As the campus community eases into the summer, we’ve asked faculty and staff members to share their favorite vacation destinations. Read on to see where your colleagues will be going this summer.

My favorite summer vacation spot is Norway. I’ve rented a rorbu (a refurbished fishing hut) on the Lofoten islands as a base for hiking, cycling and kayaking. Lysefjord and Kjerag near Stavanger are great for access to 3,000-foot fjord cliffs. Don’t recommend going for the cheap beer, though — there isn’t any.  
—Margaret Kosal, School of International Affairs

My favorite summer destination is the mountains of western North Carolina. I especially like the town of Highlands and two great campgrounds on the Nantahala River: Standing Indian and Appletree. The area is beautiful, there’s lots to do and it’s significantly cooler than Atlanta.
—Ray Vito, Graduate and Undergraduate Studies

One of my family’s favorite destinations is Anna Maria Island near Bradenton, Fla. It has beautiful beaches without much glamour and nightlife — just offers a relaxing stay in the sun.
—Linda Green, School of Biology 

My family goes to Pawleys Island, S.C., every year on vacation. We’ve been going for about 35 years. The island has changed very little over that period of time...mostly houses, only a couple of hotels. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy family.
—Margaret Loper, Information & Communications Lab, Georgia Tech Research Institute

A favorite summer vacation destination is the Plantation on Amelia Island in Florida. We’ve been going there for the last 15 years. There’s  something for every member of the family: ocean swimming, board walk trails into the swamp and Intracoastal Waterway area, biking, fishing, tennis, great food and several first-class golf courses.     
—Thomas Debo, School of City and Regional Planning

My favorite destination is Edisto Beach, S.C.  My family has a long-standing tradition of combining a week or two of great beach time each summer at Edisto with a casual family reunion, in one or more of the island’s plentiful rental homes. The island has little commercial development. With a state park and the recent addition of the Botany Bay preserve and wildlife area, there’s plenty to explore. There are great opportunities for walking, biking, hunting for seashells and fossils, or just watching the waves and dolphins.
— Joe Blount, Office of Information Technology

Michigan summers are truly the most scenic, relaxing and weather-wise divine. Make it a point to visit Lake Michigan or head up to the Upper Peninsula for a trip. You won’t be disappointed.
—Colleen Riggle, Women’s Resource Center

My favorite vacation is to go on a cruise. In 1997, I went on my first four-day cruise to the Bahamas with some friends. In 2007, I convinced my husband to join me on a cruise and we have been going on one every year since then. In September, we will continue this tradition, this time visiting the southern Caribbean. Make sure that you reserve a balcony suite, since nothing is better than sitting on your balcony watching the sunset.
—Sherry Hill, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Visit Antwerp, a sophisticated city in Belgium. You’ll find richness in architecture, design, taste and style in every corner of the city. You breathe elegance in the air.
—Claudia Rebola, School of Industrial Design

When I was growing up our family vacationed in North Myrtle Beach almost every summer.  It’s still one of my favorite summer vacation places, although just about any beach will do.
—Shannon Scott, Office of Human Resources

My favorite summer location is Ocean City, N.J. My family and I have been going there since 1978. Each summer I go to OC for one or two weeks and stay at my sister’s house. My children, who live in California and Oregon, sometimes come as well. It’s a family vacation spot, with no bars or liquor stores. It has a beautiful beach and a boardwalk with shops, restaurants and small rides for children. I can’t think of a better place to read a book, take a five-mile run or walk, or go for a late evening stroll in the moonlight with the sound of the ocean in the background.
—Rosalind Meyers, Campus Services

The North Georgia mountains are my place, whether I stay in a hotel, camp or stay with friends. I went to high school in the mountains, and they still feel like home. Not to mention, there are lots and lots of waterfalls to cool off in.
—Nell Fry, Dining Services