Fly-in Summer Escapes: Pack your beach all, sun screen and towel; we're headed to the shore!
by Jan Gerner
Golfers have three award winning golf  courses, and 23 clay courts are available for tennis. After golf, tennis, kayaking, or sunbathing on the five-mile stretch of beach, get some head-to-toe relaxation at the Sanctuary Day Spa.
Sea Pines Resort has a variety of dining options including seafood specialties and good old southern low country cooking. And if you don't feel like venturing out for a meal, 24-hour room service is available for Inn guests.
Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park Burnet, Texas
Adventure and nature are the order of the day for guests at this eco-friendly retreat. The 64 guest rooms housed in 16 buildings are wedged among trees and landscaping, all of which helped earn the resort a Texas wildscape certification. You won't find a TV in your cozy room, but you will find magnificent, soaring views of Lake Buchanan.
This is the heart of Texas Hill Country. Rental cars are available for the scenic 19 mile ride from the Burnet Airport (KBMQ) to the end of the road and Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park. The easy ride will take you among rolling hills, granite outcroppings, and majestic lakes.
With 14 miles of nature trails and a five mile recreation area, this is the place to enjoy natural wonders and wildlife. Take a hike with an expert and learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.
Try the Vanishing Texas River Cruise up the Colorado River and you may see several endangered species of birds. Explore the area's ancient caves, catch some bass, or paddle a canoe or kayak under a waterfall to cool off. An array of activities are geared for adults, families, and children. A favorite adult activity is the Wine on the River tour. Combine a love of wine and kayaking with a tour of the Fall Creek Vineyard.
We've all heard that "the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas." Now you can see for yourself. The Eagle Eye Observatory, one of the few public-access observatories in the country, is complimentary to stargazers staying at the resort.
The large lodge dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with expansive views of the lake. Texas Hill Country cooking is served with a European flair.
 Jot's Resort Gold Beach, Oregon
The combination of river, ocean, and forest makes Jot's Resort special. This is where you can do nothing or do everything. Jot's even offers complimentary shuttle service for the one mile ride to the Gold Beach Municipal Airport (4S1).
Check into your river-view room, condo, or suite and watch sea lions swim by on the Rogue River.
Searching the beach for driftwood or tide-pooling are favorite pastimes. Pick up "The Tidepools are Alive" brochure to find the best times and places. And always keep an eye on the water, especially with small children in tow. "Sneaker" waves have been known to carry out unsuspecting beachcombers.
Explore the wilderness of the Rogue River by jet ski, kayak, raft, or canoe. Hike or bike the mountain trails. Try your hand at crabbing or clamming. Some of the best fishing in the Northwest is right here on the Rogue and Jot's has rental boats, guided fishing tours, and one of the largest tackle shops on the Oregon coast. Whatever you need for fishing, you're sure to find it here.
After a busy day in the great outdoors, treat yourself to a delectable seafood dinner in the Rod'n Reel Restaurant. You won't find fresher salmon, halibut or Dungeness crab anywhere.
Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa Kelseyville, California
The 120-acre, Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa sits on a picturesque cove between Clear Lake (California's largest natural lake) and Mt. Konocti, a dormant volcano. Beautiful scenery, good accommodations, water sports, land sports, and the Konocti Kids Club all make this a worthwhile vacation spot. But what sets it apart from other resorts are the 60 to 70 concerts held each year.
Best of all Lampson Field (102) in Lakeport, California is a 20-minute, $18 shuttle ride to the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville. Seaplanes can set up at the Konocti Marina, which will assist with arrangements for transportation to the resort.
Attend an indoor concert at the 1000-seat Joe Mazzola Classic Concert Showroom or an outdoor concert at the 5000-seat Konocti Field Amphitheatre overlooking the lake.
According to Performance magazine, Konocti is the top grossing small venue in the country. Charlie Daniels, CCR, Beach Boys, Clint Black, Carrie Underwood, Bruce Hornsby, Lynnard Skynard, and Heart are a small sampling of the entertainment lineup.
After a sunset barbeque and concert, adjourn to the Full Moon Saloon or Coconut Grove Pool and Patio for good views, libations, and more entertainment.
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