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Sampling the Food Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Some come for the casinos.
Some come for the quaint small towns.
Some come for the history.
But one thing all of these travelers have in common is that they also come for the epicurean experience found along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
And they don’t leave disappointed.
From upscale to local fare options, the area is making a name for itself as a southern culinary destination.
So if you find yourself in the area for a weekend or longer, there are a few places that should be on your dining itinerary.
Dine...
November 10th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
From Old to New Experience all of Richmond Virginia this Fall
“Fall is a great time to visit Richmond for two reasons,” says Erin Bagnell, public relations manager, Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There a lot going on with all of the festivals and events, and it’s a nice time of the year.”
And that’s not just a blanket statement, either. However, it only tells half of the story on what makes Richmond a great destination to experience.
Rich in history, Bagnell points out there’s over 400 years of history represented here, dating...
October 24th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Weekend Getaway to Mexico Beach, Florida
“It’s (Mexico Beach) a great destination for everyone,” says Kimberly Shoaf, president of Mexico Beach (Fla.) Community Development Council “While our beach can be quiet and relaxing, there’s also all sorts of activities related to the water as well.”
From fishing to diving to exploring Crooked Island, there is never a loss of things to do here.
Shoaf describes the area as a small community, complete three-and-a-half miles of beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, located not...
October 13th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Embrace the Dip at the World Championship Cheese Dip Festival
While growing up, cheese dip was staple at nearly every get-together for Arkansas-based attorney and filmmaker, Nick Rogers. It was there, it was a part of life.
Or so he thought.
It wasn’t until he spent time out of state that he discovered many people didn’t know what cheese dip was.
“It made me curious about why cheese dip is so popular in my neck of the woods, and lesser know in other places.”
So Rogers set out to create a documentary, In Queso Fever that traced the history of the...
October 7th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Discovering Holly Springs, Mississippi
“It’s a really cute town, and a great day trip destination,” comments Stephanie Movre, executive director of Holly Springs (Miss) Tourism Bureau.
Located between Memphis, Tenn., and Oxford, Miss., on Highway 78, Holly Springs is the quintessential small southern town that has a few surprises about it as well.
Perhaps best recognized as the setting for one of Jan Karon’s Father Tim novels, Holly Spring has also been voted by readers of Mississippi Magazine as the “best off-beat destination,”...
October 1st, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Palate Pleasing Experiences in Augusta, Georgia
Events, attractions and activities are great; but truth be known, many travel for the food.
It’s a plain and simple fact.
Don’t believe me? Ask someone what they did on their trip and you might get a comment here and there, but ask about where they ate and when they’re finished telling you, you’ll feel like you were there as well.
What’s great about the South is the fact there are many destinations where you can indulge your appetite. One of those destinations happen to be Augusta, Ga.
Perhaps...
September 29th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Find a Deal for Travel Throughout the South
Want to get away this weekend or next?
Deals for travel throughout the South are everywhere, you just need to know where to look.
To make it a little easier for you, here’s a few deals worth considering.
Texas
Planning to attend Texas State Fair, September 24-October 17, but don’t know where to stay yet. Don’t worry, because there are many deals in the area available. Palomar Dallas (map) is offering the Big Tex Bargain package. Both Fairfield Inn by Marriott DFW Airport North (map) and Sheraton...
September 13th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Try Your Luck to Win a Trip in the South
Today is your day.
Today is your day to win a trip in the South.
But you can’t win if you don’t enter. All it takes is one entry (with maybe some photos and a quick paragraph) and you just might be the winner.
Come on, you have nothing to lose.
Through September 28, you have a chance to become a Texas Lone Star. All you need to do is tell Texas Tourism in 300 words or less why you deserve to be “star,” choose the “star” (such as food or sports; itineraries are provided for review)...
September 13th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Centennial Celebration in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Everyone agrees that birthdays and anniversaries are special, but there are certain milestones that deserve a little more attention.
Milestones like the one that Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. is celebrating. Because after all, it’s a big deal when you reach 100.
While the Walton County Board of Commissioners deemed the all of September as Santa Rosa Beach Centennial Celebration Month, a fun-filled weekend highlighting this milestone is planned for September 11-12.
“It’s going to be a big event,”...
September 7th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Deals and Packages for Getaways in the South
Thinking about planning a quick getaway soon? Don’t do anything until you check out the deals and packages for travel throughout the South.
Arkansas
Mountain Harbor Resort (map) in Mount Ida is offering a two-night package that includes four passes to dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park (map) in Nashville. It also features a stay in a condo with a kitchen, private deck and more.
Texas
It’s all about adventures at San Antonio Marriott Northwest (map). You can chose from such...
September 7th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
September in the South
Summer may be gone, but the fun isn’t in the South.
In fact, some may say the fun is just getting started. And if you don’t believe that, just check out some of the things you can do this Labor Day weekend.
If you’re looking for ways to stay busy this month in the region, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s September in the South, so why don’t you…
attend an event (or two): It’s all about having a good time at Riverfest in Decatur, Ala., September 18-19. 19th annual Summer’s...
September 2nd, 2010 | Rest of the World, Road Trips | Read More
Taking Memphis in Stride with Rockin’ Running Tours
“It’s really a great thing,” comments John Linter, owner and guide of Rockin’ Running Tours in Memphis, Tenn. “We feel like we are showing people the real deal…the way Memphis really is from the street level.”
Linter was introduced to running tourism (or site jogging) by his wife, Crissy, who in turn was told about this “new adventure” by a friend. Since Linter is an avid runner (as well as an AFAA certified personal trainer), he thought it was a cool idea to bring to the area. In...
September 1st, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
25 Things to do in the South this Labor Day Weekend
What are you doing this Labor Day weekend?
Oops; haven’t made any plans yet, have you?
Well, the good news is that it’s not too late to find something fun to do.
Whether you’re looking for an event to attend or an activity to participate in, rest assured that the south has you covered.
And if you still need some suggestions on what to do in the region on Labor Day weekend, here’s 25 of them.
Visit the beaches along the Gulf Coast. Nothing celebrates Labor Day weekend better than a beach...
August 30th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Take a (Much Needed) Break with These Deals and Packages
If everyday stresses are getting you down, how about taking a much needed break with a quick getaway.
With all of the deals and packages offered by various accommodations in the South, you (and your wallet) can relax.
Here’s a quick roundup of what’s out there.
Texas
Explore the city of Austin with the Hip Way to Tour Austin package, offered by Holiday Inn Austin – Town Lake (map). This features a Segway tour of the city with Austin City Segway Tour (map). In addition, you can add other...
August 28th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Escape to the Mountains of Northeast Alabama
“We’re a scenic, leisure travel destination,” comments John Dersham, director, Dekalb County Tourism Association. “The area is perfect for a long weekend getaway.”
No doubt about, the state of Alabama is filled surprises and gems that can even delight the most seasoned traveler. Take Dekalb County, for instance. Did you know that not only is the area home to various waterfalls, such as Little River Falls, High Falls and four within DeSoto Resort State Park; but also the deepest canyon...
August 26th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Barbecue at the Beach: 2010 Great Southern Cook-Off & Pig Skin Kick-Off
“It’s a weekend of football, music and barbecue,” says Gil Langley, president and CEO of Amelia Island, Fla. CVB about the 2010 Great Southern Cook-Off & Pig Skin Kick-Off. “And in the south, there’s isn’t a better combination than that.”
Scheduled for August 27-28, Langley adds it’s a great time for the event since it’s before the major kick-off of the football season. It’s that excitement coupled with the inaugural year of the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off that has...
August 23rd, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Now is the Time to Visit the Florida Panhandle
Some say it’s the miles and miles of beaches.
Others say it’s staying at the new Margaritaville Hotel (map) in Pensacola Beach.
For a few, it’s the fishing or dolphin watching in Destin.
A handful like to discover what they can “be” in Beaches of South Walton.
For many, it’s a SUMMER OF SUMMER with the REAL.FUN.RANDOM ACTS and REAL. FUN. REWARDS. in Panama City Beach
Whatever the reason may be (and there are a lot of them), it’s quite obvious that now is the perfect time to...
August 23rd, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Feeling Lucky? Win Your Next Vacation in the South
Luck.
Some people have it.
Some people don’t.
If you’re one of those who seem to have it, or you just feel it at times, why not take a chance to win your next vacation in the South.
Celebrate Nashville Zoo’s (map) newest addition, flamingos, with their Peace, Love Flamingo Sweepstakes. The winner will receive two nights at Embassy Suites Nashville Airport (map), four tickets to the zoo along with a behind-the-scenes tour and more more. Deadline to enter is September 30.
It’s easy to enter...
August 17th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
In(n) for the Night at Port Inn
Port Inn (map) in Port St. Joe, Florida couldn’t be in a better location. Situated across the street from St. Joseph Bay and Frank Pate Park, the first thing you might be tempted to do after you check-in (or even before) is to check out the view.
In a place that has been basically left untouched by large development for the most part (you’ll find the conveniences of a grocery store, drug stores, restaurants and such, but no large condos in Port St. Joe), the 21-room inn seamlessly blends in...
August 16th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
Take Off for a Weekend with These Deals and Packages
Getting away for a weekend can be quite easy with all of the deals and packages available through the South.
Here’s a quick sampling of what you can find.
Foodies take note of the Epicurean Escape package offered by Biltmore Hotel (map) in Coral Gables, Fla. Through September 30, this package includes a 20 percent savings on Biltmore Culinary Academy classes, 20 percent savings on dining, an in-room arrival amenity and much more. A two-night minimum stay is required and some restrictions do...
August 15th, 2010 | Road Trips | Read More
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