Southern Byways

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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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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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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Lights, lights everywhere! Don’t miss out on the…
Lighted Christmas Drive in Terrell, Texas, on December 12-14.
Trail of Lights Christmas Program in LaGrange, Texas, on December 12-13.
Fair Park Holiday Lights in Dallas, Texas, on December 13-14.

Holiday Sound, Light and Water Show at DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg, Ala., through January 1, 2009.
Chickasaw State Park Christmas Lighting in Henderson, Tenn., on December 12-14.
Christmas in Hopelands in Aiken, S.C., through December 27.
Luminaries in the Plaza (Plaza de la Constitucion) in St. Augustine, Fla., on December 14.
Christmas Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Folk …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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In my previous Tales from the Road post, I mentioned how you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Aquarium when you’re in Chattanooga. Additionally, you shouldn’t skip out on seeing Ruby Falls and Rock City as well (for the adventurous, there’s the Incline Train.)
The Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City during the holidays is a sight to see. Now, I also like going there during day, especially in the spring/summer time when I can walk the trails, but honestly, there’s just something special, almost magical, about Rock City during the holiday season. 
The event is scheduled through January …read more

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There’s no doubt about it, Chattanooga, Tenn., is my second favorite destination in the South. Not only just because it’s close by, but also the fact there is so much to do for a city its size. Trust me when I say that you’ll never be bored in Chattanooga.
For instance, love art? There’s the Bluff View Arts District. Have children? Why not let them exert some energy while learning at the Creative Discovery Museum or if the weather is warm and nice, visit Coolidge Park. Don’t overlook the many ways to explore the history and outdoors of the area …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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There is so much going on in the South this weekend that it couldn’t fit into one calendar.
And that’s a good thing.
So this first calendar features all of the non-holiday events taking place around the region.
Here’s a sampling of what you can find happening December 5 – 7.
Spend time outside at the…
Birding Lake Tours at Lake Chicot State Park in Lake Village, Ark.

Adopt a Tree at Warriors’ Path State Park (PDF file) in Kingsport, Tenn., on December 6.
1/2 Day Winter Bird Excursion at Sprewell Bluff State Park in Thomaston, Ga., on December 6.
Backcountry Geology Hike at Sweetwater Creek …read more

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