Check in: Yes, kids love the pool, the giant chess game, even the putt-putt golf green, but lush landscaping, a location to die for (the motel is maybe 10 steps from the beach), and 54 large guest suites with low-key nautical decor and mini kitchens make the grown-ups giddy too.

CNN: 10 dazzling hideaways by the sea

It was the equivalent of showing up for a tee time at Augusta National when the extent of your golf experience was a few rounds of putt-putt.

FORBES: Life

Thompson holed a 50-foot eagle putt on the third hole, relied on a superb short game around the toughest part of the golf course to build a four-shot lead, and hung on for a two-shot win over Geoff Ogilvy that takes him places he always wanted to be.

NPR: Thompson Wins Honda For 1st Tour Title