Southern Byways

TripAdvisor has recently come out with its list of the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards. This highlights the 100 best destinations in the world from users’ recommendations. Four southern cities made the cut: New Orleans, La. at #6, Charleston, S.C. at #18, Austin, Texas at #24, and Washington D.C. at #25.

And speaking about Charleston, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is offering a GasNGo package. Book two or more nights and receive a $25 gas card to help battle the pain at the pump. Another bonus of staying here is that you can leave your car parked for the duration and …read more

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Don’t let the current (or future) gas prices prevent you from traveling. In fact, the AAA Four Diamond WaterColor Inn and Resort, located on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast in the small community of WaterColor is offering guests who stay a minimum of three consecutive nights before May 23 (hint, hint: possible Mother’s Day getaway) a gas rebate. Just present the valid, dated gas receipt from your drive at check-in and the total amount (up to $200) will be deducted from your bill at check-out.
WaterColor is one of the 14 planned communities found along 30-A, collectively known as the Beaches of …read more

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Don’t be surprised if you tell an Austin-ite that their city is “different,” and they thank you for the compliment. Only in Austin, Texas can you find a harmonious combination of a business culture, a university city and a thriving music scene. One visit and you will learn that Austin is an experience that you definitely won’t find anywhere else.  Austin skyline, courtesy of BigStock Photo
                                                                                               
Places to Go: When they say that things are bigger in Texas, it’s not an exaggeration. Distinguishable by the pinkish-red granite, the Capitol of Texas  is not only Austin’s highest point; it is second …read more

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Growing up 90 minutes from Panama City Beach, the area will always have a special place in my heart. I can remember quite vividly spending Saturdays at Petticoat Junction or Miracle Strip Amusement Park, or if I played my cards right, both. Afternoons would be spent on the sugar white sand beaches, and each trip would end with dinner at Captain Anderson’s.  
Best Beaches (left),Growth (right), and Shell Island (below right) both courtesy of Panama City Beach CVB
Oh, how the times have changed. You’ll still find Shipwreck Island, Alvin’s Magic Mountain Mall, Gulf World, Treasure Ship, the above-mentioned Captain …read more

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Okay, so GasBuddy.com isn’t a actual travel site, BUT it can help with your travel plans, especially if you are planning to travel the byways soon.
We all know how high gas prices are right now, and instead of driving around (and wasting more gas) looking for cheap prices, this site helps you find the cheapest gas in your location. You can also keep an eye on gas prices in other locations you are planning to travel to, such as Florida, which isn’t known for cheap gas during the summer.

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There are some places that really don’t need explanations or reasons to visit them. Such the case of Florida’s Space Coast. This area is sometimes regarded as Orlando’s beaches, because it is a short 45-minute drive from O-town.  So, if you have not been to this part of Florida, or it has been awhile, here are five (and there are many more) reasons you should visit soon. 
1. 5,4,3,2, and We Have Lift-Off: Of course, you can’t come to this area of Florida without spending at least a full day at the Kennedy Space Center. Start at the Visitors Center …read more

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Given the fact that Memphis is home Rendezvous, Corky’s, Interstate, Neely’s and many more top-notch barbecue (or BBQ or Bar-B-Que) restaurants, it’s no surprise that the city is considered to be the “Pork BBQ Capital of the World.”
During May 15-17, the best of the best congregate here to compete in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest not only for money, but bragging rights as well. While this event is open to the public, you can’t sample food from the competitors; however, there the People’s Choice Contest where, for a nominal fee, you receive five samples of competitors’  ‘que …read more

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What does Grafton, West Virginia and Mother’s Day have in common? Well, it was here that the holiday got started. Mother’s Day was inspired by Anna Marie Jarvis, who wanted to honor her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. The younger Jarvis created the observation of what would become known as Mother’s Day on May 10, 1908 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton. Six years later, on May 8, U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution and signed by President Wilson that established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
For the 100th anniversary, you can tour the former church, now …read more

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The weekend is almost here and you know what that means – it is time to get away from the house and enjoy some events. Well, luckily here in the South, you are never at a lost of what to do. The only question or concern you might be faced with is choosing between all of the events that are going on during any given weekend.
Here are two worth packing up the car and heading out on the road for:

If you find yourself in Georgia, you can watch one of the stages of Tour de Georgia. This profession cycling event, …read more

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News…

Throughout the summer, EcoMotion Segway Tours is providing “Birding by Segway” trips on Fort George Island. Tour the island preserve in search of the rare Painted Bunting songbird, whose nesting season is on the preserve is mid-April until mid-September.

The search engine, Ask.com recently released its list of the “Top Family Friendly Vacation Spots” and another list of “Most Popular U.S. Landmarks.” Southern favorites on the favorite vacation spots list includes Myrtle Beach, S.C. (#4), Sea World (#5), Walt Disney World (#6), and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia (#9). Southern favorites on the U.S. landmarks includes Florida Everglades (#1), White House (#2), The …read more

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