Southern Byways

The challenge guidelines set forth by Bon Appetit Management Company to their cafes are simple: chefs can only use ingredients produced within 150 miles of their restaurants, with the exception of salt, of course.
Are they up to it? Of course, and on September 30 -  it’s game on.
During the 4th Annual Eat Local Challenge, around 400 locations in 28 states will take part in this day dedicated to bringing local bounty to the table. At one of the participating cafes, executive chef  Robert Garrett of Oglethorpe University Cafe, Atlanta, Ga., says it’s their time to go all out to …read more

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 In a city that goes against the norm – their failure to latch onto chains (Houston’s had to be renamed Palm Beach Grill and it took years for the city to agree to put in a Starbucks on Worth Avenue) and the non-existence of sales in the multitude of designer shops that line the city, Palm Beach has decided to launch the first ever Palm Beach Restaurant Week taking place from October 20 – 26. So mark your calendars now. Though, take note, as the deals are valid for lunch only – 3 courses for $20.08.
Look at the line up …read more

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I admit I enjoy turning off the well-traveled road and onto a country road in search of local produce stands or something similar. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than fresh apple or looking for the perfect pumpkin and some friends to take home.
Just in time for fall, I received some information on on a new website, Rural Bounty.  This site promotes agritourism and lists various farms, orchards, wineries and more. The site also list farmer markets as well. New listings are added every day. Searching is easy and can be done by zip code, city, state, product or …read more

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“It’s a perfect backdrop for a haunted place,” comments Kara Van Brunt, the director of operations and strategic development for Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tenn. “You can’t get any better than a cave.”
The beginning of fall brings many things: cooler weather, change of color in leaves, pumpkins, apples, hayrides and ghost stories.
Boo!
Opening on September 26 is Ruby Falls’ Haunted Cavern. The attraction was brought back after years of being on hiatus. Van Brunt says they would get phone calls every year requesting it.
“A lot of people loved it.”
Yes, you read that right, a lot of people enjoyed …read more

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It’s definitely considered to be one of the more prettier destinations in the South. Rich in history, beginning on September 27, over 18 antebellum homes in Natchez, Miss., will open their doors to the public during the annual fall pilgrimage.
There are six different tours (indicated by colors) highlighting three different homes on different days through October 11. You can tour such homes as the Stone House, noted for its many unique features and touches that include rare antique maps and prints on the walls. Also on tour is the Twin Oaks, where you can see the Chapel, …read more

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 Travel and Leisure Magazine teamed up with CNN Headline News and surveyed over 125,000 travelers. These travelers ranked 25 cities in 45 categories from restaurants and nightlife to the weather and the people. Here’s a list of some of the cities in the south and the top reasons why people visit these particular cities.
Washington D.C.

#1 cultural getaway
Historical sites/ monuments
Museums and galleries
Diversity of People
Public transportation and pedestrian friendliness

Atlanta

Affordability
Late night/club scene
Weather
Luxury Boutiques

Charleston

Great place to go for Thanksgiving
Friendly people
Noteworthy neighborhoods
Peace and quiet
Great antique stores

Orlando

#1 place to go for a family vacation
Great for an active/adventure vacation
Nice weather
Perfect place to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas

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It’s the last weekend of September, and you shouldn’t be sitting at home. With the cooler weather, it’s a great time to be out and about. And if you need anymore reason, there’s a lot of fun things happening in the South, including a presidential debate (possibly.)
If you enjoy music, head to…

the “Austin City Limits” Music Festival happening in, well, Austin, Texas, on September 26-28 in Zilker Park. Featuring over 100 musical acts, the festival also includes Soco Art Market featuring wares from local vendors. And of course, no festival is complete without ample food.
the Foggy Hollow …read more

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As the recovery effort continues along the Texas Gulf Coast, Beaumont CVB has provided an updated list regarding the status on attractions and accommodations in the area:
 
 
 
Attractions
Beaufort

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas received minor leak damage from Hurricane Ike, and was able to reopen on September 22.
Also reopening on September 22 was the Edison Museum, which did not have any damage to report.
The Fire Museum of Texas had very minimal damage and reopened on September 22 as well.
Texas Energy Museum’s power was restored on September 15, and the museum will reopen for normal hours on October 1.
Jefferson Theatre received …read more

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 Did you know that Louisiana is known for their festivals? They have over 400 festivals a year. That’s averages out to almost one per day. So if you are a lover of festivals, Louisiana should probably be on your itinerary. Just this week alone, I think I counted around seven.Here’s a look at your choices this weekend.

American Whiskey Fest, September 24-25 in New Orleans. This festival brings together the country’s best mast distillers and together with a sampling of distinctive New Orleans cuisine, they raise money for the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.
Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival takes place from …read more

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News

Congratulations to Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort for being recognized by Golf Inc. in their September 2008 issue as one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive golf resorts.
And while we are talking about gold, a big congratulations to all of the Southern-based golf courses that made it on GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play 2008. Courses include Mississippi’s Dancing Rabbit Golf Club (Azalea), Florida’s TPC at Sawgrass (Stadium), North Carolina’s Pinehurst (No. 2), and Virginia’s The Homestead.

Deals

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is offering a Holiday Escape 50/50 Florida Resort Package (promo code …read more

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