Serenbe is the idyllic place to be.  This picturesque, environmentally friendly community is a nurturing place of warmth, relaxation and serenity.  The natural beauty of the landscape is simply stunning. Just envision stepping back in time to a quiet, beautiful and leisurely pace of living.  Whether you’re flying solo and need time to rest and relax, are traveling with your significant other and want to reconnect and reignite, or are making reservations for members of a group to get revitalized and revived, Serenbe is the ideal locale.

Take time to enjoy the beauty of Serenbe.

The Serenbe Inn – Enjoy the luxurious guest accommodations as you relax on the sprawling 40-acre countryside.  The nightly room rate includes afternoon tea, evening dessert and a full country breakfast.  Ask about their specials that include shows, plays or specialty dinners.  You can make reservations online at http://serenbeinn.com/. To check into additional savings, try www.tripadvisor.com.

This spacious living area at The Duck Inn allows for the guest’s relaxation.

The Duck Inn – In addition to the inn, guests may reserve any of the 18 striking cottages, homes, townhomes, bungalows or lofts for nightly stays or extended periods of time.  The Duck Inn is one of them.  The spacious, multi-floor, beautifully contemporary loft provides all that guests need.  It features a full, state-of-the art kitchen, two spacious private baths, two vibrantly decorated bedrooms, an airy living room leading out to the balcony, a romantic fireplace and a great dining area.  Please click on this link: http://serenbeinn.com/accommodations/the-duck.

The General Store offers wonderful merchandise to suit the shopper’s needs.

The General Store – For an extra special treat, take a leisurely stroll to Serenbe’s General Store.  There you can purchase grocery items, dairy, produce, meats, breads, jams and jellies, gifts and picnic baskets.  The establishment partners with Storico Fresco and Souper Jenny to provide ready-made meals for residents and guests daily. For other great products, see http://www.generalstoreatserenbe.com/.

The Hil Restaurant serves delectable cuisine.

The Restaurants – The cuisine at The Hil restaurant is absolutely delicious.  The eatery is quite lovely and inviting.  Try their chef’s cinnamon roll, Serenbe Farm egg salad and gulf crab fritters.  The Blue-eyed Daisy Bakeshop features delicious confections, breakfast, lunch and Taco night.  If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Selborne Sweets has fudge, ice cream and your favorite candies.  Make reservations at the famous Farmhouse Restaurant and remember to order the legendary fried chicken on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch. See http://serenbefarmhouse.com/.

See the community with Serenbe Trail Riding.

The Writer’s Pick of Pics – Since a picture is worth a thousand words, please see the special pictorial presentation!  It features the travel journalist’s tour of the beautiful community! Click:  https://www.facebook.com/LesliesLaneFREEStuff/photos/?tab=album&album_id=525472800973896

Leslie E. Royal is an international freelance journalist and travel writer for ESSENCE, Upscale and other publications.  She is the creator of Leslie’s Lane – a consumer information blog featuring jobs, discounts, FREE stuff, resources, inspiration, travel and more.  Please follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Leslie’s Lane.     

 

 

5 Reasons to Enjoy Fabulous Fun, Food & Family in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

Escape to the calming, soothing waters of Myrtle Beach, SC.

There’s just something that’s calming, soothing, relaxing and pleasurable about being on the beach.  Whether it’s summer, fall, spring or even winter, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a great destination for a vacation!  As you select your accommodations, consider an ideal oceanside resort allowing you to step right out onto the beach.  Additionally, visiting fun attractions and wonderful restaurants will make your much deserved vacation complete.

Beach Cove Resort boasts four pools, lazy river & Town Center Complex.

1. Splashin’ at Vacation Myrtle Beach Resorts. This group has 14 resorts and hotels that are both family-friendly and budget-friendly.  Call 888.965.5750 or check out their website at vacationmyrtlebeach.com. The site guarantees the lowest prices and frequently has amazing discounts, specials, free nights, military discounts, family packages and more! Their upscale hotels include Beach Cove Resort known as “the friendliest resort on the beach”, Sea Watch Resort with 10 hot tubs and South Wind on the Ocean featuring beautiful gardens.  Their more moderately priced lodgings have much to offer as well.  Hotel Blue is popular for millennials and has many amenities including a swim-up pool bar.  Most of the resorts in this group have several indoor pools, outdoor pools, waterparks and lazy rivers.  Whether you are vacationing solo, as a couple, girls/guys weekend away or family gatherings, you can find ample accommodations in rooms, suites as well as one, two, three or four bedroom condos.

Join the Star Trek Crew when you visit the Hollywood Wax Museum.

2. Taking Tours and Visiting Local Attractions. Myrtle Beach has much to offer with area attractions that are quite interesting and unique.  Visit Ripley’s Aquarium – ripleys.com, Hollywood Wax Museum – www.hollywaxmyrtlebeach.com and Wonderworks – www.wonderworkssmb.com.  They each offer entertainment and excitement for the entire family.  You can go to the Visit Myrtle Beach website for boundless information on food, family and fun –   http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/.

The Red Velvet Waffle from Johnny D’s is “Heaven on Earth”!

3. Breakfast at Johnny D’s Waffles & Bakery – Johnny D’s has an absolutely appetizing menu of breakfast, lunch and desserts. The delicious waffles and pancakes are made from scratch by Jami Saunders, part owner and Culinary Baker & Pastry Arts Chef.  Try the delectable signature red velvet waffle.  It’s heaven on earth.  Whether you select the appetizing seafood omelette, Johnny D’s Skillet, smoked salmon benedict, California Supreme Salad or other special prepared menu item, you will find your meal to be simply divine.  Call 843.448.6789 or see their site: johnnydswafflesandbakery.com.

The Chicken Salad Croissant at Croissants Bistro is a tasty choice.

4. Lunch at Croissants Bistro and Bakery – There’s something special about the words croissants and bistro that makes you want to dine leisurely with family or friends. Owner Heidi Vukov’s freshly blended ingredients in her dishes like Thai Cucumber Salad, Gourmet Turkey Burger, Chicken Salad Croissant or mouthwatering desserts are well worth the visit.  Call her at 843.448.2253 or visit the website croissants.net.

Scatori’s Shrimp Fra D’iavlo with the addition of veal is delectable.

5. Dinner at Scatori’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant – Whether you are in the mood for casual or upscale dining, Scatori’s, owned by Chef Kevin Levine, is an excellent choice. The pizzeria sector features Boars Head meats and cheeses as well as Amoroso rolls.  The entire family can enjoy delicious pizzas like the Scatori Supreme.  To the right, the Italian restaurant presents an elegant dining experience that can be enjoyed by couples or groups. Savor delightful entrees such as the Shrimp Fra D’iavlo, Chicken or Veal Scatori or Spaghetti Bolognese.  For a special occasions, request the Five Course Chef’s Dinner featuring fine wines.  Call 843.650.3370 or visit the website at scatoris.com.

Leslie E. Royal is an international freelance journalist and travel writer for ESSENCE, Upscale and other publications.  She is the creator of Leslie’s Lane – a consumer information blog featuring jobs, discounts, FREE stuff, resources, inspiration, travel and more.  Please follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Leslie’s Lane.     

July Leslie’s Lane: Jobs, FREE Stuff, Work from Home, Travel & More!

Greetings Beautiful Family and Friends!

 

How are you?  I trust that you are enjoying your summer!  This month’s Leslie’s Lane is short!  But it is filled with info on jobs, free stuff and travel!  Please enjoy!  Also, feel free to forward to everyone that you know!  Thanks so much and have a great day!

Leslie

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! Thanks to my daughter Antasha – The Beautiful One – for this info! There are 400 ‪#‎jobs at the Atlanta airport! This particular company is ‪#‎Hiring on the spot! Please share this link: http://ow.ly/rV70301U7wD with your friends and family!

1700 Jobs Available at Hartsfield International Airport!

http://www.atlanta-airport.com/internationalterminal/about/jobs.html

Hartsfield-Jackson:
www.atlanta-airport.com/Airport/Employment/Jobs.aspx 

Atlanta Police Department:
www.joinatlantapd.org 

Airport concessions:
www.jetatl.com 

Transportation Security Administration:
tsajobs.tsa.dhs.gov/tsajobs/

Customs and Border Protection:
www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/

Get a FREE Uber Ride!

Get ‪#‎FREE ‪#‎Uber ride compliments of ‪#‎LesliesLane! Please click on this link: http://ow.ly/mWSn301R3uh ‪#‎IloveUber – Plus…. Get employment with Uber too!

Are you ready to get paid to work from home? Check out this info from my hero Clark Howard! Click on this link: http://ow.ly/MftH300ymLk.

Vacation Myrtle Beach Resort Events!

Top ‪#‎Summer Resort Events in ‪#‎MyrtleBeach! Please click on this link: http://ow.ly/hEem300LCdO  ‪#‎travel

Check out these Ten Tips to Owning Your Financial Future! Please Click: http://www.essence.com/2016/06/20/10-tips-owning-your-financial-future%C2%A0?iid=sr-link2 Special thanks to my editor Steven and Essence Magazine!

Share Your Expertise and Boost Your Sales! Please check out my article! Click this link: http://ow.ly/Sx6b30196FG – Special thanks to my editor Tamara and American Family Insurance.

This is so cool! ‪#‎JoinHoney – Check out Honey! It automatically finds and applies ‪#‎coupons for you! Click this link: http://ow.ly/EpJ03011Hyb ‪#‎awesome

Checkout this wonderful new site called From My Big Eyes!   ‪#‎frommybigeyes offers ‪#‎freebies ‪#‎events and more! Please Click this Link: http://ow.ly/oElM30119uL

‪#‎TSA is ‪#‎Hiring! Click This Link: http://ow.ly/tEGD300Gdb9 for all the great info!

Thanks Melinda Emerson, Cheryl Broussard, Fawn Dyer, Esq. and SBA’s Maria Contreras Sweet for empowering and inspiring others! Please click on this link: http://ow.ly/IdbR300EOdm – Are you ready to start your own business? Please check out my Essence Magazine article entitled – “Sister CEO! 7 Great Tips on Starting Your Own Company this Year!” It is already has more than 187,000 Likes! How cool is that?

Check out this ‪#‎free ‪#‎travel brochures article!  Please click this link: http://ow.ly/mUbk300AMQw.

Free places to go in Pensacola this summer! ‪#‎FREE things to do ‪#‎Pensacola! Please click on this link: http://ow.ly/GfbH300yesk.

Check out this ‪#‎BlackEnterprise article on ‪#‎AllInclusiveVacations – Please click on this link: http://ow.ly/9J7c300vF9e.

I worked for the ‪#‎FBI for 10 years and really enjoyed the great benefits it offered which included vacation, sick leave, family leave, flexible work hours, TDY to wonderful locations, government rates on hotels and other great perks! Are you ready to consider an exciting job at a number of government organizations? Click this link: http://ow.ly/Nifc300a8oM for numerous career opportunities! Plus….. check out The Book of U. S. Government Jobs by Dennis Damp too!

View your credit reports for free!  Check out this link: http://ow.ly/A2SB300a6i9.

Do you know of a teen needing a summer job?  Check out this link:  http://ow.ly/dhKZ300904p

June Leslie’s Lane Presents Leslie’s Leisure! Great Promotion Allows Discovery of Stunning Natural Beauty and Beaches of U. S. Virgin Islands

Photo Credit: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

By Leslie E. Royal

As you plan your vacation this summer and fall, consider the The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).  The collective islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are beautiful locales allowing for a wonderful time of relaxation, fun tours, relishing their stunning natural beauty and taking leisurely strolls along the beach.

“The United States Virgin Islands is nice all year round, but we are especially nice in the summer with lots of festivals, events and activities for travelers looking for a fabulous vacation value,” says Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the USVI.

If you book your stay by July 16, 2016 and stay between June 5 and October 15, 2016, you get the fourth night free.  Additionally, you and your guests enjoy the perks of $350 in amazing spending credits.  If you are a United States citizen and don’t have to have a passport, no worries.  You don’t need one!  Click on this link and you are well on your way to a magnificent vacation:   http://www.visitusvi.com/package_and_promotions.  Participating wholesalers and tour operators include: Travel Impressions, MLT Vacations, Flight Center USA, Expedia, Costco Travel, CheapCaribbean.com, Bookit.com, Apple Vacations and American Airlines Vacations.

The upscale hotels and chic resorts taking part in this remarkable promotion are:

St. Croix – The Buccaneer Hotel, Club Comanche Hotel St. Croix,  Club St. Croix Beach Resort and Tennis Club, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino,  Holger Danske Hotel; Hotel Caravelle,  Hotel on the Cay,  Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort & Spa,  Sand Castle on the Beach,  Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina and The Palms at Pelican Cove.

St. John – Caribbean Villas, Concordia Eco-Resort, Gallows Point Resort, Island Getaways, SIRENUSA Residences  and The Westin St. John Resort & Villas.

St. Thomas – Bolongo Bay Beach Resort,  Emerald Beach Resort,  Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Resort,  Galleon House Bed and Breakfast,  Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas,  Mafolie Hotel, Pavilions & Pools Villa Hotel,  Sapphire Beach Condominium Resort,  Sugar Bay Resort & Spa,  The Green Iguana Hotel  and Windward Passage Hotel.

To learn more about the U. S. Virgin Islands, you can visit their website: www.VisitUSVI.com. Follow them on Twitter @USVITourism and Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI to keep up with their future promotions, activities and events.

Leslie E. Royal is an international freelance journalist and travel writer.  She is the Creator of Leslie’s Lane – a consumer information blog featuring info on travel, jobs, discounts, free stuff, resources and so much more!  Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @LesliesLane.  Like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LesliesLaneFREEStuff/?fref=ts.

May Leslie’s Lane: FREE (and nearly free) Places to Go While on Vacation

Greetings Beautiful Family and Friends!

How are you?   I trust that you are doing well!  If you haven’t already, I think you will be planning your summer vacation quite soon!  As many of you know, I like all things FREE and nearly FREE!  As you plan your activities and attractions to visit, I wanted to share a few tips and a little info to help you save money!

One of the first things I typically do is contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the city I would like to visit.  They are always eager to help.  Ask for the names and contact information of sites and attractions that are free and open to the public. – Check out this link to convention and visitors bureaus –  http://www.cvent.com/rfp/us-cvb-directory-84666a30191e407ea182af64c488696a.aspx.

Next, if there are local newspapers in your area, request information on travel articles that cover free attractions in various cities, states or countries. A fun thing to do is take your children to the neighborhood library in search of specific books and research periodicals on free places to go while on vacation. Ask to check out the digital book entitled “101 FREE Things to Do In Europe” by Gabe Lara.

Travel clubs are great sources for information. Because these individuals have traveled throughout the United States and the world, they can be helpful. You may also consider joining an organization of this nature if it will save you money in the long run.

Finally, my personal favorite is simply searching the Internet!  Enter “101 Free Things” and the state or country of your choice into a search engine. This will yield numerous links.  I’ve already completed 10 for you!  Feel free to share this info with your friends and family via social media, email and even snail mail!  Thanks and have a great week!

Leslie

1. Special thanks to my friend Dorothea for sharing info on the St. Louis Zoo!  She inspired this section on Free Zoos in the United States – http://www.trekaroo.com/list/free-zoos-across-the-us

2. Free Entrance Days at National Parks – https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

3. 101 FREE Things to Do in London – http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/budget-london/101-free-things-to-do-in-london#1gfuTh4iHr1CAEpm.97

4. 101 FREE Things to Do in Chicago – http://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/101-things-to-do-in-chicago

5. 101 FREE Things to Do in the South – http://www.southernliving.com/travel/101-free-things-to-do-in-the-south

6. 101 FREE Things to Do with Kids in Michigan – http://grkids.com/101-free-things-to-do-with-kids-in-michigan/

7. 101 FREE and Almost Free Things to do in DC – https://washington.org/100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc

8. FREE Things to Do in New York City – http://www.nycgo.com/free

9. 100 FREE Things to Do in LA – http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/100-free-things-do-los-angeles-free-activities

10. FREE Attractions in Las Vegas – https://www.vegas.com/attractions/free-attractions-las-vegas/

Leslie E. Royal is an international freelance writer and travel journalist residing in metro Atlanta, GA.  Her articles have appeared in ESSENCE, UPSCALE, FORTUNE, Black Enterprise and WSJ/Dow Jones Newswires.  She is the Creator of Leslie’s Lane – a consumer information blog.  Please follow her @LesliesLane on Twitter and Instagram for info on jobs, free stuff, discounts, travel, resources and much more!  Like her Facebook page Leslie’s Lane for daily updates on great deals!