Southern Byways

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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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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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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You know about Ho, Ho, H2o at the Tennessee Aquarium (don’t forget to read about my recent visit) in Chattanooga, Tenn., the holiday events at SeaWorld San Antonio (Texas) and SeaWorld Orlando (Fla.), and just learned about the 12 Days of Wild Holiday Fun at Naples (Fla.) Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.
If you are looking for more animal-related holiday events, why not…

Sing carols to the animals during the Caroling Tour at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas.
See the Holiday Light Safari at Alexandria (La.) Zoo on December 19 -23.
Enjoy cookies with Santa at Jackson (Miss.) Zoo …read more

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Do you find yourself whistling bits and pieces of holiday songs? Or maybe during the evenings, you’re flicking through channels, not looking for a sports game or your favorite show, but for holiday shows (Peanuts Christmas, anyone?) Admit it, you have it – you have some holiday spirit.
Well, to keep this up, there are a number of holiday-related events happening around the South this weekend. From holiday open houses to boat parades and more can all be found in the region.
Let’s take a look at what’s going on.
There are a number of town-and citywide holiday celebrations in the South, …read more

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Another weekend where there is so much going on in the South that the best way to find out about it all is by providing the information in two calendars.
So, if you are in the mood for something non-holiday related to do this weekend, here are a few ideas.
Birding Lake Tour at Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan, Ark., on December 13.
Second Saturday Chef’s Series at Rockefeller Institute in Morrilton, Ark., on December 13.
Second Saturday Wildcat Bluff Nature Center in Amarillo, Texas, on December 13.

24th Annual Fort Worth (Texas) Train Show on December 13-14.
Rappelling Adventure in Fort Payne, Ala., …read more

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From white twinkle lights to lights that glow with holiday color, you can say that the South is cover (pun intended) when it comes to holiday lights and lighted displays. From the Burns Park Holiday Lights in North Little Rock, Ark., to Sportsman’s Wonderland in Cullman, Ala., to Garden of Lights at Brookside Garden in Wheaton, Md., the South offers up some of the best holiday light displays in the country.
Here are some others worth throughout the region worth visiting.
In Arkansas, you can enjoy the lights aboard the Holiday Express (December 8-23) at Creekmore Park in Fort Smith. Don’t …read more

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Warm lights, crisp greenery and festive decorations are one of the true combinations of the holidays. It’s during this time that historic homes across the South invite the public to enjoy them in their holiday finery.
Historic Augusta (Ga.) Inc., is presenting its Historic Holiday Candlelight Tour on December 5 – 6. Not only are the five home museums decked out in decorations, but also include period costumed interpreters, refreshments and music.
Museum homes on display include The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson (named as a new National Historic Landmark in October 2008), Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, …read more

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