SOUTHERN LIVING NOW

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Travel WHERE’S NEMO? A deep-sea view can be enjoyed by all at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

FAMILY REUNION TIME? THIS YEAR, MAKE IT A MEMORABLE JOURNEY WHEN YOU TAKE A LEISURELY, SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH A FEW SOUTHERN GEMS, WHERE THE ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE FINGERLICKIN’-GOOD FOOD, ICONIC MOMENTS AND THE OCCASIONAL ALISTER SIGHTING. — K A B

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JULY 2016

Immerse yourself in history at the King Center (thekingcenter. org), where an eternal flame commemorates MLK’s quest for justice and equality, and his esteemed papers and various civil rights documents are displayed. If you have little ones in tow, stop by the World of Coca-Cola (worldofcoca-cola.com) and the Georgia Aquarium, where you can book a family sleepover next to one of the mesmerizing exhibits (georgiaaquarium.org).

N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C C R E AT I V E /A L A M Y S T O C K P H O T O ; G R A N T R O O N E Y P R E M I U M / A L A M Y STOCK PHOTO; COURTESY HOUSE OF BLUES

SOUTHERN LIVING NOW

1. ATLANTA

N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C C R E AT I V E / A L A M Y S T O C K P H O T O

On Amelia Island, a bridge over a swamp is located on the grounds of a plantation.

Ready to chow down? You’re in the right place. Check out traditional soul food at Paschal’s (paschalsatlanta.com), Busy Bee Café (thebusybeecafe. com) or one of the newer spots garnering buzz, 521 Kitchen & Que. Such fans as André 3000 stop in for Chef Drew Kirkland’s new-age take on Southern barbecue, which includes fresh smoked meats, crispy fried chicken and a few surprising standouts: tasty kale slaw and a smoky grilled cheese (521kitchenandque.com). For a real treat, head to Dunwoody’s Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina (atlantaperimeter. regency.hyatt.com), and check into a room with a view of the surrounding 83 acres, complete with walking and running trails. There’s a complimentary shuttle transport within three miles, which you can take to attractions including the upscale Perimeter Mall (perimetermall. com) in just minutes.

community at large would have a space to congregate and to enjoy beach time (americanbeachmuseum.org). Just minutes away is the spectacular Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The 446-room property features rooms with marble baths, Atlantic Ocean views and an acclaimed spa that offers hammock massages. At Salt, the property’s prestigious Five Diamond restaurant, prep your palate for such treats as a foie gras dish served with a buttermilk doughnut apple, hazelnut, coffee and beer ice cream; or a finely seasoned pappardelle pasta with scallops, shrimp and lobster in sherry emulsion (ritzcarlton.com).

House of Blues

2. AMELIA ISLAND, FLA. Drive time from Atlanta: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Take a detour to Amelia Island, home to historic American Beach and the attached museum. In 1935, amid stringent segregation laws, the Black-owned Afro-American Life Insurance Company purchased waterfront land so that employees and the

3. ORLANDO Drive time from Amelia Island: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Head into Orlando with a singular focus. It’s not the expansive

allure of The Florida Mall or the Premium Outlets, where such brands as Prada, Roberto Cavalli, UGG and Kenneth Cole beckon. Nope. It’s something much more fulfilling to the soul: a world-famous theme park in which to immerse for the next day or two. If you’re in the market for a park that will thrill kids of all ages, opt for Universal Orlando (universalorlando.com), where you’ll bask in the charm of such lodgings as Loews Portofino Bay, which replicates the Italian fishing village, or Cabana Bay Beach Resort, outfitted in the retro style of a ’50s getaway, but with enough attractions to keep the youngsters entertained. Over at Universal’s CityWalk, accessible via water taxi, you can dip into restaurants, stores and shows, and access nearby Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida parks, where screen-themed attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Worn out? Drive about 20 minutes into the city to feed your soul at the stellar Sunday Gospel Brunch at House of Blues (houseofblues. com). Or, of course, finally give in to the siren call of those shops.

to the world-famous pastel Art Deco buildings and vibrant multicultural scene. During the day, you can get your steps in when you explore the boutiques along the outdoor pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall (lincolnroadmall.com) or enjoy mojitos and tapas on Espanola Way. As the sun sets, take in the view from the energizing hydrotherapy rooftop pool on the terrace at the modern Metropolitan by COMO on Collins Avenue. Later, you can catch a siesta and get primed for the night’s swing with cocktails at the lobby bar (comohotels.com/ metropolitanmiami). If you’re looking for a more intimate feel, head off the strip to the discreetly located Kaskades South Beach, where rooms feature well-stocked minibars and hot tubs on outdoor balconies, and amenities include continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi (kaskadeshotel.com). For a memorable meal, opt for the Mediterranean flavors at Klima. Ask for the outdoor patio and settle in for a selection of pasta dishes—including a northern Spain-sourced Idiazabal cheese ravioli—meats, fish, tapas and an extensive selection of mezcal and tequila (klimamiami.com).

4. MIAMI Drive time from Orlando: 4 hours

Even veteran visitors find it hard to resist the allure of South Beach and its environs, thanks JULY 2016

South Beach offers great art deco buildings.

Large and in Charge

Whether you’re rolling with a posse of little ones or just down for extra space, slide behind the wheel of the spacious Infiniti QX 80, a surprisingly nimble large SUV (400 hp/5.6 liter V8) with beautiful lines, a luxurious, leather-appointed interior complete with padded and cooled seats, and such highwayfriendly features as around-view monitors and a moonroof.

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