Southern Byways

Oh boy, do I have some great surprises in store for you – my dear readers! If there was ever a good time to bookmark this blog in your favorites, it’s now. Don’t wait too long because you might miss something.
 
 
 
Here are four new sections that will begin appearing regularly on Southern Byways beginning in August:
 

Doin’ the Town: This section will highlight that towns and cities that make the South, well, the South. Find out where to go and what do not only from the locals, but celebrity locals as well. First destination that will be featured is Oxford, …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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Learning About the Past: Many, many years ago in my 11th grade AP History class, I remember my teacher saying to us, “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.”  Of course, we took it as “pay attention, or you’re going to fail.” Little did I know, her quote was actually a play on George Santayana’s quote, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”  With that quote in mind while selecting the icons for Alabama, I thought one of the choices should be the sites important to the Civil Rights movement.  Along the …read more

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The Natchez Trace Compact has unveiled their newly redesigned website.   The site provides you with a more in depth look at the 444-mile National Scenic Byway that cuts through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.  On the site, you can find sample itineraries, information on the corridor communities, and an up-to-date event calendar.
 
Map of Natchez Trace, courtesy of Scenic Trace.

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Whether it’s diamonds, rubies or emeralds that capture your fancy, more than likely you can find them in the South. And no, I’m not talking finding them in jewelry stores or gem shops, either; that’s the easy way. This is about getting out there and digging in dirt (or in a bucket.) Here are a few places around the region to go prospecting:
Search for cluster crystals points at Arrowhead Crystal Mine in Mt. Ida, Arkansas.
It’s finders-keeper at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. This is the only diamond-producing site in the world that allows you, the public, …read more

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This summer, the in color is green, as in money. When it comes to traveling, everyone knows it’s all about spending less and getting more for the money that you do spend. As summer approaches, so do the deals and specials. As you begin to make summer plans, take a look at these deals.

Panama City Beach, Fla., is having their Summer White Sale.  This includes more than 50 beach accommodations, restaurants and attractions that have teamed up to offer 75 different discount offers with a total value of more than $6,000, and more businesses will be added throughout summer. All …read more

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Forgo the flowers this year and take Mom somewhere special for Mother’s Day (or thereafter). Here are five places that will make every mom feel like she is number one in your life.

If You Want to Pamper Mom, head to Hot Springs, Ark., also known as “Spa City.” To give you a little background to the name, the city of Hot Springs is known for its thermal water, made from the 47 hot springs that flow from the slope of Hot Springs Mountain at a temperature of about 143°F. For centuries many sought refuge from aliments by immersing themselves in …read more

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The Pavilion may be gone (although you can relive somewhat of the experience at The Pavilion Nostalgia Park), but the jewel of the Strand is still Grand. Here are six reasons to visit this slice of paradise, known as Myrtle Beach, on South Carolina’s Highway 17 to discover why it remains as one of America’s Favorite Vacation Destinations.
1. Miles and Miles of Sand and Water
Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of beaches, and a plethora of things to do on them. Whether you are looking to have fun in the water, or just sit back and …read more

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Does the warm Spring weather have you itching to get out and explore? If you are thinking “road trip,” here are a few destinations to get you started:
Chattanooga, Tennessee
If you think Chattanooga is all about Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Choo-Choo, then you haven’t been here lately.
Chattanooga Choo-Choo/photo courtesy of Chattanooga CVB.
While those three attractions are still important to the city, there is much more to do. One of the South’s more eclectic destinations, Chattanooga is a mix of culture, history, and nature. Where else could you go hang gliding off Lookout Mountain (or for …read more

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Valdosta, Ga., located midway between Atlanta and Orlando, Fla., on I-75, is the state’s 10th largest city. It has the charm of a small southern town combined with the conveniences of a large city. Nicknamed “Winnersville,”  in honor of the winningest high school football team in the nation, simply saying Valdosta is “unique” is an understatement. Here are 10 reasons why this city is  “winner” of a destination for a long weekend trip. 
10. Located 10 miles northeast of Valdosta, Moody Air Force Base, is home to the 347th Rescue Wing. Established in the early 1940s, this is the only …read more

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