Florida Best Western's Savings Bond Offer!

I don't know about you, but when I stay at a hotel, I want to save. No, I don't mean in the get the best price you can on priceline way, I mean savings for the future! So if you're like me, you would've loved this promotional brochure from Florida Best Westerns. Granted, the offer sours a bit when you look at the back and see you have to stay TWELVE nights to get the $50 savings bond. Bear in mind, that means the savings bond cost Best Western $25. Oh, and one more thing: these aren't just any twelve nights: they had to be booked at a Best Western, NOT through the 800 number or travel agents. Come to think of it, maybe our current bargains aren't a bad thing after all.

Loudoun County, Virginia: Hunt Country

The Loudoun Tourist Center prepared this brochure, so you'd think it would be inviting to potential tourists. From the logo, to the font, to the copy inside, it does a better job of selling it as an elite DC suburb (hmm...) than the kind of place someone would want to stop by for a weekend. Warm and welcoming? No.

Ponce DeLeon Springs, DeLeon Springs, Florida

I don't know how old this brochure might be, but the artwork is definitely retro cool. Actually, in doing a little wikipedia research, the state of Florida purchased the park in 1982. I was relieved to make this discovery, as sadly most vintage attractions are long gone. The 72 degree all-year-round pool remains.

I might just put Ponce DeLeon Springs on the itinerary for my next Florida trip. Have you been to DeLeon Springs? How has it changed through the years?

Fredericksburg Virginia, 1987

If you want to see Fredericksburg, its going to cost you. Maybe this brochure should've spent a little more time telling you why you would want to visit Fredericksburg, and a little less time/space on the prices of the different attractions. Oh, and get to that James Monroe Museum while you can; there's been a 33% increase just since the brochure was printed!

Econo Lodge, Cocoa Beach Florida

Look it's an Econo Lodge, ok? What do you want? Cocoa Beach is an interesting place with its close proximity to Kennedy Space Center, and Port Canaveral cruise ships. That said, I don't think I'll take them up on their "Seventh night free" offer. Six days is more than enough at the Cocoa Beach Econo Lodge, thank you.

Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata Pa.

These days, if the billboards in the Lancaster Pa. area are to be believed, The Ephrata Cloister is best known as the home of the wooden pillow. According to this 1986 brochure though, the Ephrata Cloister is/was also the home of the music drama Vorspiel. I have no idea what that is. Maybe you can help.

Brunswick Georgia, Interchange

It makes sense, but I think this is the only brochure in the collection designed for a specific highway interchange. At first it seemed silly, but really, it makes sense. There's more than 50 different restaurants, hotels, and gas stations listed. If they all paid a fraction, this was a cheap way to lure weary I-95 travelers off the road to fuel up, eat up, and rest up.

National Aquarium, Baltimore

It's an old brochure, but the photos are still stunning. The artwork inside and out is great. How could you not want to take a trip to the museum!? The (then) $6.75 admission isn't bad either!

Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm, Chincoteague, Virginia

There's not a whole lot to say about this one. The Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm promises "The World's Most Unusual Horses." I do have to say the promise of seeing "Misty Museum where 'Misty' is mounted" sounds interesting.

St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains

If the ALL CAPS type on the front sucks you in, be ready to spend some serious time figuring out which of the eight tour packages you want to pick! St. Augustine can still be seen by sightseeing "train" today.

Sea World, Cleaveland Ohio, 1987

Sea World Cleveland is long gone. After changing hands a few times, all traces of this Sea World are gone. Luckily, we've got this 1986 brochure to bring back the memories. Sorry, but the $2 coupon as long since expired... In 2001, Sea World Cleveland was sold to Six Flags. Later the property was sold to Cedar Fair (owners of Knott's Berry Farm)