Southern Byways

Warmer weather can only mean one thing – it’s time for some maple syrup. On the third full weekend of March, which happens to be March 15-16 this year, is Pickens, W.Va.’s annual Maple Syrup Festival. Become educated about this sticky, sweet product with a tour of a maple syrup camp. Enjoy maple candy, pancakes and more.The weekend is filled with various demonstrations, arts and crafts festival, and entertainment.

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Greensboro, N.C., is turning 200 years old in 2008. Founded on March 25, 1808, the city is celebrating its Bicentennial with various events and activities through May 17.

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Regarded as the “queen of summer resorts” in 1896, Amelia Island, Fla.’s beauty and charm made it a top vacation retreat for such families as the Rockefellers and Carnegies. Luckily, today you don’t have to have their bankrolls to enjoy the same 13 miles of Appalachian quartz beaches.
You can still see remnants of Florida’s golden era in Fernandina Beach, U.S.’s second oldest city. With about 450 ornate Victorian structures built before 1927, Fernandina Beach has 52 blocks of houses and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This barrier island, located about 30 minutes from Jacksonville, may …read more

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Chances are you probably have never heard of Harlem, Ga., unless you live near the area, or happen to be a Laurel and Hardy fan.
What exactly does this comedy duo to do with this small town located about 20 miles from Augusta? Well, its more Hardy than Laurel; Oliver Hardy was born in Harlem in 1892; however, his family eventually moved to Milledgeville where he would later work at the city’s first movie house.
Back to Harlem, in the late 1980s, the town decided to honor their native son by creating and opening a museum dedicated him and his work. The …read more

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On March 8 and 9, Dahlonega, Ga., is hosting their 1st Annual Celtic Music Festival. The music will be performed at Holly Theatre. In addition, there will be Celtic-themed workshops, bagpipers, storytellers as well as arts and crafts vendors set up throughout various places in downtown Dahlonega.

Annapolis (Md.) is turning 300 years old, and during 2008 -09, the city is hosting a number of celebrations for this momentous occasion.

The 13th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for March 7-10. This event features over 250 rare classic cars, many from private collections. This year, the event will feature the …read more

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If you enjoy visiting small southern art towns, then Paducah, Ky.,  is the destination for you.
However, it didn’t start out this way. Founded by William Clark (yes, that Clark of the Lewis and Clark duo), its beginnings were quite industrial. Paducah was an important rail hub because of its location near the coalfields. Also, the strong presence of a waterway made it an important port for steamboats as well. Later down the road, the water would also cause some big problems to the town, namely during the Civil War as the Union control this area and then in …read more

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Exactly why is March 2 a Texas state holiday? On this day in 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. This was a hard fought victory for the state since Mexico didn’t give up this large land easily. For about 10 years, the state’s status was an independent republic (hence the Lone Star) before it joined the Union.
Today, 172 years later, the holiday is celebrated in a true Texas-style. Nearly every town and city has some kind of party honoring those who defended the state’s honor.
Here’s a short list on where you can join the celebration during March 1-2. A …read more

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It must be getting closer to springtime, because there is A LOT going on in the region. From food festivals to exhibits, you are sure to find something that interest you.

High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C., is celebrating its 86th year. The property for the season the weekend of April 25.

Registration starts March 1 for the Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament, August 20-24 in Panama City Beach, Fla. This tournament features six competitive divisions at four marinas throughout for a $1 million purse. It is expected to draw over 400 boats and 2,000 anglers from across the country.

If you …read more

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In the South, we love our yard sales, and we take them quite seriously. After all, this area is home to the World’s Largest Yard Sale, scheduled this year on August 7-10.
However, you don’t have to wait until late summer to find a deal. On March 14-16 is the annual Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale. This treasure-finding event stretches over 170 miles on Hwy 341 through Georgia’s Golden Isles Parkway and the Peach Blossom Trail. Starting in Perry, the sales winds through 16 other towns and communities along the way.

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Did you know that over 95 percent of the world’s (yes, the world’s) Bourbon is distilled and aged in the Bluegrass State? Learn more about the nation’s “native spirit” when exploring the state’s Bourbon Trail. While the distilleries might be the main points of interest, be sure not to miss other places related to the smooth drink.
Just an hour west of Lexington is Bardstown, better known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” It was once home to 22 operating distilleries.  The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History documents the drink’s past, including a display of an 1854 E.C. …read more

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