Southern Byways

From festivals to free things to do, there is always something going on in the region. With so many options, the hardest part is deciding on what to do.

Saturday, August 2 is the 39th Annual Funday and Possum Festival in Wausau, Fla. Located about 10 miles south of the I-10 exit in Chipley, the festival takes place at the Possum Palace. Events include arts and crafts festival, live entertainment and possum delicacies. 

Ending on August 3, you can still catch part of the 51st North Carolina Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Festival in Spruce Pine, N.C. The festival includes demonstrations, …read more

Comments Off

We southerners have always known is there is something special about our Gulf Coast. Whether it’s the natural beauty, beautiful beaches, great food or the abundance of activities, there is something for everyone along the Gulf Coast.

Louisiana’s Best Kept Secret
If Grand Isle hasn’t been a blip on your travel radar, perhaps it is time to look closer at this barrier island. About a two-and half hour drive from Baton Rouge, Grand Isle is different from any other place in the state.
Situated at the mouth of Barataria Bay where it meets the Gulf …read more

1 Comment

Do you really need a reason to visit Central Florida? Okay, if you decide to take a break from the parks, here are 8 things worth doing:
1. Still going strong for 55 years, Gatorland is a 110-acres alligator theme park, complete with nature walks and other animals.
2. Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum. Over one hundred years old, the gardens are home to waterfalls, tropical plants and more.
3. Experience the area’s natural beauty on Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This hour-long excursion through Winter Park’s chain of Lakes can prove to your …read more

Comments Off

Think you know everywhere and every place in the South? Put your knowledge to the test and try to guess where in the region these photos were taken…
 
 
Photo credit: personal collection

4 Comments

Whether you’re in the mood for a end-of-the-summer getaway or a quick weekend jaunt, there are deals throughout the South. So, pack your bags and hit the road.

Thinking about taking everyone to Orlando? Now is the perfect time as the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village is offering low rates for those seeking suites. To take advantage of this special, you need to book your reservations 14-days prior to your trip. The property is located one mile from Walt Disney World and other main attractions.

Enjoy golfing and relaxing at the spa at …read more

Comments Off

Wasn’t nearly everyone’s dream to become an astronaut when they grew up? What is it about space that captures our interest? Perhaps it’s the thrill of unknown or the discovery of something new. Whatever it may be, those dreams seem to rekindle themselves (at leas for me) during shuttle take-offs.
Now, you may never be called up to go on a mission, but there are some places in the South where you can come awfully close to experiencing what it feels like.
At Space Center Houston, the NASA tram tour takes you behind-the-scenes to such places as the historic Mission Control …read more

Comments Off

If you are searching for good food and good fun, look no further than at some of the upcoming food and food-related festivals happening around the region. Here’s a sampling to whet your appetite.

Don’t forgot that the 32nd Annual Watermelon Festival is happening August 7-10. The event features entertainment, arts and craft, children’s activities and slices of good, ole Hope watermelons.  The festival is also home to some rather large watermelons as well.

If you are in the mood for more watermelon, be sure to check out all of the festivals celebrating this quintessential summer fruit happening in August.

Celebrate the …read more

1 Comment

Downtown Chattanooga, Tenn., is filled with all types of things to do. You already know about the Tennessee Aquarium, Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga Market and Coolidge Park, but are you aware of the zoo? 
Yes, located in Warner Park, Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is a seven-acre zoo with a number of exhibits that includes Himalayan Passage in the Asia section where you can see the Red Panda and the Muntjac Deer. Over in the Latin America section, you can spy a Spider Monkey and a Macaw.
Don’t miss out on visiting the Misunderstood Marvels exhibit and try to …read more

1 Comment

If you have been following this particular thread, we have made it to the end!
 
The Doctor is Always Right: They say that no matter where you are in Florida, you are about 60 miles away from a beach, unless, of course, you’re already on the coast. In fact, the Sunshine State’s beaches account for 1,000 miles of the state’s 1,800 miles of coastline. The beaches themselves are as diverse as the state. What you’ll discover along the Panhandle is quite different from what you’ll find in Cocoa Beach. That beach is different from what’s in the Keys and so …read more

Comments Off

July is National Hog Dog Month and you still have a little over a week to celebrate. If you find yourself tooling around the South during this time, stop and have a dog (or two or three) at any of the following: Chris’ Hot Dogs in Montgomery, Ala., Varsity in either Atlanta or Athens, Ga., Nu-Way Weiners in Macon, Ga., Skin Thrasher’s in Anderson, S.C., Yum Yum Better Ice Cream in Greensboro, N.C., and Arbetters in Miami, Fla. Interestingly enough, there’s an article highlighting the best places to the all-might dog in South Florida. Hey, Texas, I didn’t forget …read more

Comments Off