The Summer of the Bike!

Have you noticed more and more bike lanes in cities? And more and more bikes on the backs of cars this summer heading out on vacation? One thing the pandemic did was it got people outside and moving. We saw a run on bikes, making it near impossible to find new bikes to buy. But now we are seeing the bounce back to normal and bike travel is as popular as ever this summer. It’s fair to say the bike is having a moment.

From easy city riding in NYC and Montreal.

To beach riding in the Outer Banks and Los Angeles.

Islands offer scenic riding and bike ferries such as on Martha’s Vineyard and Mackinac Island.

CITY RIDING

Montreal boasts bike lanes and bike crossing lights, pubs and cafes along popular bike paths like the Lachine Canal Trail.

After two years of being closed off to the world Canada is as friendly as they ever were, cities are vibrant and alive, the locals and border agents happy to welcome you back. Montreal and Toronto are easy destinations for meetings and retreats in the northeast and boast hip neighborhoods and nightlife to incorporate into your trip.

New York City has barriered bike lanes making city travel on two wheels safe and efficient. But we all know its Central Park where the riding is scenic and at its best. It seems everyone is trying to rent you a bike there these days, but you can always rent a city bike and pick up and drop it off wherever you’d like. So skip the carriage ride next time and hit the bike paths in Central Park instead. We think its the best part of the city.

BEACH RIDING

On the other side of the country, Los Angeles, of course, is home to The Strand, one of the longest and best bike paths in the country. Start out in Venice and ride to the Santa Monica Pier and hit the West Coaster at Pacific Park, one of the best venues for group fun in all of LA, before riding back to Venice to take in the Venice Art Walls and skate park. There are plenty of beautiful hotels along the Strand in Santa Monica, as well, making a good jumping off point for your group.

ISLAND RIDING

Mackinac Island is, of course, the ultimate bike destination as it is an island without cars. Horse and carriage, bikes or on foot are your only options here. And we kind of like the bike option! There is an easy 8 mile loop around the island to bike and stop at rugged beaches or bring a picnic lunch along the way.

Renting a bike here is easy as they seem to have the largest inventory of bikes you will ever see, but you can also ferry your own bike there.

It might be the only place you can yell out “passing on your left!” to a horse as you pass. Bringing a group to The Grand Hotel on the island might be the ultimate Michigan experience in summer or fall.

Another favorite of ours, of course, is riding around the low country at Montage Palmetto Bluff, home to one of our Connoisseurs Circle retreats. We know seeing a destination by bike has a much different vantage point than by bus.

It’s a great group activity to get attendees outside, moving, talking, bonding and sharing an experience. Riding in the heart of the South Carolina coast means riding under the Spanish moss and the quaint southern landscape and certainly the perfect reason to end your ride on a southern porch with a glass of sweet tea.

So hurry, before summer comes to an end, and get out there for a ride! Whether it’s a ride thru your own neighborhood or you throw that bike on a bike rack and take it somewhere new to explore, we think it’s the best way to observe your surroundings and walk (or ride) away with special memories from a destination.

It’s the Summer of the Bike!

New South Roadshow – who wants to win a stay at NIZUC Resort and Spa?

There is one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at a prize from all three stops on our New South Roadshow.

NIZUC Resort and Spa

Secluded in 29 acres of a mangrove jungle, NIZUC Resort and Spa, will make you feel miles away, lost in the lap of luxury while also being in close proximity and easy airlift into Cancun.

Just off shore of Nizuc’s powdery white beaches is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest such reef in the world, only behind the Great Barrier Reef — full of sea life for snorkelers to discover.

The modern rooms include luxurious suites and villas, featuring private pools, spacious terraces, tropical gardens, indoor-outdoor balconies, and sweeping views.

From beach to spa to dining experiences you will find something to love at NIZUC Resort and Spa.
This door prize will be available at all stops on the Road Show next week and includes a two night/three day stay in an Ocean View Deluxe room with breakfast for two.

Who is up for a stay in luxury? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one! See you next week in Nashville, Birmingham and Alpharetta!

New South Roadshow – who wants to win a stay at the new Auberge Resorts Etéreo, Riviera Maya?

There is one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at a prize from all three stops on our roadshow.

Etéreo, Riviera Maya, an Auberge Resort

This Auberge property, Etéreo, meaning ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly, is defined by Mayan philosophies and based on three pillars: extraordinary cuisine, unforgettable encounters with nature and beaches, and an Auberge spa that helps rejuvenates while you unplug from the modern world.

With the resort just opening in December 2021, each room at Etéreo has mangrove and beach views, with floor to ceiling windows incorporating indoor-outdoor space.

With curated programs that will stimulate your mind, body, and tastes, Etéreo, offers up lessons in yoga, meditation, storytelling, painting, cooking, as well as pinata making, among many more offerings.

It’s where the Caribbean meets the Gulf. Its where modern design meets Mexican tradition. Its where your mind and body will meet with peace.

This door prize will be available at all stops on the Road Show next week and includes a two night stay with breakfast for two.

It all sounds blissful so you can bet we’re in! How about you? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one! See you next week in Nashville, Birmingham and Alpharetta!