Fresh caught oysters

Want to catch Blue Crabs and steam fresh caught oysters for lunch? Make a bonfire to roast marshmallows while watching the sun set? How about sharing a Low Country Boil on a private island? Well, you can do that and a whole lot more at Eagle Island– one of the private barrier islands on Georgia’s coast.

Lodging on Eagle Island

Located  just 4.5 hours southeast of Atlanta near St. Simons Island, you can virtually escape from mankind for a fun weekend with friends, a romantic vacation or an annual family get together. Whatever the reason, you’ll be pleasantly pleased when you see how owner Captain Andy Hill has skillfully created one of the most rustic and exotic resort-style getaways that the Peach State has to offer.

Eagle Island Boat Dock

The 4 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on 10 acres of land and is equipped with lots of amenities including fishing, kayaking and the industrial size outdoor kitchen appliances that are perfect for making gourmet meals while you entertain guests outside.

Private Islands of Georgia Low Country Boil

Ready for a Low Country Boil and Oyster Steam? You’ll get all the instructions you need to have your own Private Islands of Georgia food fest.  Click here for the Private Islands of Georgia Cajun Low Country Boil recipe: http://www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com/recipes.php

Ingredients for Low Country Boil

Captain Andy Hill making an oyster specialty

Steaming oysters...with a kick!

Steamed Oysters -- Bon Appetit

Want your own culinary hideaway? Visit www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com for lodging information and to book a reservation.

Canada may not be the typical vacation destination for the classic traveler, but once experiencing the rich history of Montreal, you’ll quickly change your mind and count the days until your next trip back to this cultural Mecca. From the delectable food, down-to-earth vibe, to their commitment for the arts, this French-speaking metropolis has truly embraced creativity and demonstrates how a diverse culture can truly enrich a destination. Dubbed as the “city of festivals”, Montreal hosts over 90 festivals each year, making it almost impossible not to plan your trip around one of these amazing events.

With a variety of annual festivals including, the International Jazz Festival of Montreal, which literally transforms the streets into a continuous jazz session by hosting over 300 free outdoor concerts; the Carifiesta Festival, the traditional carnival celebration showcasing Caribbean culture, dance, calypso music and exotic costumes; and the Montreal High Lights Festival, a winter festival that promotes the city’s rich culture in art, unique food, and culminates with the famous Nuit Blanche “white-night,” Montreal has proven to be a world-class travel getaway.

For the 10th year, this sophisticated Canadian city has successfully hosted the Festival Montreal en Lumiere, or the Montreal Festival of Lights, for non-French speakers. Each winter, Montrealers celebrate with an art infused, food focused festival inviting several of the top internationally known chefs throughout the nation to prepare their appetizing dishes. Visitors can also take a tempting tour of Montreal’s specialty food shops and taste the “Flavors of Montreal.”

With over 30 museums, Montreal proudly embraces artists and their work. Old Montreal, known for its winding staircases and outside terrace dining, hosts the festivals’ popular Celebration of Light. An all-out winter haven full of dazzling fireworks and tons of free activities including ice skating, tobogganing down the solid 120 meter ice slide, roasting marshmallows and chestnuts over open fire, and warming up in the gigantic “heated sphere” while listening to a DJ spin the latest techno music.

The High Lights festival culminates with the Montreal All Nighter, “the Nuit Blanche”…an all night event where hundreds of local venues stay open until the early hours of the morning hosting concerts, music performances, poetry sessions, independent films, and over 100 free activities to participate in. The wild night ends with a free “Convivial Breakfast” at dawn, sending city dwellers home completely satisfied.

If you haven’t experienced the Montreal High Lights festival, you are truly missing out. So, mark your calendars for next year because the Nuit Blanche is one thing you definitely do not want to miss.

Looking for a weekend getaway or a food adventure? Andrea Janise of Foodsessions.com tracks the globe to discover fabulous dining destinations around the world.