Southern Byways

Why not give the gift of a trip this year? Jupiter Beach (Fla.) Resort & Spa makes it easy for you to do so. Through January 31, 2009, the property is offering a $50 resort credit for a two-night stay and $100 for a three-night stay or more. The credits can be used in the restaurants, spa or other places on the property. Book online, or call 800-228-8810 and use promo code THAW.
Wondering where you can find some travel deals? Check out your favorite southern city’s CVB/tourism sites. For instance, Destin, Fla.’s site list all types of specials for …read more

1 Comment

Lights and Other Holiday Events
Don’t miss out on the light displays at Guido Gardens in Metter, Ga. The free event opens on Thanksgiving night and concludes on Christmas Day. You can view the lights daily, during evening hours. Other light displays around the state include Lights of the South in Grovetown happening through December 30.
It’s called the 2008 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights and features ALL of the events (lighted displays, open houses and more) happening across the state during the holiday season.
There are 3.5 million lights in Hulen Park in Cleburne, Texas for the Whistlestop Christmas. The parks starts …read more

1 Comment

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

Comments Off

The Grinch has taken over Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., during ICE! featuring the How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, happening through January 4, 2009. But don’t worry, this Grinch isn’t going to take anyone’s Christmas away, because it’s all a part of the property’s 25th annual A Country Christmas.
Around 1.5 million pounds of ice were sculpted by 35 artisans from Harbin, China. Working in shifts, starting around mid-October, the team created a one-of-a-kind icy wonderland with larger-than -life scenes from the story. Food color is then added to bring “life” to the sculptures.
Amanda Taylor, ICE! coordinator at Gaylord Opryland, …read more

Comments Off

Are you starting to think where to go this holiday season?If you are looking for some deals, consider the following:  

Ellis Hotel, located in downtown Atlanta, Ga., is offering the “Hip for the Holiday” special rate, good through November 21 – December 26. When you call 866/841-8822, be sure to request the “Hip for the Holiday” special rate.
The TradeWinds Island Resorts (the Island Grand Resort and the Sandpiper Suites) in St. Pete Beach, Fla.,has the “Thanksgiving Togetherness” package, available at only the Island Grand. The package includes three night accommodations, two tickets to the Thanksgiving buffet and a value book …read more

Comments Off

Events

EcoFocus Film Festival in Athens, Ga., on October 23-26, is designed to promoted awareness on environmental issues through the big screen. The festival features 12 environmental films and 25 environmental short films
And while I’m talking about the northeast Georgia area, the 9th Annual Fall Wine Fest Fundraiser in Watkinsville is scheduled for October 26. Benefiting Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF), the event includes wine samples from vinters around the state, food from regional restaurants, silent auction with works from local artists and much more.
Before I stop talking about events in Georgia, make plans to attend the Belle Meade …read more

Comments Off

There are some hotels in the South that make you say, “wow, what a great place,” and then there are others that make you say, “wow… just wow,” and you haven’t even left the lobby yet. 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Ky., falls into the later category.
The 91-room hotel, which opened in 2006, defies the definition of a traditional hotel. The moment you step into 21c Museum Hotel, you’ll feel as if you are in a contemporary art museum with bedrooms, a spa/fitness center, and according to Cintas Corp., a nominee for  America’s best bathrooms.
“The concept …read more

Comments Off

Well, July 4th has come and gone, and summer continues on. Don’t wait until the season is nearly gone to take your vacation. There are deals to be found all over the South, you just need to know where to look.

It’s not too late to receive a $50 gas card from Choice Hotels; however, you do need to act quickly. It’s real simple, just sign up for Choice Privileges (if you aren’t all ready a member), book a stay three times through August 14 and them redeem the points earned for a gas card.

If you’re considering heading to South …read more

3 Comments

The Columbus (Miss.) Historic Foundation’s Pilgrimage Home and Garden Tour is scheduled for March 24- April 5. This event features tours of homes and churches.

April 19-27 is Virginia’s Historic Garden Week. Celebrating 75 years, this events opens over 250 homes, gardens and landmarks throughout the state  for tours.

Enter to win a 7 day/6 night vacation on Florida’s Space Coast. There will be four grand prize winners, and the first will be drawn on June 2.

The Original German Sausage Festival will be held on March 29 in Elberta, Ala. Scheduled events include arts and crafts festival, games and …read more

Comments Off

The ducks in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis actually started out as a joke. Back in the 1930s, an inebriated hunter, who happened to also be the property’s general manager, and his friend, placed their live duck decoys into the fountain. Both thought it would be funny, but little did he know what he started. 75 years later, the ducks are as much a part of Memphis as ribs and blues.
The five ducks (one male and four females) make their grand entrance at 11 a.m. each morning and retire for the evening at 5 p.m. Their coming and going is …read more

Comments Off