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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If the 22nd Annual Holiday on the Harbor in Destin, Fla., doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, well, you just might need to check your pulse.
Scheduled for December 14, the event features over 20 boats gussied up with lights and other decorations. Sponsored by the Destin History and Fishing Museum (worth visiting when you have the chance), the activities along HarborWalk Village begin at 5 p.m. (however, it is highly recommended to show up before 5 p.m.)
During the Holiday on the Harbor, you can expect an evening filled live music, arts and crafts for the young …read more

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On my brisk bike ride from Redfish Village to WaterColor and Seaside, I past by Grayton State Park.  Since I didn’t have a pressing agenda (I’m at the beach, after all), I decided to was going to explore it. And I’m glad I did.
After paying a $1 entry fee (remember, I was on a bike; it’s $4 for a car), I was taken aback by the park’s natural beauty. I know that I have talked up a blue streak about how pretty and old Florida like this area is, but it really doesn’t sink in until you’re at …read more

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I love to go exploring when I’m away, yet really don’t want to explore by car. So, I will walk or find another means of transportation. You can’t imagine how happy I was to find out that Redfish Village offers complimentary bike rentals.
So braving the cold and donning a stylish gray bike hat, it was time to hit the bike paths.
For those who aren’t familiar with the area, 30-A is about 20-miles long. At first, that may seem like a lot, but since the communities are close to each other and there is always something new to see, it’s …read more

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I’m somewhat of an outdoorsy-type person. When I say “somewhat”, I mean that never pass up an opportunity to go walking, hiking or just exploring the outdoors – especially when I’m on vacation. When I was at Redfish Village on Blue Mountain Beach (Beaches of South Walton/30-A in the Florida Panhandle), I had it planned out to go for a walk early morning and late evening. I also wanted to go bike riding if possible. So, when I heard about Yolo boarding – I knew it was something I just had to try. 
Perhaps I should’ve mention that I’m quite …read more

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Special beach experience. Now, as a frequent beach-goer as myself, I take that statement to heart. But what does it mean? To me, it means having that one (or more) experience(s) that can’t be duplicated anywhere else.
Like at Redfish Village, located in Blue Mountain Beach along 30-A/Beaches of South Walton.
I could go into elaborate detail about the condos, the pool area (heated pool, by the way), or the shops (definitely get a chicken box from Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and a cup of joe or a sinful, calorie laden speciality coffee drink from PJ’s Coffee) but that’s only part …read more

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By now you probably know that it’s physically impossible to keep me away from the beach.
This past weekend, I was back down heading back down south to my favorite place, the Florida Panhandle. This time I was going to be exploring the Beaches of South Walton, located along 30-A.
On this particular journey, my stop would be at Redfish Village, located in Blue Mountain Beach.
However, since I was back at the beach (can’t say that enough), I wanted to take my time and enjoy every minute. So, I decided I would stop places that caught my attention.
One such …read more

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It’s not impossible to enjoy a quick getaway in the South this holiday season. So, instead of giving the usually gift this year, why not surprise everyone with a trip. I promise that no one will be disappointed.
Take a look at the following offers:
Myrtle Beach, S.C.’s bailout package will not only put a smile on your face, but make your wallet feel less tight as well. A handful of property are offering various discounts that are good through the end of the year to next year.

From one popular beach destination to another, this time on the Gulf Coast as …read more

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Here’s a bit of trivia for you. What state, in 2008, has 37 beaches that have received Blue Wave certification by the Clean Beaches Council (CBC)?
Obviously, if you’re reading this blog, it must be a southern state, so that should narrow it down for you.
Still unsure?
Well, the answer is Florida. And did you know that nearly half of those 37 beaches happen to be in the Beaches of South Walton. That’s right, the 14 beach communities as well as the three state parks have been certified through the CBC’s Blue Wave Ethic Program – or the past eight …read more

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(Due to technical difficulties, Scenes from the Road was delayed)

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