Save on Your Southern Sojourn

 

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Photo courtesy of Carolina Mornings

By Maryann Hammers

Nashville’s music scene, Asheville’s art district, North Georgia’s mountain beauty, and Hilton Head Island are some must-see sights in the south. Wondering where to stay? We offer these suggestions — with military discounts, of course, so you can splurge a little and still save. Road trip, anyone?

Asheville, N.C.

Carolina Mornings , a vacation rental company, has more than a hundred cabins and vacation homes, accommodating from two to 16 people. Many are pet-friendly. “Our military discount is a standing $50 off any reservation [for two or more nights] for active duty or retired military,” says Gay Weber, the company’s chief marketing officer, who is a U.S. Navy veteran. Prices vary by property, and the offer is valid year-round. Call (866) 498-4896 for information.

Nashville, Tenn.

The Hermitage , which opened in 1910, is Tennessee’s only five-star, five diamond hotel. It’s near Nashville’s top attractions, historic sites. and live music venues — but with custom-made beds, Frette linens, Italian marble bathroom with dual vanities, deep soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, 42-inch TVs, and complimentary high-speed internet, you might not want to leave your luxurious room. Many rooms and suites have views of the Tennessee State Capitol building. Active duty and retired military members with a valid military ID get a 10 percent off the best available rate, plus a welcome gift of fresh fruit. (At this writing, the best regular rates started at about $400.) There’s a minimum two-night stay. Use code MIL when booking. Call (615) 244-3121.

North Georgia Mountains

Overlooking Black Rock Mountain and sitting on eight beautifully landscaped acres, Beechwood Inn includes eight individually decorated suites with private baths. Most have fireplaces, private porches, and mountain views. “We also offer two cabin rentals — one on-site and one secluded in the woods near Betty’s Creek,” says innkeeper David Darugh, a retired Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel. The inn offers active duty and retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserve, a 10-percent discount. (At this writing, regular rates start at about $190.) The inn is famous for its award-winning hospitality, fine dining, and 3,000-bottle wine cellar (including the inn’s own wines) and has received numerous accolades from local food and wine critics. Both David Darugh and his wife, Gayle, were named “Best Chefs America” in 2015 and 2016 — so be prepared for some good eating. To reserve, call (706) 782-5485 and ask for the military discount — it is not available online. Be prepared to show your military identification at check-in.

Hilton Head, S.C.

Rooms and villas at Marriott Vacation Clubson Hilton Head Island offer a 15-percent discountto active duty, retired, and reserve military members. Offer is valid at Marriott’s Barony Beach Club, Marriott’s Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe and Shelter Cove, Marriott’s SurfWatch, and Marriott’s Heritage Club. Use code XYD when booking online, or call (800) 845-5279 and ask for promo code XYD. The offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2016.

More Ideas

Want more Southern destination ideas? Check out these previously published articles hereand here. Many of the offers still are valid.