Southern Byways

Who doesn’t love to travel? Well, JetBlue, along with Ebay is making a little simpler to get away. You can bid on JetBlue’s various flights and packages. Whether you want to get away or have someone to come see you, it’s worth taking a look at what the airline is offering.
Here’s a quick sampling of what you can bid on:

Roundtrip flight for two from  New York JFK to Raleigh, N.C.
Roundtrip flight for one from Orlando to San Juan
Roundtrip flight for two from Ft. Lauderdale to New York LaGuardia

 
If any of these have piqued your (travel) interest, better act soon, …read more

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Growing up in the South, I was taught there are certain things that you don’t talk about, such as religion, politics, college football teams and barbecue, with company unless you really want to provoke them. Everyone has their strong opinions on each topic, and it’s not worth trying to get them to see your side.
That said, when it comes to barbecue, it’s as varied as the South itself. What you find in Austin, Texas, you won’t find in Memphis, Tenn. What you find in Memphis, Tenn., you won’t find in Chapel Hill, N.C. What you find in Chapel Hill, N.C., …read more

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Thinking about arranging a quick getaway somewhere in the region this fall? Here are some deals to take a look at:

The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is offering variety of packages that are good through the end of the year and the beginning of 2009.

The deals are aplenty in Dahlonega, Ga. Forest Hills Mountain Resort’s “Fall in Love” package (good until December 31) includes an hour long couple’s massage and a picnic lunch. Lily Creek Lodge’s “Great Autumn Getaway” package (good until November 30) features fudge from the Dahlonega Fudge Factory and two tickets for wine tasting at …read more

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For many, a destination can be defined or remembered for its food. Perhaps you are one of those travelers who can quickly recall eating at different restaurants and their signature dishes, but struggle when someone ask you what you saw on your getaway.
Culinary tourism isn’t really anything new, especially in the south, where places like New Orleans and Charleston, S.C., have made a name for themselves. However, they do have some (delicious) competition, namely the Florida’s Gulf Islands region.
Breakfast
I’m a breakfast person. I’m not sure when this change happened, but nonetheless I fully embrace it. One morning, I had …read more

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I consider myself to be somewhat of an outdoors-type person. I love being outside, whether it’s walking, running or just relaxing. So, I was really looking forward to visiting Emerson Point Preserve. 
Located on Sneads Island, near Palmetto (which can be a drive from Longboat Key, if you don’t where you are going), Emerson Point is a 365-acre preserve. Here you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty through the hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and canoeing opportunities. If you just want to take in everything on a clear day, head to the observation tower. However, I …read more

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Photo credit: Personal photos

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Well, I’m heading home today. I have tons of information to share with everyone, so be checking back this evening and on to read about all of the places I visited.
Now, I need to pack (which I really don’t want to) and get on the road, again, not something that I’m overjoyed to do today. I’m waiting for the sun to come up so I can go on my last beach walk.
 
Later this evening, come back to read about St. Armands, mango wine and conch fritters.
 
Photo credit: Ignition, flickr, creative commons by billaday

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Don’t forget to join Apryl on her last day in the area as she discovers Brandenton.
Creatures of the Land
Sarasota Jungle Gardens promotes itself as the “area’s only zoological gardens.” However, while that is something definitely to talk about, I think what’s most interesting about the Gardens is the fact that not only is it the oldest attraction Sarasota, but also the oldest, continuously operating attraction in the state. If you want to see an “old Florida” attraction, this is it. Encompassing ten acres (original began as 13 acres), the Gardens appeal to everyone.
First and foremost, the Gardens serve as …read more

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Good morning from Longboat Key! Be sure to follow me today in Sarasota as I take you to visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Mote Aquarium and Old Salty Dog.
 
 

Photo credits: personal photos

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Starting later this morning through Wednesday afternoon, be sure to keep up with my travels to Florida’s Gulf Island as I post my many adventures on Twitter. If you don’t read what I’m up to, you’ll miss out on such things as meeting Snooty at South Florida Museum, and learning exactly what an “Old Salty Dog” is.
And of course, keeping visiting Southern Byways as well to read Katherine’s latest posts and as well as mine. You don’t want to miss any of that, either!
 
Photo credit: Computer, b&w, flickr, creative commons by Kevin Zollman.

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