Check out this historial and beautiful island before it's destroyed later this year.

Big deals and little ones are being offered for the next few days on BookingBuddy.com, a site we’ve used to grab cheap tickets to LA. Now’s the time to start looking for things you may want to do this summer, so hurry up and start clicking.

Saint Simons Island: HTG just went there and now the deals are rolling in: Check out this one through BookingBuddy.com for $120 a night.

Marco Island: Sure Florida will frizz out anyone’s hair this time of year,  but we are only a few weeks away from hurricanes wiping out most of the Sunshine State or the BP oil spill starts washing pelicans up on the beach, so head on down and check it out before Mother Nature or Mankind destroy it.

Watch out, they'll get caught in your hair -- and probably give you rabies.

Carlsbad Cavern: Here’s a National Park that can make your skin crawl. Located in Southern New Mexico near El Paso, Texas, Carlsbad Cavern National Park includes a system of more than 100 caves, many of which are filled with bats. Between Memorial Day and October, you can head down there and watch the bats take flight (known as the Bat Flight Program). Most of the bats won’t bite you or suck your blood — most.

Photos are from U.S. National Parks and BookingBuddy.com.

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Ahoy, matey! As summer quickly approaches, it’s time to sport your flip-flops, book a long weekend at the perfect beach-side resort and take an adventurous boat ride.

If you’re in the Saint Simons Island area in Georgia , a “can’t miss” day trip is a shrimp catch aboard the Lady Jane (www.shrimpcruise.com), a newly refurbished shrimping boat based in nearby Brunswick near Spanky’s Marshside. It’s the perfect way to discover the open waters of Coastal Georgia and catch a glimpse of life away from terra firma.

This unique, two-hour trawling excursion aboard the 60-foot steel-hull boat is led by the sea-worthy Captain Larry Credle and is the only shrimping vessel on the entire east coast that has been certified by the USCG to carry 49 passengers.

Watch as the captain and his crew empty their catch right in front of you as they identify each sea creature (make sure to bring your camera, sunglasses and a hat).

A group of travel writers, along for the ride for a special media outing with The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, were lucky enough to witness several cool catches, including tons of jumbo-sized shrimp, several sting rays, a few anchovies (hold the pizza), blue crab, a baby octopus, some jellies and the best of all, a baby loggerhead sea turtle. According to on-board marine biologist Paul Christina from the University of Georgia, he and the crew only catch about eight sea turtles each year, so we were very lucky.) All creatures except the shrimp (which were boiled and served on a plate with a side of crackers and delicious cocktail sauce) were catch-and-release. True to Captain Credle’s word, shrimp really doesn’t get any fresher than this.

Charters are available for special events, including weddings, sunset cruises, diving and bottom fishing. It’s perfect for families, group outings, corporate functions or anyone with a sense of adventure. And don’t worry —there’s a clean bathroom on board, an air-conditioned cabin, plenty of bottled water and a shaded covered deck.  It’s quite possibly the best-kept secret of the Georgia sea.

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We typically don’t sport plaid pants with white belts, wear collared shirts or have assistants named Jeeves. Foosball or pool is more our speed. In fact, the closest I’ve ever been to playing golf is hitting a small neon ball into a clown’s gaping maw or getting it stuck in a spinning windmill.

So when I was asked to partake in a golf outing on a recent travel writers’ press trip to The King and Prince Golf Course, home of the Hampton Club on Saint Simons Island, I couldn’t say no, although I had a sinking feeling that this might quickly turn into something straight out of the comedic classic, Caddyshack, minus the plastic explosives. Just call me Karl Spackler.

We had time to practice our swing at the 6,500 square foot putting green, where I astonished myself by actually making contact with the ball (although, admittedly, my form was a bit off), while others practiced their chip shots at the 3,000 square foot chipping green.

I worried about looking like a complete novice while practicing, but soon lifted my head and glanced at my fellow writers, hacking away at the air and chipping clumps of turf wayward and felt a bit more at ease.  Twain was right about one thing: Golf is a good way to ruin a nice walk.

Although I am not going pro just yet, I admit I was impressed with their impeccably restored course, originally designed by Joe Lee and refurbished by former Augusta National course superintendent Billy Fuller. The Par 72 course offers up 18 championship holes, four of which are signature, marsh-edged island holes, and wends its way over  800 feet of elevated bridges over vast salt marshes, expansive lakes and lagoons and under towering mossy oaks and pines. Afterward the game, relax at the clubhouse for a round of drinks and a well-deserved meal. Don’t miss at their fully-stocked pro shop for the latest gear and accessories.

The King and Prince Golf Course is open to the public and offers discounted play rates for resort guests. PGA-certified instruction is also available.

Make sure to check out the course before you play via an in-depth, 3-D virtual fly-over tour at www.kingandprince.com/golf.php.

Stay tuned for more adventures from the Traveling Hipster at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.

See yesterday’s story on Saint Simons Island

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Photo courtesy of Loretta Lynn, no, not that one, the other Loretta Lynn

On any given day, I do not wake to see the sunrise if I don’t have to.

It is beyond an understatement to say that I am not a morning person. In my lifetime, I think I have seen the sun rise once or twice in my entire life: once, after walking home in semi-shame from an all-night bender in college; the other, at a friend’s sleepover in grade school .)

Suffice it to say, I prefer watching the moon sail up through the darkened sky.

But it’s kind of hard not to force yourself to rise a bit earlier when you have been invited on a press trip to stay in an oceanfront room with a private balcony at the stunning King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on Saint Simons Island in Georgia, just to catch a glimpse of the sun rising above the horizon, even if it’s just for the bragging rights.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more travel stories from The Sunrise Hipster at the King and Prince Resort.

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8:35 a.m.-Land at Savannah/HHI airport; hop in armored car. Ask to drive (denied). Head for first stop on tour.

9 a.m.- Visit Savannah Technical College; give prepared speech, advising students to switch majors frequently to stay in school as long as possible (due to lack of jobs, but don’t hone on this). Look upbeat. Repeat the words “progress” and “growth” several times. Sign autographs. Do kegger headstand with students. NO PHOTOS.

9:45 a.m.- Stop somewhere downtown for free coffee, preferably not Starbucks. Ask about vitality of business; get free refills and muffins for the road. Hide extras in pocket. Smile.

10:01 a.m.- Address government workers at City Hall (expecting most of them to look like Colonel Sanders) with politically-neutral speech, highlighting key words such as “hope”, “change” and “the”. (Avoid hot-topic issues like health care and recent whale accident.) Brief Q & A,immediately followed by impromptu laser-light “Poetry Slam” contest. Award winner with free Prius; hope brakes work. Moon-walk off stage while waving to crowd as they chant repeated chorus of “Yes we can! Yes we can!” Use restroom.

10:54 a.m.- Bump into Joe Wilson upon exiting City Hall. Kick him square in the nuts. Laugh. (Hope photographer catches shot for CNN, TMZ, and Fox News).

11:00 a.m.- Take scenic carriage ride through Savannah’s historic squares. Ignore pungent smells of jasmine-scented urine. Stop at birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low for free boxes of Girl Scout cookies (avoid Lemon Crème). Chat with tour guide. Wave to crowds.

12:15 p.m. -Visit Paula Deen at her restaurant, The Lady and Sons. Enjoy all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Unbutton pants. Dinner special, “Barack of lamb” with mint sauce, posthumously to be named in my honor. Get autographed cookbook for Michelle.

2:25 p.m.- Meet with local NRA members at Waffle House; receive official sawed-off Red Ryder B.B. gun with action holster, adorned with glow-in-the-dark presidential seal. Thank them. Leave quickly.

2:45 p.m. –Get souvenirs for girls—matching “I heart Savannah” Snuggies—and organic Slap-Chop for wife’s vegetable garden. Ship bulk box of pralines to White House.

3:15 p.m. -Make surprise visit to Gulfstream headquarters. Meet CEO; ask about business, listen intently. Ask for private tour of the new G650. Request (nicely) for quick delivery of personalized, pimped-out G650. Invite CEO and family to future White House dinner(s).

4:06 p.m.- Text smiley face to Rahm Emanuel. Lol.

4:07 p.m.- Sext salacious message to wife.

4:08 p.m. -Text smiley face to wife.

4:09 p.m.- Call wife to gauge reaction. Apologize if necessary.

5:45 p.m.-Dinner at Five Guys (bonus!) on Bay Street; order two burgers, loaded, also hot dog and fries, large drink (free refills). Take obligatory picture with store manager. Shake hands, smile.

7:15 p.m. -Board Air Force One for flight home. Enjoy cocktails while playing usual game of Risk against AFO staffers. Win (again); obtain complete global domination. Collect money. Yawn.

7:32 p.m. -Make quick fly-by over Tiger Woods’ rehab; air-drop care package stocked with Gatorade, incense sticks and copy of “Monogamy for Dummies” (includes crayons, safety scissors and edible body paint). Watch back episodes of “Celebrity Rehab” and “Jersey Shore”. Take quick nap.

8:20 p.m. -Land in D.C.

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It’s definitely a “Bucket List” event, especially the fiesta along cobblestone River Street, replete with enough beer, baubles and brogue to make you think Lucky Charms is actually fine dining. It’s the one day when River Street turns into Bourbon Street, so wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of cash, bring ID to purchase booze,  and leave the kids at home—or along the parade route.

The pre-parade festivities begin on Friday, March 12^th at noon when theinfamous fountain at Forsyth Park is turned green in honor of all the beer that will be spilled on Saint Patrick’s Day.  The event is free and open to the public.

Before you commit all the sins you have planned for Saint Patrick’s Day, make sure to assuage your guilt at 8  a.m. morning mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Then, let the sinning begin: line up along the route on Abercorn Street near Forsyth Park to catch the start of the family-friendly parade at 10:15 a.m. featuring floats, bands and Irish-looking officials wielding batons and colorful sashes. Don’t forget to kiss any uniformed soldier that marches by in the parade, a long-standing and proud Savannahian tradition.

The parade winds its way down Abercorn Street past Lafayette Square, turns on Broughton Street, continues down East Broad Street  onto Bay Street, then makes its final (and arguably most scenic) route down Bull Street past Chippewa Square. Due to all the festivities, getting in or out of Savannah by car on Saint Patrick’s Day is road rage waiting to happen; ifdriving, your best bet is to park across the river near Hutchinson Island at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and take the ferry over to River Street. And for the luck of the Irish, if drinking, don’t drive (or swim). For a listing of accommodations in the downtown area, visit www.savannahspecialoffers.com.

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Bohemian rooftop view

One of the hottest hotels to stay at right now in Savannah is the newly-opened The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. This 75-room boutique hotel, contemporary in style and uniquely appointed with vintage fixtures (think Manhattan meets the maritime South), is ideally located on the picturesque riverfront of the historic 18th century cobblestone street.

The location alone is worth the stay: you’re a stone’s throw away from hustle and bustle of all the shops, eateries, outdoor market and evening street performers. If you can swing it, make sure to get a

Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverview

room with a riverfront view, and take advantage of the recession specials and introductory rates that are going on right now. And book now for next year’s booze-fest, otherwise known as St. Patrick’s Day, when River Street gets its malarkey on and all is green beer, beads and bedlam. It’s Savannah’s most wonderful time of the year.

Although the swank guest rooms at The Bohemian are a bit on the small side and there was no in-room mini-bar in my room, you can always head upstairs to catch a drink at the Über-hip, ultra-popular rooftop bar, Rocks on the Roof, and catch a stunning view of the sunset, as well as the sprawling view of the cityscape at night.

Sit outside on the comfy couches (get there early—they go fast) or around the fire pit while you listen to live music and sip your mojito. If you go to Rocks before 10:30 on any given night, you’ll find a mellow, professional crowd; after 10:30, it gets loud and frat-boy annoying, especially on the weekends. Consider yourself warned. Also, ladies, don’t wear your stilettos or any pump with more than a three-inch heel—you’ll break you ankle navigating the nearby cobblestone street should you decide to walk around. And guys, keep the ball caps at home. The style is relaxed but definitively Southern, so look sharp.

Another “go-to” hotel is the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a sister property of The Bohemian Hotel. Built in 1888, the 18,000-square-foot Victorian-Romanesque mansion has been completely restored and updated with the expected modern amenities and features 126 oversized guest rooms and six suites.

It’s a bit more luxurious and mature than its sister, and many a celebrity has called the Mansion home while in town to shoot a film. The location is prime, right across the street from sprawling Forsyth Park. If it’s not too hot out—the most seasonable, bug-free months to visit are typically October and April— take a walk along the winding, moss-shaded paths, take pictures near the fountain or just sit on a bench and people-watch. Throughout the year, there are tons of free concerts and events so make sure to ask the concierge what’s going on while you’re in town, or check out www.connectsavannah.com before you visit.

If you’re looking to put a little South in your mouth, consider taking a cooking class at the on-site 700 Kitchen Cooking School, a state-of-the-art classroom kitchen headed up by culinary director Chef Darin Sehnert. You’ll experience Southern food at its finest and learn how to cook the best of Lowcountry cuisine such as fried green tomatoes, creamy grits and cheddar and chive biscuits, all from scratch.

The best part is you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of class and you’ll have the recipes to take home so you can whip up a dinner party and impress all your guests. All the classes include hands-on participation and last about three hours; private group events may be arranged in advance. You’ll pack on a few extra pounds after the class, but the old adage is true: You can’t trust a skinny chef.

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Pretty impressive, considering that the downtown area only covers two square miles.

Robert Redford will begin shooting his latest film called “The Conspirator” in mid-October, and we were graced with the presence of teen-steam Miley Sirus over the summer on Tybee Island while she shot her latest film, “The Last Song”….and hopefully, her Last Shoot here.

Of course, the No. 1 destination location, according to Priceline.com, went to Times Square in New York. But why bite the Apple when you can eat a Peach, sip sweet tea under a canopy of Spanish moss, and listen to the lyrical lilt of the Savannahian drawl?

Plus, there’s less traffic, crime, and urine

Even though Savannah is most known for its historic charm, quaint squares, and good old country home cookin’, the city turned the corner in terms of redefining its image. The sleepy South moniker is all but gone with the wind.

Enter chic boutiques, upscale hotels, gourmet restaurants and young, fresh talent from the world-renowned SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design. It’s a city that’s recreating itself while maintaining its historic pride.

Paula Deen, longtime resident and Queen of All Things Fried and Delicious, said it best when describing her hometown: “She’s definitely a lady. She’s a tiger in the bedroom, a cook in the kitchen, and a lady in the parlor. You can take her anywhere. But then she can put on that lipstick and be just a little on the edge of naughty.”

Check out our review of two of the trendiest hotels in Savannah later today.

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