January 6th, 2009
Just because Elvis isn’t around (or may be his is) to celebrate his 74th birthday, doesn’t mean his fans can’t.
Graceland, in Memphis, Tenn., is holding a week-long celebration ending on January 11 that includes such events as a scavenger hunt on Thursday, January 8 and a Birthday Breakfast scheduled on Sunday, January 11, to be held in the Elvis Presley Car Museum.
If you are unable to make it to Graceland, head to Tupelo, Miss., birthplace of Presley, to enjoy some cake on Thursday, January 8 at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
Don’t forget, you can also celebrate the King’s birthday in your on way by visiting some of his old stomping grounds as well as places dedicated to him.
photo credit: Birthday Candles, flickr, creative commons by jbelluch
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January 5th, 2009
Even though the holidays are over and sometimes the weather isn’t nice, don’t let the winter months get you down. There are a number of things to do to in the region that keep you busy and entertained until Spring.
Why not…
play in the snow or on the ice: Okay, so it is unusual to think about skiing and the South, but you just might be surprised with many ski resorts are found in the South. From Ober Gatlinburg (Tenn.) to Sugar Mountain (N.C.) to Snowshoe Mountain (WVa.), there is a place for everyone. And you can’t forget about Snow Creek and Hidden Valley Golf & Ski Resort in Missouri
And if you don’t think you can handle skiing yet, there’s Snow Mountain Park in Atlanta, Ga., complete with 11 tubing runs and SnowZone, snow play for all ages.
Don’t forget ice skating! You can lace up your (rented) blades at The Pavilion in Olde Towne Conyers (Ga.) through February 8. The rink at the Village at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is opened until February 1.
get outdoors and rediscover nature: The outdoor options in the region are endless. You can go YOLO boarding or kayaking on Western Lake (and other places) in the Beaches of South Walton.
This is the time of the spot eagles in the South. There are a number of programs and tours offered through Arkansas State Parks, Oklahoma State Parks and Kentucky State Parks. In Texas, there’s the Eagle Quest 2009 on January 24-25 in Gordonville and Eagle Fest in Emory in early February. Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama is hosting Eagle Awareness Weekends throughout January. Reelfoot Lake State park in Tiptonville, Tenn., presents the Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Tours through March.
Go on a whale watch adventure in Virginia Beach, Va.
See elk up close through guided tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks.
visit a museum or two: Were you aware that in the South you can find a museum dedicated to banjos, clocks, bird dogs and Salvador Dali, respectively? Of course this is in addition to many other museums. Whatever you like (art, train, puppets, etc.), you can more than likely find a museum for it.
Oh, and for the ones above, that’s the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum in Guthrie, Okla., the Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum in Starkville, Miss., the National Bird Dog Museum, Field Trial Hall of Fame and Wildlife Heritage Center in Grand Junction, Tenn., and the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla.
photo credit: My To Do List, flickr, creative commons by Francesc Esteve
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January 1st, 2009
What does the 450th anniversary of Pensacola, Fla., and the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains have in common?
They happen to be two of many celebrations happenings across the South in 2009. Don’t forget about Mardi Gras, numerous food festivals (because here in the South, we love our food), and other events that make this region unique.
Therefore, it’s very important to keep reading Southern Byways so you don’t miss anything. In addition to highlighting the events, you’ll also discover some new places to visit as well as seeing old, familiar places in a new way.
And now for the biggest announcement, Southern Byways is growing! Yes, that’s right, Southern Byways is adding two more states: Oklahoma and Missouri. Discover what awaits you in such places Oklahoma City, Stillwater and Tulsa; and Missouri’s St. Louis, Kansas City and a favorite destination for many, Branson.
As you can tell, there are many reasons to keep reading Southern Byways for 2009.
Let’s make 2009 the year to travel in the South.
photo credit: Happy New Year 2009, flickr, creative commons by dozymoo
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December 31st, 2008
Wondering what there is to do on the first weekend of the New Year? Well, wonder no more because there are a handful of events, from birding to art festivals to tours, scheduled throughout the region. There is something for everyone, including some Polar Bear dips for those who want to brave the water on New Year’s Day.
In Arkansas, there’s the…
2009 Resolution Walk at Mountain Harbor Resort in Mount Ida on January 1.
Sandwiching in History: Tour of Park Hill Fire Station and Water Company in North Little Rock on January 2.
In Texas, you’ll find the…
In Louisiana, there’s the…
While in Mississippi, there’s the…
In Alabama, you’ll find the…
Goings on in Tennessee includes the…
In Georgia, there’s the…
In Florida, you’ll find the…
Happenings in South Carolina features the…
In North Carolina, you’ll find the…
In Virginia, there’s the…
While in Kentucky, you’ll find the…
In West Virginia, there’s the…
Happenings in Maryland include the…
photo credit: January 2009 calendar, flickr, creative commons by Rick Harris
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December 30th, 2008
It’s almost New Year’s Eve and if you are still looking for some place to ring in 2009 consider celebrating at the three ski resorts in North Carolina’s High Country.
Now, if you aren’t familiar with this part of North Carolina, it’s located in the northwestern section of the state and includes Beech Mountain, Sparta, Linville, Boone, Blowing Rock and others. Not only can you find the Blue Ridge Parkway here as well, this area is also home to such places and sites as Emerald Village, Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad.
As for the New Year Eve’s celebrations, you’ll find that…
Appalachian Ski Mountain will have torchlight night skiing beginning at 6 p.m., moonlight ice skating that starts at 10 p.m., and fireworks at midnight. A late evening breakfast from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. will be available as well.
- Sugar Mountain’s New Year Eve’s festivities include night skiing until 10 p.m., a torch light parade and live entertainment among other events. Fireworks are scheduled for midnight.
- Ski Beech at Beech Mountain Resort will have night skiing and ice skating from 6 - 10 p.m. There will also be live entertainment. You’ll watch the fireworks from the Alpine Village at the base of the slopes.
photo credit: Fireworks at Sugar Mountain Resort, courtesy of High Country Host
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December 29th, 2008
Can’t make it to Times Square in New York City this New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry, there are other places where you celebrate the beginning of 2009 throughout the South.
Here’s a sampling of what’s happening as well as some deals.
Numerous cities across the nation are participating on First Night 2009. In the South, this includes Fayetteville (Ark.), Austin (Texas), Cocoa (Fla.), Delray Beach (Fla.), St. Peterburg (Fla.), Charlotte (N.C.), Raleigh (N.C.), and in Virginia: Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Williamsburg and Winchester.
photo credit: Fireworks..an aftermath!, flickr, creative commons by light play
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December 28th, 2008
Well, New York City may have their ball for New Year’s Eve, but did you know here in the South we tend to drop more, um, interesting items to signify the New Year?
Oh yes, where else but in the South can you find a Moon Pie (Mobile, Ala.), a peach (Atlanta, Ga.) and a possum (yes, that’s right in, a possum drop in Tallapoosa, Ga.)
When it comes to celebrating New Year Eve’s, the South tends to stand out.
For example, there’s the…
photo credit: Sparkler, flickr, creative commons by Tom Olliver
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December 26th, 2008
The presents are all unwrapped, the food put away; it’s another Christmas come and gone for many. What took weeks or months to plan is over in a couple of minutes. So now as you settle back in your seat to reflect on the holidays, another thought pops in your mind.
What is there to do now?
If you are looking to get out of the house this weekend, you are in luck because there is a lot going on in the region. Also, don’t forget about the holiday lights as well as “Reflections on New Orleans” and Holiday Tour of Homes in Alys Beach.
In Arkansas, you’ll find the…
Holiday Hayride and Campfire at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock on December 27-28.
In Texas, there the…
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland at the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio on December 27.
Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show at the Historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth Stockyards on December 27-January 3, 2009.
“Winter Birds” at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on December 27.
Best in Texas Barrel Racing in Athens on December 28.
Bison Feeding Hayride at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on December 30.
Fiestas Navidenas in San Antonio on December 31.
Chanukah on the River in San Antonio through December 31.
Light the Way at the Universal of Incarnate World at San Antonio through January 6, 2009.
In Louisiana, you’ll discover the…
Creole Christmas in New Orleans on December 26-27.
Jingle Bells and Shot Gun Shells: Christmas Traditions and Where They Come From at Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport through December 31.
White on White Art Exhibition at the Barnwell Garden & Art Center in Shreveport through December 31.
Toy Train Extravaganza at the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport through January 2, 2009.
In Mississippi? There is the…
Community Kwanzaa Celebration in Jackson on December 26 - January 1, 2009.
Gulf Coast Kwanzaa - A Celebration of Heritage in Gulfport on December 26.
Run for One Planet at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gauiter on December 29.
For Alabama, there’s the…
Rappelling Adventure in Fort Payne on December 27.
Family Kwanzaa Celebration at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on December 30.
In Tennessee, you’ll find the...
The Village Cultural Arts Center’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Nashville on December 29.
Presidential Wreath Lay & Bicentennial Celebration in Greenville on December 29.
Georgia has the…
Guided Nature Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell on December 26, 29 and 30.
Polar Bear Run IX in Athens on December 27.
From Civil War to Civil Rights: Tour Underground Atlanta through December 27.
APEX Museum Kwanzaa Festival in Atlanta on December 29.
Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight at the Davenport House in Savannah through December 30.
12 New Artists to Know at Bennett Street Gallery in Atlanta through December 31.
Holiday Brewery Tour in Athens through January 3, 2009.
There’s a lot going on in Florida, such as the…
Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival in Miami on December 26 - January 4, 2006.
Great Russian Nutcracker at Panama City Beach on December 27-28.
New Year’s Art Festival in Naples on December 27-28.
Seining the Lagoon at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton on December 29
Beach Treasures at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton on December 30.
In South Carolina, there’s the…
Christmas on King Street in Charleston through December 31.
Christmas Holiday Walking Tour with Charleston Strolls through December 31.
In North Carolina, you’ll find…
Kwanzaa Celebration in Robersonville on December 26 - January 1.
Beaver Tales at Lake James State Park in Nebo on December 27.
“Winter Fever” at North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer on December 27-30.
Bonfire & Hayrides in Beech Mountain on December 30.
Virginia has the…
Whale Watching Boat Trips at the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach on December 27-30.
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Open House in Staunton on December 28.
In Kentucky, there’s the…
Art in Motion Family Day at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville on December 27.
While in West Virginia, you’ll discover the…
White Grass Gateway to the Refuge in Davis on December 28.
Timberline’s Annual Winterfest through December 31.
In Maryland, you’ll find the…
10th Annual Beautiful Historic Havre de Grace Church Tour on December 27.
Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship in Fredricks on December 29.
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December 25th, 2008
May you spend your holiday around the ones you love.
From my family to yours - a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Remember, Southern Byways ISN’T taking a break! Check back tomorrow and the rest of the week for the latest on events and happenings around the region.
But for today, enjoy your time with your family and friends.
photo credit: Christmas scene, flickr, creative commons by ralphunden
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December 24th, 2008
Hope everyone is having a great Christmas Eve day thus far or just a great holiday. With everything going on today, be sure to enjoy the time you spend with your family. Good health, family and friends make for a great holiday life and well, life also!
Be sure to to check Southern Byways this week. I’m going to have information on weekend happenings, New Year Eve’s celebration and packages (yes, there is still time to book a room) and a very special post on what you can do with your children in the region until school resumes.
Perhaps my biggest news is that Southern Byways is growing. That’s right, after the New Year, I’m adding two more states in the coverage.
photo credit: Candy Canes (254/365), flickr, creative commons by dave worrell
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