Top 10 Vacation Spots

...according to me and Paula Deen!

Yep, that's right! I think it's pretty obvious that *someone* has a magazine obsession {insert my raised hand here}. I picked up Paula Deen's magazine while waiting in line at the grocery store and came across a page of Paula's Top 10 Vacation Spots. What do you know? Paula and this ol' Southern gal have a lot in common. I enjoyed knowing we loved some of the same places and there's also plenty of places on her list I'd love to visit. So, here's Mrs Paula's favorites and why... along with my notes! Then I'd love for you all to make a list of your own favorites and share. Guess now that school is out and weather is warmer, it's really brought on the "vacation itch". Who's with me?

1. New Orleans, Louisiana - "My all time favorite place to visit. Big-hearted people, great music, and food to leave home for. We stay at Harrah's and eat at Willie Mae's Scotch House, Drago's, John Besh's August restaurant, Brennan's (for brunch) and the Acme Oyster House". - PD

Ok, so who out there has been to New Orleans? Don't you love how Paula is your personal tour guide and can tell you the #1 thing you need to know...WHERE TO EAT! I'd love to visit and after reading this list of restaurants, I find myself incredibly hungry all of the sudden...

2. Beverly Hills, California - " In this star studded town, there's no better place than the Four Seasons Hotel. They treat everyone like a celebrity. Chef Ashley James at the Four Seasons cooks up wonderful things for me. And I love CUT, Wolfgang Puck's steak restuarant in the Beverly Wilshire hotel." - P.D

I've been to Los Angeles, strolled the streets of Hollywood [which was pretty scary by the way] with friends who jumped VIP ropes like it was their job...but really, I don't think anything would compare to staying at the Beverly Wilshire! Now, THAT would be "pure glam-our" as Lilly Pulitzer would say...

3. Alaska - "Several months after our wedding, we took our official honeymoon trip. It was a cruise to Alaska. We both loved the local restaurants and the yummy, fresh fish and chips. Nothin' fancy, but oh so good" - PD

Oh Paula, how romantic. I've never thought in a million years I'd have any desire to visit Alaska (I hate being cold) but after Chad said he wanted to cruise there, I must say it's kind of growing on me. Hey, I could do fish and chips...and of course Chad would love it for the pure reason that it's "nothing fancy". Anyone been there?

4. St. Simons Island, Georgia - "Michael and I spent the first night after our wedding ceremony at The Cloister at Sea Island on St. Simons. It's a very special resort that will always have a place in my heart." - P.D.

The Cloister looks absolutely amazing. Wow, reminds me of Palm Beach. I'd love to visit some of the Georgia beaches and will have to add that to my list! Which GA beach is your favorite?

5. New York City, New York - "We always stay at Trump International Hotel just off Central Park. Don't miss the steaks at Porter House restaurant in Time Warner Center. NY is food, food, food - every kind of food, on every corner. A 24-hour flavor festival." - PD

There's nothing like NYC. I've only been once, but long to go back every year and never make it happen. We went in Spring, but my all time dream (on my bucket list even) is to ice skate at Rockefeller during Christmas season and see New York all dressed up in lights. My mom is dying to go to the Today show (I swear she has a crush on Matt Lauer - he's her fav) and so I'm thinking a mother/daughters trip this Fall is a must. Now, what else should we see/do?

6. Paris, France - "Michael and I took our first trip together to Paris. Our most memorable meal was served on the rooftop of the beautiful Hotel Ritz. Old-World charm, romance, food - need I say more" - P.D

[www.worldcityphotos.org]

Everyone that knows me, knows one thing - my all time dream vacation would be to Paris, France. I have dreamed of walking along the streets of Paris, wearing my beret and inhaling yummy crepes ever since I was a little girl. I don't know what it is, but I've always been fascinated with this city - even had my entire room decked out in all things Paris at one time. The joke is I told Chad before we got married he had to sign a contract to take me to Paris a few years after we wed. Well, the clock is ticking and I keep asking when we're going...he just keeps saying "what contract?" Yep, I knew I should have made him sign one. [heehee jk] If you've been to Paris, what are some "must sees" that you recommend?

7. Panama City, Florida - "My Aunt Peggy has a condo, and I love to go there, just us girls on the beautiful beach. Very relaxing and fun" - P.D

I've never been to Panama, but my favorite Florida destination so far has been Palm Beach. I love Disneyworld, all things Orlando and I'm going to Key West this Summer so we'll see if that tops the list - but so far Palm Beach was just incredible. If you go, you must visit Taboo - one of Lilly's favorites! What FL destination do you love?

8. South Beach, Florida - "Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant is a historic treasure - don't miss it. We stay at Loews hotel so you can stroll South Beach and enjoy the food and wine there" - P.D

Who's been to South Beach? I've always kind of wanted to go but it's not on my Top 10. Should I add?

9. Las Vegas, Nevada - " We enjoy staying at Caesar's Palace and eating at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in that hotel. We also love Le Cirque Restaurant at Bellagio and taking in a Cirque du Soleil show - a must-see!" - P.D

Oh how I love Vegas. So much even that we went there for our honeymoon {see pic above}. Hey, who can pass up incredible luxury, unbelievable food, and entertainment? We had a blast! Now I'm thinking that going back to stay at Caesar's Palace is a must.

10. Paradise Island, Nassau, the Bahamas - "I love the Atlantis resort, appropriately situated on Paradise Island. A wonderland of fun and food for the whole family, plus you come home with a tan. What could be better?" - P.D

Ok, so I may even love the Atlantis more than Vegas. Yep, it's a close tie. The first time I visited the Atlantis during my junior year of high school, I was in awe. Now, this Summer will be my fifth visit and there is always something new to see and do. If you haven't visited the Atlantis, you should definitely plan a trip. I haven't been fortunate enough to stay there, but Wyndham Crystal Palace is also a great hotel on the beach in Nassau and you can walk over and spend time at the Atlantis too!

Hope Paula has inspired you to book a quick vaca this year. 

I'm just itching to get away!

Ok now your turn. I'd love to hear your feedback as to where 

some of your "Top 10 Destinations" are. I love visiting little Southern towns too. What are your favorites? Do tell dah-ling...

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.  ~Seneca