Southern Byways

Aside from fireworks and other Independence Day celebrations, there are a handful of events happening around the South as well.

Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

Foodies will enjoy the…

• Avery (Texas) Tomato Festival, July 4.
• Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank Off in McKinney, Texas, July 4.
• Crab Festival in Bay St. Louis, Miss., July 4-6.
• Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival in Henagar, Ala., July 4.
• Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert, S.C., through July 4.

Those who enjoy the arts will like the…

• Old West Film Fest in Springdale, Ark., July 4.
• Free Music in Basin Spring Park in Eureka Springs, Ark., through July 5.
• Tall Meadow Rue Chapel Art Show in Mentone, Ala., July 4-5.

And then for a little history, there’s the…

• Historic Trail Camporee in Pawhuska, Okla., through July 5.
• Anvil Shoot and Celebration in Norris, Tenn., July 4.
• Battlefield Walk at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Mount Olivet, Ky., July 4.

Don’t forget about the…

• International Brick and Rolling Pin Festival in Stoud, Okla., July 4.
• Crape Myrtle Festival & Driving Trail in Waxahachie, Texas, through July 4.
• Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race in Canton, Miss., through July 5.
• Gatlinburg (Tenn.) River Raft Regatta, July 4.
• Sunflower Farm Festival in Rutledge, Ga., July 4-5.
• 12th annual Hot Air Balloon Rally in Lexington, Va., through July.
• Downtown Harrisonburg (Va.) Walking Tour, July 4.

From the history of fireworks at the Caves to Fireworks program at Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, Mo., to the well-known Watermelon Seed Spittin’ World Championship  in Pauls Valley, Okla., to the nation’s earliest Fourth of July parade in Gatlinburg, Tenn., to honoring George Washington at Mount Vernon, Va., the South knows how to celebrate Independence Day.

Here’s a quick glance of what else is happening around the region.

If you’re into history, you can head to Independence Day Celebration in Vicksburg, Miss., Fort Morgan’s Cannon Salute to American Independence in Gulf Shores, Ala., July 4th 1850s Style at Kings Mountain State Park in Blacksburg, S.C., or Governor’s Palace Picnic in Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

Like fireworks? Well, there are numerous displays to choose from, including the 4th of July at Lenox Square in Atlanta, Ga.,  Music City July 4th in Nashville, Tenn., or Baltimore, Md.’s  Fourth of July at the Inner Harbor

There’s something for the entire family at the 4th of July Celebration at Beach Park in Pascagoula, Miss., Tweetsie Railroad’s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza in Blowing Rock, N.C., or Rumble Over the Rough River Fireworks Show in Falls in the Rough, Ky.

For those who enjoy concerts, there’s Pops on the River in Little Rock, Ark., or  Red, White and Boom! in Lafayette, La.

How about the unique ways to honor the Fourth? Well, you can always attend the Biggest Small Town 4th of July Parade in Seguin, Texas or Clamerica in Cedar Key, Fla.

photo credit: AmericAN FLAG 003, flickr, creative commons by royal19.

What does the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, the longest covered bridge in it original location, a town dating back to the 1700s located beneath a lake and the only house FDR built have in common?

Unable to figure out the connection? Well, while it’s definitely an interesting list of items, the tie that binds them together is that they all are part of Georgia State Park & Historic Sites.

Wait a minute… you mean Georgia has waterfalls?

Yes, and marshes in the southern part of the state. As Kim Hatcher, public affairs coordinator with Georgia State Park, what you see while driving along the interstates isn’t a true representation of Georgia.

To really (re)discover the state, you need to spend time at one of the 63 sites.

“It’s a great excuse to spend time with friends and family, and in nature as well,” comments Hatcher.

Not only that but for families (or anyone), state parks are great places for accidental learning.

“At many of the sites, the staff host programs that brings history to life. They make stories more interesting, fun and relative.”

Don’t forget about the outdoor recreation opportunities, either. According to Hatcher, the state parks offer a variety of ways to stay fit while having fun. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, playing tennis or golf – you’ll be able to find a state park or two to accommodate you.

Hatcher points out that with all the state parks have to offer, they really add up to being a value-added vacation.

And if that isn’t enough, she offers this temptation.

“Instead of waking up in anywhere-U.S.A., why not wake up surrounded by nature at a Georgia State Park.”

Did You Know…

Lodging at a Georgia State Park is as varied as the parks themselves. Of course you’ll find lodges, camp sites and cottages, but you’ll also discover…

• yurts.
• primitive treehouse-style camping at Seminole State Park.
• squirrel’s nest camping at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
• Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicacola Falls State Park, which is hike inn property. Park your car and the base, grab your items and enjoy the five-mile trail to the inn.

Fourth of July events…

If you haven’t made any plans yet on where to celebrate Independence Day, you might want to consider spending the holiday weekend at a Georgia State Park. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on.

• July 4th Mountain Style at Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, July 3-5. ($5 parking)
• Happy Birthday, America at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, July 4. ($5 parking)
• Fireworks on the Flint at Georgia Veterans State park in Cordele, July 4. ($5 parking)
• Celebrate America at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, July 4. ($1-2 boat tours, $5 parking)

photo credit: All photos are courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development. (top left) Watson Mill Bridge State Park; (middle right) Hiking at Cloudland Canyon State Park; (middle lower right) Canoeing at Unicoi State Park and Lodge; (bottom left) Tallulah Gorge State Park

Don’t worry if you’ve waited until the last minute for your summer vacation, because there are still great deals out there.

Here’s a few worth considering.

• The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., and InterContinental Tampa is offering a special rate for U.S. military members and federal employees. Both packages also include one complimentary breakfast. The Shores Resort & Spa deal is good through December 31, and the InterContinental Tampa is good through August 31. When booking either one, ask for code MILISH for The Shores Resort & Spa, and code IP2MO at the InterContinental Tampa.
• Planters Inn in Charleston, S.C., is offering a Land and Sea Summer package that includes two nights accommodations, continental breakfast, a horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic district and much more. This package is good through September 3.
• Calling all Gwinnett residents! Gwinnett CVB is encouraging you to take a stay-cation. Participating hotels are offering special rates on July 2-5, August 7-9, September 4 – 6, November 25-29 and December 18-30. Some weekends may be excluded at different properties.
• TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Fla., has a Barefoot Babes package that’s geared toward groups of girlfriends. Valid through December 24, this package include all sorts of fun goodies as well as two nights accommodations at the Island Grand or Sandpiper Suites.
• Check out The Greenbrier’s (WVa.) “Legendary Summer” special. Not only can you enjoy the amazing resort, but with this deal, the rate is nearly 50 percent off the regular rates. This special is only good on certain weekends: July 3-6, July 31 – August 2 and August 28-30.

photo credit: Copper money clip, flickr, creative commons by ialuna.

Hotel Deals/Packages

• Check out the Growing Up Green package offered by the metro-D.C. Marriotts. Good through September 7, the package includes kid’s gardening gloves, four packets of Certified Organic Vegetable seeds and more.
• Wyndham Jacksonville (Fla.) Riverwalk has a Family Fun and Zoo Weekend package that features four tickets (two adults/two children) to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Also included in the package is a Jacksonville Landing coupon booklet and round trip tickets for the SS Mariner Water Taxi.
• Before you head to Myrtle Beach, S.C., be sure you take some coupons with you. You can discover savings for golf, restaurants, attractions and more.
• It’s not too late to take advantage of BedandBreakfast.com’s Sizzling Summer Special. Book online at participating bed and breakfasts, and receive different levels of savings, depending on your length of stay. This deal is good until July 6.
• Celebrate Summer in Chattanooga (Tenn.) with a variety of deals and specials, including “hot” savings at hotels.

Contests

• Don’t forget about Pigeon Forge, Tenn.’s “Parkway to the Park” giveaway that ends on July 15. You can be one of the 75 families that a $75 gas card, $75 parkway attraction pass and more.
• Do you have a great smile? Prove it to Orlando’s CVB and you just might win an assignment of a lifetime. I won’t give away any secrets, but I will direct you to 67 Days of Smiles for more information.
• And speaking of  contests, in Florida don’t forget “Share a Little Sunshine” and Panama City Beach’s REAL.FUN. video contest (ends September 7.)  You have until July 7 to enter Charleston, S.C.’s  Rediscover the Family Vacation contest.

News

• Congratulations to St.Augustine, Fla., for being selected by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top ten places to live in the nation.

photo credit: Stack of papers on a wicker table, flickr, creative commons by kazootus

Can you believe that it’s all ready the last weekend of June. Where has this month gone?

Don’t worry, because you can celebrate end of June in style.

However, before I show you some of the great events happening in the South, I want to point out that Saturday is NWF’s Great American Backyard Campout. It is also the last day of the June Walking Tours in Alabama.

Sunday is the last day of Magic in the Mountains (Covington, Va.), and FestivALL Charleston (WVa.)

Get a jump-start on celebrating 4th of July at the..

• Red Oak (Texas), White and Blue, June 27.
• Happy Birthday USA Fireworks Display in Mount Pleasant, Texas, June 28.
• Freedom Celebration in New Albany, Miss., June 27.
• Liberty Day Celebration in Columbiana, Ala., June 27.
• Fire on the Water in Andersonville, Tenn., June 27.
• Summerfest on the Green in Morrow, Ga., June 27.

For foodies, there’s the…

• Peach Festival in Stratford, Okla., June 27.
• Taste of Edmond (Okla.), June 28
• Green Corn Festival in Bixby, Okla., through June 27.
• Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston, through June 28.
• Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton, Ala., through June 27.
• Lynneville (Tenn.) Blackberry Festival, June 27.
• Watermelon Days Festival in Cordele, Ga., through June 27.
• Tropical Fruit Fiesta in Key West, Fla.,
• Blackberry Festival in Belton, S.C., June 27.
• Blueberry Jubilee and Pancake Day in Paris, Ky., June 27.
• Tilghman Island (Md.) Summer Seafood Festival, June 27.

Arts lovers will enjoy the…

• 11th annual Summer Music Fest in Belville, Texas, June 27.
• Festival de Garibaldi in Grand Prairie, Texas, June 27.
• Black Belt Treasures Folklife Festival in Camden, Ala., June 27.
• Eufaula (Ala.) Street Art and Music Festival, June 28.
• 20th annual Kuumba Festival in Knoxville, Tenn., through June 28.
• 13th annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival in Athens, Ga., through June 28.
• Art by the Harbor in Oriental, N.C., June 27.
• The Arts Council’s Fourth Friday in Fayetteville, N.C., June 27.
• “Behind-the-Scene” Artist Tour in Louisville, Ky., June 27.
• Kentucky Appalachian Craft Fair in Somerset, Ky., June 27.

And then there’s the…

• Route 66 Festival in Clinton, Okla., through June 27.
• Old Town Hoedown in Mobeetie, Texas, June 27.
• RiverFest in Bandera, Texas, June 27.
• Texas’ Last Frontier Heritage Celebration & Texas Buffalo Soldier Living History Encampment in Morton, Texas, June 27-28.
• 2009 Delta Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival in Greenville, Miss., through June 27.
• Pearl (Miss.) Day through June 27.
• 31st annual Helen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia, Ala., through June 28.
• Englewood (Tenn.) June Days, June 27.
• Cookeville (Tenn.) Depot Centennial Celebration, June 27.
• Tour-iffic Summer Ghost Tours in Pensacola, Fla., through June 27.
• 23rd annual Greek Landing Celebration in St, Augustine, Fla., June 27.
• Daufuskie Island (S.C.) Day, June 27.
• Charleston (S.C.) Harborfest, through June 28.
• Harborwalk Festival in Georgetown, S.C., June 27.
• Cold Mountain Heritage Tour in Waynesville, N.C., through June 28.
• James River Plantation Patriotic Candlelight Progressive Tour in Williamsburg, Va., June 27.
• “Canal Boats and Cobblestones” Sunday Walking Tour in Richmond, Va., June 28.
• Lavender Festival in Blacksburg, Va., June 28.
• St. Albans (WVa.) Riverfest, through June 28.

Carillon Beach was one of those places that I’ve heard of, but have never visited.

Until now.

And when I stepped inside the community, I wondered what took me so long.

Located on the western edge of Panama City Beach, Fla., along Highway 98, Carillon Beach is different from anything else that you’ll find on the beach. Even with the few minutes I spent exploring the lay of the land, so to speak, I understood why Carillon Beach says they are “a world apart.”

In travel, they say location is key and Carillon Beach has definitely used their location to their advantage. Much of the community itself surround the 13-acre Lake Carillon, which is open for canoeing, paddling and other water sports. There also a pier that allows you to relax and take it all in. Additionally, Lake Powell (the state’s largest dune lake) boarders Carillon Beach on the west side. And then there’s the beach.

Yes, it’s plain to see that Carillon Beach is off to a great start. But the above is just the tip of all that’s here.

There’s the usual – pools, parks, tennis courts and pavilions, including a health pavilion and a children’s pavilion.

Carillon Beach is also home to the bell tower, perhaps considered the symbol of the community.

Hungry? Want to shop? Head to Carillon Market Street. Here, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly area filled with unique shops and restaurants.

Carillon Beach offers vacationers so much in its community. It’s like a destination within itself, and perhaps the best part is that once you are there, there’s no need to get back into your car for anything.

So, if you are looking for something a little different the next time you’re in the area, Carillon Beach just might be it.

Quick Facts

Carillon Beach is located on Highway 98, along the western edge of Panama City Beach.

Not only can you rent a home in Carillon Beach, but for shorter stays, you can book a room in Carillon Inn as well as in either Sunrise or Sunset condos.

Upcoming Events

Groovin’ on the Green, June 29 and July 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Performance of Caesar, July 22.

photo credit: personal collection

You want to take a vacation, but also want to save money. Can you do both? Of course you can! Numerous deals are out there just waiting for you.

In fact, here’s a few.

• It’s Palm Beach County’s (Fla.) 100th anniversary and to celebrate this milestone stone around 80 different types of accommodations are offering guests a sweet deal with their Founders Package. Stay two, three or four nights and receive an additional night for only $19.09. This offer is good through December 2009.
• Thinking about visiting Hot-lanta? Well, don’t book a room until you check out all of the city’s packages.
• Speaking of cities offering accommodation packages this summer, a number of hotels in Baltimore, Md., offer something for every budget.
• Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. ,has numerous packages that include a family package and a value package for two.
• Why not stay in a Days Inn this summer? Properties in Arlington and El Paso, Texas; Sarasota, Fla., and Morrisville, N.C., are offering different packages.
• Tennessee Aquarium and various Chattanooga, Tenn., hotels have teamed up to offer you some great deals this summer.
• Escape to Amelia Island, Fla., this summer, and get a third or fourth night free at participating properties.

photo credit: Jar of Coins (stock/1), flickr, creative commons by jay d

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If the beaches aren’t reason enough to visit the Beach of South Walton, there’s the restaurants.

One of the things I find so fascinating on this 26-mile stretch of road is the choices of dining options. Diverse and unique as the 15 communities themselves, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to please your palate as well as your wallet.

You all ready know about Caliza in Alys Beach, Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse in Grayton Beach, Smiling Fish Cafe in Santa Rosa Beach and Stinky’s Fish Camp in Blue Mountain Beach, so here’s a quick look at some of the other offerings in the area.

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How about a plate of Shrimp Panzanella ($10) at Onano Neighborhood Cafe in Rosemary Beach. This appetizer, available lunch and dinner, includes jumbo shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber and more, served chilled.

In Seacrest Beach, you’ll discover Destin Chops 30A with such items (PDF file) as Gulf Ahi tuna ($27) and the 30A Filet ($33), complete with jumbo lump crabmeat and grilled asparagus.

There’s a fun back story about the frogs at George’s at Alys Beach. When it comes to food here, the choices are aplenty! They’ve cleverly divided their lunch and dinner menus into “misbehave” and “behave” sections. For lunch, there’s a great sounding Senora Anna’s Fish Tacos ($13) and fresh tuna salad nicoise ($15). For dinner, there’s a gulf coast gold Cioppino ($30) or seafood bowls (shrimp, grouper or oysters/$20; combo of any two or all, $23.)

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A hidden gem of sorts is the Seagrove Village Market in Seargove Beach. Serving both lunch and dinner, some of the items you’ll find include CharGrilled Tuna (lunch and dinner/$12.99), grouper sandwich (lunch and dinner/$10.99), and Ribeye (dinner/$19.99).

If you are in the mood for some Latin-infusion food, be sure to check out La Botana. Menu offerings include Sincronizadas ($10), Cochinita Pibil ($8), and Camarones la Diablo ($12).

Cafe Thirty-A is a relaxing, yet casually-upscale restaurant that is open for dinner seven days a week. The menu (PDF file) features appetizers, salads like the Fried Oysters & Spinach salad ($8), wood oven fired pizzas and main courses, such as Jumbo Gulf Shrimp ($28) and Wood Oven Roasted Grouper ($30).

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Seaside has Bud & Alley’s (great to watch the sunrise on the Roof Deck Bar) as well as Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar and a separate Pizza Bar.

There’s also the Shrimp Shack, an unassuming place with some great food. They offer appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steamed seafood and oysters. I highly recommend the Florida Lobster Roll and enjoying it (or out items) in the pavilion, with it’s view of the beach.

Across the street is Great Southern Cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For lunch, definitely try the Olive Angelina (appetizer) and Grits a Ya Ya (entree).

Down the street at WaterColor is Fish Out of Water. This casual chic restaurant strives to promote local fisherman and farmers in nearly all of their dishes. I suggest ordering the Panhandle Crab salad as one of your appetizers.

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Grayton Beach just might be the area’s best kept secret for restaurants in the Beaches of South Walton. Here’s you’ll find such place as Fire Restaurant, Gravel Road Restaurant, Pandora’s Steak House, Borago and Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill, just to name a few.

The Red Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can’t think of a better way to start you morning than with a Gulf Coast Omelette ($10) that includes shrimp and lump crab. Not much of a breakfast person? Then consider  a smoked tuna salad ($9) or fish sandwich ($9) for lunch, or shrimp and crawfish over penne pasta ($18) for dinner.

Over at the easy-going Shorty’s Surfside and Topside, you can enjoy either lunch or dinner. For lunch, how about the lime soup with chicken and vegetables ($3.50/cup; $5.50/bowl) or a native fish sandwich ($10). For dinner, some options are Henry’s Crab ‘n Grits ($18.50) or 14-ounce ribeye ($21.50).

Leave it to the beach where you can get ribs and oysters. JamBone has a little of everything for everyone – from burgers to tacos to baskets. The oyster bar features something called shrimp JamBome (1/2 pound; $9.95) and conch salad ($9.95).

And of course, you can’t forget about the Sandestin, Miramar and Seascape, either. In Sandestin, places like Grand Boulevard Sandestin and Baytowne Wharf are filled with great restaurant options.

This is just an idea or sampling, if you will, of the area’s culinary treats. There’s a lot more restaurants along the Beaches of South Walton.

My best advice is to bring your appetite – you won’t be disappointed.

photo credit: personal collection

Happy Father’s Day and First Day of Summer from, where else, but the beach.  Think about it, there’s really only one place where I’ll celebrate these two important days.

Today, I’ll be back on the road heading home. Be sure to check Southern Byways later this evening when I discuss a certain destination along the Florida Panhandle that you will not leave hungry.

photo credit: personal photo