Texas based corporation that has 170 private business and sports clubs ~ Travel and Leisure

ClubCorp is a Dallas, Texas based corporation that has 170 private business and sports clubs, country clubs, golf courses and golf resorts around the world from Seattle to Mexico and from Boston to Beijing. In addition to membership at your local ClubCorp club, ClubCorp offers different membership levels. We are members and actively participate in one of the offered memberships called Signature Gold Unlimited. This private club benefit includes complementary two rounds of golf and two meals at participating dining clubs. We can experience two free rounds of golf per club per 30-day period. We pay only the cart fee which is usually $17 to $36 each. We can request tee times 30 days in advance. In addition we can experience two free fine dining meals at participating dining clubs, two per 30-day period. We pay only the tax, tip, and alcohol. There are other benefits, but we mainly use the golf and dining.

Does this sound too good? We even added to the savings by using one hotel chain that offers incentives for staying. We use primarily Choice Hotels. They offer extra points when you use their credit card and give extra points if you stay a certain number of times.

First we determined our itinerary; then we sent the travel information to ClubLine via email. It is always a pleasure to work with the knowledgeable and friendly ClubLine staff.

Here are a few things to consider before you start planning to maximize your use of Signature Gold Unlimited. Many of the dining clubs are open only Thursday thru Saturday evenings; however, most are open Monday through Friday for lunch. Dinner Clubs require a special dress code. Some of the golf clubs are closed on Monday.

We travel every year to Northeast for a family visit. On the way to and from, we add ClubCorp experiences to our journey. Here is our latest trip:

Day 1: Long day of driving to Smithfield, NC. Stayed at Sleep Inn and Suites

(Next time we should make a stop first in Charleston or Hilton Head Island to shorten that first day's drive.)

Day 2: Golfed at Neuse Golf Club in Clayton, NC about 20 minutes from the Smithfield hotel. After golf, we checked into Quality Suites in Cary, NC for two nights. This Quality Suites hotel has a 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Manager's reception Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights that includes free beer and wine with appetizers from local restaurants. It is great after a long day to relax, then go out to a dinner close by. In fact you can walk to about 3 - 4 restaurants. Great for stretching your legs after being in the car.

Day 3: Golfed at Devils Ridge Golf course in Holly Springs, NC about 20 minutes from the Cary hotel. We had dinner at Capital City Club one of our favorites in Raleigh. We miss Cardinal Club since it stopped doing dinner. Cardinal Club only does breakfast and lunch. Devils Ridge Golf course was in great shape.

Day 4: Golfed at Lochmere Golf Club. Sorry to say, this course was in bad shape on this visit. We drove to Williamsburg, VA. and stayed at the Governor's Inn at Colonial Williamsburg. We had dinner at Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill. Every visit this restaurant is a must do for us.

Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill - Chosen by locals as "Best Seafood Restaurant" in Williamsburg for over ten years, Berret's offers two dining choices in one convenient location. The Restaurant specializes in regional seafoods prepared with both traditional and contemporary recipes, an extensive wine list and locally-brewed beers.

The Taphouse Grill focuses on hard-to-find and unique foods, wines, beers, music, and art of modern-day Virginia. This casual, outdoor setting has been a favorite gathering place for locals, students from the College of William and Mary, and visitors to the Historic Area for the last two decades.

Day 5: Toured Williamsburg and visited the Wythe House that had visitors like Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. We were at Colonial Williamsburg on the day that they read the "Declaration of Independence" at the Capital building. It was very emotional to think how are forefathers must have felt on that day. When in Williamsburg, you must visit one of the taverns. We stopped at Chowning's Tavern.

Chowning's Tavern - Josiah Chowning opened his tavern in 1766 and appealing to the "ordinary sort." Popular lore asserts that the modern sandwich has its origin in the 18th century and was named after John Montagu, the fourth earl of Sandwich. Today's diners can partake of freshly prepared lunch fare featuring stew and sandwiches served by a gracious wait staff.

On the road to New Jersey through Maryland. Stayed at Sleep Inn in Salisbury, MD and had a delicious dinner at Vinny's LaRoma in Salisbury, MD. The restaurant was recommended by the hotel staff.

Go to Vinny's La Roma and enjoy Salisbury's truly authentic Italian Cuisine. Be sure to say "HI" to Vinny!

Day 6: We had a travel day through Maryland and shopped and walked through St Michaels, Maryland. We had lunch at Town Dock Restaurant at 125 Mulberry Street, St Michaels, MD.

Town Dock Restaurant menu features fresh seafood, prime meats, poultry and vegetarian specialties in a relaxing setting with water views on three sides. On Friday nights, Town-Dock offers a seafood buffet, and on Sunday, a brunch.

Stopped in Lambertville, NJ and had dinner at Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn an old time favorite and one of my first dates with my husband.

Lamberville Station Restaurant - Enjoy the natural tranquility on the Delaware River while you dine in a meticulously-restored 1867 historic train station. The Station's New American Cuisine features signature dishes such as Chesapeake Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Dijon-Rosemary Encrusted Rack of Lamb & rare Ahi-Tuna with Wasabi puree as well as wild game & seasonal offerings served & prepared by a professional & friendly staff..

Arrived at our New Jersey destination to spend time with the kids and grandchildren.

Day 7, 8: Family days.

Day 9: Heading for home. Stopped at Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA for ClubCorp lunch. Stayed at Comfort Inn in Midlothian (Richmond), VA.

Day 10: Golfed at Stonehedge Golf and Country Club, Midlothian, VA about 10 minutes from hotel. After golf drove to Comfort Suites in Clayton, NC. We should have traveled on to Fayetteville. But. we were tired.

Day 11: Traveled on to Savannah, GA and walked around. Too bad the weather was very, very hot and humid. We arrived early for dinner at First City Club of Savannah. Stop by the bar at the club and talked to the bartender, Tracy. We had a fun time talking to Tracy and enjoyed a 5 o'clock somewhere drink. After dinner we checked into Comfort Suites in Bluffton, SC.

Day 12: Golfed at Golden Bear Club at Indigo Run, Hilton Head Island, SC. The course was in great shape. Then, we drove HOME.

Summary: In 12 days, we drove 2685 miles, played golf at 5 ClubCorp golf clubs, enjoyed free meals at 3 ClubCorp dinner clubs, stayed at 5 difference Choice Hotels and listened to 3 books on tape. We also had several Choice hotel stays free with our points from previous trips.

And to top it all off we enjoyed the Family visit. Great Trip!