Southern Byways

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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Discovering new places -  isn’t that the heart of travel? It doesn’t matter how many times you have visited a certain city or state, or even if you live there, there is always a handful of places that you never knew existed.
For me that was discovering Second Time Around Mini Farm, which is nearly up the road from me. Located in Washington, Ga., about an hour and half east of Atlanta, and between Athens and Augusta, this 13.5 acres farm is different from anything I’ve ever seen or read about.
The farm has always been in the Moses family, but it …read more

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Oxford, Mississippi is like that understated cool kid that was a couple years ahead of you in high school; you know, the one you wanted to be like, but never could quite emulate their style.
The town’s background is somewhat like other southern towns. It survived near-devastation during the Civil War, and rebuilt itself to become a force in both the academic and arts world.
Today, Oxford is perhaps best known for being home to  Ole Miss (that’s University of Mississippi to you non-SEC fans) and the beautiful Grove (where tailgating takes place); however, this town is going to …read more

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Okay, so I’m a bad planner. I really didn’t think everything would be closed in downtown Northport on a Sunday afternoon, especially a Sunday afternoon after a home football game. By alas, it was. Oh well, I still had a good time walking around and taking photos.
Downtown Northport is a must-do for any visitor in the area, and it’s even more fun when the shops and galleries are open. Trust me on this one.
A couple of things to be aware of when you are here:

Some of the businesses, such as Northport Old Fashion 5 & 10, have been around …read more

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What does an inn, a bowl of soup and an astronaut have in common? No, this isn’t the opening line of a joke, but serious question. Hmm…intrigued? As for the answer, well, all three have more in common than you may think.  Read on to find out exactly how..
The Inn
Build it and the visitors just might come and in the case of Chalet Suzanne, they did. For over 70 years, the Swiss-style chalet property has been welcoming guests into its 30 guest rooms. Located in Lake Wales, Fla., (also home to the Historic Bok Sanctuary), Chalet Suzanne is found …read more

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If Senoia, Ga., looks a little familiar to you its because the town’s streets were used as the settings for such films as “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Fried Green Tomatoes.”
What may be considered as one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Senoia is home to quaint shops, eateries and over 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you visit here, you feel as if you have step back in time. You come to Senoia to unwind and experience life at a slower pace.
The Veranda Historic B&B Inn, located one block from Main Street, has an interesting …read more

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Oh boy, do I have some great surprises in store for you – my dear readers! If there was ever a good time to bookmark this blog in your favorites, it’s now. Don’t wait too long because you might miss something.
 
 
 
Here are four new sections that will begin appearing regularly on Southern Byways beginning in August:
 

Doin’ the Town: This section will highlight that towns and cities that make the South, well, the South. Find out where to go and what do not only from the locals, but celebrity locals as well. First destination that will be featured is Oxford, …read more

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So, you survived the first weekend of summer and now you are wondering what to do for the rest of the season. Well, you’ve come to the right place! The South is filled with so much do to during summer. Here’s sampling of a few activities that’ll keep you busy:
1. Swim with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Marineland near St. Augustine, Discovery Cove in Orlando, Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Miami Seaquarium in Miami, or the Theater at the Sea in Islamorada, Fla.
2. Ride a carousel. Take a spin on the Dentzel …read more

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Experience a town through the eyes of a local. On each Saturday morning through the month of June, 32 towns throughout the state of Alabama are offering guided walking tours. Go on a behind-the-scenes look at the towns as community members share history, stories and personal accounts as guide they you along points of interest.

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Learning About the Past: Many, many years ago in my 11th grade AP History class, I remember my teacher saying to us, “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.”  Of course, we took it as “pay attention, or you’re going to fail.” Little did I know, her quote was actually a play on George Santayana’s quote, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”  With that quote in mind while selecting the icons for Alabama, I thought one of the choices should be the sites important to the Civil Rights movement.  Along the …read more

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