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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
A perfect place to get away from the everyday grind, Blue Ridge Village is set in the woods of Banner Elk, NC where you can unwind, relax and breathe in the clean mountain air.
Whether you are a hiker, sightseer or shopper, you will have plenty to do around the resort. The scenic backdrop of the Pisgah National Forest is a playground for nature lovers of all types.
For skiing enthusiasts, there are several ski slopes just minutes away including Sugar Mountain and Hawksnest Golf & Ski resort.
Cindy and I stayed at Blue Ridge Village 6/21-6/28/2019 in a one bedroom unit in building 9 unit G. The unit was located on the bottom floor, so we knew when we had neighbors upstairs. Our initial reaction to the unit was good.
We did notice a few issues though. There was no soap, shampoo or conditioner in the bathroom when we got there. Of course I was getting in the shower when I noticed. Luckily I had some that I brought. We also did not have sheets or blankets for the hide a bed, just a mattress cover and a pillow (no case). We had to stop by the office the next day to ask for them.
The first morning I managed to get in a few hours of fly fishing in the pond on the property. I managed to land one smallmouth bass about 5" long.
We had some friends join us and they brought their two kids along. The younger of the two seemed to live at the pool. We spent part of each day hanging out at the pool. The pool building needed some updating and repairs. The repair/rebuilding is scheduled to start soon.
There was construction going on down by the pond. It appeared they were replacing a retaining wall.
Activities we did in the area included:
- UTV Rides - this was a blast, everyone enjoyed it
- Linville Caverns - very neat tour. Nice and cool in the cavern
- Linville Falls - nice day hike, very scenic
- Grandfather Mountain - a nice guided audio tour, interesting exhibits, animals/birds, etc.
- Visited Boondocks Brewing in West Jefferson for some cold ones and a bite to eat
- Bayou Smokehouse and Grill for some good cajun & bbq.
Grandfather Mountain Pictures from 2025:
Cindy and I returned to Blue Ridge Village again in August of 2021, this time to visit friends in the area. I got in a lot more fishing on this trip due to our friends having access to private water on the Linville River. There had been heavy rains the week prior and the river was just coming down out of flood stage. In four days of fishing I landed quite a few and lost a bunch more.
Fish pictures from 2021:
See our Banner Elk Recommendations page.
- We visited the Mast General Store in Valle Cruces and bought some supplies.
- We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped at Mt. Mitchell and The Orchard at Altapass
- We rode the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
- We listened to some live music and did some shopping at the Old Hampton Store & Barbeque
- Cindy and Deb went shopping in Blowing Rock
- We visited Boondocks Brewing and did some shopping in West Jefferson
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
Situated on the beautiful sandy beaches of Nantucket Sound is The Breakers Resort, one of two Bluegreen Vacations resorts in Dennis Port, Massachusetts. Comfortable studio, one- and two-bedroom units welcome you to relax and unwind in this cozy beachside community. Make yourself at home by starting the morning with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from your in-room coffee maker. Take in the beauty of our private sparkling beach then head out for a fun-filled day. If golf is your game, tee it up and swing your way around the Cape. After you sign the scorecard, head back to the resort and fire up the grill and BBQ for the family. The kids will appreciate the playground nearby and everyone will look forward to making a splash in the on site outdoor heated pools.
Like to stay active? Hop on a bike and pedal down 26 miles of bicycle trails. If you fancy yourself an angler, the area is home to some incredible sport fishing opportunities. Whale watching is also popular so be sure to bring your camera for pictures of these majestic mammals. Explore 80 acres of conservation land as you learn about Cape Cod's flora, fauna and wildlife at Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Come spring, the Cape Cod Baseball League starts warming up and you're invited to catch the action. Of course shopping is always in season, and there are plenty of outlets to keep the bargain hunters happy.
The Cape Cod area is home to an interesting assortment of breweries so be sure to pay them a visit and sample some of the local flavors. And nothing goes better with a cold brew than live entertainment—with plenty of venues and performances around town, you'll never be at a loss for things to do when you vacation at The Breakers Resort.
See our Dennis Port Recommendations page
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
Bluegreen Vacation Club Resorts:
Bluegreen Vacation Club Associate Resorts:
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
Tall, elegant and stylish, The Marquee resort rises 17 stories above the vibrant streets of New Orleans, offering impressive views of the Crescent City. Featuring innovative décor that reflects its location in the heart of New Orleans’ historic theater district, The Marquee is grabbing the limelight with an eclectic combination of well-appointed comfort and style and is Bluegreen’s second resort here, offering guests even more options for a vacation in The Big Easy. Over 90+ spacious villas will feature one, two- and three-bedroom suites with décor selected for classic lines. Exquisite counters offset wood tone flooring, and open floor plans are highlighted by modern touches in furnishings and lighting fixtures.
Ascend to the rooftop where you can lounge high above the vibrant streets below. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the rooftop pool, or head downstairs to the second floor fitness center for an invigorating workout on state-of-the art equipment.
The Marquee also puts guests in the midst of amazing dining venues, with choices ranging from seafood to traditional Creole fare. Stroll the theater district and nearby French Quarter and sample delicacies and hearty dishes influenced by the mélange of cultures that makes The Big Easy one of the most popular vacation destinations in the South.
The Marquee is the newer of Bluegreen's two resorts in New Orleans. The other is Bluegreen Club La Pension
See our New Orleans Recommendations page.
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
A serene beachfront Mediterranean enclave, Via Roma Beach Resort is laid-back and relaxed. Its white stucco buildings and Romanesque columns and statues are reminiscent of the Greek islands. Picturesque palm trees, sea oats and hibiscus trees lend a tropical flavor to this island hideaway.
This friendly beach resort is the perfect place to reflect on bygone days while creating everlasting memories for tomorrow. Take a morning stroll on the beach and collect the surf’s overnight deposit of beautiful shells. Enjoy the afternoon with a leisurely game of shuffleboard or hop on a bike and tour Anna Maria Island. Refresh yourself with a swim in the beachfront pool or soak in the relaxing hot tub.
At the end of the day, kick back in lounge-chair comfort by the pool and absorb the spectacular sunset. Then, instead of going out for dinner, why not grill up that catch-of-the-day from your afternoon fishing adventure?
Via Roma is a small, intimate resort. Our staff is dedicated to making sure your vacation is everything you want it to be. We invite you to relax and unwind, but if you want to venture out, there are plenty of activities and attractions nearby.
See our Tampa/St. Petersburg recommendations page.
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
Bluegreen at Atlantic Palace stands tall at one of the most coveted locations in Atlantic City: right on the Boardwalk at New York Avenue. If you recall your Monopoly® game, that means you are right in the heart of the casino district.
From each villa of the gleaming 31-story-tall Atlantic Palace, the view is stunning: from one side you’ll overlook the shimmering sands of the beach and the azure blue Atlantic Ocean; from the other, the dazzling neon lights of the impressive Atlantic City skyline.
During the summer season, you can cool off from the hot casino and Boardwalk action by taking a dip in the resort’s outdoor pool and lounging on the sundeck. For the ultimate relaxation, step into the indoor hot tub*, steam room or sauna. Or if you’re feeling energetic, you can work out in the fitness room while the kids work out their energy in the game room.
See our Atlantic City Recommendations page.
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
At The Cliffs™ at Long Creek, you’ll vacation in luxury in a palatial patio home that overlooks gorgeous Table Rock Lake. From the canopied king bed in one of the two master bedrooms to the whirlpool bath to the fabulous media room, billiards table and gourmet kitchen—this is the epitome of vacation accommodations.
These elegant and spacious 2-level homes feature five bedrooms and sleep up to 13 people, making them ideal for a family reunion or a multi-family vacation. On the main floor, you’ll find a master suite with canopy king bed, walk-in closet and whirlpool bath; a kitchen with full-size appliances and breakfast nook; a great room with a 55-inch LED TV and dining area; laundry room; covered porch with patio chairs; and a two-car garage.
Downstairs, there’s another master suite with king bed, walk-in closet and whirlpool bath; a family room with a queen-size sleeper sofa, 42-inch LED TV, pool table and bar with full-size sink, cook top, small refrigerator and ice maker; screened patio with dining table; and the crown jewel: a state-of-the-art media room with high definition DLP projector and 92-inch screen plus a theater-style speaker system.
See our Branson Recommendations page.
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
At Bluegreen Club 36™, it’s all about latitude and attitude. This desert oasis is located at latitude 36 degrees north (hence its name), a few blocks off the magnificent Vegas Strip near the MGM Grand®, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Luxor and Excalibur.
The resort’s name and planned design were also inspired by the age of Parisian Art Deco, which some say reached its height of popularity in 1936. From the outside in, Club 36’s fun and funky colors and style reflect the functional, lavish and ultra modern design of the Art Deco era.
Club 36 is the perfect retreat from the non-stop action of the Strip. Guests can relax by the covered pool and sunbathe on the outdoor deck.
Plus, Bluegreen guests can enjoy the peace and privacy of a 1- or 2-bedroom villa with many of the conveniences of home and elegant Parisian Art Deco décor.
See our Las Vegas Recommendations page.
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Cibola Vista Resort and Spa invites you to have fun and discover the legendary beauty of the American West. Nestled between Lake Pleasant and Phoenix, the resort provides the perfect vacation experience for you and your family.
Named for the Seven Cities of Cibola, which were believed to contain untold riches, the resort features the finest amenities. Shape up in the fitness room then unwind at the poolside bar—or take the kids down a 3-story water slide that winds through the desert landscape. You can even hop on a horse and experience the thrill of the “Old West” with the Cibola Vista Riding Program.
The Southwestern décor of our villas and suites will inspire you seek all the treasures this beautifully appointed resort has to offer. Designed to inspire and explore, amazing courtyards, gardens and fountains are all connected with a series of walkways to enhance your experience.
See our Peoria Recommendations page.
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- Written by: Dustin Rocksvold
Set within 54 acres surrounding the serene natural setting of Lake Eve, and located along popular International Drive, The Fountains offers everything you would expect from a world-class resort as well as the convenience of a central location.
Orlando is famous for its amazing attractions, unbridled family fun and exquisite weather. Now, The Fountains has its own claim to fame- Bluegreen's Wakoola Springs. This 75,000-square-foot tropical oasis sets itself apart from an everyday pool with two twisting water slides*, a zero-entry pool, interactive water fountains, two hot tubs. Cross over the two bridges on the campus and head over to one of two fire circles for evening stargazing and relaxation.
There is so much to do poolside at Wakoola Springs. Enjoy a massage poolside in our massage cabana. Or even get your hair braided.
With so many on-site amenities for both adults and kids, not to mention the hundreds of attractions in and around Orlando, you'll want to plan an extended stay to fit it all in. The beautiful Lake Eve offers fishing and features a boardwalk and pier. Enjoy a 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a convenient pool bar and playground.
An immense 20,000-square-foot clubhouse houses a game room, business center, kids’ activity room, fitness room and outdoor relaxation garden. Spoil yourself with massage and spa services available. Stop by H20 or the Coffee Shop for a bite to eat.
For a casual and fun dining experience, try H2O arcade and bar. Great family fun!
See our Orlando Recommendations page.