News and Happenings from Around the Region

News

• Gatlinburg, Tenn.’s Hollywood Star Cars Museum (map) has added a new set of wheels to its collection – Michael Jackson’s 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL. The car joins a celebrity line-up that includes The Beach Boys’ 1955 Thunderbird and Frank Sinatra’s Jaguar and others.
• Congratulations to the Florida Panhandle Beaches for being selected as one of Frommer’s 2010 Top Destinations. Of course, this doesn’t come as a surprise to this blog.
• And the awards keep coming for Dollywood (map). Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of the Blue Smoke show was awarded Heartbeat Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. The show, which opened on May 9, tells the story of the last family leaving the area that eventually became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Attention foodies and those who plan their travels around food, three restaurants in Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key have been recognized by some important publications. Beach Bistro (Anna Maria Island) was recognized as a top restaurant for food in the west region region of Florida by Zagat Restaurant Guides “Top Restaurants in America” 2010 edition. Euphemia Haye (Longboat Key; review) was honored as one of Fodor’s Choice 2009 leader in the field of service, quality and value. The restaurant was also awarded the Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award by the National Restaurant Association. Mattison’s (review of Mattison’s Riverside) was honored as a Golden Brand by Florida Trend magazine.

Deals/Packages

• Need a gift for the fisherman (or woman) in your life? Check out the two packages offered by Steinhatchee (Fla.) Landing Resort (map). The area might be known for scalloping in the summer, but during cooler months, schools of trout and redfish can be found in the grass flats. Through January 30, 2010, the property is offering a Fishing the Flats package and a Reel ‘Em in package. Both include a charter (four hours for the flat and eight hours for the reel) with Captain Jim Henley and Saltwater Fish’n Charters.
• Ring in 2010 at Jekyll Island (Ga.) Club Hotel (map). The property is offering a NYE package that includes NYE dinner and celebration, and breakfast buffet for two.

Contests

• Don’t forget entering the N.C. Smokies’ Girlfriend Getaway Sweepstakes.
• Friend Royal Beach & Golf Resorts (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.) on Facebook and enter to win an 8-day/7-night vacation for up to eight people at Blue Mountain Escape. Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EST on December 21, with the winner selected on December 22.
• Are you an unlucky traveler? If so, your story, as told in video or photos, might be worth a Flip MinoHD and possibly a $10,000 ultimate dream vacation. In a year-long contest, Travel Guard is looking for travelers to share their stories of woe. Each month, two Flip MinoHD will be awarded to the story with the most votes and a randomly selected person who votes for the winning entry. The monthly winners will be reposted for a final vote to win the grand prize.

Events

• Missouri Town 1855-  A Christmas Celebration, Lee’s Summit, December 12.
• Twelve Days of Driskell at Driksell Hotel (Austin, Texas), different dates through December 31.
• DesCours Festival, New Orleans, through December 13.
• 20th annual Festival of the Bonfire, Lutcher, La., December 11-13.
• Holiday Historic Inn Tour, Key West, Fla., December 11-12 and December 18-19.
• Holiday Homes Tour starting from Matheson Museum, Gainesville, Fla., December 12.
• North Pole Express at Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven, December 18.

photo credit: (top) sunday morning ritual, flickr, creative commons by dharmabumx; (bottom) Closeup of newspaper stack, flickr, creative commons by binarydreams