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

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

Hauntings don't end on Halloween at any of these 21 accommodations.

From eye-catching exhibits to interactive displays to special events, military museums do more than bring stories to life. They also offer insight into the lives and experiences of service members. Remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, who've served and the current active members year-round when you spend time at any of these 11 military or military-related museums in the South. National Medal of Honor Museum Arlington, Texas Exhibit from Rails to Rotors a

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Destinations large and small throughout the South celebrate Independence Day in grand style with fireworks, parades, live music, and much...

Skeletons, spiders and other Halloween decor give way to holiday lights, baubles and adornments. Oh, yes, by all accounts, the holiday...

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., welcomes in the fall season with the annual Harvest Festival, presented by Humana. Amidst the rides,...

October ushers in shorter days, (somewhat) cooler weather, and fall-related drinks and bites available nearly everywhere. It's also a...

Fun and fireworks are what the South is all about when celebrating Independence Day. Get your red, white and blue on at any Fourth of...

Who says you can't get into the holiday spirit before Thanksgiving? There's plenty of events and happenings out there for you to get a...