Louisiana isn't the only place that goes all out with floats, krewes and general revelry. A handful of destinations host similar festivities, all with unique touches. However, all celebrations have one thing in common ~ you're guaranteed to have a memorable time.  So, wear your best purple, green or gold duds and get ready to yell, "throw me somethin', mister!" Hold your hands out to catch the throws raining down from the floats, and  laissez les bons temps rouler  (let the g

Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture in New Orleans photo personal collection There's a mystique surrounding Mardi Gras, from the elaborate gowns and costumes to the colorful krewes and parades.  Even if you cannot attend any of the festivities that lead up to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), you can learn more about the history and pageantry regarding this annual celebration year-round at various Mardi Gras museums throughout the S

Courir de Mardi Gras  at   Vermilionville (Feb. 2024) photo personal collection New Orleans may get all the attention when it comes to Mardi Gras, but, truth be told, plenty of parades and celebrations happen throughout Louisiana that are just as unique, funky and memorable as the towns and cities they take place in. Check out the following five destinations for some Mardi Gras fun. Lake Charles Louisiana's second-largest Mardi Gras fete

St. Augustine, Fla.'s Nights of Light through Jan. 11, 2026 photo personal collection The wrapping paper has been recycled, the cookies are now crumbs (or non-existent), and the decorations have been packed up and stored away until the day after Thanksgiving (or for some, the day after Halloween. No judgment here.) It's just another day between the holidays, and back to school and work. And to pile on, your calendar suddenly looks, we

New York City may have its New Year's Eve ball drop at One Times Square, but only in the South can you welcome in the new year with everything from a MoonPie to a pickle to a possum, among other assorted items. Here's a quick look at the many quirky drops around the region. MoonPie Drop in Mobile, Ala., photo courtesy of Visit Mobile It's a known fact that food plays an essential role in the South, and that sentiment extends into New Year's Eve drops: Hal's and Mal's in Jacks

Some of the many experiences throughout the South to gift photos personal collection Whether it's gift-giving for a holiday, birthday, or observance, we all have a relative or close friend (or it might even be you) who either has enough stuff or poses a challenge when choosing the right gift. So, what does one do in these situations? Simple - you gift them with an experience

You go local for dining while traveling, so it also makes perfect sense to go local when shopping. And in the South, there are authentic retail experiences nearly everywhere you visit. Soothe your soul with some serious retail therapy while supporting local businesses in these destinations. Shopping at the Silos at Magnolia photo personal collection You can't be

Macon (Ga.) Christmas Light Extravaganza photo personal collection (2021) Destinations throughout the South understood the assignment, without a doubt. Nothing better defines the holiday season than grand displays of twinkles and shimmers. Whether they are strung high in the trees or wrapped around ground-level props - white and colored - a special feeling comes ov

Biltmore Estate During the Holiday Season photo courtesy of Explore Asheville Whether it's enjoying Christmas at Biltmore ( through Jan. 4, 2026 ) during the day or at night with the Candlelight Christmas Evenings ( through Jan. 3, 2026 ) at America's largest home, admiring the creative creations at the National Gingerbread House Competition ( Nov. 18 - Jan. 4, 202

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'Debby' resting at the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Miss., personal photo “We don’t know much about ‘Debby,’” says Michael Walker, the...

Don't shed a tear because summer is over; smile because fall is here. Hello, fall! photo, personal collection Undoubtedly, there's something special about the fall in the South. Perhaps it's the clear days with the promise of cooler weather, the colorful foliage seen on long, lazy drives on the weekends, the excitement of cheering on your favorite college football on Saturdays, or the wealth of fall-friendly activities that put smiles on the faces of all ages. Maybe it's som

Best known for having a vibrant Latino community and as the birthplace of Tex-Mex, many are surprised to learn that San Antonio, Texas ,...

Spring blooms at Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem, N.C. photo personal collection (Apr. 2022) April brings...

photo courtesy of WOKANDAPIX/pixabay.com March roars in like a lion, with plenty of events starting immediately, as many destinations put...

The festive season is an opportune time to reignite old traditions, start new ones, make memories and, most of all, have fun with family...

Sparkle, twinkle, glow —a special feeling comes over you when you bask in the warmth of brightly shining lights during the holidays....