Spring has sprung in the South and that means colorful flowers, blue skies and 
unpredictable weather.
It also means it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the region in every way possible.
It’s April in the South, so why don’t you…
- embrace the outdoors: Take advantage of the pleasant weather and long days, and go ziplining (also in Georgia and at Ruby Falls.) Try your hand at YOLO boarding. Take a Segway tour around Celebration, Fla.. Go camping. How about participate in geocaching in Amelia Island, Fla.? The possibilities of outdoor fun during April (and beyond) in the South is endless.
- explore some gardens and homes: Spring is a great time explore homes and gardens in the region. Holly Springs, Miss’., 72nd annual pilgrimage is scheduled for April 16-18. In Virginia, there’s the Historic Garden Week, April 17-25. In Pikeville, Tenn., you’ll find the 29th annual Spring Wildflower Festival at Fall Creek Falls State Park on April 10-11.
- take in a festival or two: There’s one thing certain about the South, we love to celebrate. And we celebrate nearly everything. Just take a look at a few festivals and events are happening in April around the region. Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park is scheduled for April 17-19. Also in Georgia, you’ll discover the Vidalia Onion Festival, April 23-25. The “Smoke on the Falls” in Gadsden, Ala., takes place on April 9-10. The Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville is April 9-30. Fayetteville (N.C.) Dogwood Festival is slated for April 23-25. Arrgh Mates! The Contraband Days Pirate Festival in Lake Charles, La., happens April 27 – May 9.
- stay somewhere special: Spend the night in Walden Plantation (map) in Llano, Texas or at Vendue Inn (map) in Charleston, S.C. For an unique experience, there’s 21c Museum Hotel (map) in Louisville, Ky.
- hit the road: No doubt about it, springtime equals roadtrips. Unsure where to explore? How about downtown Lakeland, Fla., Knoxville, Tenn., Shreveport, La., or Alabama’s Black Belt.
photo credit: April 2010 Calendars – Scout!, flickr, creative commons by carol browne
1 Comment
Permalink |
Recent Articles in this category
“National parks make for great one-tank trips since many of them are basically in travelers’ backyards,” says Sandy Heilman, vice president of sales and marketing with ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. “There’s a huge opportunity there to explore and learn.”
About 75-miles from Washington,...
March 31st, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: eco travel, featuredarticle, National Park, outdoors, places to visit in Virginia
Unique experiences.
Those two words pretty much sums up the reason why many (or all) of us travel.
Some of us discover these in places, activities or the destinations themselves. Some of us even discover them at the properties where we spend the night.
The historic King and Prince Beach & Golf...
March 29th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 2
Filed under: accommodations, featuredarticle, Georgia, historic hotels
Feel the need to getaway for a weekend or two, but afraid you just don’t have the money to splurge?
Well, here are some deals and packages throughout the South that won’t bust the bank.
Considering a getaway to either South Carolina or North Carolina? Before you book the property for your stay,...
March 28th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 2
Filed under: accomodations, deals, packages, Places to stay in the South
If you’ve found the perfect parking space three times in roll or was immediately to a live agent within a minute of your call, then you might want to consider using your luck to win a vacation (or two) in the South.
Through July 2, you enter to win one of six getaways in Oklahoma. Register by April...
March 27th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 1
Filed under: contests, giveaways, places to go in the South, Sweepstakes
“It’s really a special place,” says Clem Goldberger, associate vice president of marketing with The National WWII Museum (map) in New Orleans. “We have been flattered by the responses we’ve received by veterans who tell us ‘you’ve got it right; you’ve really captured it.’”
Located...
March 25th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 2
Filed under: Attractions, featuredarticle, museums, places to visit in Louisiana, places to visit in New Orleans
If I said “Miracle Strip,” those who grew up or vacationed in Panama City Beach, Fla., during certain decades know exactly what I’m talking about.
Up until its closing in 2004, Miracle Strip Amusement Park was one of the places to spend the afternoon or evening at after a morning or day on the...
March 24th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 5
Filed under: Attractions, Family Friendly, retro travel, Things to do in Florida, things to do in Panama City Beach
Spring has officially arrived, and that means it is time to get back into the swing of road trips.
Have some extra money and a free weekend coming up, but don’t know exactly where to go? Well, you can stretch your travel budget even further with these deals and packages available throughout the Southeast.
Until...
March 21st, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: accommodations, deals, packages, Places to stay in the South
With only 36 hours in D.C., it was important that I use my time wisely. I knew what I wanted to see and do, and more importantly, where I wanted to eat.
When I walked by such places as Ping Pong Dim Sum (map), Potbelly Sandwich Shop (map), Acadiana (map) and Georgia Brown’s (map), I thought, “so...
March 18th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: eating out in D.C., food, places to eat in D.C., quick food
Let’s go back in time to 1977 in Cleveland, Ga., where artist Xavier Roberts created handmade dolls he called “Little People,” and sold them at the nearby Unicoi State Park (map) gift shop.
To make a long story short, he didn’t call them “Little People” for long. In fact, Roberts changed...
March 18th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 1
Filed under: Attractions, Family Friendly, featuredarticle, Tours
Are you one of those few who can:
a. find a four-leaf clover without any problems
b. discover a penny on heads-up
c. find the perfect parking space
d. secure the last dress/shirt/pair of pants in not only your size and favorite color, but also on sale
e. first (and only) to spot a shooting star, make...
March 14th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 2
Filed under: Alabama, contests, featuredarticle, North Carolina, Virginia
“Spring forward” with your travel plans by taking advantage of these great deals and packages available throughout the South.
Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio (map) has a weekend retreat package that offers 25 percent off theregular weekend rate. Available through December 30, a two-night...
March 13th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: accommodations, deals, featuredarticle
Okay, so while the real St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until March 17, that doesn’t stop places from celebrating early. Even in the South.
If you can’t make it to Savannah, Ga., or any other place that’s known for their celebration, don’t worry, because there’s a lot of events to choose from...
March 10th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: celebrations, Events, events in the South, things to do in the South
Some travelers know that food at the destination is just as important as the destination itself.
And one thing for certain in the South: when it comes to restaurant choices in the region, you won’t be disappointed.
So the next time you’re on the road to New Orleans, Atlanta or basically anywhere...
March 8th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: featuredarticle, Food & Beverage, Restaurants & Bars
With springtime around the corner (I think); the crazy, unpredictable weather has only just begun.
But don’t let the uncertainty get you down, instead get out and enjoy March in the South.
So this month, why don’t you…
celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, southern-style. Join in the celebrations, festivals...
March 3rd, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 1
Filed under: featuredarticle, festivals and events, springtime in the South, things to do in the South
When you think of places to go snow skiing, North Carolina, much less the South, might not be a destination that first comes to mind.
But it should, because if you aren’t familiar to what the easily-accessible area of western North Carolina has to offer, then you’re missing out.
Situated in the...
February 28th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: featuredarticle, outdoor adventure, outdoor recreation, Snow Skiing, Things to do in North Carolina
Don’t let the cold weather get you down, because warmer weather will be here soon. In the meantime, you can “warm up” to travel throughout the South with some of these deals and packages.
Escape to Waldorf Astoria Orlando (map) with their Winter Escape package that has daily breakfast for two...
February 28th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: accommodations, deals, hotels, packages, Places to stay in the South
For many, a trip is more than just visiting a destination. It’s about thoroughly experiencing a destination.
And one way to easily do this is by spending the night (or the weekend) at local accommodations.
If you happen to be traveling to the Central Florida area soon, consider staying at any one of...
February 24th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 3
Filed under: accomodations, bed and breakfasts, Central Florida, hotels, Places to stay in Central Florida, Places to stay in Florida
It’s been a while since I’ve truly taken the time to explore parts of the north Georgia mountains.
So, a couple of weekends ago as I was heading to Brasstown Valley Resort (map) in Young Harris, I left early because I had a mission. And that mission wasn’t only to get to the resort, but also to...
February 22nd, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: agritourism in Georgia, featuredarticle, Georgia wineries, north Georgia atrractions, north Georgia attractions, places to visit in Georgia, Southern wineries
America’s largest privately-owned home is growing.
Well, their guest experiences are, that is.
Beginning on May 20, Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., (map) will introduce the Antler Hill Village, and house tours that further delve into the lives of the Vanderbilt’s.
“We’re really excited about it,”...
February 20th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0
Filed under: Attractions, historic home tours, Historic Homes, Places to visit in the South, things to see in Asheville, Things to See in North Carolina, Tours
