Southern Byways

There’s nothing quite like celebrating the 4th of July in the South, especially when it’s a holiday weekend. From parades to fireworks to crab festivals, there’s truly something for everyone. Of course, hands down, the best celebration happens at our nation’s capital. But if you can’t make it to D.C. this year, take a look around, there might be a celebration or two close to you.
Here’s some idea of some of the celebrations  in the region:
If you want to see some fireworks, because after all  it is 4th of July, there’s the 25th Annual Pops on the River …read more

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The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the smell of peanuts and hot dogs wafting through the stands on a warm night represents summer for many. Yes, it’s time for baseball, Crackerjacks and all of that good stuff. Here in the South, you are never at a lost for watching a good nine (or longer) innings.
Even if you follow baseball marginally, you probably all ready know about the major league teams, but are you aware of the minor leagues? Do such names as the Chattanooga Lookouts, Jacksonville Suns, Bluefield Orioles, Round Rock Express or Carolina …read more

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Ride the Rails: When you visit West Virginia, save on gas and let someone else do the driving. Taking a train ride is a fun (and relaxing) way to explore the state; however, the hardest part is deciding which on to go on. For a scenic excursion, there’s the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass or the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad that departs from Romney. Go into the mountains on the New Tygart Flyer. Some of the highlights include an “S” curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing. Enjoy a four-course meal on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train. …read more

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If you are a flower enthusiasts or have an interested in flowers, you might have heard about the rare Ghost Orchid growing on an old cypress tree at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Fla. Not only is this type of flower very rate, but it’s in bloom for the second consecutive summer.
Now, if you want to see it, you better do so in the next three weeks when the bloom is visible from the sanctuary’s boardwalk. A handful of Naples hotels are offering special rates and package for this event.
 
Photo credit: Ghost Orchid, flickr, creative commons by Sophro

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Be sure to visit my blog on Monday for a list of spectacular events going on around the region for the 4th of July weekend.
If you have plans to be in Atlanta, Ga., for the 4th, consider watching the fireworks from The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. The restaurant is hosting their annual Picnic in the Pods, featuring a special menu. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For those not familiar with the restaurant, it’s situated on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza located in downtown. You ascend 73 stories in a glass elevator (My yellow streak was …read more

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Boy, do I have a story to tell you! Many of us Southerners “don’t show, but tell,” even if it’s about our five-minute trip to the grocery store. Some of us can turn it into an amusing 30 minute story filled with a memorable cast of characters no one will forget. And we seem to always have an audience, because who doesn’t love listening to a good story?
If you happen to be in Roswell, Ga., on June 27-28, you can listen to some of the best regional and local tellers as they spin their entertaining tales at the …read more

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“Tanks a lot!” Book a five or six night stay at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach in Atlantic Beach, N.C., and receive a $50 gas card. If you book a seven night stay, you can receive a $100 gas card.

Comfort Suites Manassas (Va.) is offering a package that includes a $50 gas card and a complimentary breakfast buffet with a minimum two night stay. Offer if good through September 30.

Residence Inn Gaithersburg’s (Md.) hotel gas card special features a $25 gas card, $25 toward Metro Passes and a disposable camera. Offer is good through August 31.

Best Western says don’t let …read more

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***Yes, yes – I know that National Tourism Week has long since passed, but the way I see it is as travelers, you visits the icons anytime of the year.***
Living History: If you happen to love American History, then you will love visiting Virginia. The state is home to America’s Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg) as well as historic homes such as Mount Vernon, Montpelier and Monticello. Eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia as well. There is the Road to Revolution Trail that pays homage to Patrick Henry. The state’s Civil War trail has around 388 sites …read more

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Hopefully you’ve have or are planning to use GasBuddy.com and/or the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator as you map out your weekend or week-long trip. In addition to the above-mentioned sites, there are some other worth taking a look at.

With MapQuest Gas Prices, you can search for current gas prices by address or state. It even includes the national lowest as price and highest gas price. As of 4:33 PM EST on Monday, June 23, Malden, Mo. had the lowest at $3.60 and Big Sur, Calif. had the highest at $5.40.

FuelFrog allows you to track your gas mileage, and if …read more

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So, you survived the first weekend of summer and now you are wondering what to do for the rest of the season. Well, you’ve come to the right place! The South is filled with so much do to during summer. Here’s sampling of a few activities that’ll keep you busy:
1. Swim with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Marineland near St. Augustine, Discovery Cove in Orlando, Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Miami Seaquarium in Miami, or the Theater at the Sea in Islamorada, Fla.
2. Ride a carousel. Take a spin on the Dentzel …read more

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