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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The presents are all unwrapped, the food put away; it’s another Christmas come and gone for many. What took weeks or months to plan is over in a couple of minutes. So now as you settle back in your seat to reflect on the holidays, another thought pops in your mind.
What is there to do now?
If you are looking to get out of the house this weekend, you are in luck because there is a lot going on in the region. Also, don’t forget about the holiday lights as well as “Reflections on New Orleans” and Holiday Tour of Homes …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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Was it her or maybe it was him? That person over there looks guilty as well. But wait just a minute, where were you when it happened? Hmmm…the plot has thickened.
Are you ready for a exciting weekend of whodunit where you can be part of the action too? The Long Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Dahlonega, Ga., is hosting Murder Mystery Weekends on January 2-4, February 27-29 and April 3-5.
The brainchild of the owners’ daughter, Colleen Green, who introduced the weekend in November with Death is a Cabernet Ol’ Chum and the lodge was booked within days.
“We …read more

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“I wanted to create something that would actually put the viewer inside the paintings in a symbolic and real way,” says New Orleans, La.,-born native George Rodrigue. “As a result, the art acts like an ambassador for the city and the people, and as a thank you to various areas in the country that have helped New Orleans with its recovery.”
He is perhaps best known for his Blue Dog series, but through January 18, 2009, at the Sheraton New Orleans, you have the opportunity to view poignant artwork by Rodrigue. His new and never-before-seen “Reflections of New Orleans” was …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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