Southern Byways

Art is everywhere you look in the Southeast. In some place, it is more than an attraction or a reason to visit; it’s a way of life.
An art town with a football problem perhaps can best describe Athens, Ga. While football is a big deal, so is the art scene. Create your own art gallery crawl in downtown Athens. Explore exhibits by local and regional artists at Mercury Gallery, ATHICA and Flat Penny Folk Art Gallery which houses works by Georgia folk artists.
No visit to the Classic City is complete without a visit to the Georgia Museum …read more

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The Columbus (Miss.) Historic Foundation’s Pilgrimage Home and Garden Tour is scheduled for March 24- April 5. This event features tours of homes and churches.

April 19-27 is Virginia’s Historic Garden Week. Celebrating 75 years, this events opens over 250 homes, gardens and landmarks throughout the state  for tours.

Enter to win a 7 day/6 night vacation on Florida’s Space Coast. There will be four grand prize winners, and the first will be drawn on June 2.

The Original German Sausage Festival will be held on March 29 in Elberta, Ala. Scheduled events include arts and crafts festival, games and …read more

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Tupelo, Mississippi is the birthplace of Elvis and Graceland, his stately residence, is located in Memphis, and in between those two is the town of  Holly Springs, Miss., and Graceland Too. This residence is dedicated to everything Elvis. Created by the self-proclaimed biggest Elvis fan in the world, the house/museum is filled with all kind of Elvis memorabilia. It’s well worth the stop for other Elvis fans or those whose just want a peek at the large collection. The house/museum is open everyday – just ring the bell.

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The ducks in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis actually started out as a joke. Back in the 1930s, an inebriated hunter, who happened to also be the property’s general manager, and his friend, placed their live duck decoys into the fountain. Both thought it would be funny, but little did he know what he started. 75 years later, the ducks are as much a part of Memphis as ribs and blues.
The five ducks (one male and four females) make their grand entrance at 11 a.m. each morning and retire for the evening at 5 p.m. Their coming and going is …read more

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With warmer weather on the way, for many it is time to head to the beaches. South Carolina’s U.S. 17, travels along the coast and  connects Charleston to Myrtle Beach. Referred to as the “Vacation Road” by many, and highlighted in Southern Living magazine, this 100-mile stretch meanders its way through such quaint places as Georgetown, Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet.

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Watch as the pros fire up the grill for the 5th Annual Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge in Hammond, La., on March 28-29. Over 50 professional barbecue teams from over eight states compete in four meat categories. This isn’t you run-of-the-mill competition, either. This is a sanctioned event by the KCBS 2008 Tour of National BBQ. In addition, the weekend also features a backyard competition for those who aren’t yet ready for the big time, as well as competition for the younger up-and-coming barbecuers. There is even a sweet tea competition. All of this plus live music, cooking classes and …read more

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In addition to showing off the gardens in the region, historic homes also open their doors to the public as well. For some homes, it’s the only time they are accessible to the crowds. If you happen to be an architecture buff, history buff, antique buff, or just like to look inside homes – you won’t be disappointed with the many pilgrimages throughout the area.
In Texas…

May 2-4 is the 61st Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes and Spring Festival in Jefferson. Four homes are open for tour. In addition, there are a number of events that take place throughout the weekend.

In …read more

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As part of St. Augustine’s 443rd  Birthday, the 7 Inns of Elegance in St. Augustine, Fla., is  inviting visiting couples to enjoy a romantic 2-hour sail along the historic St. Augustine bay front aboard the Schooner Freedom as their guests from May 4 thru November 19, 2008.  Advanced reservations are required.

Some of the best beaches can be found in the South. TripAdvisor®’s 2008 Top 10 list includes: Panama City Beach, Fla.; Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Ga.; South Beach, Miami, Fla.; and Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort, S.C.

Golf Magazine has released their list featuring the 75 Greatest Golf Destinations …read more

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Did you know that Savannah, Ga.’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade happens to be one of the longest running ones in the U.S.? It started in 1813 and has been going strong ever since. Savannah is just one of the many places in the south were you can “turn green” for the holiday. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on around the region.
In Arkansas…

Be sure to wear green so you can be a part of Eureka Springs’ St. Paddy’s Parade.

In Texas…

For true luck, celebrate the day in the city of Shamrock . Their three day celebration includes an afternoon parade and …read more

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Surf’s Up! Watch  as over 300 professional and amateur surfers of all ages take to the waves and hang ten during the Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Festival on March 20-23. Said to be the second oldest surfing festival, it will take place at Shepard’s Park and Cocoa Beach Pier in what is referred to as Florida’s Space Coast.
As the professionals compete in their division, there is also a number of activities going on for spectators, such as a “surf off” and free giveaways.

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