Southern Byways

If you have been following this particular thread, we have made it to the end!
 
The Doctor is Always Right: They say that no matter where you are in Florida, you are about 60 miles away from a beach, unless, of course, you’re already on the coast. In fact, the Sunshine State’s beaches account for 1,000 miles of the state’s 1,800 miles of coastline. The beaches themselves are as diverse as the state. What you’ll discover along the Panhandle is quite different from what you’ll find in Cocoa Beach. That beach is different from what’s in the Keys and so …read more

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As I wrap up my well-over-a-week-long journey celebrating tourism icons through the South, I’ve saved what I consider the two hardest places to narrow down icons in for last.
It took me a while on D.C. because it’s a icon within itself, but I think I came up with two good representations.

Oh, Look, it’s Our Capitol: Okay, so the Capitol is a safe choice for an icon. Really, what comes to mind with you think of Washington, D.C.? So, maybe that’s not a good question to ask right now. But seriously, you can’t see or take a guided tour …read more

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Ride the Rails: When you visit West Virginia, save on gas and let someone else do the driving. Taking a train ride is a fun (and relaxing) way to explore the state; however, the hardest part is deciding which on to go on. For a scenic excursion, there’s the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass or the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad that departs from Romney. Go into the mountains on the New Tygart Flyer. Some of the highlights include an “S” curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing. Enjoy a four-course meal on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train. …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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Keepers of the Light: They’re historic, fascinating and have somewhat of a romantic appeal. Some consider them to be a symbol of strength. Lighthouses kept weary sailors from crashing into coastlines or rough shoals. North Carolina’s coast is home to eight lighthouses, with five of them open to the public to explore. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is perhaps the most familiar one, and also happens to be the tallest one in the nation.
Get Your Motor Runnin’: North Carolina is said to be the birth place of motorsports. The state is home to many popular names in the sport. You can …read more

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Tee It Up: You know, they just don’t refer to South Carolina as “the golf capitol of the South” for nothing. The state is home to around 380 diverse and challenging golf courses. Regardless of your game, or the lack thereof, you’ll have no problem finding a course to play. The courses are designed by the top names in the industry and perhaps the best thing about them is the fact that many are open to the public- a point that the state promotes by saying you can play where the pros do. The Palmetto State also hosts a number …read more

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Where the Horses Are: With over 450 horse farms, Lexington calls itself the “Horse Capital of the World.” In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The state is home to Keeneland, and oh yeah, the Derby. As you can tell, it’s impossible to think about Kentucky without thinking of horses. Whether its a watching a race, touring horse farms or riding, if it’s horses you are interested in, then you are in the right place.
 
Hittin’ a Home Run: Okay, so I thought about adding bourbon as the second icon, but that …read more

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Listen to the Music: Whether it’s the blues or more in Memphis, country in Nashville, or the mountain music found in the hills and mountains, no doubt about – music is an integral part of what makes Tennessee, well, Tennessee. Starting in Memphis, if it’s blues you want to find, take a walk along Beale Street. Interested in the start of Rock N’ Roll? Take a tour of Sun Studios. Soul music made its mark Memphis as well, and you can learn more about it at Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In Nashville, you are probably all …read more

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What comes to your mind when you hear someone mention the state of Louisiana? For many, it’s typically Mardi Gras, New Orleans and the Cajun Culture.  While those definitely are some of the main features of the state, this is so much more.
Food, Glorious Food: It’s quite easy to visit Louisiana and return home a little heavier than you were at the beginning of your trip. The food  here in is something else. You really haven’t eaten in life until you tried a po’boy, muffuletta, gumbo, crawfish, etouffee, boudin and jambalaya – just to name a few dishes. …read more

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Well, you know about the mineral baths in Hot Springs, and finding diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, but what else makes up the essence of Arkansas? After searching and reading, searching and reading – I came up with two icons, like the ones above, that are truly Arkansas.
Celebrate the Ozark Heritage
Mountain View is regarded as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” and happens to be home to the Ozark Folk Center. This state park celebrates Ozark crafts, music and heritage. Aside from live folk music performances, there is a crafts village where you can watch …read more

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