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The 11 best golf trips that offer the most bang for your buck

Much like weddings or school reunions, buddies trips offer golfers a chance to reconnect with friends away from the stress of day-to-day routines. Play some golf. Have a few drinks. Needle your opponent when the match gets tight. These getaways take on different shapes and sizes, but whether you take them with buddies from college, your weekend foursome or family members, the camaraderie always makes for memorable stories told long after the return home.

Of course, much like weddings, golf trips can be expensive. The most popular golf-trip destinations, though they might include some fantastic courses, can set you back thousands of dollars. If you’re looking to plan your next golf getaway but don’t want to break the bank, we’ve got you covered.

This collection includes our 11 favorite budget golf-trip destinations. We've identified some of the top quality, cheaper golf options that are worth seeking out in each region. Many of these courses have stay-and-play packages available to maximize value even further. 

Click around to learn more about each course and read reviews from our course-ranking panelists. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our new, searchable course database,  Places to Play,  to plan your next trip.

Northern Michigan

Michigan is one of the most underrated public golf destinations in North America—with a ton of great courses in close proximity—it's perfect for planning a trip around. For your next buddies’ trip, consider heading up north for startling elevation changes, stunning scenery and tremendous value.

Though Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs would be at the top of our lists if money was no obstacle, the below options are perfect for the group on a budget.

Bay Harbor Golf Club: Links/Quarry

Bay harbor, mi.

• Best In State

Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club

Marquette, mi.

• 100 Greatest Public

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: The Bear

Williamsburg, mi.

The other courses at Grand Traverse are also worth playing:

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: The Wolverine

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: Spruce Run

Treetops Resort: Masterpiece

Gaylord, mi.

Treetops Resort: Premier

Treetops Resort: Signature

Treetops Resort: Tradition

Shanty Creek Resort: Cedar River

Bellaire, mi.

Shanty Creek Resort: The Legend

Shanty Creek Resort: Hawk's Eye

Shanty Creek Resort: Schuss Mountain

Mancelona, mi.

Shanty Creek Resort: Summit

More from places to play.

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail—complete with nearly 500 holes at 11 facilities spread across the state—provides some of the best value in the country. We’ve selected the best courses on the Trail between Birmingham and Montgomery for you to plan your next trip around.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: The Judge

Prattville, al.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: Legislator

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: Senator

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Cambrian Ridge: Canyon/Loblolly/Sherling

Greenville, al.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge

Birmingham, al.

Towering pines and two large lakes frame many holes on this expansive layout just south of Birmingham. Significant elevation changes dictate a layout that plays up and down the banks that surround the two lakes, which are connected by a stunning waterfall that separates the ninth and 18th greens. With wide landing areas and large greens, there is ample room for wayward shots. The course tips out over 8,000 yards, but there are five sets of tees to accommodate all players.  Note: The course is temporarily closed due to green damage caused by misapplied herbicide.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Oxmoor Valley: Ridge

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Oxmoor Valley: Valley

Myrtle beach.

Myrtle Beach has long been a staple on any list of best golf trips. For good reason: The Grand Strand boasts nearly a hundred courses, many of which offer stay-and-play packages that combine value with quality golf. On your next trip to the Palmetto State, consider these multi-course resorts.

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Dye Course

North myrtle beach, sc.

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Fazio Course

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Love Course

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Norman Course

The Legends Golf Resort: Heathland

Myrtle beach, sc.

The Legends Golf Resort: Moorland

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: At the same time in 1989 when Tom Doak was constructing the Heathland Course at Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, Pete Dye's younger son, P.B. Dye, was on site concocting another 18, the Moorland Course. (I'm pretty sure Doak routed Moorland at the same time he prepared his plans for Heathland, because early press releases stated Doak was do three 18s at the resort. He ended up building just one of the three.) Moorland, like Heathland, opened in 1990, and I played both soon thereafter. For our architecture editor's complete review, click here . 

The Legends Golf Resort: Parkland

Tidewater Golf Club

Colonial Williamsburg

Oftentimes, a buddies’ trip is all about the golf. A 27- or 36-hole day is commonplace for many groups looking to maximize time on the course. Colonial Williamsburg is great for that -- as many resorts offer multiple courses that are all worth playing. But on at least one of the days, make sure you head to the historic center of town, where life looks similar to as it did in the 18 th  century.  

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club: Gold Course

Williamsburg, va.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club: Green

Kingsmill Resort: The River Course

Kingsmill Resort: The Plantation Course

Royal New Kent Golf Club

Providence forge, va.

Like Myrtle Beach, Orlando is a fixture on many golf destination lists, with a number of quality public options to plan your next trip around. There are truly an endless amount of solid Orlando golf options, but we've highlighted our favorite ones below.

Mission Inn Resort & Club: El Campeon

Howey in the hills, fl.

Mission Inn Resort & Club: Las Colinas

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Crooked Cat

Winter garden, fl.

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Panther Lake

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Tooth

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Jack Nicklaus Course

Reunion, fl.

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Arnold Palmer Course

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Tom Watson Course

For another getaway to the Sunshine State, consider heading down to the Tampa area, where you’ll find some great public options. Tampa offers the perfect combination of quality nightlife with very good golf. Though Innisbrook Resort or nearby Streamsong might top many traditional lists, we’ve identified some hidden gems for this buddies-trip-on-a-budget list that for solid value.

Also keep in mind that World Woods -- which will be Cabot Citrus Farms when it re-opens (projected to be the end of 2023) -- will become our new favorite option in the area.

RELATED:  A new chapter for World Woods: The acclaimed Florida 36-hole complex will soon become Cabot Citrus Farms

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club: South Course

Dade city, fl.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club: North Course

Fox Hollow Golf Club

Trinity, fl.

The Club at Cheval

It’s only appropriate that these affordable courses in the Land of 10,000 Lakes all play around … lakes. This collection of scenic tracks includes a 100 Greatest Public course and a couple of shorter options sure to inject excitement into your next buddies’ trip match. 

Madden's on Gull Lake: The Classic at Madden's

Brainerd, mn.

Madden's on Gull Lake: Pine Beach East

Legacy Courses At Craguns: Dutch Legacy

The Pines At Grand View Lodge: Lakes/Woods/Marsh

Deacon's Lodge Golf Course

Pequot lakes, mn.

Closer to the Wisconsin side of the state, a very worthwhile trip would be combining two 100 Greatest Public facilities: Giants Ridge and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge

Biwabik, mn.

The Wilderness At Fortune Bay

West point, mississippi.

One of the more underrated destinations in this collection, West Point, Miss. boasts a couple of exceptional layouts—both ranked on our 100 Greatest Public list—that won’t break the bank.

Mossy Oak Golf Club

West point, ms.

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: Back in mid-1980s, George Bryan, who ran Bryan Foods, now part of Sara Lee Corp., created Old Waverly Golf Club in tiny West Point, Miss., a Bob Cupp/Jerry Pate design and former U.S. Women’s Open host that to me is a bit underrated. In the early 2000s, Bryan bought an old dairy farm (Knob Hill Dairy) across the highway and hired Gil Hanse to give him an Old School public golf course. George named it Mossy Oak, after a West Point company of the same name that supplies outdoor camouflage gear. (The company has a 10-percent interest in the course.) He was going to call it Howlin' Wolf after a legendary blues singer born in West Point, but his heirs wanted too much money. Hanse got the job before he was awarded the Rio Olympics design in 2012, and it was the first project he tackled after completing his work in Brazil. For the full review from our architecture editor, click here .

Old Waverly Golf Club

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: I've always admired Jerry Pate's work in golf architecture. He was one of the few PGA Tour pros who really got down and dirty in golf design, and I especially liked the few courses he did with architect Bob Cupp. Their second collaboration was Old Waverly in tiny West Point, Miss., a dream project of West Point native George Bryan. Cupp was just two years removed from his employment as Jack Nicklaus’ chief designer, and Pate was still active on the PGA Tour when they started the project in August 1986. Both spent a lot of time on the site. I remember Pate was as proud of the massive drainage system he successfully persuaded Old Waverly to adopt as he was of the many strategies he helped impart in its holes. The course opened in August 1988 to immediate acclaim, finishing No. 3 among Golf Digest's Best New Private Courses in 1989. For the complete review from our architecture editor, click here .

San Antonio

In terms of affordable public golf, the San Antonio area is tough to beat. Of all the destinations in this collection, these Texas Hill Country courses may provide the most bang for your buck. Of course, Austin is also very doable when headed to the Hill Country, but there's a little more value on and off the course in San Antonio.

The Quarry Golf Course

San antonio, tx.

La Cantera Golf Club

Canyon Springs Golf Club

Brackenridge Park Golf Course

SilverHorn Golf Club of Texas

The Bandit Golf Club

New braunfels, tx.

Cedar Creek Golf Course

Chattanooga

If your typical buddies’ trip usually takes on a laidback vibe, consider centering your next one around Sweetens Cove, just outside Chattanooga. And there are some other quality options in the area to round out your trip for when you’re not whacking it around the Peyton Manning-backed nine-holer with few rules.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club

South pittsburg, tn.

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay

Harrison, tn.

Brainerd Golf Course

Chattanooga, tn, mesquite, nev./st. george, utah.

One of the most scenic destinations in this collection, southern Nevada and Utah provide some of the most dramatic rock formations you’ll find on a course. Several of these affordable tracks just northeast of Las Vegas highlight desert golf in its gentler form, with wider landing areas than are typical of many southwestern layouts. 

Sand Hollow Resort: Championship Course

Hurricane, ut.

The Ledges of St. George

Saint george, ut.

Copper Rock

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Mesquite, nv.

Oasis Golf Club: Palmer

Oasis Golf Club: Canyons

Coral Canyon Golf Course

Washington, ut.

SunRiver Golf Club

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2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

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• Lows Lacks the range of its rivals, eco-minded drive modes sap performance, infotainment system can be sluggish.
• Verdict The Volkswagen e-Golf is a no-nonsense take on a practical EV. More driving range would be welcome, however.

What's New for 2017?

The e-Golf sees significant upgrades for 2017, the most important of which is an updated battery with an EPA-rated 125 miles of EV range, compared with the outgoing model’s 83 miles. The electric motor also puts out more horsepower and more torque, which gives it much quicker off-the-line acceleration in our testing. A 7.2-kW onboard charger is newly standard this year, too. The car’s front end gets styling updates, and several pieces of active safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, are now available in the upper trim level.

Original MSRP:

• e-Golf SE: $31,345
• e-Golf SEL: $37,845
• e-Golf Limited Edition: $34,645

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The e-Golf is more powerful and quicker now than it was in its previous generation, but it’s still not as gutsy as the Chevrolet Bolt EV. With an extra 19 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque over its previous iteration, the e-Golf feels zippy off the line. In our testing, it was 0.9 second quicker to 60 mph than a 2016 e-Golf , although it was a full two seconds slower than the more powerful Bolt EV in the same test. The e-Golf is limited, in its normal driving mode, to a top speed of 85 mph. In Eco mode, accelerator-pedal responses are dulled, power decreases to just 94 horses, and speed is limited to 72 mph. In the Eco+ mode, drivers can coax a measly 74 horsepower from the motor, the go pedal is even more obstinate, and speed tops out at 56 mph. All those performance tweaks serve the higher purpose of increased efficiency and range, but at what cost to your soul? A full charge requires roughly 26 hours on standard 120-volt house current but less than six hours on 240 volts. DC fast charging is a $995 option on SE models and a standard feature in the SEL Premium trim. That system allows the e-Golf to reach 80 percent charge in just one hour at a DC fast-charging station. The e-Golf performs remarkably like a regular Golf, making it one of our favorite EVs to drive and one of only a select few to have been selected as a recipient of our annual 10Best Cars award. It is nimble and responsive, with light, accurate steering and predictable responses to inputs.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The e-Golf’s interior is free of green-car gimmicks, it is just as functional and comfortable as the inside of any other Golf. Leatherette seats, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and ambient lighting represent some of the only features that come in the upper trim but not the base one. The e-Golf employs partial-power seat adjustments in both trim levels, so driver and front passenger can use a switch to adjust their angle of recline, but must use manual controls to modify the seat’s height or fore-aft positioning. The e-Golf gives up precisely no cargo space compared to its gas-powered counterpart. It’s also one of the most cargo-friendly vehicles of this set, even compared with physically larger cars such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The e-Golf’s infotainment system looks great, with its large touchscreen and clear graphics. This being said, it's slow to respond to commands. Every e-Golf comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system is at least easy to use and features navigation in the upper trim level. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink (a third and less-common solution to phone-streaming) are all standard, as is an eight-speaker sound system.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Volkswagen e-Golf’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) websites.

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.

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Volkswagen e-Golf (2014-2019) review

The volkswagen e-golf offers all the practicality of volkswagen's five-door hatchback and is almost as good to drive, too.

• 1 Verdict - currently reading
• 2 Range, battery & charging
• 3 Running costs
• 4 Electric motor, drive & performance
• 5 Interior & comfort
• 6 Practicality & boot space
• 7 Reliability & safety

3.5 out of 5

• Great to drive
• Super-low company-car tax
• Looks like a mainstream Golf
• Relatively expensive to buy
• Shorter range than key rivals
• Smaller boot than a regular Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf was a very important car when it launched in 2014, as it was the German car giant’s first all-electric family hatchback and remained on sale for five years. It’s practical, fun to drive and appeals to buyers after the benefits of an electric car combined with the low-key conservative styling of the regular Golf.

Unlike the Volkswagen ID.3 , which was designed from the ground up as a fully electric model, the e-Golf is closely linked to other Mk7 Golfs, albeit with a fully-electric motor under the bonnet and battery pack beneath the boot. It offers a relatively short range of up to 144 miles (more like 130 in real-world driving conditions), which is comparable to rivals such as the MINI Electric and Honda e . But, the Nissan Leaf is capable of a 168-mile range, while long-range versions of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV can travel much further still.

The Volkswagen e-Golf is fitted with a 134bhp electric motor which drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. It’s powered by a 35.8kWh battery, which is considerably smaller than some other EVs, given that it was squeezed into a car originally designed to accommodate a conventional petrol or diesel engine. For some, though, the e-Golf’s similarity to the conventional Golf is part of the appeal, but there are some subtle distinguishing features such as a blanked-off grille, aerodynamic alloy wheels and blue-accented trim.

Charging can be taken care of using a domestic supply, with a full charge from empty taking just over five hours using a wallbox at home. However, most owners will only be topping up a partially used battery overnight, so returning to maximum charge will be much quicker than that. Use one of the ever-growing network of public chargers and you can get back to 80% capacity in just over 30 minutes.

The e-Golf carries around a heavy battery, and that means noticeable extra weight to lug around. This blunts the agility and poise of the standard Golf chassis a fraction, but not enough to take all the fun out of driving it – in fact, the e-Golf remains one of the best pure-electric cars to drive given its direct handling and relaxed ride comfort. The e-Golf also feels quite happy and unstrained at normal motorway speeds.

There’s only one trim level but the equipment levels helped to justify the e-Golf’s price. Standard kit included a Discover Pro navigation system with gesture control and a 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Adaptive cruise control, LED headlamps and Car-Net App-Connect smartphone connectivity are also included.

From the driving seat or any of the passenger seats, the e-Golf experience is remarkably similar to any other model in the line-up. You get the same dashboard layout and interior trim, identical interior space and the freedom to choose many of the same optional extras. Boot space is reduced a little by the underfloor batteries, but still offers a reasonable amount of room.

With typical Volkswagen build quality and a comprehensive safety package built in, the e-Golf is one of the most reassuring and easily accessible ways to get into electric motoring – for those who can afford the purchase price, anyway. It makes a lot of sense for families with a daily school run and for city-based business users, although by its very nature, the electric Golf does have a more conservative feel than its BMW i3 rival. For a more detailed look at the Volkswagen e-Golf, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...

In This Review

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Used Volkswagen e-Golf buying guide

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Every client, every trip, every time

Delivering exceptional golf travel experiences....

The partners at Epic Golf Travel have been providing personalized golf travel services since 1992, working hard to ensure your next golf vacation is your best ever. We've provided golf travel services to thousands of golfers like yourself, and take our responsibilities to you very seriously.

We strongly believe we offer “The Best Golf Vacations on the Planet”, and will do everything in our power to ensure your golf vacation meets the high standards that phrase implies.

Dave Redmond

Founding partner, epic golf travel, experienced.

Epic Golf Travel had it’s start in providing personalized golf vacation services dating back over 30 years to 1992. At that time, several of our principals began one of the very first golf travel companies in the United States. They and their team would eventually help thousands of golfers plan their trips throughout the United States, Scotland, Ireland and England.

Today, we are a team of golf professionals and travel experts with over a century of golf industry and travel experience.

PROFESSIONAL

We are a fully accredited travel agency within the United States, Scotland, Ireland and England. We are members of The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Golf Tourism England (GTE), the R&A and the USGA. We are recognized as an authorized golf travel agency by many other tourism organizations, including Visit Scotland, Golf Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Golf Highlands and VisitUSA.

COLLABORATIVE

We will work closely with you to build a trip that matches your wishes and desires perfectly. Your trip will take your style into consideration, along with your pace and will fit within your budget.

After research specific to your needs, we create an itinerary based on the information you've shared with us. Our job isn't finished until we've updated your trip as often as needed so that it's customized to you personally.

When you're ready, reach out to us by calling or filling out the Custom Quote form with as much detail as possible, including adding any notes you may want to pass along about your expectations or desires for your golf trip. Your trip will only be handled by one of our lead partners, never handed off to anyone with less experience.

We spend time researching, checking course and hotel availabilities, flight schedules, driving times to and from golf courses, course conditions, rental cars and any special requests you may have made. Only after doing this research will we create a custom itinerary and quote based on you specifically and all of the information you shared with us.

Once you have agreed on a final itinerary, we'll take care of all the reservations… from hotels to ground transportation to those all-important starting times. We will assist with your airline reservations, make reservations at special restaurants, plan a schedule of sightseeing, suggest shopping and anything else you might desire.

We travel and play at all of the destinations we represent, allowing us to provide unique, in-depth knowledge to our clients. Not only of the golf courses and lodging options, but also ideas and suggestions on non-golfing activities, sightseeing and dining possibilities.

When you're ready, reach out to us by calling or by filling out the Custom Quote form with as much detail as possible, including adding any notes you may want to pass along about your expectations or desires for your golf trip. Your trip will only be handled by one of our lead partners, never handed off to anyone with less experience.

THE ABSOLUTE BEST

Your next golf trip may be your first, it may be one of many you've taken or it could be your "trip of a lifetime". We treat them all the same, as if it was the only one you'll ever travel on and as if we're going along as well. When we plan your trip with those thoughts in mind, we know it'll be the absolute best trip we can build for you.

We also know you have many choices when it comes to the planning of your golf trip. From planning and booking your trip yourself to seeking help from one of many other companies that provide golf travel services.

We believe you deserve our fanatical attention to detail, our real-world experience with the locations we offer, our ability to make every part of your trip work perfectly and our genuine commitment to you and your golf travel plans.

We have played, stayed and dined in every country and region we represent. That firsthand knowledge and experience serves us well when it comes to building the perfect golf vacation for you. Take a look at all the exciting golf opportunities you have by browsing through our website, then reach out and let us help build your perfect golf vacation!

Volkswagen e-Golf Performance Review

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16.8 kWh/100km

Performance metrics from EV Database

See full review from Green Car Guide

The new  Volkswagen e-Golf  has an NEDC range of 186 miles which makes the car much more useable than the previous model.

Model/Engine size

Volkswagen e-Golf 136 PS 5dr

• Good to drive
• Practical and easy to live with
• Increased range (now 186 miles NEDC) makes the car much more useable
• Visually, just looks like a Golf: this could be good or bad to different people

Mention the name Volkswagen and many people still think of Dieselgate, but to give the brand credit where it’s due, the company is making a real effort to transform itself into a major electric car manufacturer, and although we’re still a few years away from seeing the cars that are currently being developed on sale, the existing e-Golf is already a reassuring indication of what’s to come.

Design & Engineering

The Volkswagen e-Golf is a 100% electric car (unlike the  Volkswagen Golf GTE  which is a plug-in hybrid). The e-Golf has a 136 PS (100 kW) electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery which is integrated into the vehicle floor. A single-speed gearbox delivers drive to the front wheels.

The Volkswagen e-Golf looks very similar to any other Golf, with the main exception that the wheels mark it out as an eco model rather than a sporty car. However the overall package remains compact and practical.

Volkswagen e-Golf Driving Experience

The e-Golf drives like many other electric cars: it’s quiet, smooth, and refined. It has excellent acceleration thanks to the torque that’s available 100% of the time, and it’s easy to drive. The 345kg battery sits very low down in the car’s floor, which aids handling, and the e-Golf has a comfortable ride.

If you invited owners of 10 year-old diesel Golfs to test the e-Golf, they would be amazed at how good it is to drive. There really is no better car to use around town than an electric car such as a Golf. However thanks to its increased range, the new e-Golf can also face motorways much more confidently than the previous model.

So if many electric cars have similar driving characteristics, what’s different about the e-Golf? Well, it’s a Golf. That in itself might be enough of a sales proposition for many buyers. Apart from being a practical five-door, five-seat, family hatchback, being a Golf means that it’s a quality package overall, and everything should work just fine.

Well, maybe apart from one thing: the drive mode switch. This may be positioned conveniently for left hand drive cars, but for right hand drive, the button is obscured on the left of the gear selector, so you can’t really see it. If you do find it, it gives you the option of Normal, Eco, or Eco+ modes. Note that there’s no Sport mode.

The Eco setting is designed to conserve battery range, cutting peak power to 95 PS, reducing the output of the air conditioning system and modifying the accelerator response. Top speed is cut to 71 mph and 0-62 mph takes 13.4 seconds.

Eco+ limits maximum power to 75 PS, torque to 175 Nm, and top speed to 56 mph. The accelerator response is modified again, and the air conditioning is disabled.

You can also change the amount of regenerative braking. If you move the gear selector to the left you can access three modes: D1, D2 and D3 (we’d be interested to know how many e-Golf drivers are aware of this, as it’s not that obvious). If you move the lever to the right it takes you back into D (ie. recuperation is off). You can also pull the gear selector down to choose the B setting. By increasing the level of regenerative braking you can put more energy back into the battery and increase the car’s range. But it’s also useful if you want to simulate the effect of changing down a gear eg. for a downhill corner. In D2, D3 and B, the brake lights are activated when the driver’s foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal.

Aside from the hidden drive mode switch and the secret way to adjust the level of regenerative braking, the interior is mostly standard Golf. This means that it’s functional if not very exciting. The Golf has recently had a refresh, although most people would be hard pushed to notice many significant changes, but one new feature is a larger touchscreen with sharper graphics. The mapping on the satnav is very clear, showing details such as individual rows of houses and even runways at airports.

To access functions such as the radio or satnav you have to press two buttons – menu and home – at the top left of the touchscreen. Systems such as BMW’s iDrive are better as instead you can just press one shortcut button. However the Golf’s climate controls are separate from the touchscreen, which is a good thing.

Another good point of the Golf, that many electric cars don’t have, is a compartment under the boot to store the charging cables.

Volkswagen e-Golf Economy and Emissions

The official NEDC range of the e-Golf is 186 miles, although interestingly Volkswagen quotes a real-life range of 124 miles. This is interesting because Volkswagen appears to be under-selling the car by doing this, as we consistently achieved a real-world range of around 150 miles on a full charge. When we tested the previous  Volkswagen e-Golf  we were getting a range of around 100 miles in real life. A real-life range of 150 miles rather than 100 miles makes an electric car so much more useable, especially if your driving takes in occasional motorway journeys.

You can charge the e-Golf from a standard household three-pin socket, but a full charge takes 17 hours. A 3.6 kW home wallbox can recharge a fully discharged battery in 10 hours 50 minutes. Using the e-Golf’s combined charging system (CCS) and a DC supply, the battery can be fully recharged to 80 per cent capacity in just 45 minutes.

Price and Model Range

The Volkswagen e-Golf costs £32,190, or £27,690 after the £4,500 government plug-in car grant. Our test car had the following options: keyless entry (£365), Lane Assist Plus with Dynamic Light Assist (£1,225), and Pure White paint (£280), taking the price as tested to £34,060. The e-Golf comes with 8 year/99,360 mile battery warranty.

Of course there is a bewildering array of other Golf models to choose from, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.

The Volkswagen e-Golf is an excellent car to drive, being quiet and refined, with smooth, linear acceleration, and a comfortable ride and good handling. With five doors and five seats, it’s also practical and very easy to live with. The most significant improvement over the previous model is the real-life driving range, which has increased from 100 to 150 miles. This makes the e-Golf a much more viable car choice for many people; in addition to being an ideal car to drive in the city, it can now handle motorway driving much more confidently. Add in the fact that it has just a 9% company car Benefit in Kind tax rate, and it looks even more attractive. So the Volkswagen e-Golf is awarded a Green Car Guide rating of 9 out of 10. We’d be happy with the e-Golf as our own car, as it would be ideal for day-to-day domestic duties such as the school run, but we need to remember that the e-Golf is just a taste of what Volkswagen has planned for the coming years in the area of electrification.

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Travel | travel: how to go on a high-class golf vacation without landing in the financial rough.

One of the beauties about golf, besides the azalea-flanked 13th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, home of this week’s Masters, is that unlike most professional sports, you and I can actually  play where the pros play.

Is surf-hugging Pebble Beach Golf Links too beautiful to only watch on TV every February? Then go online and get a tee time for a gorgeous California course that has made U.S. Open champions of such greats as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods, and has hosted an iconic pro-am annually since 1947. Feel like playing 18 in the Hill Country home of the Texas State Open? The Ram Rock course, considered the most difficult among the four at renowned Horseshoe Bay Golf Resort outside of Austin, welcomes all from hacker to scratcher. Same with Hawaii’s paradisal Plantation Course at Kapalua, which hosts the wintertime Sentry Tournament of Champions, and The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, home of one of the most esteemed stops on the PGA tour.

Unfortunately, for us golf lovers not among the top 1%, water hazards and sand traps aren’t our only obstacles. It takes a lot of green to play the greens. A round at Sawgrass, for example, can set one back a grand at peak tee times, making Pebble Beach sound like a bargain at $675. Another reality is not every prestigious or pro-played golf course puts out the welcome mat for us commoners. Teeing off at Augusta National, for one, pretty much requires being besties with a club member or past Masters champion.

The good news is we club-swinging stalwarts have alternatives when hankering to play legendary links. The U.S. is dotted with them, but if we take our virtual golf cart to the warm-weather golfing meccas of California, Hawaii, Texas and Florida, our GPS system can locate less forbidding championship courses that are also vacation-worthy because they’re linked to topnotch resorts with accommodations, dining and activities to match.

Where are these swinging Shangri-las? This question is well-timed. Aware that golf fever is peaking with this week’s Masters and next month’s U.S. Women’s Open — we’re in the heart of the PGA, LPGA, PGA Champions and LIV tours, as if you didn’t know — we’ve scouted the four aforementioned states for resorts that are well above par even if your score isn’t under par. Quality doesn’t come cheap, but unlike some of the more hoity-toity clubs, this quartet of courses will welcome you with open arms, which, if you listen to Tiger, should be wide on the backswing to allow your muscles to stretch to their full potential.

Traveling west to east ….

Ko Olina Golf Club

Golf in Hawaii is nearly as kingly as Kamehameha, so playing a tropics-kissed course that’s drop-dead gorgeous isn’t hard to do in the Aloha State. What isn’t as easy as Sunday morning is finding a premier property with a cool, unpretentious vibe. That’s Ko Olina Golf Club on Oahu. Perennially ranked among the nation’s top resort courses, Ko Olina ( koolinagolf.com ) is a judgment-free zone with great taste in its partnerships with the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, the choice property within the master-planned oceanfront community, and an on-site Roy’s Hawaiian fusion restaurant that might be the best in the chain.

The Ted Robinson-designed course is decked with stunning water features, multi-tiered greens and generous landing areas. Here is where retired LPGA phenom Michelle Wie developed her game, and there’s a statue of her out front to prove it. The pro shop is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S., and with the rental clubs being TaylorMade graphite, it’s tempting not to schlep your set. Inclusive of cart rental, a logoed tumbler and a basket of range balls, adult fees are no higher than $255, and go down to $190 after 1 p.m.

A short shuttle ride or stroll away is the 371-unit Four Seasons ( fourseasons.com ), which offers digs and dining befitting the five-star brand, and serves as a model for luxury Hawaiian resorts striving to appeal to everyone from young families to honeymooners to seniors. An impressive schedule of daily activities is augmented by R&R offerings that include the five-star Naupaka Spa, inviting lagoons and pools, and first-rate horseback riding in the scenic Waianae Mountains.

The Links at Spanish Bay

Having recently walked the storied course and hallowed halls of the 146-year-old Royal Troon Golf Club, which in July will host its 10th Open Championship, this unworthy duffer can now distinguish between a “Scottish-style links” course and the real deal. While the landscape between Pebble Beach and the south Ayrshire coast has little in common besides a shoreline, getting in a round at The Links at Spanish Bay does hint of playing Royal Troon’s Old Course.

Helping get in the Scottish spirit is a bagpiper who plays for about 45 minutes before sunset from the first tee to the second. Fee-wise, guests staying at The Inn at Spanish Bay pay $350, which includes a cart. It’s a stately and elegant hotel with 269 rooms, and has reciprocity with other Pebble Beach Resorts facilities ( pebblebeach.com ). Overlooking spectacular sand dunes with an endless view of the Pacific costs just north of $1,000 a night, but that’s less than the rates at the sister properties, The Lodge and Casa Palermo.

Snob factor aside, “better” and “best” don’t get much more than “good” — not when Spanish Bay’s lowest-price room still comes with a romantic fireplace, reading nook, choice of nine different types of pillows and other niceties.

Lost Pines Golf Club

The phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” certainly applies to the list of activities at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa ( lostpinesresortandspa.com ), a Hill Country jewel along the banks of the Lower Colorado River. On more than 400 glorious acres just outside Austin, you can fish, ride horses and ponies, pet goats, alpacas, pigs and donkeys, say “howdy” to morbidly named Texas Longhorns (Chuck, Sirloin, Brisket, T-Bone and Ribeye — really?), go on a wagon ride and hay ride, trap shoot, fire off BB guns, slingshots and arrows, throw tomahawks, swim, float on a 1,000-foot, palm tree-lined lazy river, play tennis and pickleball, and, oh yeah, golf.

Deep in the heart of Texas is a 7,200-yard course well-described by the club’s lead golf instructor as “undulating and isolated.” Green fees top at around $200. A recent multimillion-dollar makeover included a redesign of holes 10 through 13, rebuilt bunkers and a name change from Wolfdancer. Designed by golf architect Arthur Hills, Lost Pines is a par-72 beauty graced by rolling prairies, wooded ridgelines and groves of native pecan trees.

Apparently, those homegrown pecans aren’t good enough for the nuttiest dessert served at Maude’s, a bastion of Southern hospitality ironically named for the Texas-sized pecan tree that towers over the outside tables. But like nearly everything guests taste, touch and see at the 490-unit resort, the headline ingredient of the yummy bourbon pecan pie is still locally sourced. Deliciousness continues with the lamb sliders, artisanal charcuterie and flawless libations that include a killer carajillo. Take one sip of their version of this classic Spanish coffee-based cocktail and you may never order an espresso martini again.

Before we leave Lost Pines, hoping to return again, a shout-out to Sushi By Scratch for a new-wave spin on the Japanese dining experience of omakase, where it’s basically chef’s choice through 17 individually paced pieces of nigiri, A5 wagyu beef and other delicacies. Seatings are limited to 10 patrons, each paying a minimum of $165 for this event meal. Sushi By Scratch’s Lost Pines location is one of 10 in the U.S., four of which are in California.

The Boca Raton

It’s hard to imagine a classier, cleaner and more comfortable resort than The Boca Raton ( thebocaraton.com ) in South Florida. This place is so exquisite after a history-respecting, $200-million reimagination, if it weren’t for the bill at the end it could qualify as heaven on Earth.

Dating back to 1926, The Boca Raton’s rich golf heritage includes Tommy Armour and Sam Sneed serving as its first two golf directors — 10 majors won between them. The resort’s Harborside Golf Course, exclusive to members and guests, is dedicated to these two legends. The par-71, 18-hole championship-level course features 12 acres of water, some put to use for a signature island-green finishing hole. From June to October, green fees are $210. That includes a golf cart and — get this — the food and beverage cart. We’re talking Asian shrimp salad, roasted turkey shawarma, rotisserie chicken salad and more delivered on the course by a pleasant attendant, and just for the asking. As we said, classy.

So is the adjacent high-tech driving range. Included in the resort fee are hitting stations powered by state-of-the-art Toptracer technology designed to perfect your swing. A monitor displays helpful data related to your golf ball’s speed, distance and spin rate. The digital gaming options are a blast.

Taking off the cleats, also on the resort’s 365 acres are five hotels within a hotel that make up 835 total rooms. The adults-only Yacht Club claims 112 of those units, all chic suites with private balconies and views of Lake Boca Raton, the Atlantic and a yacht-lined marina. Amenities include a butler, exclusive dining and an invitation to explore the South Florida coast while behind the wheel of a $200,000 Aston Martin DBX. Which begs the question: Do we dream about buying that or membership into the Augusta National Golf Club?

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Pinehurst #10 opened last week. Want to play it?

This Masters tax hack funds tournament week — and could save you big

The real cost of Masters week is different for almost everyone involved, thanks to a loophole in the U.S. tax code.

Darren Riehl/GOLF

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The big business in Augusta this week is the Masters, but the bigger business is housing.

For 51 weeks a year, the area surrounding Augusta National is suburbia. Well-adorned homes dot quiet streets lined with pines. A delicate Southern latitude floats in the air. But during Masters week, the circus comes to town.

People arrive by the thousands, and from everywhere. Private Jets clog the runway at the Augusta Regional Airport like sedans at a Walmart on Black Friday. Rental cars some two hours away at Atlanta Hartsfield, the busiest airport in the world, are mostly sold out. Local restaurants double, and sometimes even triple, their staff and food inventory. And the homeowners? Well, they get the hell out of Dodge.

But don’t worry, they won’t be leaving their houses empty. Not with the biggest tournament in golf coming to town — and certainly not with the area’s hotels struggling under the weight of crowds much larger than they can service. The homeowners are the critical pieces of what, for one week, might very well be the most lucrative short-term housing market in the entire world: The Masters. And with school out for spring break, they intend to cash in.

The story of home rentals in Augusta National dates back decades, at least as early as the late 1960s, when CBS’s transition to color TV helped fuel a sudden — and dramatic — interest in the tournament known as the Masters Invitational. Suddenly, fans the world over wanted to journey into town on the second week of April to see Augusta National for themselves. Demand quickly outpaced supply, and an opportunity emerged for homeowners looking to make a quick buck. If you left town for the week and rented your home, you could charge enough money to cover your April mortgage payment. In 1970, the Augusta Chamber of Commerce formalized the process by creating the Masters Housing Bureau to help homeowners and renters navigate the logistics of renting their homes for Masters week. Augusta National quickly sanctioned the organization, and the two have worked in concert to help house the Masters ever since.

But, even with an above-board renters organization and no shortage of customers, there was still one prominent issue: Taxes. Each year, filing was a headache for renters in the Augusta area thanks to ambiguity in the U.S. tax code over part-time businesses. In simple terms, the people of Augusta wanted to pocket the cash from their weeklong rental, while the IRS thought they owed taxes on the profits earned on a business venture.

The problem, it seemed, was that the people of Augusta were not full-time renters. In fact, they weren’t even part-time renters. They rented their house for one week a year, and one week only.

After a legal and lobbying battle that spanned several years, the homeowners of Augusta won. In 1976, the U.S. tax code released Section 280A — a provision that allows homeowners to rent their property for 10 days or fewer each year without paying taxes on the profits earned. Given the nature of the rule and the way it so obviously entwined with the growth of the Masters tournament, CPAs quickly coined a nickname for the new provision: The Augusta Rule.

Decades later, the advent of online rental services like Airbnb and Vrbo sent the rental market in Augusta exploding once more. In 2024, tournament week has left the quiet streets of Augusta awash in yellow Masters flags — a sign to visitors and locals alike that the home is being rented to Masters visitors. During his annual press conference on Tuesday, even Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley referred to the housing crunch in town, revealing plans for a “three-level, state-of-the-art facility designed to anticipate every need for players, their families, and support team” that some have speculated could include a hotel for players.

Still, even without players among the prospective renter pool, the rental market in Augusta is plenty helpful. In total, some 1,062 Airbnb and Booking.com accommodations were listed near Augusta, Ga. for the days of tournament week, an analysis from USBets.com found. The average cost of an Airbnb in the area for the four days of the Masters, per that same analysis? Some $3,420 — though the average price of weeklong rentals is much higher, with many selling for well above $10,000.

That’s a very pretty penny for the homeowners of Augusta, Ga. And perhaps just as important: it’s tax-free.

It’s all thanks to the “Augusta Rule,” and if you find yourself in the path of a golf tournament or other weeklong event in need of housing rentals, you can take advantage of it, too.

Happy hunting!

Latest In Travel

13 shots from augusta national's 'second nine' that made masters history, beyond the gates of augusta national, private-club golf is booming, what is amen corner get to know augusta's iconic masters holes, the impact of tiger-proofing on the masters a design expert weighs in, james colgan.

James Colgan is a news and features editor at GOLF, writing stories for the website and magazine. He manages the Hot Mic, GOLF’s media vertical, and utilizes his on-camera experience across the brand’s platforms. Prior to joining GOLF, James graduated from Syracuse University, during which time he was a caddie scholarship recipient (and astute looper) on Long Island, where he is from. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

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Golf, BBQ and bike trails: Pure Michigan April travel deals are here

• Updated: Apr. 11, 2024, 2:30 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 09, 2024, 8:49 a.m.
• Tanda Gmiter | [email protected]

Michigan is pretty amazing when it comes to vacation options. Just last weekend, some Up North resorts still had their ski runs open and chairlifts spinning - and others were prepping their award-winning golf courses for the first players of the season. The bottom line for both peninsulas: There’s something for everyone when it’s time to plan a spring vacation.

April getaways will get you out ahead of the summer crowds. Our friends at Pure Michigan are highlighting savings at nearly a dozen destinations around the state. Foodie and downtown spots like Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids are on the list. So are Up North golf resorts, an incredible mountain bike trail system near Harbor Springs (you have to hop on a chairlift to reach it) and Mackinac Island gems.

So find some free time, pack a bag and go explore somewhere new. Adventure is waiting.

Lake Michigan beach town Ludington celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. (Pure Ludington) Pure Ludington

#1 Downtown Ludington

Deal: Celebrate Ludington’s 150th anniversary with hotel savings

Expires: April 15, 2024

Details: Book a two-night stay and receive 50% off your second night. “Before the hustle and bustle of summer begins in Ludington, take time to enjoy the undiscovered season of Spring and celebrate all that Ludington has to offer! Explore the changing scenery at Ludington State Park, sail on the SS Badger and shop or eat in downtown Ludington. Lodging deals like 50% off a second night stay make spring in Ludington a season of value. Start planning your Pure Ludington getaway now.” Find more details here.

The U.S. 31 Island Lake Outlet Bridge is a lift bridge bridge in downtown Charlevoix, Mich. which spans the Pine River Channel between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. It opened in 1949. (Garret Ellison | MLive). Garret Ellison

#2 Buy One, Get One at the historic Earl in Charlevoix

Deal: Save when you stay two nights at The Earl. Buy one night, get the second night 50% off.

Expires: April 30, 2024

Details: “Who needs to jet off to the south for spring break when the fun is right here? Book a two-night stay (or more) on select dates in April and score 50% off your second night. Dive into Northern Michigan adventures like hiking, fat tire biking, wine tasting and shopping galore.” See more details on the website here.

BBQ competitors will flock to Treetops Resort for Grill on the Hill. Photo provided by Treetops Resort.

#3 Grill on the Hill at Treetops Resort near Gaylord

Deal: 6th Annual Grill on the Hill Taster’s Lodging Package: Overnight lodging, breakfast vouchers & taster tickets to Grill on the Hill for only $130 per person

Expires: May 5, 2024

Details: “Our annual grilling competition that pits the best BBQ’ers from all around the Midwest is back for 2024. In partnership with Ebels General Store, this mouth-watering event will feature a fierce BBQ competition and tasting event. Individual teams will showcase their grilling expertise in a lively competition, while guests indulge in delicious BBQ, interact with expert grillers and enjoy live music, drinks and entertainment suitable for all ages.” Headed to Grill on the Hill? Find more details here.

#4 Early season golf Up North

Deal: Early Season Stay & Play Packages start at just $145 at the Garland Lodge & Golf Resort. Includes one night’s lodging and two rounds of golf.

Expires: May 16, 2024

Details: “Garland features four masterpiece golf courses set amidst over 3,000 acres of unspoiled northern Michigan wilderness. With the convenience of teeing off from one golf shop, our meticulously crafted courses promise an unparalleled golfing experience. Enjoy comfortable lodging and delectable dining, plus unwind at our outdoor tiki bar – all just steps away from our golf shop. Every aspect of your stay is designed to elevate your golf getaway.” For more information, check the resort’s website here.

A frozen wine slushie on the the Upper Deck at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. Photo provided by Brys.

#5 Traverse City adventures

Deal: Spring into the season and save on your visit to Traverse City

Expires: May 24, 2024

Details: “Seize the chance to save on your vacation with a seasonal package. Plan an escape to Traverse City to see the cherry blossoms and celebrate Traverse City Uncorked in May during Michigan Wine Month. Invite friends and family to join you in creating memories or arrange a romantic getaway for just you and your loved one.” Find more details here.

The Highlands at Harbor Springs Bike Park uses speedy chairlifts to get up the hill. Photo provided by The Highlands

#6 Memorial Day Weekend at The Highlands at Harbor Springs

Deal: Discover Your Escape at The Highlands Bike Park

Expires: May 26, 2024

Details: “Escape the everyday stress with 22 miles of terrain at Highlands Bike Park! Our lift-served mountain bike park offers something for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re craving the rush of downhill trails or the serenity of cross-country routes through natural terrain, discover your moment on the trails. Join us Memorial Day Weekend for the opening of our Bike Park season. Hit the trails, vibe to a DJ and take home some giveaways.” Find more details on the resort’s website.

An Eggplant Parmigiana, with lightly fried breaded eggplant, tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella served with homemade angel hair pasta and tomato sugo at Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar, 3411 Washtenaw Ave, in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Rebecca Villagracia | MLive.com

#7 Save on your next visit to Ann Arbor

Deal: Spring Getaway deals await in the Ann Arbor area

Expires: May 31, 2024

Details: “Explore Ann Arbor’s globally inspired dining, unique shopping and world-renowned arts and culture scene. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a fun family weekend or a last-minute road trip, the Ann Arbor area has attractions and accommodations perfect for any size budget this spring. Search over two dozen hotel deals. Start planning your Ann Arbor area trip today.” Find more details here.

#8 Dream Grand & Golf Giveaway in Grand Rapids

Deal: Enter for a chance to win a foursome package of golf, lodging and more

Details: “Enter the Dream Grand and Golf Giveaway for a chance to play 36 holes of Grand Rapids golf with three of your friends. Choose from two of eight exceptional local courses offered via the Country Inn & Suites Birdie Golf Package. Your foursome will also enjoy a one-night stay (two rooms) at the Country Inn & Suites, plus $300 in gift cards to explore the city’s fun non-golf activities – dining, craft beverages, nightlife and more. Enter by May 31.” More details are available on the website here.

There are 13 fudge shops on Mackinac Island, so a sweet treat is never far away. Photo provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

#9 Mackinac Island magic awaits this May

Deal: Take advantage of early-season offers from iconic Mackinac Island hotels and charming Bed and Breakfast locations

Details: “If Mackinac Island is on your spring bucket list, it’s time to start planning your visit. From carriage tours to fudge, butterflies to history, golf, dining, shopping and all the rest, your trip starts by clicking the button below. May visitors get access to the largest selection of accommodations! Start planning today.” Find more details on the island’s tourism website here.

The Secret Garden outside Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. It's not hard to find - once you know where to look. Photo by Lori Chapman|MLive.

#10 Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

Deal: Grand Favorite offer: Rates starting at $259 in May

Expires: October 30, 2024

Details: “For guests with value and flexible dates in mind, we have highlighted our favorite packages and times to visit. A charmingly curious kind of place, Grand Hotel welcomes guests of all ages to experience something new and something known throughout the 2024 season.” Find more information on the resort’s website here.

RELATED: Grand Hotel’s new $5M retaining wall part of Mackinac Island’s winter projects

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The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.