Southern Byways

You know about Ho, Ho, H2o at the Tennessee Aquarium (don’t forget to read about my recent visit) in Chattanooga, Tenn., the holiday events at SeaWorld San Antonio (Texas) and SeaWorld Orlando (Fla.), and just learned about the 12 Days of Wild Holiday Fun at Naples (Fla.) Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.
If you are looking for more animal-related holiday events, why not…

Sing carols to the animals during the Caroling Tour at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas.
See the Holiday Light Safari at Alexandria (La.) Zoo on December 19 -23.
Enjoy cookies with Santa at Jackson (Miss.) Zoo …read more

Comments Off

There’s no doubt about it, Chattanooga, Tenn., is my second favorite destination in the South. Not only just because it’s close by, but also the fact there is so much to do for a city its size. Trust me when I say that you’ll never be bored in Chattanooga.
For instance, love art? There’s the Bluff View Arts District. Have children? Why not let them exert some energy while learning at the Creative Discovery Museum or if the weather is warm and nice, visit Coolidge Park. Don’t overlook the many ways to explore the history and outdoors of the area …read more

2 Comments

It’s not too late to enjoy Tennessee Aquarium’s Thrills, Gills and Chills month long celebration. You can choose from viewing  the spectacular fall colors along the 26-mile Gorge aboard the River Gorge Explorer, or learn more about stingrays, eels and other “misunderstood’ creatures from the aquarium’s “SCOO-BOO divers” and gallery guides. How about taking in a movie at the IMAX 3D Theater? Just in time for Halloween, “Sea Monsters 3D” introduces you to some of the ocean’s scariest predators.
Coming soon is the Aqua-Scarium Halloween Party on October 24. It’s a night of fun for the entire family with food, games, …read more

Comments Off

Due to technical difficulties, Tales from the Road was delayed
Whether you are visiting Destin, Fla., by yourself, with your special someone or with your family, the area offers a lot of great things to do when a break is needed from the beach.
 One place in particular, especially if you are with your family (but can be fun too on your own) is the Florida Gulfarium. Now what I liked best during my visit was the incredible views of the beach that could be seen from the outdoor  staging areas. And yes, the animals weren’t bad either.
A little history on …read more

1 Comment

Don’t forget to join Apryl on her last day in the area as she discovers Brandenton.
Creatures of the Land
Sarasota Jungle Gardens promotes itself as the “area’s only zoological gardens.” However, while that is something definitely to talk about, I think what’s most interesting about the Gardens is the fact that not only is it the oldest attraction Sarasota, but also the oldest, continuously operating attraction in the state. If you want to see an “old Florida” attraction, this is it. Encompassing ten acres (original began as 13 acres), the Gardens appeal to everyone.
First and foremost, the Gardens serve as …read more

1 Comment

If you haven’t been to the Tennessee Aquarium in a while, you might want to plan on visiting soon.Why? Well, the aquarium has recently introduced The River Gorge Explorer, an unique eco-cruise. Departing from the Chattanooga Pier (next to the Aquarium), this 90-minute guided excursion moves passengers along the Tennessee River Gorge. What makes this experience different is that it’s the first of its kind to operate  on an inland waterway in North America.
Southern Byways (SB) had an opportunity to ask Thom Benson, spokesman for the Tennessee Aquarium, more about this newest attraction at the aquarium.
SB: What’s special …read more

4 Comments

I honestly believe everyone should have some sort of interaction with dolphins at least once during their lifetime. It’s one thing to see them on a dolphin-watching cruise, but it’s a whole other experience to actually see them up close.
At nearly a year old (the facility celebrates its birthday on July 19th), the Dolphin Harbor at Miami Seaquarium houses ten Atlantic bottlenose dolphins within its 700,000 gallon dolphin pool. The Dolphin Harbor offers guests two different interaction programs. The two-hour Dolphin Odyssey features feeding, touching and learning about the mammals. There’s also time for  deep water interaction with a …read more

1 Comment

Everyone loves a birthday party, even sea creatures! Come celebrate Snooty the Manatee’s big 60th birthday on July 19 at South Florida Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton, Fla.
Snooty, who happens to be the world’s most recognized manatee, was born in 1948 at the old Miami Aquarium. In 1949, he became a permanent resident of Manatee County , Fla.
Snooty happens to be the oldest manatee born and raised in a protected man-made environment. He is also the county’s official mascot. At around 1,380 lbs.,Snooty follows a 90-lb. a day vegetarian diet of lettuce, carrots, kale, cabbage, sweet potato, …read more

Comments Off

Stay current with the latest news from the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md. They  have recently launched a blog where they discuss the aquarium’s new features and give readers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on.

3 Comments

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

2 Comments