Southern Byways

Can’t make it to Times Square in New York City this New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry, there are other places where you celebrate the beginning of 2009 throughout the South.
Here’s a sampling of what’s happening as well as some deals.
Numerous cities across the nation are participating on First Night 2009. In the South, this includes Fayetteville (Ark.), Austin (Texas), Cocoa (Fla.), Delray Beach (Fla.), St. Peterburg (Fla.), Charlotte (N.C.), Raleigh (N.C.), and in Virginia: Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Williamsburg and Winchester.

Don’t miss out on Big D NYE 2009. The event features parties and a very large firework display. …read more

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Well, New York City may have their ball for New Year’s Eve, but did you know here in the South we tend to drop more, um, interesting items to signify the New Year?
Oh yes, where else but in the South can you find a Moon Pie (Mobile, Ala.), a peach (Atlanta, Ga.) and a possum (yes, that’s right in, a possum drop in Tallapoosa, Ga.)
When it comes to celebrating New Year Eve’s, the South tends to stand out.
For example, there’s the…

Hog (Razorback) drop in Fayetteville, Ark.
Fleur de Lis in New Orleans, La.
Pelican drop in Pensacola, Fla.
Orange (PDF …read more

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If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional cocktail party, stop by Agent Provocateur tomorrow night. They are hosting a cocktail party from 6 to 9 pm at their Bal Harbour location. They will be serving drinks and scrumptious canapes at this fabulous in-store party. Besides the food, drinks and collection of lingerie, they will also be giving away a gift with purchase during the event. Ohh-la-la!
An RSVP is required to francesca.reed@agentprovocateur.com 
Agent Provocateur is located at the Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, 2nd Level in Bal Harbour.  
Photo Credit: James@mannequindisplay.com @ flickr 

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If you are from Atlanta or have done business/visited around downtown Atlanta, you know all about the neon “V” sign visible from I-85/I-75 (the downtown connector, if you want to speak Atlantan.) That “V” is for  The Varsity, an Atlanta institution. The world’s largest drive-in restaurant has been chanting “Whatta ya have? Whatta ya have?” to customers since 1928. Movie stars, presidents – basically anyone who is anyone has eaten here.  What’s the draw? Fried pies, hot dogs, onion rings and really, everything on their menu.
Word of advice, if you want to order like a …read more

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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

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Whether you’re celebrating with a barbecue, picnic, fireworks or in your own special way, may you have a safe and fun 4th of July.
 

Photos courtesy of Southern Byways’ Iphone. Taken on July 3, 2008 from the Polyensian Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

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Still looking for something to do tomorrow? Well, here are some last minute ideas:
 

If you happen to be around the Atlanta, Ga. area, the Centennial Olympic Park is hosting a 4th of July Celebration that includes family activities, free concert performance by the Atlanta Symphony Youth Organization and of course, fireworks. Another alternative is the Fantastic Fourth Celebration at nearby Stone Mountain Park. This event last through the 5th, so if you can’t make it tomorrow, there is always Saturday night. The festivities feature the popular laser show.

Watch the sky light up in colors behind the world’s largest cast …read more

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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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Marking the beginning of the shrimping season, the annual  blessing of the fleet is considered to be one of honored traditions in Biloxi. It’s a combination of a party and a ceremony. Scheduled for May 30 – June 1, the weekend-long event kicks off with the Fais Do-Do (street festival) that includes live entertainment, crafts vendors and lots and lots of shrimp dishes. The actual blessing takes place on Sunday with  ceremonial wreath dropping at 1p.m .and the boats, one by one, sail forward to receive the blessing for a safe and bountiful season.
 
 
Photo credits: Blessing of the Fleet …read more

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Okay, so what makes Texas, well, Texas? Some may answer it’s the barbecue or the Tex-Mex dishes, others may think its the cities and towns, and others will tell you it’s football.  Everyone has their own opinions, but when I think of Texas, especially the icons (remember it’s icons and traditions being celebrated for National Tourism Week) the Alamo and Big Tex comes to mind.
A Quick Guide to The Alamo  
Many cities say their heart can be traced to their downtown area, and for San Antonio that is true. Here you’ll find the small, yet stately Mission San Antonio …read more

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