If you are a reader of the popular monthly magazine ‘Southern Living’, you may want to take a closer look at your September issue.

Nestled within its glossy covers is a full-page advertisement from the Alabama Department of Travel and Tourism promoting great weekend getaways in the Heart of Dixie.

The page is headlined &uot;Alabama: Now This You’ve Gotta See!&uot;

Four beautiful vacation spots from throughout the state are mentioned and pictured in the ad, including one very familiar-looking pastel pink Victorian charmer.

Motorists and pedestrians heading down E. Commerce Street pass it every day—Greenville’s own Martin House.

&uot;Hey, I didn’t even realize the ad was there until my sister in Georgia called me and said, ‘Look on page such-and-such, you’re in there!’&uot; laughs Jo Weitman, innkeeper for the local bed and breakfast.

The ad, aimed at increasing regional tourism, promises that a weekend in Alabama &uot;will transform any raggedy, run-down person beyond recognition…however you take in the tranquility, the soothing effect will certainly heal and rejuvenate&uot;.

Also featured in the advertisement were the Chalet at Cheaha State Park, Gorham’s Bluff in Pisgah and the Grand Hotel at Point Clear.

&uot;This was really a thrill to be chosen…the tourism department here in Alabama has done such a wonderful job of promoting our resources.

This is just one more excellent way to draw attention to our area,&uot; notes Weitman.

Martin House has always drawn many foreign visitors, some from as far away as Tasmania and Australia. Many guests from the West and East coasts of the U.S. also have enjoyed the bountiful breakfasts and authentic period charms offered by Weitman at the Camellia City’s only B & B.

&uot;Most of America is only now really starting to catch on to the pleasures of staying at a bed and breakfast…the Europeans prefer them and will actively seek them out when traveling,&uot; Weitman notes.

Weitman offers special honeymoon, birthday and anniversary packages that allow local folks to treat themselves to a very relaxing weekend getaway without a long trip or a large expense.

She invites anyone who might be considering a transformation of their &uot;raggedy, run-down selves&uot; to stop by the Martin House at 212 E. Commerce St. or call (334) 382-2011 for more information. You can also e-mail Jo at themartinhouse@greenlynk.com or take an Internet tour' of the bed and breakfast by logging on to www.martinbb.com