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 Ski Mountain will have torchlight night skiing beginning at 6 p.m., moonlight ice skating that starts at 10 p.m., and fireworks at midnight. A late evening breakfast from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. will be available as well.

• Sugar Mountain’s New Year Eve’s festivities include night skiing until 10 p.m., a torch light parade and live entertainment among other events. Fireworks are scheduled for midnight.
• Ski Beech at Beech Mountain Resort will have night skiing and ice skating from 6 – 10 p.m. There will also be live entertainment. You’ll watch the fireworks from the Alpine Village at the base of the slopes.

photo credit: Fireworks at Sugar Mountain Resort, courtesy of High Country Host

Post from: Southern Byways

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. After all, this is Texas.
• Experience New Year’s Eve in the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, along the Beaches of South Walton in the Florida panhandle.
• If you are thinking about Panama City Beach, Fla., don’t miss the Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park. While the festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., it’s probably best to arrive early. You can read my take on Pier Park here. If you are in the market for some hotel deals, be sure to check out ALL the hotel listings available in Panama City Beach, and let me tell you there are some good ones.
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Celebration (Fla.) with during their New Year’s Eve Bash featuring entertainment, food and more.
• Ring in the New Year during Gatlinburg’s (Tenn.) 20th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks that includes party favors and live entertainment.
• Start 2009 at one of West Virginia’s State Parks. Events are scheduled for Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkeley Springs, Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis and North Bend State Park in Cairo.

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

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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 file) in Miami, Fla.
• Conch shell in Key West, Fla.
• Apple drop in Cornelia, Ga. drops an apple for New Year’s Eve
• Pickle in Mount Olive, N.C.
• Duck decoy in Havre de Grace, Md.

photo credit: Sparkler, flickr, creative commons by Tom Olliver

Post from: Southern Byways

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…

In Texas, there the…

In Louisiana, you’ll discover the…

In Mississippi? There is the…

 
For Alabama, there’s the…

 
In Tennessee, you’ll find the...

 
Georgia has the…

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

In South Carolina, there’s the…

 
In North Carolina, you’ll find…

Virginia has the…

In Kentucky, there’s the…

 
While in West Virginia, you’ll discover the…

In Maryland, you’ll find the…

Post from: Southern Byways

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

Post from: Southern Byways

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 news is that Southern Byways is growing. That’s right, after the New Year, I’m adding two more states in the coverage.

photo credit: Candy Canes (254/365), flickr, creative commons by dave worrell

Post from: Southern Byways

If you are looking for something fun to do after the holiday or just need to walk off those holiday treats, you can do so at Alys Beach’s Holiday Tour of Home on December 27 from 5 – 7 p.m.

Many of the show homes are open for tours and each feature their own personal style.

“While the courtyards of the homes are definitely unique, so are the interiors,” comments Ragsdale. “The designers have gone to great lengths to furnish the homes in different ways  – from colorful to exotic to Moroccan-inspired. It’s fun to see what each designer has done.”

In addition, there will be live music performances by local artists at the different homes as well.

The evening also includes food (if you have any room left over after the holiday) and artwork by local artist Allison Wickey.

QUICK TAKE

WHAT: Holiday Tour of Homes in Alys Beach

WHEN: December 27

TIME: 5 – 7 p.m.

WHERE: Beaches of South Walton

COST: Free

photo credit: Alys Beach 064, flickr, creative commons by JohnTracy

Post from: Southern Byways

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 had blast,” recalls Green. “It was the perfect time to start.”

Guests were provided with character profiles in advance and were able to choose who they wanted to be, she says.

“It was a great mix of people and they really didn’t know what to expect until they got here.”

A veteran of the local theater, as both an actress and a director, Green adds that everyone has a part of them that they want on stage, and “it’s fun to pull it (that part) out of people.”

The weekend includes searching for clues not only around the lodge, but also at two of the town’s local wineries.

A package deal, the Murder Mystery Weekend features an opening cocktail reception, four-course dinner at the lodge, two full breakfasts and two night accommodations. The weekend wraps up with an award ceremony.

To participate, Green prefers that you make reservations at least a week before the actual weekend; however, if you don’t want to miss out, the sooner the better.

QUICK TAKE

WHAT: Murder Mystery Weekend

WHEN: January 2-4, February 27-29 and April 3-5

WHERE: Long Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Dahlonega, Ga

photo credit: Magnifying Glass, flickr, creative commons by AuntieP

Post from: Southern Byways

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 created on chrome paper, to which he points out that the reflective nature of it (chrome paper) is a symbolic look back at the recovery of the city over the past three years.

“It reminds us of our resilience in times of crisis.”

To shape this special effect, he first created large silkscreen dogs on chrome and then hand-painted abstract shapes on top it, using both acrylic and silkscreen paints. Rodrigue left large blank spaces in between so the chrome would so through.

“As a result, the viewer sees their reflection in the piece itself, and their image becomes part of the artwork and experience.”

Over the next three years, he hopes to completes 25 of these pieces that will be sent to different museums around the country. Sheraton New Orleans currently displays the first seven. They can be seen from the hotel’s large windows that face Canal Street.

Rodrigue has raised around $1.5 million for Gulf Coast disaster relief through his Blue Dog Relief organization. This is in addition to donating over $1 million in prints to non-profits along the Gulf Coast. This combined with the publicity from his exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art last spring led to the “Reflections” series.

“By focusing on the arts, I think it gives the people a new sense of recovery that we can look to for inspiration,” he says. “There’s no doubt the city is receptive and welcoming to visitors. The restaurants, festivals and the arts are in full swing, and the residents are extremely happy to receive tourists.”

photo credit: courtesy of George Rodrigue Studio/image by Rod Reed

Post from: Southern Byways

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.

Post from: Southern Byways