- Indian Springs
- Thomasville & Fitzgerald, GA
- Murals of Colquitt
- Florida's Forgotten Coast
Dates
February 6 – 12, 2025
Highlights
- Excellent Southern inns: the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola and the Windsor Hotel in Americus
- The best of local dining, in a region celebrated for its seafood and agriculture
- Wakulla Springs; abundant bird and wildlife viewing
- The Explore Up Close appeal: backroads drives; charming small towns; hidden sites and stories
Trip Description
February means it’s time to explore further south . . . and we’ll retrace one of our favorite “Old Florida” itineraries – featuring two-night stays in pretty downtown Thomasville, Georgia; and in the historic riverside village of Apalachicola, Florida. Enjoy meandering drives through the state of Georgia, exploring fascinating off-the-radar sites like Indian Springs, Plains, the “utopian” town of Fitzgerald, and the remarkable murals of Colquitt. In Florida, we’ll enjoy “the Forgotten Coast” of the central Panhandle – fishing villages, rich and dense wildlife, and an outstanding historical footprint.
Featured Experiences
The Gibson Inn
Welcome to the Gibson Inn, a beloved landmark turned modern expression of the New Old Florida. Beyond our breezy wrap-around porches and swaying palms, discover a historic jewel steeped in authentic Southern hospitality and old-world charm – where lovingly crafted guest rooms, fresh local seafood, and live music inspire guests to linger a spell – all in the very heart of the Panhandle’s most welcoming town.
Historic Windsor Hotel
The Windsor Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Americus, Georgia. Built in 1892, the Windsor is a five-story Victorian masterpiece hotel architecturally designed with a tower, balconies, and a three-story open atrium lobby. It occupied nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations. The hotel closed its doors in 1972 after almost 80 years in operation. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations in 1991, 2010, and most recently in 2019.
The Historical Windsor Hotel is now part of the Ascend Collection by Choice International Inc. Choice Privileges Members can avail themselves of numerous benefits offered by this Rewards Program. Enrollment for new Members is offered at the Hotel.
Courtyard Thomasville Downtown
Made for business and leisure, Courtyard Thomasville Downtown offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Our hotel is located in the heart of Thomasville's historic downtown district near major businesses. Enjoy convenient access to top attractions, restaurants, bars and more than 100 boutiques and antique shops. The Ritz Amphitheater and Big Oak are only half a mile from our hotel. Get a great night's sleep in a modern hotel room or suite equipped with free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, work desks with ergonomic chairs, mini-fridges, microwaves and 55-inch smart TVs with streaming services. Satisfy your appetite at The Bistro serving healthy breakfast and dinner options, cocktails and Starbucks® coffees. Sit fireside with a handcrafted cocktail, sip a coffee on the patio or workout in our 24-hour fitness center at our Thomasville, GA, hotel with a pool. For guests hosting special events near Thomasville, flexible event space is also available. Move forward on your terms at Courtyard Thomasville Downtown.
What's Included
Comfortable van transportation
Accommodation for 6 nights
Breakfast, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
All activities / admissions per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$3,529 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $800)
What's Not Included
Price does not include alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.
You planned everything perfectly - just the right pace, and a wonderful trip!
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
This trip departs from Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. If you live elsewhere, please contact us to discuss travel arrangements, and we will look forward to assisting you!
