Sometimes I E-Save when I have a few days open in front of me.  Each week, on Wednesday, I receive an E-Saver alert  from US Airways informing me of possible flights with remaining seats which qualify for the mileage discount offered in the E-Saver program. Mostly, however,  I consider flying to a place completely unknown to me. The fare each way to US cities is somewhere between $75-100 each way.   A typical flight plan involves an early Saturday morning flight, and to return by the following Tuesdays. 

This week the domestic E-Saver choices this week are bland.  (Were I to select International, I could fly to and from London (Dec. 28-Jan. 24) for a round trip price under $600.  I generally fly out of CLT and this week's  opportunities are:

 Charlottesville, VA

Fayetteville, AR
Greensboro, NC
Greenville, NC
Jacksonville, NC
Lynchburg, VA
Myrtle Beach, SC

Usually the list is much longer.  But of course,  city seats are taken in this season of Christmas travel.  Regardless, among these available cities, the two I would consider are Fayetteville, AR and Lynchburg, VA.

 I've been to neither place. 

For me, the start of typical trip  involves securing the E-Saver fare, booking a rental car, and then locating a room in a bed and breakfast (B&B).  I've had wonderful experiences related to B&B hospitality.  The houses are enjoyable; the rooms are  comfortable and clean.  If it is winter, there is almost always a cozy nook near a fireplace or stove and a bookcase full of interesting reads, magazines, local brochures and rags.  Additionally, the simple pleasures of good tea, good coffee, an evening treat, and a wonderful breakfast are a given.  

A B& B is generally first choice, and the alternative is to check hotel and car specials on a site such as Travelocity.  If I select the B&B, 0nce I arrive at the airport, I rent a car and then travel to my room.  I've found that B&B hosts are usually willing to answer my questions.   Via the B&B experience, I often discover places to visit and area trivia that are not listed in travel books: the best little diner, open market squares, music venues, and interesting local lore.

This year I am leaning toward Fayetteville, AR.  I've never been to Arkansas, and this city interests me because of genealogy and scenic points.   I'd also love to experience the Ozark Mountains, and to photograph Flint Creek.  I frequently research the Scottish clan: McIntire, and several notes link to the state of Arkansas.  Yes, Fayetteville would be a good launching point for chasing a few records and Zenning out on the explorations afforded by nature.

  Two B&B's that interest me are the Stay in Style and the Apple Crest in nearby Gentry.  The Apple Crest is a Victorian that has been voted the Best B&B several times.   Stay in Style is a bungalow located in downtown Fayetteville, where the trolley is free.  If I take an early flight, I'll get there just in time for the Saturday morning farmer's market.  I've learned there are also musicians on the square.    

In the next morning hour, I'll drink my coffee, listen to good music and ponder the decision to book a flight while completing last minute restorations of the cabin.  Generally the E-Savers sell out quickly, but I have a hunch that the Arkansas tickets may linger a day or so.  Packing is light, one hobo bag, a good book, a notepad, music.

By the time I post this, most of the preliminaries will be met in mind. What remains is merely the question, E-save at Christmas?

Season's Greetings and safe travels.

Scupper  ©  12/2009