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Whether you’re celebrating with a barbecue, picnic, fireworks or in your own special way, may you have a safe and fun 4th of July.
Photos courtesy of Southern Byways’ Iphone. Taken on July 3, 2008 from the Polyensian Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
Still looking for something to do tomorrow? Well, here are some last minute ideas:
Photo credit: Fireworks, flickr, creative commons by Jennifer Buehrer
Stay current with the latest news from the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md. They have recently launched a blog where they discuss the aquarium’s new features and give readers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on.
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the 4th of July in the South, especially when it’s a holiday weekend. From parades to fireworks to crab festivals, there’s truly something for everyone. Of course, hands down, the best celebration happens at our nation’s capital. But if you can’t make it to D.C. this year, take a look around, there might be a celebration or two close to you.
Here’s some idea of some of the celebrations in the region:
If you want to see some fireworks, because after all it is 4th of July, there’s the 25th Annual Pops on the River featuring the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in Little Rock, 28th Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration in El Dorado and the Red, White & Boom (really, how can you pass something with this name up?) in Fayetteville, Ark.
In Texas, you’ll find the Big Bang Celebration (aren’t these names great?) in Corpus Christi, Texas and the Fireworks at the Fisheries in Athens, Texas.
Moving on to Georgia, there’s the Riverblast in Augusta, Ga.
In North Carolina, you’ll find the 66th Annual 4th of July Parade & Celebration in Belhaven.
One of Virginia’s celebrations include the Great American 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks in Norfolk.
Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration in Pensacola, Fla. is said to be the largest on the Gulf Coast.
Independence Day isn’t complete without parades, but who says parades are only for the daytime? Gatlinburg (Tenn.) is hosting a 4th of July Midnight Parade.
The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the smell of peanuts and hot dogs wafting through the stands on a warm night represents summer for many. Yes, it’s time for baseball, Crackerjacks and all of that good stuff. Here in the South, you are never at a lost for watching a good nine (or longer) innings.
Even if you follow baseball marginally, you probably all ready know about the major league teams, but are you aware of the minor leagues? Do such names as the Chattanooga Lookouts, Jacksonville Suns, Bluefield Orioles, Round Rock Express or Carolina Mudcats sound familiar? If not, you just might be missing out on some great games.
If you are looking for some summer fun, take in a minor league baseball game in the South. Aside from hot dogs, peanuts and home runs - you might discover a new talent or two.
Photo credit: Vintage Baseball, flickr, creative commons by adwriter
Ride the Rails: When you visit West Virginia, save on gas and let someone else do
the driving. Taking a train ride is a fun (and relaxing) way to explore the state; however, the hardest part is deciding which on to go on. For a scenic excursion, there’s the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass or the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad that departs from Romney. Go into the mountains on the New Tygart Flyer. Some of the highlights include an “S” curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing. Enjoy a four-course meal on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train. The four hour trip features a ride through the the Monongahela National Forest.
Shoot the Rapids: Take your vacation up a notch and go white-water rafting.
This isn’t your typical rafting, either. In West Virginia, it’s the real deal. For over 40 years, the state has made a named for itself when it comes to shooting the rapids. Different levels are offered and trips are conducted by experience guides.
Photo credits: (top left) Train Tracks II, flickr, creative commons by flutterby; (bottom right) Rapids, flickr, creative commons by ldysw357
If you are a flower enthusiasts or have an interested in flowers, you might have heard about the rare Ghost Orchid 
growing on an old cypress tree at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Fla. Not only is this type of flower very rate, but it’s in bloom for the second consecutive summer.
Now, if you want to see it, you better do so in the next three weeks when the bloom is visible from the sanctuary’s boardwalk. A handful of Naples hotels are offering special rates and package for this event.
Photo credit: Ghost Orchid, flickr, creative commons by Sophro
Be sure to visit my blog on Monday for a list of spectacular events going on around the region for the 4th of July weekend.
If you have plans to be in Atlanta, Ga., for the 4th, consider watching the fireworks from The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. 
The restaurant is hosting their annual Picnic in the Pods, featuring a special menu. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For those not familiar with the restaurant, it’s situated on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza located in downtown. You ascend 73 stories in a glass elevator (My yellow streak was showing and couldn’t look out, so I stared intently at the elevator numbers.) What’s even more unique, aside from being 723 feet above the city, it rotates 360-degrees every hour, providing you with a panoramic view of the metro area.
Photo credit: Fireworks Composite, flickr, creative commons by axiepics
Boy, do I have a story to tell you! Many of us Southerners “don’t show, but tell,” even if it’s about our five-minute trip to the grocery store. Some of us can turn it into an amusing 30 minute story filled with a memorable cast of characters no one will forget. And we seem to always have an audience, because who doesn’t love listening to a good story?
If you happen to be in Roswell, Ga., on June 27-28, you can listen to some of the best regional and local tellers as they spin their entertaining tales at the Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival. In addition to performances on Friday and Saturday, the festival also hosts various storytelling workshops. Even if you aren’t interested in any of the workshops, you can’t miss the opportunity to record your own story on the 28th. This is free and available to the public at the Storytelling Tent.
Photo credit: RCA 40A Ribbon Microphone, flickr, creative commons by jschneid
Photo credit: Coins from Piggy Bank, flickr, creative commons by cfinke
From the Interstates to the backroads throughout Texas to D.C., travel along at Southern Byways to discover new places to visit.
Written by Apryl Chapman Thomas [email] for b5media.
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