Southern Byways

It’s almost New Year’s Eve and if you are still looking for some place to ring in 2009 consider celebrating at the three ski resorts in North Carolina’s High Country.
Now, if you aren’t familiar with this part of North Carolina, it’s located in the northwestern section of the state and includes Beech Mountain, Sparta, Linville, Boone, Blowing Rock and others. Not only can you find the Blue Ridge Parkway here as well, this area is also home to such places and sites as Emerald Village, Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad.
As for the New Year Eve’s celebrations, you’ll find that…
Appalachian …read more

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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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May you spend your holiday around the ones you love.

From my family to yours – a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Remember, Southern Byways ISN’T taking a break! Check back tomorrow and the rest of the week for the latest on events and happenings around the region.
But for today, enjoy your time with your family and friends.
 
photo credit: Christmas scene, flickr, creative commons by ralphunden

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Hope everyone is having a great Christmas Eve day thus far or just a great holiday. With everything going on today, be sure to enjoy the time you spend with your family. Good health, family and friends make for a great holiday life and well, life also!
Be sure to to  check Southern Byways this week. I’m going to have information on weekend happenings, New Year Eve’s celebration and packages (yes, there is still time to book a room) and a very special post on what you can do with your children in the region until school resumes.
Perhaps my biggest …read more

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Well, you made it to the last weekend before Christmas. While events have slowed down some, there are still some holiday-related things to do in the region.
So, let’s take a look at what’s happening this weekend in the South.
Why celebrate the holidays at one place, when you can celebrate throughout the entire city and town, like at the…
Christmas on the Mountain in Mena, Ark., on December 21-24.
Christmas at the Courthouse in Longview, Texas, on December 20.
Christmas on Main in Grapevine, Texas through December 21.
Christmas in Olde Town Lancaster (Texas) on December 20.  
Kenner (La.) Christmas Village on December 20.
Victorian Christmas Festival …read more

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Ah, the fruitcake – the gift that keeps on giving.
Admit it, you’ve re-gifted a few, right? It’s okay, we all have a time or two.
Well, love them or hate them, fruitcakes are symbol of the holidays right up there with candy canes, egg nog and gingerbread houses.
Have you ever stop and wonder where exactly (and how) fruitcakes are made?
Let me introduce to the “Fruitcake Capital of the World,” Claxton, Georgia.
Located in the southeastern part of the state, about 55 miles from Savannah, this small town is home to both Claxton Bakery and Georgia Fruitcake Company.
Italian immigrant Savino Tos …read more

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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

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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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A box filled with raw meat may not be your ideal holiday gift; but for a lion, well, it’s just what they asked for from Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.
It’s definitely an unique twist on the 12 Days of Christmas as the zoo presents their own version with the 12 Days of Wild Holiday Fun. From December 13-24, you can watch as different animals open their special holiday treats. It’s what Tim Tetzlaff, director of conservation and communications at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens refers to as “a fun and unpredictable time.”
“Some animals will spend a few minutes investigating …read more

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