Southern Byways

At first glance, the two-year old Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia in Sautee Nacoochee (near Helen) doesn’t look like your typical museum. It definitely takes advantage of its surrounding, the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, with lots of glass, natural light and open spaces. So it would only make sense that the museum would be recognized for its architecture. The museum, designed by Robert M. Cain, architect in Atlanta,Ga., was recently awarded American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture. This was one of only two honor awards given out this year. The award is the highest design award …read more

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Partial Museum To Do List…

Explore the interesting collection of antique and collectible cars at the Tupelo (Miss.) Automobile Museum.
Take a walk through the Bird of Prey Trail at Anniston (Ala.) Museum of Natural History.
See the Dolley Madison collection at Greensboro (N.C.) Historical Museum.
Learn more about the state of West Virginia at the West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling.
Take a train ride at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.

 
Feel as if you are never getting anywhere with your museum to-do list? Well, you’ll have an opportunity on September 27 during the 4th Annual Museum Day, sponsored by Smithsonian magazine, …read more

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People collect many things – pins, ornaments, shells, shoes – whatever they can dream up. Often its fascinating, but sometimes it gets out of control. When your collection outgrows your personal residence and you want to keep every piece, you need to think outside of the box. That is exactly what happened with Mr. Ed and his fascination with elephants.
Mr. Ed received his first elephant as a wedding gift and he has been collecting ever since. In 1975, his collection outgrew his house, and his wife made him open a museum to get them out of the house. Mr. Ed’s …read more

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 While we may be used to rushing day-in and day-out, it is always nice to break away for a relaxing and revitalizing vacation. Whether it be a day trip, a weekend getaway or a trek cross country, escaping to one of the country’s national parks is a perfect choice, and your options are endless.
Let’s start in the north and make our way south:

Constitution Gardens in Washington DC: Do you need an escape from the bustling lifestyle of D.C.? Plan a visit to the Consitution Gardens. This memorial island (dedicated in 1976) is located in the middle of an artificial lake …read more

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I consider myself to be somewhat of an outdoors-type person. I love being outside, whether it’s walking, running or just relaxing. So, I was really looking forward to visiting Emerson Point Preserve. 
Located on Sneads Island, near Palmetto (which can be a drive from Longboat Key, if you don’t where you are going), Emerson Point is a 365-acre preserve. Here you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty through the hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and canoeing opportunities. If you just want to take in everything on a clear day, head to the observation tower. However, I …read more

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Charming and elegant – a true southern belle – Charleston, S.C., is considered as one of the jewels of the South. It really comes as no surprise that Charleston has secured a place as one of the top 10 domestic travel destinations for the past 15 years by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards.
Withstanding two wars, several fires, an earthquake and numerous hurricanes, each time rebuilding and restoring its historical treasures, these 25 blocks of the city’s historic downtown is an incredible journey through time. The city has more architecturally significant 18th – and 19th – century buildings that …read more

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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

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As the world prepares to watch the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, visitors to the Atlanta History Center can experience the Olympic spirit by touring the Centennial Olympic Games Museum.
Housed in a 27,500-squared-foot wing, the collection takes you through the history of the Olympic movement from its origins to modern times. You can view the collection of Olympic torches, including the official torch of the 2008 Beijing Games and see other related artifacts.
Of course, the focal point is on the 1996 Olympic Games that took place in Atlanta. 
You have the opportunity to go “behind the scenes,” so to …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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Fireworks, parades and picnics – everyone knows it’s a time for celebration on July 4, and Atlanta is no different. While there will be fireworks in certain locations, there will also be a special grand opening of sorts in Midtown. Located in mixed-use, sustainable development Atlantic Station, the Millennium Gate will open to the public.  Tickets for this event are available by pre-purchased through Ticketmaster, and a limited number will be available at the door on the day of the event.
Designed by Rodney M. Cook, Jr., president and founder of the National Monuments Foundation, the 82-foot monument is the …read more

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