Apryl Chapman Thomas: Follow me on Twitter @travelinggal

Going Green in the South: Beaches of South Walton, Florida

Here’s a bit of trivia for you. What state, in 2008, has 37 beaches that have received Blue Wave certification by the Clean Beaches Council (CBC)? Obviously, if you’re reading this blog, it must be a southern state, so that should narrow it down for you. Still unsure? Well, the answer is Florida. And did you know that nearly half of those 37 beaches happen to be in the Beaches of South Walton. That’s right, the 14 beach communities as well as the three state parks have been certified...

November 17th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Gotta Do This…ICE! (and more) at Gaylord Opryland

The Grinch has taken over Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., during ICE! featuring the How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, happening through January 4, 2009. But don’t worry, this Grinch isn’t going to take anyone’s Christmas away, because it’s all a part of the property’s 25th annual A Country Christmas. Around 1.5 million pounds of ice were sculpted by 35 artisans from Harbin, China. Working in shifts, starting around mid-October, the team created a one-of-a-kind...

November 15th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

What’s on the Calendar this Weekend

Can you believe another week of November is almost to an end? Well, this can be good news because there are a lot of fun things happening around the South this weekend. Here’s a preview on what’s on tap this weekend: If you love sampling food (and really, who doesn’t), then you’ll enjoy the… 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off at Cedar Hill (Texas) State Park on November 15. Houston (Texas) Championship Chili Cook-Off on November 15. Lydia (La.) Cajun Food Fest...

November 13th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Hidden Gems: Second Time Around Mini Farm

Discovering new places - isn’t that the heart of travel? It doesn’t matter how many times you have visited a certain city or state, or even if you live there, there is always a handful of places that you never knew existed. For me that was discovering Second Time Around Mini Farm, which is nearly up the road from me. Located in Washington, Ga., about an hour and half east of Atlanta, and between Athens and Augusta, this 13.5 acres farm is different from anything I’ve ever...

November 12th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

News and Happenings from Around the Region

Hotels… All eyes will be on Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2009, as the 44th president is sworn into office. While that may seem a little while off; however, in the travel, it really isn’t. Therefore, if you are interested in attending, you need to plan now. Now, some packages may be out of reach, don’t despair, because you can find deals in other places. Why not bring a little romance back for the holidays? Romantic Inns & Hotels has highlighted a few deals. Stay three...

November 10th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Saving Money: Celebrate the Holidays with These Money Saving Travel Deals

With the holidays just around the corner, you still have time to take advantage of the many travel deals throughout the South. Here are a few: Don’t miss out on The Peabody Arkansas’ (in Little Rock) Special Holiday rate that is good through February 28, 2009. Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Ark., has a Festival of Lights package that is available November 22 -December 24. This include admission for two at Garvan Woodland Garden’s holiday lights display and breakfast for two at...

November 10th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

It’s Happening in the South… Smoky Mountain Winterfest

“It’s certainly a sight to see,” comments Lila Wilson, spokeswoman for Pigeon Forge (Tenn.) Department of Tourism, about millions of lights that illuminate Pigeon Forge, but also nearby Gatlinburg and Sevierville as well during the 19th annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest. You see, in the South, there are celebrations and then there are CELEBRATIONS. This event on November 6 – February 28, 2009, falls into the latter category.

November 9th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

What’s on the Calendar this Weekend

Vote YES! to shaking those election-is-over blue feelings away at one of the many events happening around the South this weekend. If you’re feeling hungry, there the… 20th Annual Heritage Syrup Festival on November 8 in Henderson, Texas. Chile Pepperama on November 9 in Dallas, Texas. Big Boy’s Thibodaux (La.) Main Street Cook-Off on November 7. Sugar Day Festival in Alexandria, La., on November 8. Cane Syrup Makin’ Day in Beatrice, Ala., on November 8. Foggy...

November 7th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Feelin’ Presidential in the South

Well, another election has come and gone. If you are wondering what you are going to do with your time now, why not set out on a presidential pilgrimage of sorts. So, whether you are red, blue or purple (from election exhaustion), here a some places to get you started on your presidential travel. Presidential Homes, Cities and Towns In Hope, Ark., the Clinton Birthplace & Museum includes a display of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s front page celebrating Clinton’s 1992 inaugural...

November 6th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Today is… November 4

It’s election day. If you haven’t all ready done so, get out and vote!!! And be sure to check Southern Byways later today for a presidential type of post. Photo credit: Vote, flickr, creative commons by vaguely artistic

November 4th, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Hidden Gems: Eagle Island, Georgia

“I tell people that we have one of the best backyards in America,” comments Andy Hill (Captain Andy), proprietor of Eagle Lodge, located on Eagle Island, Ga. And he isn’t exaggerating, either. What may be considered to be one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets, Eagle Island is blessed ten-fold with coastal Georgia’s natural beauty. Of course, for some this maybe perhaps second or equal the island’s other draw: seclusion. See, the 10-acre Eagle Island, located 10 minutes...

November 3rd, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Saving Money: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Holiday Deals

Are you starting to think where to go this holiday season?If you are looking for some deals, consider the following: Ellis Hotel, located in downtown Atlanta, Ga., is offering the “Hip for the Holiday” special rate, good through November 21 – December 26. When you call 866/841-8822, be sure to request the “Hip for the Holiday” special rate. The TradeWinds Island Resorts (the Island Grand Resort and the Sandpiper Suites) in St. Pete Beach, Fla.,has the “Thanksgiving...

November 2nd, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More

Gotta Do This…Tell the Southern Environmental Law Center Why You Care

A big thank you to Blue Ridge Country magazine for directing my attention to the Southern Environmental Law Center’s project Why You Care. The organization is in search of stories from you about your favorite place in the south to visit. Whether you visit there frequently, grew up there or visited one time and it made an impression on you, they want to hear about it. So, if you have a favorite place in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia (or all of the...

November 1st, 2008 | Road Trips | Read More