Southern Byways » Things to See in Texas http://www.southernbyways.com Traveling America on the backroads Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:40:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Celebrate 2009 Southern-Style with These Events and Deals http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrate-2009-southern-style-with-these-events-and-deals/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrate-2009-southern-style-with-these-events-and-deals/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:32:13 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/celebrate-2009-southern-style-with-these-events-and-deals/ Post from: Southern Byways

]]> fireworks. 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.

photo credit: Fireworks..an aftermath!, flickr, creative commons by light play

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]]> http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrate-2009-southern-style-with-these-events-and-deals/feed/ 0 What’s on the Calendar This Weekend http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-13/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-13/#comments Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:30:06 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/?p=3031 Post from: Southern Byways

]]> 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 in Alys Beach.

In Arkansas, you’ll find the…

  • Holiday Hayride and Campfire at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock on December 27-28.

    • In Texas, there the…

  • Santa’s Railroad Wonderland at the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio on December 27.
  • Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show at the Historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth Stockyards on December 27-January 3, 2009.
  • “Winter Birds” at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on December 27.
  • Best in Texas Barrel Racing in Athens on December 28.
  • Bison Feeding Hayride at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on December 30.
  • Fiestas Navidenas in San Antonio on December 31.
  • Chanukah on the River in San Antonio through December 31.
  • Light the Way at the Universal of Incarnate World at San Antonio through January 6, 2009.

    • In Louisiana, you’ll discover the…

  • Creole Christmas in New Orleans on December 26-27.
  • Jingle Bells and Shot Gun Shells: Christmas Traditions and Where They Come From at Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport through December 31.
  • White on White Art Exhibition at the Barnwell Garden & Art Center in Shreveport through December 31.
  • Toy Train Extravaganza at the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport through January 2, 2009.

    • In Mississippi? There is the…

  • Community Kwanzaa Celebration in Jackson on December 26 – January 1, 2009.
  • Gulf Coast Kwanzaa – A Celebration of Heritage in Gulfport on December 26.
  • Run for One Planet at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Gauiter on December 29.

    •  
    For Alabama, there’s the…

  • Rappelling Adventure in Fort Payne on December 27.
  • Family Kwanzaa Celebration at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on December 30.

    •  
    In Tennessee, you’ll find the...

  • The Village Cultural Arts Center’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Nashville on December 29.
  • Presidential Wreath Lay & Bicentennial Celebration in Greenville on December 29.

    •  
    Georgia has the…

  • Guided Nature Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell on December 26, 29 and 30.
  • Polar Bear Run IX in Athens on December 27.
  • From Civil War to Civil Rights: Tour Underground Atlanta through December 27.
  • APEX Museum Kwanzaa Festival in Atlanta on December 29.
  • Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight at the Davenport House in Savannah through December 30.
  • 12 New Artists to Know at Bennett Street Gallery in Atlanta through December 31.
  • Holiday Brewery Tour in Athens through January 3, 2009.

    • There’s a lot going on in Florida, such as the…

  • Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival in Miami on December 26 – January 4, 2006.
  • Great Russian Nutcracker at Panama City Beach on December 27-28.
  • New Year’s Art Festival in Naples on December 27-28.
  • Seining the Lagoon at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton on December 29
  • Beach Treasures at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton on December 30.

    • In South Carolina, there’s the…

  • Christmas on King Street in Charleston through December 31.
  • Christmas Holiday Walking Tour with Charleston Strolls through December 31.

    •  
    In North Carolina, you’ll find…

  • Kwanzaa Celebration in Robersonville on December 26 – January 1.
  • Beaver Tales at Lake James State Park in Nebo on December 27.
  • “Winter Fever” at North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer on December 27-30.
  • Bonfire & Hayrides in Beech Mountain on December 30.

    • Virginia has the…

  • Whale Watching Boat Trips at the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach on December 27-30.
  • Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Open House in Staunton on December 28.

    • In Kentucky, there’s the…

  • Art in Motion Family Day at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville on December 27.

    •  
    While in West Virginia, you’ll discover the…

  • White Grass Gateway to the Refuge in Davis on December 28.
  • Timberline’s Annual Winterfest through December 31.

    • In Maryland, you’ll find the…

  • 10th Annual Beautiful Historic Havre de Grace Church Tour on December 27.
  • Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship in Fredricks on December 29.

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-13/feed/ 0     What’s on the Calendar This Weekend http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-12/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-12/#comments Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:51:35 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-12/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     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 in Canton, Miss., through December 23.
    Christmas on Deer Creek in Leland, Miss., through December 31.
    GumDrop Square and Christmas in Old Towne Warrenton (Va.) through December 21.  
    3rd on 3rd, Holiday Wrap up and Santa on the Square in Bardstown, Ky., December 20.

    Need to pick up some last minute holiday gifts? Why not do it at the…
    Arts Market of New Orleans (La.) on December 20-21.
    Ocean Springs (Miss.) Christmas Market Place on December 20.
    Shop the Rue in Biloxi, Miss., on December 20.
    Handmade Invasion in Pass Christian, Miss., on December 20-21.
    Blow or Fuse Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass in Fort Payne, Ala., on December 20.
    Holiday Art Sale at Arts for All Gallery in Atlanta, Ga., through December 23.
    Mudfire Gallery Holiday Show & Sale in Decatur, Ga., through December 23.
    Holiday Artist Market at Spruill Center Gallery in Atlanta, Ga., through December 24.
    Charlottesville (Va.) Holiday Market through December 20.

    Holiday lights, parades, caroling and other opportunities can be found throughout the region. Consider the following…
    Windows on the Holiday in Mt. Vernon, Texas through January 3.
    Holiday Boat Caroling in San Antonio, Texas, through December 21.
    Fiesta de las Luminaries in San Antonio, Texas, on December 19-21.
    18th Annual Christmas Lane in Abilene, Texas, through December 24.
    The Sights and Sounds of Christmas in McKinney, Texas, through January 4, 2009.
    MSU -Burns Fantasy of Lights in Wichita Falls, Texas, through January 1, 2009.
    Ala Bayou Terrbonne Christmas Boat Parade in Bayou Terrebonne, La., on December 20.
    Caroling in Jackson Square in New Orleans, La., on December 21.
    Christmas at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, Ala., through December 31.
    Christmas at Guntersville (Ala.) State Park through January 6, 2009.
    Luminary Fun Night with Santa at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah, Ga., on December 20.
    Homosassa (Fla.) Springs Wildlife State Park Celebration of Lights through December 24.
    18th Century Christmas Caroling in St. Augustine, Fla., on December 20.
    Boca Raton (Fla.) 32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade on December 20.
    Holiday Evening Tours at Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Fla., on December 19-24.
    Christmas Lights in the Park in Wewahitchka, Fla., on December 20.
    Holiday Lights Tour in Wilmington, N.C., through December 21.
    Holiday Laser Shows in Sunset Beach, N.C., through December 31.
    Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C., through January 1, 2009.
    The Circle of Light at Oak Ridge Estate in Arlington, Va., through December 31.
    Vienna (Md.) 29th Luminaria Event on December 20.

    And that’s not all! There are a number of non-holiday events going on as well. Like the…
    Winter Bird Cruise at Pinnacle Mountain on Little Rock, Ark., on December 20-21.
    Saturday Mountain Hike at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge, Ga., on December 20.
    Annual $1 Day at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, Ga., on December 22.
    “A Walk Through Time” History Hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Ga., on December 20.
    Model Trains at Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga., on December 20-21.
    Bread and Butter Making in Historical Park in High Point, N.C., on December 20-21.
    Bird Walks in Newport News, Va., through December 21.
    Sunday Nature Hikes/Meet the Animals at Sandy Bottom in Hampton, Va., on December 21.
    Civil War Museum Living History in Bardstown, Ky., on December 20-21.

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-12/feed/ 0     Celebrating the Holidays with the Animals http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrating-the-holidays-with-animals/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrating-the-holidays-with-animals/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:33:54 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/celebrating-the-holidays-with-animals/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     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…scubasantacreativecommonsbyhubertkjpg

    photo credit: Scuba Santa at Newport (Ky.) Aquarium, flickr, creative commons by hubertk

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/celebrating-the-holidays-with-animals/feed/ 0     What’s on the Calendar This Weekend, part II of II http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-ii-of-ii/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-ii-of-ii/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:27:09 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-ii-of-ii/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     christmaslightjumblecreativecommonsbyAmberRheajpg 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.

     

    christmaslightsstoreylandjpg Everyone loves a parade, don’t they? Especially when it’s on the water. Don’t miss the chance to see holiday lights floating by at the…

    18th Annual Christmas Boat Parade in Grand Prairie, Texas, on December 13.

    Christmas by the Bay – Evening Lighted Boat Parade in Rockport, Texas, on December 13.

     

    photo credits: (top) Christmas Lights Jumble, flickr, creative commons by amberlrhea; (bottom) Christmas Lights, flickr, creative commons by storeyland

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-ii-of-ii/feed/ 0     What on the Calendar This Weekend, part I of II http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/what-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-i-of-ii/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/what-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-i-of-ii/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:56:59 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/what-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-i-of-ii/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     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.

    snowflakegarlandcreativecommonsbythatsparklychickjpg There are a number of town-and citywide holiday celebrations in the South, such as the…

    Main Street Rogers (Ark.) 6th Annual Santa in the Park through December 20.

    Winter in the Park at Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs, Ark., on December 13-14.

    christmaswreathcreativecommonsbydjkingjpg View open houses and tour museums to see all of the decorations for the season at the…

    3rd Annual Holiday and Home and Lights Tours in Calico Rock, Ark., on December 13.

    2nd Annual Sweet Tastes Cookie Tour in Eureka Springs, Ark., on December 13.

    26th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes in Jefferson, Texas, on December 11-13.

    photo credits: (top) Snowflake Garland, flickr, creative commons by thatsparklychick; (bottom) Christmas Wreath, flickr, creative commons by djking

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/what-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-part-i-of-ii/feed/ 0     Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow: Snow in the Deep South http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-snow-in-the-deep-south/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-snow-in-the-deep-south/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:00:26 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-snow-in-the-deep-south/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     sugarplumsnowflakecaptpiperjpg

    File this under “you just never know.”

    From tornadoes to snow in about 24-36 hours. You’ve just gotta to love weather in the South.

    Okay, so it might not stick, but snow of any size, including sleet is a big deal in the deep South.  Remember the freak snow blizzard in March 1993 that hit the South and rendered the area helpless, because, well states, like Alabama where I was, didn’t have snow ploughs and couldn’t do anything.

    As I sit in 60 degree weather in the metro-Atlanta, Ga., area (suppose to lightly flurry here tonight), I’ve see  reports from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama their early snow this year.

    Beaumont, Texas located in the southeast part of the state has set a record today with its recorded snow fall.

    The title says it all about the rare snowfall in Louisiana and Mississippi. Just see the snow in south Louisiana  and photos from New Orleans for yourself.

    Snow in South Mississippi – not a phrase you read too often, but was utter quite a bit today.

    ABC 33/40, television station in Alabama, offers great videos and updates about the snow in the region.

    Keep checking back here for additional updates. If you have snow photos, please send them to me and I will share them on the blog.

    Stay safe and enjoy the snow!

    photo credit: Sugar Plum Snowflake, flickr, creative commons by CaptPiper

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-snow-in-the-deep-south/feed/ 1     What’s on the Calendar This Weekend (Non-Holiday Events) http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-non-holiday-events/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-non-holiday-events/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:33:15 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-non-holiday-events/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     DecemberCalendar2AuntOwweejpg 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.

    Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-non-holiday-events/feed/ 0     Holiday Traditions in the South: Lights, lights and more lights, part III of III http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/holiday-traditions-in-the-south-lights-lights-and-more-lights-part-iii-of-iii/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/holiday-traditions-in-the-south-lights-lights-and-more-lights-part-iii-of-iii/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:28:33 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/holiday-traditions-in-the-south-lights-lights-and-more-lights-part-iii-of-iii/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     crystaljarofcoloredlightsjpg 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 miss out on the lights that decorate Garrison Avenue, either. The lights continue through January 1.

    The 8th Annual Enchanted Forest & Holiday Trail of Lights in Sherwood is a 1.5 mile drive of holiday lights that last until December 30.

    Candy canes light the way along Highway 67 in Pocahontas during the 24th Annual Candy Cane Lane. The candy canes lead to lights and other holiday events happening in the town.

    It’s the largest display of Christmas lights in South Texas and it’s happening through December 31. Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights features numerous lighted displays including the “Gingerbread House,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and more. You can drive along the trail, ride the trolley or take a horse-drawn carriage.

    Decorated for the holiday season with lights, ornaments and more, Battleship TEXAS SHS Yuletide Texas is happening through December 31.

    GrandPrairieLightsjpg

    It’s two miles of three million lights at Prairie Lights Experience in Grand Prairie. There’s displays, light show and more. The event ends on December 31.

    The Lights of the Blackland features nine communities participating through January 1. Not only are there lights, but also other events happening as well.

    At the Starbright Village in Odessa, old and new lighted displays greet you for the holiday season. The event runs through December 24.

    The Holiday Tour of Lights in Farmers Branch, Texas feature around 300,000 lights. This driving tour ends on December 31.

    During the next two weekends in December, 2,500 luminaries are lit along San Antonio’s River Walk.

    Austin, Texas’ Zilker Park’s 2008 Trail of Lights, December 14-23, is a TheExittotheTrailofLights (Zilker Park)jpg1.25 mile long trail that has around 41 lighted scenes and other holiday surprises. 

    Celebrate the season in Louisiana with the Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival has all kinds of holiday events happening throughout the area. From parades to entertainment, there is something for everyone.

    The 21st Annual Christmas Under the Stars in Slidell, December 11-14, is a family event. Each night of this holiday extravaganza has a different theme with activities specific to it.

    In Mississippi, Christmas in the Park features numerous lighted displays in Holmes Water Park. This drive-through event  lasts through December 31, and is a part of Holiday Homecoming 2008 in Tylertown.

    In Alabama, you can experience a Winter Wonderland in Mentone. Through December 30, this mountain town is filled with lights and decorations.

    Over in Oneonta, the drive-through Christmas Lights at Palisades Park features thousands of sparkling lights until December 31.

    Don’t forget about Christmas in the Park in Arab, with around two million lights. This last through December 31.

    It’s Christmas at the Falls (Noccalula Falls, that is, in Gadsden.) For those who aren’t familiar with this park, it’s highlight is the 90-foot waterfall with canyon. There’s also a pioneer village, botanical garden and more. During the holidays, with the help of over two million light, the Falls turns itself into a winter wonderland. In addition to the lights, there are different children’s holiday activities, such as letter writing to Santa, going on as well.

    Birmingham Zoo hosts Zoolight Safari during the weekends in December, beginning on the 12th. In addition to over a half a million lights, there are a number of activities during the event.

    In Montevallo, Christmas on the Creek Drive Thru, December 11-23, include lights, live entertainment (on certain nights) and Santa.

    Montgomery Zoo is awashed in lights for the holiday season during the Christmas Lights Festival. Ride the train or walk to see all of the lights. There’s also live entertainment and the big man himself, Santa. The event is scheduled for December 11-14 and December 18-30 (Santa is at the Zoo until December 23.)

    Travel to Tennessee for Lebanon’s Festival of Lights. This drive-through event happens on Thursday -Sunday through January 3.

    Heading to Georgia, the Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center on December 16 includes candlelit gardens, trails and homes.

    In Florida, Light Up UCF in Orlando has lights, a holiday film festival and outdoor ice skating (fee). This event ends on January 2.

    Drive or walk through the over 500,000 lights and other holiday decorations during the Venetian Gardens Light Up in Leesburg.

    Consider reserving a spot for the 7th Annual Christmas Lights Extravaganza Tour offered by Florida Secrets (departing from Tale Chasers Grille in Tavares.) You have the opportunity to see up to 5 million lights and enjoy other holiday festivities. Tours are given through January 4, 2009.

    Don’t miss Holiday at the Estates, December 12 – January 3, 2009, at Edison-Ford Winter Estate in Ft. Myers.

    The Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek features three miles of animated holiday displays. The event continues through January 4, 2009.

    There are over 400,000 lights at the Holiday Garden of Lights in the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. The lights are on until January 4, 2009.

    While in South Carolina, there’s the Anderson Lights of Hope. This light show features colored lights and displays. The event runs through December 25.

    The 18th Annual Hollywild Holiday Lights Safari in Inman runs through January 3, 2009. This features light displays, pony rides and Santa.

    In North Carolina, you’ll find Christmastown USA, or otherwise known as McAdenville Christmas Eve walk 2006jpg McAdenville after the holidays. The town is lit up in holiday splendor. You can walk or drive to see all of the decorations. The event ends on December 26.

    The Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington is lit for the season. Enjoy seeing the lights from downtown Wilmington until January 6, 2009.

    There are over 200,000 lights and various displays in Camp Bethel in Lights, Wise,Virginia. This drive-through event concludes on January 1.

    In West Virginia, the Christmas Light Show, December 12-22, at the West Virginia State Farm Museum, located in Point Pleasant, has lights and of course, Santa.

    In Maryland, celebrate the season at Annemarie Garden’s Garden in Lights, located in Dowell, December 12 – January 1, 2009. The walking tour allows you to see all of the lighted sculptures throughout the property.

    And of course, don’t forget about the these lights and those lights. Also, there’s the Smoky Mountain Winterfest and ICE! at the Gaylord properties.

    Photo credits: (top) Crystal jar of colored lights, flickr, creative commons by Song_sing; (middle left) Grand Prairie Lights, flickr, creative commons by twofivethreetwo; (middle right) Exit to the Trail of Lights (Zilker Park), flickr, creative commons by nonojoe; (bottom right) McAdenville Christmas Eve walk 2006, flickr, creative commons by corey pud

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    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/holiday-traditions-in-the-south-lights-lights-and-more-lights-part-iii-of-iii/feed/ 1     What’s on the Calendar This Weekend http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-11/ http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-11/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:20:39 +0000 http://www.southernbyways.com/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-11/ Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     decembercreativecommonsfinofilkajpg 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.

    Even though the holidays are around the corner, don’t forget that December 7 is Pearl Harbor Day. There are a number of remembrances schedules, such as the…

    And don’t forget about the…

    photo credit: December, flickr, creative commons by finofilka

    Post from: Southern Byways

    ]]>     http://www.southernbyways.com/2008/12/whats-on-the-calendar-this-weekend-11/feed/ 0