On our recent trips, my 24-year-old daughter and I have found the pleasure of home at two favorite destinations-one in the mountainous national forests of Virginia and one on the sunny Gulf Shores of Florida. With two adults and a little terrier named Bentley, we much prefer the privacy and comforts of "home" to the hassles of hotels! The mountain cabin we have called home on three occasions, and we are the ones who started a notebook for others who stayed there to write in. The home in Florida was a dream, too, complete with a dog walk for Bentley.

The mountain home has walls of windows so that the outside feels like it's in the room with you. Homemade touches like wooden ceiling beams, a handmade entertainment center, an old-time woodstove and canned pickles make this modern structure a homey place. A spot unto itself in the midst of acres of woodland makes sitting in the hottub a delight for all the senses. From the vantage of the warm water relaxation, you can watch the deer pass by on the trail below, the hawk in its nest above, and the sun slowly lazing across the sky. My daughter and I don't mind joining forces to whip up a good meal while we share a bottle of wine. Shorts and T-shorts are acceptable, and Bentley is welcome to eat from his own dishes on the floor. We never have to share the hottub, the dishwasher takes care of the mess, and building the fire is an evening event. The woods are great for exploring, and the turkeys even appear around Thanksgiving time. We rented the place from Pastor Rob, a local good guy who takes his grandchildren there when they visit. It's easy communication with a quick telephone call to check for availability, and his neighbor has everything ready. Both Pastor Rob's number and the neighbor's number are handy if you need anything. There's nothing like getting away from the whole world in a mountain retreat where time can stop for a little while. We wouldn't trade the privacy of our getaway for any and all hotel amenities. So can you get the privacy of the mountains at the beach? We did!

Since the experience with the rental home in the mountains went so well, we planned a trip to the beach looking for the same kind of privacy and homey feel. We found it! By going through a real estate company that manages private residences for rental, we found the perfect place. It even had a sunny name, but the best part was the pool that overlooks the little lake beyond. Complete with deck furniture and a barbecue, we lazed in the morning and evenings and hit the beaches for some fantastic shelling when we felt like it. The attractions were fun, but the best part was being able to go "home" after a day or evening out. We had contact with both the management company and the home owner before and after the stay. They were so appreciative of our care of things, and we were so happy with our stay there! The sunsets were some of Florida's finest, and we could enjoy them from the patio with the lake gently lapping the dock. We can't wait to visit our sunny spot in a coastal town again.

It's all a matter of personal preference, but for adults (and dogs) the privacy and convenience of a home is a blessing. You get the feel of being a local, even if it's just for a little while. The chores to be done are simple, and the ability to enjoy a large space for comparable dollars makes the privacy of a home an attractive alternative to a hotel stay. To be honest, Bentley wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would we!

Learn more about this author, LaDonna Hatfield.
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