Tales from the Road

Deal of The Week: Win 4 Days/3 Nights At The Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans

2012-02-03T15:10:53-06:00

Photo courtesy, Hotel Monteleone

Come Mardi Gras month, we all have the Big Easy on our minds. In honor of the holiday, we teamed up with the historic Hotel Monteleone (yep, the beautiful landmark property right smack in the middle of the French Quarter) to bring you today's Deal Of The Week. If you have been following our deals, you've noticed every Friday we've been securing you SL-exclusive discounts at great properties around the South. This week we're doing things a little differently with a three-day giveaway.

The winner of this package will spend an extended weekend basking in the comforts of one of New Orleans' most iconic hotels. If you can be tempted to leave the comfort of your oversized luxe Literary Suite, you'll spend your days venturing outside the grand lobby right into the bustle of the city. Come night, you're already at one of the cities coolest bars, the spinning Carousel Bar, which debuted an extensive facelift last month in honor of the hotel's 125th anniversary.

All you need to do is submit your best Mardi Gras photo by February 29 for a chance to win 4 days/3 nights in a Literary Suite at the hotel. The package also includes:

American breakfast for two daily
Welcome bottle of champagne with a pair of commemorative 125th anniversary champagne flutes
A copy of the Hotel Monteleone’s 125th anniversary history book, Hotel Monteleone: More Than a Landmark, The Heart of New Orleans Since 1886
A copy of the 125th anniversary Hotel Monteleone Musical Memories CD.

Good luck shutterbugs! Submit photos

And check out our previous Deals of The Week!

25% off La Torretta in Texas

30% off The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens

Celebrating History at High Hampton Inn

2012-02-01T13:40:40-06:00

The Inn, photo courtesy High Hampton Inn

Now here’s a real nod to history and tradition. This year High Hampton Inn & Country Club in Cashiers, NC celebrates its 90th birthday. In a time when family owned, unchanged lodges are far and between, this 1,400-acre inn has stood the test of time with its commitment to preserving the traditions it was built on (think: men still wearing coats and ties to dinner and no TVs or phones in the rooms to distract from the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains that have made the resort an escape-haven for nine decades). The McKee family, who have owned the retreat for the past 90 years, love seeing guests return year after year, coming first as kids and eventually bringing their own kids and grandkids.

Guests on horseback circa 1940, photo courtesy High Hampton Inn

Civil War General Wade Hampton III purchased the land surrounding High Hampton in the late 1800s as a summer retreat from the Lowcountry heat — with its standing 3,600 feet above sea level even the warmest day at High Hampton comes with a crisp mountain breeze. The lodge guests stay in now, built in 1933 after the original site burned down the year before, retains the feel of a summer home with 116 rustic, chestnut-accented rooms and cottages; and an on-site grocer where guests stock up on artisanal cheeses, local produce, brews and wine.

The resort has been updated to include new furnishings, a fitness center, and modern conveniences; but the ambiance is all historic charm and true Southern hospitality. High Hampton’s constant roll of family friendly events add to the lodge’s standing as a great family escape. The lineup of events gets an even bigger blowout this year in honor of the inn’s birthday. Start planning now for when the resort opens in April with wildflower workshops and elaborate picnics. Spaces fill up fast.

Rates, starting at $248 for double occupancy include three meals a day in the dining room, so you can cozy up with the inn’s signature fried chicken, before checking out the live music at the Rock Mountain Tavern. By day, spend your tech-free time fishing and kayaking on the resort’s 35-acre lake, or by land on a waterfall hiking tour, golfing, or playing tennis. Book online or by calling 800/334-2551.

Deal Of The Week: 25% Off La Torretta in Texas

2012-01-27T13:36:52-06:00

Photo courtesy La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa

There are few things the weekend beckons for more than a nice respite from the business of city life. That's why we've scored you today's deal at the La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Montgomery, TX. Set beside the serenity of Lake Conroe, you'll escape in style in one of the luxe resort's expansive rooms with private balconies and modern furnishings. If the mood calls, you're less than 60 miles from the bustle of Houston, though we doubt you'll want to escape your retreat. Between an 18-hole golf course, a water park with a lazy river, fishing excursions, and a French waterfront restaurant *, you'll have plenty to occupy your languid days.

Use code SOULIV when booking to get 25% off the best available rate for stays ranging from February through May 31, 2012.

*Restaurant has closed, property has seven other restaurants onsite including the waterfront PRIME restaurant, serving New American cuisine, and YOI Sushi. — Edited 1/30/12

Terms: Rate is subject to availability and for a limited time. Only valid for stays in February (sale date) thru May 31, 2012. Guest is responsible for resort fee and incidentals charges during their stay. Advanced reservations are required. 72 hour resort cancellation policy applies.

An Afternoon with Maker's Mark

2012-01-25T10:48:00-06:00

I have loved bourbon since I had my first taste of it in a mint julep one of my first weeks working at Southern Living. The Southern classic reminded me of the mojitos I was used to drinking in Miami, except better. I did not realize the better was the bourbon until I had the stuff straight up at the hotel bar at the St. Regis Atlanta. It was a Woodford Reserve Personal Selection made especially for the luxury hotel. Life changing. Still, it wasn’t until I toured the Maker’s Mark distillery yesterday that I was really able to appreciate the craftsmanship of Kentucky bourbon.

The Maker's Mark grounds

The tour guide shared that 95% of the world’s bourbon comes from the Bluegrass State and he added, maybe jokingly, that there are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are people. After driving through part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and seeing some of the massive storage houses, I don’t doubt it.

Copper holding tanks in the distillery

The Maker’s Mark operation runs a little off the beaten path in Loretto, KY — a trip that is well worth the trek, not only for seeing one of the best bourbons on the market go from grain to spirit, but also for scenic views. The drive is hilly and beautiful, even in winter, and the payoff is even better when you get to the green backdrop of the Maker’s campus. On the tour you’ll dip your finger into fermenting grain, learn some Samuels’ family trivia, and see the “handmade” claim on the label come to life as a row of women systematically hand-dip the bottles into the brand’s signature red wax. You’ll learn that the wax, along with the rest of the design elements of Maker’s were created by the lady of the house, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels. Behind every great man…

The ladies of Maker's Mark hand-dip bottle from 7am-3pm

The drive from Louisville to Loretto passing through Bardstown

Not one to leave you thirsty, the tour concludes with a tasting of the classic Maker’s Mark, it’s slightly smoother 46 variety, and it’s newest product, Maker’s White (available only at the distillery for now), which some might refer to as moonshine, but distillers prefer the term “white dog.” It’s all topped off with a pecan-dotted bourbon ball, and for your own sake a walk through the picturesque grounds to ward off any buzz.

Deal Of The Week: The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens

2012-01-20T14:00:00-06:00

The Lodge at Callaway Gardens, photo courtesy The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens

Ready for a winter retreat? We've scored you a deal at The Lodge at Callaway Gardens. This landmark spot in Pine Mountain, GA (just 70 miles from Atlanta) is great year-round with its array of options for passing the time. Besides the expansive gardens, which have enough greenery and wildlife to take you straight to your happy place; you can also relax in the spa, golf, dine on lavish five-course meals, or bike along miles of nature paths.

It may sound decadent, but The Lodge keeps its rates sensible. And with this special deal, there’s no reason not to treat yourself.

Book here to receive 30% off rates (which start at $129 on weekdays and $139 on weekdays) from now through February 29. There are also some added perks; here is what you'll get.

- Nightly Accommodations at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens

- Admission to Callaway Gardens for 2 each day

Book now

Happy Weekend!

- Corrected 1/25/12. Deal does not include breakfast

When Planning A Disney Vacation Mom Knows Best

2012-01-18T10:01:17-06:00

Jodie Hilson of Thomasville, Ga. (Image courtesy of Disney)

She was right when she said that you should wear a coat, even if it didn’t “go.” She truly did know that you were better off without him. And all those years she mandated that you eat your broccoli… well, you realize now you’re healthier and better for it.

Mom does know best.

Since 2008, moms across the country have even been weighing in to help others plan Disney vacations. Each year, a panel of fifteen Disney aficionados are selected to share their expertise through DisneyWorldMoms.com. Get advice on where to stay, where to eat, and how to navigate crowds. Want to know how to how to make a reservation at Cinderella’s table? With a wave of her magic wand, one mom lays it all out. Peruse this great resource and meet this year’s team -- eight of whom are from the South!

Vacationing in South Carolina

2012-01-13T11:32:43-06:00

Day dreaming about your next vacation? South Carolina is one state that’s made for vacation. When you visit South Carolina, what are the things you do/see that make your vacation special?

The Fine Print

2012-01-05T13:03:25-06:00

For Kyle Durrie (letterpress printer of Power and Light Press), home base is out west. But, ever since June of last year, the open road has been her address. Traveling and sleeping in a van, she’s been a woman on a mission to spread the gospel of the printed word across the map. This winter, she’ll continue by traversing these parts, bringing her art to a host of Southern cities.

Before she hit the road, Durrie used a kickstarter campaign to raise funds and transform a vintage Chevy step van into a mobile letterpress print shop. (Letterpress is the traditional form of printing that involves using hand set lead and wooden letters or “type” to make one print at a time on a hand-operated press). Durrie is passionate about preserving the history of this handmade form by sharing it with those she meets on each stop along her tour.

It's outreach, yes. But, it’s also about the adventure. It's about learning from and experiencing the diverse cultures of the people represented by a myriad of map dots.

“I just love to travel, to experience this enormous country of ours. To pull into a new town, walk around, and see how other people live, learn about the things that are important to them. I'm looking forward to being inspired by the places this project will take me, and the people I will meet,” she states on her kickstarter page.

On December 1st, Southern Living’s hometown welcomed Power and Light Press to Birmingham, sweet home, Alabama. You can read about her visit here.

And, she’s still rolling! This month, it's on to the great state of Texas, east to Louisiana, on to Mississippi, and then down on to Florida. Check out her tour schedule and make your way out to an upcoming event in a city near you. And while you're at it, show her some of that good ole Southern hospitality.

New Years in Nashville

2011-12-27T08:09:32-06:00

by Cory Bordonaro

Welcome 2012 with a song in your heart. Party-people have plenty of options come New Year’s Eve in Music City, USA. After a recent trip through town, I’ve devised a couple of options for rootin-tootin’ around town to ring in the Nashville new year.

Looking Good
Get dolled up during a hair appointment with hometown hair artist, Jordan Byers or add some flair to your handmade ‘do with a hair accessory to by local, Maren Linn of Sai Sai Arts. Browse her selection of oversized hair bows, feathery clips, and mini top hats online or at Hillsboro Village boutique, Local Honey.

Check out Hemline in The Hill Center for festive frocks. Store owner, Mary Maddox carries several Southern designers like Loretta Jane, Hunter Dixon, Annie Griffin, and Nashville’s own Leona.

The Scene
Get on the fringes and jazz yourself up in period-specific duds for Roaring 2012: The 2nd Annual Swingin' 1920's New Year's Celebration at The Five Spot in East Nashville (1006 Forrest Avenue). Kick back with cocktails from the prohibition era and make some memories in an old time photobooth. Then, flap around on the dance floor to ‘20s band, Chubby and The Dots.

If open-air celebration is more your style, then head downtown for the 3rd annual Bash on Broadway (100 Broadway). Lynyrd Skynyrd headlines this year’s block party, with festivities beginning at 7pm. At midnight, the 15-foot music note (covered with over 150 feet of LED lights) makes its inaugural descent.

Sweets and Eats
Fuel up for a night out with a winter-weather bev at Hot and Cold in Hillsboro Village. Local is the name of the game at this cozy spot that touts beans Bong Java Roasters, chocolates from Nashville sweetheart, Olive & Sinclair, gourmet ice creams from Jeni’s Splendid (fresh from their West End Creamery) and frozen popsicles a La Paleta. Mix and match to suit your taste. Want an espresso shot in your ice cream? Done. How about a chocolate-dipped popsicle? Bingo. I tried the rosemary latte, and had visions of the subtle sweet concoction dancing in my head for days afterward.

The Edge Hill café is a good quick-meal choice for lunch or the morning after. Try the Mind-Blowing Meatball (stuffed with Asiago cheese and served warm on a French baguette. Ooh la la!). Or, hit this spot in the morning and find a nice selection of hearty breakfast sandwiches.

Athens Family Restaurant on Franklin Pike is a hidden gem. The façade is far from fancy, but the service is great and the flavors are spot-on. I tried the Kotopita (think opa-a-notch chicken potpie, and the Suzukakia (fist-sized Greek meatballs with onion and garlic).

Local chef, Arnold Myint, makes food fresh at his Farmer’s Market-based eatery, Am@Fm. Breads are baked in-house and ingredients are sourced so locally that you can find many right within the market itself.

National Gingerbread House Competition Winners on Display: Grove Park Inn

2011-11-16T14:50:28-06:00

The past few days brought intense competition to the halls of Asheville's historic Grove Park Inn. There, craftspeople from all over the country gathered to compete in the 19th annual "National Gingerbread House Competition."

Our own executive editor Rachel Hardage Barrett was on the scene judging the competition, which culminated in Monday's announcement of the winners. Today, the works of art (and they really are) go on display to the public.

From the rules:

"Except for the base, the entries must be constructed entirely of edible materials. The maximum size of gingerbread houses in the competition cannot exceed two feet wide, two feet long and two feet high."

Judging by Rachel's sneak peek photos, this year's entries blew the roof off the old gingerbread house. In fact, Many aren't even houses at all.

Here is the overall winner (adult category):

The boot, pictured here, has two floors -- one with a chandelier and one with a ceiling fan!

And more ...

Here's a few from the teen competition:

Rest assured, there are some "houses" -- well, buildings -- and they are beautiful!

But check it out for yourself -- these creations and many more are now on display at the Grove Park Inn (non-hotel guests can visit the exhibit Sundays through Thursdays through January 1).

Asheville Citizen-Times: Gingerbread House Contest Reurns to Asheville's Grove Park Inn

Hugh Acheson, Nice To Meet You

2011-11-01T15:48:13-05:00

By: Taylor Bruce

Last week I finally met Hugh Acheson, perhaps the finest Southern chef you don't know yet. Remember that Yet. Back to that in a minute.

Hugh Acheson with his new book

When I met Hugh, he was finishing a book tour with two days in New York City that included stops at Google and NBC's Today Show. Naturally, Hugh's buy-and-sign shindig was hosted at Billy Reid in the NoHo hood. (Quick sidenote: After 15 months living here, it's become clear that Billy's Bond Street shop is the unofficial NYC capitol of all things Southern-culture. Whether eating BBQ tacos made by Birmingham's Jim 'N Nick's crew or watching Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson star Benjamin Walker serenade a crowd, Billy is a real Southern ambassador up here.) That said, Hugh's cookbook launch couldn't have gone down at a better address.

Exterior of Billy Reid's NoHo store

Fans and friends of Hugh's restaurants—Five & Ten and The National in Athens, as well as his new Atlanta project, Empire State South—dropped into the bespoke store to hug the chef's neck and enjoy some killer pimento cheese and boiled peanut hummus (a Southern Living favorite).

It's been quite a year for a big batch of Southern chefs. Just this month, the New Yorker wrote up Charleston's Sean Brock and Bon Appetit featured a Thanksgiving feast with Mississippi's John Currence (photographed at Billy Reid's Florence, Alabama home, in fact). And a handsome set of cookbooks hit the shelves, namely tomes by Chris Hastings, Martha Foose, and John Besh. But, Hugh's book, a two-and-a-half year labor of love he titled A New Turn in the South, wins out in my opinion.

Three simple reasons. Firstly, the writing is unfettered, conversational, and undoubtedly and genuinely Hugh Acheson. No ghostwriter in these pages. We stood next to Billy Reid's selvage denim for twenty minutes talking about Georgia football and the Smokies, and when I started reading his book on my subway trek home, it felt like our conversation hadn't stopped.

Secondly, the look of this 305-pager somehow gathers a farmer's almanac, Hatch Show Print posters, and a modernist's simplicity all at one table. It's just beautiful. Hugh fearlessly had them scatter his paper napkin chef doodles all over these pages. My favorite is his depiction of wrestling a huge skate with a fishing pole.

Hugh's paper napkin sketch

Thirdly, and really, this reason makes the others seem like small garnishes — Hugh's food. You understand it if you've ordered the frogmore stew or chicken bog at Five & Ten. But, it's a whole new hog when you try and take a chef's prized recipes into your own kitchen. And this book's recipes strike just the right balance between easy and inspiring.

Last thing. Back to that yet from up above. You might not know Hugh Acheson right now, but just get ready. Tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 2, he starts a sweet new job: Judge on the Bravo reality hit, Top Chef.

Hugh Acheson, nice to finally meet you.

Chef Craig Noone of Parlor Market in Jackson, MS Passes

2011-10-14T15:28:30-05:00

Chef Craig Noone at Parlor Market in August

We at Southern Living were saddened to hear of the passing of Craig Noone, 32, executive chef and owner of the Parlor Market restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi (featured in the November issue of Southern Living), on Friday, October 14.

A Jackson native, Craig attended Jackson Academy before receiving a business degree from Mississippi College and studying with the Texas Culinary Academy’s Le Cordon Bleu program. After working as a chef in restaurants in Italy, New Orleans, Dallas, and Atlanta, Craig returned home and opened Parlor Market in downtown Jackson last September.

Craig opened the restaurant in a historic 1898 building on West Capitol Street that had housed (among other businesses) a meat market, grocery store, lumber company, and the offices of the Dixie Marble Company. Wanting to honor that past, Craig researched the building’s history at the Mississippi Department of Archives while planning the restaurant, and later incorporated elements of the former occupants such as a marble-counter oyster bar, and reclaimed wood in the hostess station and furnishings.

He also used elements of the city’s culinary past in a changing menu that featured tamales and house-made kibbeh, as well as innovative twists on Southern specialties such as Mississippi rabbit roulade with glazed heirloom carrots and lemon lentils.

That combination of local history and classic cuisine made Parlor Market one of the city’s most popular restaurants. As Craig said shortly after his restaurant opened, “we’re not just trying to do good food here. We’re trying to bring back some of the history of downtown Jackson.”

- James T. Black; photo: Chris M. Rogers

Lit List, Kids Edition: Night Night Birmingham

2011-10-14T11:56:44-05:00

As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for great books to read to my son. So I was thrilled to get a copy of this recently released book. "Night Night Birmingham" is a children's book that celebrates uniquely Birmingham attractions. It's written by Laurel Mills and illustrated by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde, two Alabamians.

“As a mom, I love reading to my daughter at night,” Hyde says. “I put a lot of effort into this book because I wanted something other parents loved reading to their kids as much as I do, and of course, I wanted my own little girl to be proud of Mommy’s work.”

Among the places spotlighted in "Night Night Birmingham" -- Vulcan, The Birmingham Zoo, Sloss Furnaces, and The Birmingham Museum of Art -- all places special to Birmingham kiddos (of all ages). Cool stuff. (The book is available at their website and at bookstores around Birmingham.)

We'd love to hear about other children's books written about the South. Let us know your favorites!

The Next Great Southern Food & Wine Festival

2011-10-12T12:24:44-05:00

The Birmingham Originals took it to the next level with its 8th Annual Break ‘N Bread Food and Wine Event — not only in expanding to a bigger (and more urban) space and bringing in American Idol’s Taylor Hicks to perform, but also in public interest. The number of attendants doubled from about 1,000 last year to 2,000 people at this year’s event hosted at Railroad Park on Sunday.

Food tables and tents lined Railroad Park on Sunday; photo: Liesa Cole

The Birmingham Originals (a cast of superstar Bham chefs at whose restaurants you can usually find us lunching and dining) started Break ‘N Bread in 2004 as a way to showcase the city’s foodie-delight culinary scene. The rise in interest and popularity took the event out of Pepper Place, where it was held in the past, to Railroad Park downtown — an awesome pairing that shows the uphill development of the city’s cultural offerings and urbanite track. Another newbie this year, was the addition of a guest chef segment with Nashville chefs from Flyte, City House, Table 3, and Martin’s Bar-B-Que gracing the VIP tent, and cooking at Ocean for the gala dinner Monday.

Nothing beats having all of your favorite restaurants gathered in one spot ripe for your pickin’ — Ted’s Restaurant, Little Savannah, Nabeel’s, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Satterfield’s and a total 40 area restaurant showed up to show what the Magic City food scene is made of. On the table were bite-size dishes that you’d find on the menu at a $$$ updated Southern, internationally infused cuisine hot spot — think shrimp bruschettas with chocolate zabaglione, red beans and rice with house-made sausage, roasted pork belly stuffed with pork shoulder. Attendants got to nibble on unlimited tastings with their $35 admission ticket.

Ocean's chef George Reis with his dish of seared scallops with butternut squash puree, bacon jam, and roasted tomato aioli

You can’t have a F&W fest without spirits; and J. Clyde’s co-owner, Jerry Hartley, did a great job at rounding up the selection of local Good People Brewing Company beers, craft Budweiser brews, and wines from shops in town like International Wines and Pinnacle Imports.

I sense it won’t be long before Break ‘N Bread expands to be a weekend event with all the biggie cooking competitions, games, and out-of-state crowds that make food-and-wine events such fun.

Photos courtesy Birmingham Originals

Dolphin Tale Movie Premiers: Clearwater Marine Aquarium In National Spotlight

2011-09-21T10:51:24-05:00

Today marks the locale premiere of a film that's generating a lot of buzz: "Dolphin Tale." I've been following the film with interest because it was set in and filmed in a Southern town that's special to me -- my hometown of Clearwater, Florida.

The film, which stars Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson (all of whom are from the South), opens nationwide Friday. It's based on the real-life story of a severly injured dolphin named Winter who was rehabilitated at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a sea life rescue center near Clearwater Beach.

From an AP Story:

"Winter wasn't expected to survive when brought to the aquarium in December 2005 and was left with a rounded stump after losing her tail. A team of more than 150 volunteers and veterinarians spent more than four months nursing her back to health around the clock.

'When she arrived here we didn't think she would make it through the night," says trainer Abby Stone. 'She was stressed, she was not physically doing well, she had been through a major ordeal. Most animals in that situation would not have made it.'

Winter learned how to swim without her tail -- amazing her handlers with a unique combination of moves that resemble an alligator's undulating swimming style and a shark's side-to-side tail swipes. She uses her flippers, normally employed for steering and braking, to get moving."

The story has some fictional elements, but the plot about her recovery at the Aquarium is true. The movie was filmed in Clearwater over three months, pumping an estimated $125,000 into the local economy. Even more exciting is that attention surrounding the film has boosted the profile of the non-profit Aquarium, which nearly closed in 2005 because of financial difficulties.

Thanks to the filming, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has gotten an upgrade, and scores of visitors are flocking to the aquarium, which has been in existence since 1972.

I remember going on many field trips to the space, which was once an abandoned water treatment plant. There I learned about the importance of caring for animals who don't have advocates -- a mission that will now be shared with the world.

In November, the Aquarium will open a movie set and prop tour, where visitors can learn about the filming for $7. (Click here for the full story.) Plus guests can get a chance to see Winter herself, whose permanent home is at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. (For great tips on visiting the Aquarium and spotting the celebrity, check out this story from the Miami Herald.)

It's a great story for one Southern town on so many levels. Here's to Winter and those who will learn from this tale of hope. Let us know what you think of the movie, and if you visit Winter!

Hollywood Reporter: Dolphin Tale Film Review

Hotel Deals of the Week

2011-09-16T15:18:01-05:00

By Tiffany Melanis

The crisp cool weather of fall is in the air, and we know just the spots ready to dive right into the new season. Here are a few places showing their Southern hospitality by offering great deals you simply can’t pass up.

* Contact hotels for restrictions

Deals This Month

“Fall into Flavor” Package at Barnsley Gardens Resort

Adairsville, GA – Now-October (exclusive to Friday night guests)

Resort ruins; photo courtesy Barnsley Gardens

Wine and dine away your fall Fridays like a wine snob. Barnsley Gardens will be hosting the King of wine snobbery, Greg Teague at its “Fall into Flavor” event. The package starts at $299 and includes a stay at the Barnsley Gardens Resort, wine tasting with Greg Teague and a $100 credit towards dinner that night. Just want to stick around for a sip or two? Barnsley is extending the event to vino lovers not staying at the hotel. For $20 per person, you can enjoy a casual talk and taste six of Teague’s favorite bottles.

To book, visit www.barnsleyresort.com or call 770.773.7480 and ask for the “Fall into Flavor” Package.

ACT FAST!

“Jazz Lovers in Savannah” Package at Mansion on Forsyth Park

Savannah, GA – September 18-25

The folks at Forsyth Park are here to make sure you won’t miss a beat of the 30^th annual Savannah Jazz Festival. From groovin’ to the classics to diggin’ the new sounds, this event has something for every jazz lover. Guests booking the package for two starting at $459 per night will enjoy two-night accommodations, bebop inspired Poseidon Spa treatments, drinks at the Casimir’s Lounge, a personalized Kessler music collection CD keepsake, and Savannah trolley tickets to all events. This package is sure to be fun, relaxing, and all that jazz.

To book, visit www.mansiononforsythpark.com or call 912.238.5158 or toll-free 888.213.3671.

“The Room with a Boo!” Package at The Carolina Inn

Chapel Hill, NC – Month of September

The Carolina Inn; photo courtesy of the Carolina Inn

Everyone needs a good scare every now and then. Experience the haunted history hidden inside The Carolina Inn. Guests will spend an evening with the hotel’s resident ghost, Dr. William Jacocks. Beware Room 256: Jacocks enjoys playing practical jokes on those staying in his room. This ghost isn’t alone. Be prepared to experience the chills of up to 20 other ghosts that are said to roam the hotel halls. This daring package starts at $409 per night and includes overnight accommodations for two, dinner at award-winning Carolina Crossroads Restaurant, a biography of Dr. Jacocks, and a sign copy of A History of The Carolina Inn by author Dr. Ken Kogry. Do you dare to disturb these haunted rooms?

Book online at www.carolinainn.com/packages/room-with-a-boo or call 800.962.8519.

“Festigals Weekend” at Hotel Monteleone

New Orleans, LA – October 6-9

Sometimes you just need to get away with the girls for a pampering and relaxing weekend. Leave your work and responsibilities behind for four days of events. “Festigals Weekend” activity package is $225 plus $159 per night and includes:

Lunch with CNN Special Correspondent, Soledad O’Brien
A block party featuring the (calendar worthy) firemen of New Orleans
The “Stiletto Stroll” parade
A chocolate and wine event
A gospel brunch full of singing and dancing

Other optional activities and tours will also be available for participants. Don’t forget that you’ll have two award-winning restaurants, a heated rooftop pool, and Spa Aria right at your fingertips. Reward yourself for all you do! Did we mention the firemen and chocolate?

Hotel Monteleone is celebrating its 125^th Anniversary with a Facebook giveaway. To enter for a grand prize including two round-trip tickets to New Orleans from any location in the continental United States, a two-night stay in a Hotel Monteleone suite, a signed copy of the hotel’s history book, and a set of limited edition cocktail glasses, visit the Hotel Monteleone Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thehotelmonteleone and “Like” the page. Next, click “Contest” on the left sidebar. Contestants must enter their full names, state, and email address. The contest is open now through November 4, and the winner will be announced November 9 through Facebook.

To make reservations, visit www.hotelmonteleone.com or call 504.523.3341.

ACT FAST!

“Stay More, Save More” Package at Riverside Hotel

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Now-September 30

Riverside Hotel; photo courtesy of the Riverside Hotel

The Riverside Hotel doesn’t want you checking out any time soon, and to better convince you to stay just a bit longer, they’re offering up to 30 percent off your stay. Savings include:

Stay one night save and 10%
Stay two nights and save 20%
Stay three nights and save 30%

The deal doesn’t stop there! Guests will also be able to enjoy these perks:

Save 25% off Echo Salon
Save 20% off dinner at Indigo restaurant
Buy 1 ice cream at Kilwin’s and get 1 free
50% off beer, wine, or cocktails at Golden Lyon Pub
50% off valet parking

Celebrating 75 years of service, the Riverside Hotel knows what its customer needs in a stay on the luxurious Las Olas Boulevard. To take advantage of these deals, call 800.325.3280 and ask for the “Stay More, Save More” package or visit www.riversidehotel.com.

PLANNING AHEAD!

“Sandestin Santa Tuck-In” Program at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin, FL – November 25 –December 18 (weekends only from 6-10 p.m.)

We’re already dreaming of a white sand Christmas, and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is right there with us wanting to celebrate the holidays right. The “Sandestin Santa Tuck-In” program has teamed up with the jolly man himself and Toys for Tots to make this holiday season special for not only children staying at the resort but for those in need.

The Santa Tuck-In provides parents the opportunity to schedule a personal visit from Santa to your Sandestin villa or condo. Since the folks at Sandestin understand that Santa is a very busy man, they’ve arranged for Santa Skypes from his workshop to talk about his upcoming trip to the South. Tuck-Ins start at $65 for one child and $10 for each additional child. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots.

The holiday fun doesn’t stop there. Make sure to check out these holiday activities:

Ice Skating Rink (November- January)
12 Nights of Lights (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December)
Village Tree Lighting and Santa Claus’s Arrival (11/26)
Wednesday Night Concert Series Holiday edition (all of December)
Holiday Lantern Parade (12/27)
Baytowne Countdown (12/31)

To schedule your Santa Tuck-In and get more information on Skype with Santa call 866.91.BEACH.

Reason to Love Miami

2011-09-07T11:58:39-05:00

Miami doesn’t always get the best rep. The destination city conjures images of traffic jams, overglitzed glam, models, bottles, Miami Vice. I grew up in the place, and I’m not always quick to jump up in its defense. However, on a recent trip back — part fueled by nostalgia, mostly fueled by the fact that there are some really cool people and spots popping up all over the place — I found more than one reason to love Miami.

Reason numero uno: Being able to dine gourmet at 4 in the morning at gigi — a contemporary comfort food restaurant in the very hip, not-at-all-cliche Design District. We first mentioned gigi in our January issue’s Best of the South Travel Awards as one of the best new restaurant that opened in 2010. I am happy to report the Asian-inspired noodle bar is still going strong — at 4am tables were filled with late-night crowds (more trendy night owls than sloppy drunks) digging into thick-noodle bowls, and fried rice concoctions.

I started with a small, copia dish served with tiny, diced mangoes and rice crackers. I love me some Asian buns, and the beef brisket po'boy buns with barbecue and slaw had just the right amount of Southern comfort. Eager to sample the heartier dishes, my sidekick and I split a portion of shrimp udon noodles (the cute server’s recommendation) and the duck fried rice with an orange glaze — how could we not try duck fried rice? It was, by the way, the best fried-rice I’ve ever had. Since the damage was already done we topped it all off with a gigi Bar — nutella topped with a chocolate mousse and strawberries.

Copia Snack

Even at the crack of dawn, the presentation was that of a five-star bistro. The experience is elevated by gigi’s open kitchen that allows you to see the chef’s working it. You can tell they are having as much fun whipping stuff up back there as the diners packing the open, modern space are eating it. And the prices are great. Small plates start at $4, pillowy buns will run you $7, and the bigger dishes fall in the $14-$16 range. There’s also something to be said for the fact that it was late into the next day before we were hungry for food again. It’s like taking care of two meals in one sitting — dinfast (dinner and breakfast), or a sneakfast (late-night snack and breakfast). Whatever you wanna call it, it’s darn good and sits much better than hitting up the drive-thru.

gigi Bar

gigi is open for lunch and dinner 12pm-3am Monday through Thursday, and until 5am Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

giginow.com; 3470 North Miami Ave

Nashville's Music-Finding App

2011-09-01T10:08:37-05:00

No one going to Nashville should miss out on going to a live show or ten. Now just about anyone (sorry Blackberry users, no app for you yet) going to Nash can be totally in-the-know about what's going on in the music scene. The Nashville Live Music app, which launched in June for iPhone users, and just expanded to include Droid, maps out hundreds of venues across the city along with who is playing at each place. You can search by area of town, venue name, date, or featured events. If you just wanna catch a show — don’t care where, don't care how — just use the feature that locates the spot closest to you and mosey on over. A music player lets you get a taste of the music before committing to the show. Love what you hear? You could buy songs in a tap.

Wondering what else to do in town? Check out our Must-See Sites in Nashville, and meet some of the coolest people in the music scene — Thad Cockrell, Courtney Jaye, and Mat Kearney.

The Nashville Live Music Guide app is available to download on iTunes or by searching “Nashville Live Music” in the iTunes store.

And from the Android Market or by searching “Nashville Guide” in the Android Market.

See a preview of the app here: http://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashvillemusicapppreview

Omni's New Drink Menu

2011-08-29T15:31:00-05:00

I love a good hotel bar. When traveling for work, it’s nice when I can stroll down to the restaurant or on-site lounge and enjoy a well-crafted cocktail — no need to venture back out after a day on the streets. It’s like getting to unwind in your own home with a little added posh and service. So I’m thrilled to hear about Omni Hotels new drink program, “Homegrown Cocktails.” Keeping on trend with the culinary world’s interest in farm-to-glass craft cocktails, the brand has partnered up with well-versed mixologists to create drink menus specific to the area the hotel is in.

Freddy Diaz

Our rep for most the Southeast region is Freddy Diaz, co-founder of mixology consulting company, AlambiQ. Hailing from South Florida, Freddy is mixing the likes of grapefruit juice, honey, strawberries, and jalapeño to make drinks like the New Age Julep with ABSOLUT, Plymouth Gin, mint, honey syrup, and sweet orange bitter foam. I'm thirsty to try his Southern Basil-Berry Smash (see recipe below), which along with the rest of the Southeastern cocktail menu you can find at Omni Hotels in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.

If you are staying at a Texan Omni, you’ll be drinking libations from the mind of Texas-native Kim Hassarud, founder of consulting company Liquid Architecture, who believes cocktails, like food, should be a culinary experience. The Dr. Woodford Bell with Bluebell Ice Cream, Graham Crackers, and Dr. Pepper is the perfect nod to Texas’s sweet tooth; while drinks like the Jalapeño Hop and Smokin’ Patron pay homage to the state’s spicier side.

In St. Louis and New Orleans, you’ll be sipping on Breakfasts in the Bluegrass with Woodford, maple syrup, and fresh blueberries; while at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in DC, you’ll warm up with The Belmont — Woodford, Averna, Angostura bitters, and Reagan’s Orange Bitters.

Now off to bed. The comfy hotel bed will feel much cozier after a round or two.

Try Freddy's Southern Basil-Berry Smash at home:

2 each	Fresh Strawberries (hulled & sliced)
3 each	Basil Leaves
1.5 oz	Woodford Reserve
0.5 oz	Cointreau
0.5 oz	Dry Sack Sherry
0.5 oz	Monin Pure Cane Syrup
.75 oz	Fresh Lemon Juice

Muddle strawberries and basil leaves. Shake the rest of the ingredients with ice and fine-strain over fresh ice.

Photos from omnihotels.com

Southern Filmmakers And A Quest: Duke And The King

2011-08-23T14:09:26-05:00

Duke Bardwell isn't a household name, but is a legend around some parts of the South. A former member of Elvis' "TCB Band," his story is one that two Southern filmmakers are on a mission to capture.

Wayne Franklin and Kris Wheeler are working to complete a documentary about Bardwell. Called "Duke & The King," it tells the story of the bass player and Baton Rouge native.

“Duke is something of an undiscovered gem in the mainstream music world,” says Franklin, an Alabama resident. “But we think once Elvis fans hear a little of his story and his music, they’ll want more.”

Today the duo is launching a crowd-sourcing campaign via Kickstarter to help them raise money to finish the documentary. The duo have years of footage of Bardwell, including live recordings throughout the South.

Making the film is part of their mission to share untold stories behind an often overlooked Southern musician. From their website:

"Long before the Elvis years, Bardwell’s musical career got off to an early start in his native Baton Rouge, La., playing in popular regional bands including the Dixie Crystals, The Greek Fountains, Basement Wall and Cold Gritz & The Black-Eyed Peas. Over the years, Bardwell has performed and recorded with many influential artists, among them: Tom Rush, Jose Feliciano, Gene Clark and Emmylou Harris. And, in 1974-75, he was the bassist for The King."

As one of Southern Living's resident Elvis fanatics, it's a project that has fascinated me. I hadn't heard the story of Duke, and am eager to hear more, especially through the lens of Southern filmmakers.

Equally important is the mission of preserving the history of our Southern storytellers -- musicians, artists, writers. We love hearing about these projects -- share them with us!

Southern Living: The Avett Brothers: The New Kings of Southern Rock

Southern Living: Meet Nashville Songwriter Thad Cockrell

Hotel Deals of the Week

2011-08-09T15:19:01-05:00

Just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean the vacations have to be. We got the scoop on the best deals around the South to help make your trip-planning a little easier (and cheaper!) Here are the deals that have us ready to pack our bags this week.

* Contact hotels for restrictions

Deals This Month

“Splash & Stay” Package at Renaissance Orlando at Sea World

Orlando, FL — August 7- October 1 (must book by August 31)

View from Sea World; photo courtesy Renaissance Orlando at Sea World

The best part of big hotel adding a new splashy feature to its amenities is getting to stay at said hotel for $89 a night. To celebrate the opening of its new R Aqua Zone water playground (big slides, tot pools, water jets), Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld is offering guests the “Splash & Stay” package with a flat rate of $89, and free meals for kids throughout your stay. As the official hotel for Sea World, guests get early-entry to the park on select days, and skip-the-line access to rides and attractions.

To book, visit RenOrlando.com and use the rate code SUM or call 800/327-6677 and request the “Splash & Stay” package.

“Rein in the Summer” Package at Trump International Resort

Sunny Isles Beach, FL (now- October 2)

Hotel pool; photo courtesy Trump International

It’s said Miami’s beaches are fun rain or shine, and Trump is making sure that’s the case. The hotel’s “Rein in the Summer” package starts at $236 per night and includes 20% savings on travel through October 2, and two package options depending on the weather.

WHEN IT SHINES you get:

A kids’ welcome beach bag with two pairs of swimming goggles, two oversized sand buckets and two Super Soakers
Two complimentary pool-side cocktails
A bottle of SPF 30
Daily access to Planet Kids — a kids’ club with a curriculum of “Enviro-Adventure” activities

IF IT RAINS you get:

Spacious deluxe, family-friendly accommodations
Complimentary in-room movie with candy and popcorn
Complimentary in-room video games.

For reservations call 855/396-6198 or visit TrumpMiami.com.

“No Negotiation’s Necessary” Package at Sagamore, The Art Hotel

South Beach, FL August 15 – September 30 (must book by August 15)

Guest room; photo courtesy Trump International

Miami Beach’s Sagamore, The Art Hotel celebrates the lifting of the NFL lockout by locking down a great deal for guests traveling August 15 – September 30. The “No Negotiations Necessary” package includes: 15% off room rates on bungalows, the penthouse, and oceanfront suites; 25% off food and drinks; and a poolside bucket of ice-cold beer.

To book call 877/242-6673 and ask for the "No Negotiations Necessary.” For more information on the Sagamore Hotel visit www.SagamoreHotel.com.

“The Help Experience” Package at the Fairview Inn

Jackson, MS (running now through November)

Fairview Inn; photo courtesy Fairview Inn

As stoked as we are about the release of The Help, August 10; we are even more excited to hear about this deal at Fairview Inn (where some of the stars stayed while shooting) in downtown Jackson.

"The Help Experience" Package includes: One night’s accommodations at the Fairview Inn; mint juleps upon arrival (sweet!); a gourmet Southern dinner for two at the property’s Sophia's Restaurant; and a The Help welcome basket, including items related to the novel — playing cards with accompanying how-to book on bridge, old-fashioned bottled coke, peanuts, Mississippi cheese straws, and a self-guided driving tour of Jackson highlighting landmarks from the novel.

The package starts at $349 – $409 plus tax. To book call 888/948-1908 or visit FairviewInn.com

Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off island-wide discounts

Amelia Island, FL August 26-27

Barbecue sign; photo courtesy The Second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off

To coincide with its Second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cookoff (saucy barbecue dishes, live music, sandy toes — yes please!), August 26-27, the Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau partnered with some of the area’s hotels to offer lodging discounts and packages.

• Amelia Hotel at the Beach — standard rooms for $89 per night, August 25-28. The rate is only available through phone reservations, using booking code “COOK.” Rate includes free parking and free breakfast daily. AmeliaHotel.com

• Elizabeth Pointe Lodge — Walking distance from the event, the inn’s Cookoff Package includes the Sunset guest room for two nights, bike rental for two, hors d’oeuvres reception each evening, breakfast each morning, newspaper, Wi-Fi, beach equipment, and parking. ElizabethPointeLodge.com

• Residence Inn, Amelia Island — The official host hotel of the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off offering rates starting at $109 per night. Must mention 'Tailgate Cookoff' to get the rate. ResidenceInnAmeliaIsland.com

• Harbor Front Hampton Inn and Suites — rates start at $99 for a standard room and $129 for a suite. HamptonInnandSuitesAmeliaIsland.com

• Omni Amelia Island Plantation — rates start at $109 for an ocean view room on August 26-27. Use booking code GSTC1. OmniAmeliaIslandPlantation.com

• Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach — rates start at $99 for a double room, plus tax. AmeliaIslandHamptonInn.com

• ERA Fernandina Beach Realty — 20 percent off all ERA locations, except Beachside Motel. AmeliaVacations.com

• Addison on Amelia: a free night on reservations of four nights or more; or enjoy Weekends For Weekdays special rates during the Cookoff, saving $80 on a Friday and Saturday night visits. AddisonOnAmelia.com

*Prices do not include tax and are based on availability. Contact each hotel for reservations and any restrictions.

Looking Ahead: September

“Spend the Night in Addison” Oktoberfest Package

Addison, TX September 15 - 18

Addison Oktoberfest logo; photo courtesy AddisonTexas.net

Just outside of Dallas, this culinary town beefs up its German festivities with authentic music, food, yodeling contests, a German spelling bee (practice gemutlichkeit), and plenty o’ beer. During the three-day Addison Oktoberfest celebration, September 15-18, the town is offering "Spend the Night In Addison" package for $37, including discounted room rates at participating hotels, two tickets to Oktoberfest; $10 in “Tasty Bucks,” good for food and drinks; and a commemorative beer stein.

For a full list of participating hotels and rates visit addisontexas.net, or call 800/233-4766

Take a Joy Ride in a BMW at the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

Charlotte, NC (September 18 – October 24)

Guest room; photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

From September 18 to October 24, guests of the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte get to borrow a BMW from the manufacturer’s new line for a three-hour ride. Loaners are given out to guests on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the program is part of The Ritz-Carlton BMW Driving Tour.

To book a room visit ritzcarlton.com or call 800/241-3333

Looking Ahead: October

“Pirate Plunder in Paradise” Package at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront

Savannah, GA (October 6-9)

Rocks on the River, hotel restautant; photo courtesy Bohemian Hotel

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront is offering the “Pirate Plunder in Paradise” package starting at $669 for the first night and $296 for the remaining two nights, during the Tybee Pirate Festival, October 6 - 9, 2011. Rates include luxurious accommodations, a carriage ride around historic downtown, dinner and breakfast for two guests at the on-site Rocks on the River restaurant, and valet parking. Adults also get a bottle of chilled champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

*Shuttle to Tybee departs daily from Visitor’s Center at 10:00 a.m., returning at 5:30 p.m. Roundtrip is $6.00 per person.

For more information visit BohemianHotelSavannah.com or call 912/721-3800 or toll-free 888/213-4024.

Snow in Birmingham? Taste of New Orleans in Alabama

2011-08-02T15:53:05-05:00

With record breaking heat in the South, we are all looking for ways to stay cool. My new favorite is visiting one of Birmingham's newest mobile food businesses -- Nola Ice. Opened last month by New Orleans native Kelli Caulfield, this food truck offers more than 40 flavors of sno-balls like the kind you get in The Big Easy.

Kelli travels all over the Birmingham area with the truck, Tweeting her location to eager followers (@NolaIceBham).

"One of my fondest memories growing up was my Dad taking me to get a sno-ball on Friday's when he got out of work," Kelli says. "I remember always going to Pandora's - located on Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. I just felt that this city had a need and should experience the greatness that I knew as a kid - sitting on the lake with a sno-ball as big as my head, eating that Blue Bubblegum greatness in a cup, and chatting it up with my Dad about anything and everything."

She calls it her "passion project," and it shows. Kelli uses block ice and a special machine called a "sno-wizard," to create the "sno-balls." She mixes all of her own flavors -- from pina colada to red velvet to wedding cake.

"In June I held a tasting where friends, family and a lot of our Twitter followers came and tested the product. All of my New Orleans people got onto me about softening the ice and making the syrups 'Kool-Aid sweet,'" she says. "I took the next two weeks to perfect both. Lets just say they are happy with the end result."

(Click here for more of her story of how she grew her business with the help and inspiration of family and friends.)

I've tried two flavors -- "The Ross Boss" (grape, blueberry, pineapple and granny smith apple) and "The Politician" (coconut and pineapple). And they are delicious. Sitting in the cool air of my car the other day with a friend, we laughed as our tongues turned blue. Now that's summer.

Kelli has plans to eventually expand Nola Ice. For now, she says she loves to see the smiles on the face of her customers, who are transported to a different time -- and place -- through her cool treats.

"I think for adults it reminds them of their youth," Kelly says. "Being able to eat that sugary syrup covered over soft ice. It takes you back to a simpler time. Another reason is that they cool you off. This summer has been extremely hot. To have something so tasty in this heat is a beautiful thing."

Southern Living: New Orleans Travel Guide

Dean Mitchell's "Rich in Spirit" Opens at the Gadsden Arts Center

2011-07-29T11:15:25-05:00

Artist Dean Mitchell

Dean Mitchell’s expressive watercolor works have been compared to Andrew Wyeth and Johannes Vermeer, but he didn’t come into the craft with the same social advantages of these men. When Mitchell was growing up in Gadsden County, near Tallahassee, FL the concept of being an artist was as foreign as frog sashimi. Raised by his grandmother in an impoverished, African American community, he started laboring in the tobacco fields when he was in elementary school. “I grew up in the segregated South,” he says. “My mother told me a black man will never make a living in America selling pictures.”

Mr. Joseph Northern, watercolor

But from the moment his grandmother bought him a paint-by-numbers set when he was six, Mitchell found his calling. By seventh grade he was painting murals in neighbors’ bedrooms for $10 a piece. He began entering art competitions, and though there was an interest in his talent, there wasn’t money for art school or supplies. Rather than give up, Mitchell would skip lunch to save money for paints and brushes.

“I have gone further than I ever thought I would,” he says. If he had listened to the advice of well-intentioned friends and family along the way, that wouldn’t be the case. Through entering tough competitions, being admitted into the Columbus College of Art and Design, getting and being let go from a job at Hallmark, hosting his first museum show in Missouri, and self-publishing his first book; Dean was faced with naysayers, and messages of ‘boy, you crazy.’ But the fearlessness, work ethic and sense of determination instilled in him by the characters he grew up around in Quincy, pushed Mitchell to try.

That “just do it” attitude led to Mitchell being the youngest and only African American to ever be awarded a Gold Medal by the American Watercolor Society, selling all 5,000 copies of his first book, winning about 405 awards throughout his career, and now being able to go back to his hometown of Quincy to show at the Gadsden Art Center.

Back Road to Quincy, watercolor

“Quincy didn’t have an art center when I was growing up; there was no access to art in rural areas,” he says. Today he is a proud source of inspiration and role model for kids in rural communities interested in the arts — something he didn’t have. “I love to come back to my hometown,” he says. “The shows here draw people from all walks of life.”

And those are the people reflected in Mitchell’s evocative work. “I am an artist who is interested in the frailness of life, but also in people’s spirit,” he says. “People who might be poor in material wealth, but are rich in knowledge, moral compass, and spirit.” His work portrays the characters of his childhood in old, rural Florida and life in a manner that draws you in the way only the best storytellers can. With a quiet strength — no splashy colors or screaming graphics needed.

Sounds of the Crescent City, watercolor

Dean Mitchell’s exhibit "Rich in Spirit" opens at the Gadsden Art Center tonight at 6pm, with a talk by the artist at 6:30, followed by a book signing of his children's book "Against All Odds: Artist Dean Mitchell's Story." The exhibit runs through October 29. The opening-night event is hosted along with the Taste of Gadsden County Restaurant Showcase, with 11 of the area’s restaurants offering food and drink tastings from 7 to 9pm.

For more information visit gadsdenarts.org or call 850/875-4866.

Photos courtesy Dean Mitchell Studios

In Memoriam: Dean Faulkner Wells

2011-07-28T15:28:15-05:00

This week, we mourn the loss of the last of a great generation of Faulkners. My friend Dean Faulkner Wells, William Faulkner's niece, died this week of a stroke. She is not the last of the bloodline, as many Faulkner kin will quickly assert, but she was the last primary source who knew, intimately, the Southern writer who is arguably the greatest American novelist of the 20th century.

I got to know Dean while writing The Last Living Faulkner (April 2011). I spent a long December day with her at her home in Oxford, Mississippi, interviewing her in between portrait sessions with photographer Robbie Capponetto. It was an assignment we'll never forget.

Writing about a Faulkner is not an easy thing, and Dean and I connected over our shared trepidation. She was nervous about being interviewed, and I was terrified when the piece I proposed as a Q&A turned into a long narrative. As we talked quietly in her kitchen, at a table seasoned by generations of great writers -- Barry Hannah, Willie Morris, Tom Adkinson and others -- I developed a deep fondness and respect for a woman with the courage to write in the shadows of giants.

There were sweet moments that didn't make it into the story, and I keep those in the jewel-box of my psyche, like gifts.

"It's all your fault!" Dean said as soon as we arrived at her home, the house that once belonged to William Faulkner's mother, Maud. She showed us to the "ruined" Absalom Table -- the modest wooden dining room table where William finished his manuscript of Absalom! Absalom! During Thanksgiving dinner, she had set down a hot gravy boat upon it, leaving a faint ring. When she learned that Southern Living wished to photograph her at the famous table, she spent hours polishing furiously, polishing off, to her horror, a layer of varnish. And it was all our fault.

After the interview, we sipped cocktails by the fire in her living room. I took bourbon. She drank white wine. She had a wicked sense of humor and laughed with a textured and gravelly laugh that was infectious. At dinner, in a restaurant on Oxford Square, each person at the table shared three immaterial things that brought them joy. I do not recall what her answers were, only that she took great delight in the answer of photo assistant Ulrich Brinkmann, a German man who dressed in all black and said his secret pleasure was, "Vacuuming. Really--it calms me."

Dean dreaded public speaking, and had no plans for a great book tour. But she agreed to come do a signing at Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham on one condition: if I would read for her. I had to overcome my own fear of public speaking to do so, but how do you say no to a Faulkner? I read an excerpt from her book, written in wonderfully accessible prose, and did the best I could. Her well-written words made it easy.

When I told Dean I was thinking about attending the Faulkner conference held every year at Ole Miss, she said, "Oh, just come and be a student in our kitchen instead. We'll introduce you to our writer friends." She was referring to Tom Franklin, Beth Ann Fennelly, Ace Atkins, and Neil White. I hoped one day to sip whiskey at her kitchen table, in "Willie's chair" (where the late Willie Morris once took a call from the White House, to answer a President's trivia question about baseball). This was the table where she wrote her book, in pencil on a legal pad, legs tucked underneath her, sunlight streaming over her shoulder.

I emailed Dean's husband, Larry, to offer my condolences. He said she died quietly in her sleep, of a massive stroke, while taking a nap. I am glad she felt no pain, did not suffer.

Words fail me now, as I struggle through this lousy job of explaining why she meant so much to me, considering my time with her was sweetly short. I suppose I saw in her the courage to write even when you fear your words will not live up. Thank you, Dean, for entrusting me with your story.

José Andrés's Patriotic Pop-up Restaurant

2011-07-27T14:00:00-05:00

By: Bill Addison

America Eats Tavern, downstairs dining room; Greg Powersm

Pop-up restaurants — ventures that set up temporary shop in an event space or after hours in an already-established restaurant — are a growing trend nationally, but Washington D.C.’s José Andrés has used his star power to take the concept to another playing field entirely. Six months ago, he decided to dismantle his Nuevo Latino hit Café Atlántico and replace it with America Eats Tavern, a restaurant that celebrates the country’s culinary history. The project is in conjunction with the National Archives exhibit called What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? that examines the government’s effect on the American diet. The restaurant—which has corporate sponsors such as Dole and American Express and raises money to support the Foundation for the National Archives — opened with patriotic flourish on July 4 and is scheduled to close when the exhibit ends on January 3, 2012.

Chef José Andrés; Pablo de Loy

Andrés, a native of Spain who owns seven restaurants across the country and won the national Outstanding Chef award this year from the James Beard Foundation, is best known for witty, experimental riffs like foie gras cotton candy. America Eats gives him a chance to express his longstanding interest in the cuisine of his adopted country. He displays rare American cookbooks from his personal collection near the entrance of the multi-level restaurant. A “chandelier” of old-fashioned window frames, some of which contain images from the National Archives exhibit, dangles through the open center of the space’s three floors.

The intensely researched menu draws inspiration from famed restaurant dishes (Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s in New Orleans, Lobster Newburg from New York’s Delmonico) as well as cookbooks, including an adaptation of the Shrimp in Grapefruit Cocktail from the first edition of The Joy of Cooking in 1931. The descriptions are lengthy and fascinating. For the Mock Turtle Soup based on Amelia Simmons’s American Cookery published in 1796, the first line reads, “In the first American cookbook, Simmons included a recipe for both turtle soup and mock turtle — or, as she put it, ‘To dress a calve’s head. Turtle fashion.’” There’s so much to absorb, it can take a while to get around to ordering. (You can also buy a souvenir copy of the menu for $5.) And in these heady times of cocktail worship, the drink list reminds us that our love of libations has been ongoing for centuries: Along with a lime rickey and a mint julep, you can taste Benjamin Franklin’s brandy-spiked milk punch.

Fried chicken

It fills a Southerner with pride to see how many iconic dishes hail from this part of the country. There’s fried chicken, of course, offered with a choice of traditional catsups — oyster, anchovy, mushroom, gooseberry, or, no surprise, tomato. The restaurant attributes fish-and-grits to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, noting that the Native Americans taught the first settlers how to hull corn into hominy, though it uses South Carolina’s Anson Mills grits for its interpretation. A refreshing peanut soup, served pureed and chilled, is credited to George Washington Carver and the peanut research he published in 1914. Andres commits a bit of playful heresy by amalgamating barbecue traditions, plating a Texas-style beef rib with both a sweeter tomato-based sauce and a North Carolina-style vinegar sauce. Shrimp and pork jambalaya for two is served in a cast-iron skillet. The restaurant makes Kentucky burgoo with rabbit, squab, and lamb (dang, no squirrel?) on Wednesdays only.

Key lime pie

Some preparations, such as Chesapeake crab cakes with pickled watermelon salad, nod to tradition with their straightforward simplicity. Others showcase Andrés’s signature tinkering: An elaborately deconstructed Key lime pie includes ripples of creamy custard filling sprinkled with buttery graham cracker crumbles and surrounded by dots of toasted meringue. It seems appropriate. The restaurant highlights how and where our national culinary identity has evolved and also where it’s headed. America Eats is already a popular success. We’ll see if it really closes in January.

- Photos courtesy ThinkFoodGroup

Louisiana Native William Joyce's Redefining Storytelling App

2011-07-20T13:49:32-05:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad App Trailer from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. The name might be a mouth-full, but this new eBook from Pixar-animating, illustrator, author, and Louisiana native William Joyce is as straightforward as iPad for kiddies gets.

The app blends the best of short film and children’s literature to put young readers in the shoes of Mr. Lessmore for a day, a man devoted to caring for his books. The illustrations and fatherly voiceover bring forth the nostalgia of bedtime stories, while the interactive features, and 3D animations bring the story to life.

Engage as much as you’d like with the app. You can turn off the voiceover to read the story yourself, and choose to use the interactive features or not. The story will still flow wondrously from page, to no-need-to-turn page. Even if you opt to play with the features, they are easy to follow — little nudging and explanation needed. If there’s knocking at a door, you tap to open; if a sky is looking grey, you swoosh it blue with a wave of a finger.

Joyce is an expert at infusing old-charm into modern technologies; he helped create the retro toy characters for Pixar’s first CGI film, Toy Story. He made a name for himself with children’s stories like George Shrinks and Rollie Pollie Ollie. In the world of film he is reputed for his work on Toy Story, Bug’s Life and Robots.

Though we can’t get enough of Joyce’s wanderlust tales, we love him for giving us one of the best darn foodie tours of his hometown, Shreveport, LA. (Southern Living, November 2008, “William Joyce’s Guide to Shreveport”). Read "William Joyce's Guide to Shreveport."

Lost your issue? Here’s a brief glimpse of where Joyce eats in Shreveport: Fertitta’s Delicatessan & Catering for muffulettas (318/424-5508); his neighborhood market, Cush’s Grocery & Market; Village Grill for a steakhouse dinner (318/424-2874); and local dive Herby K’s for their Shrimp Busters (open-faced po’boy topped with flattened shrimp, and a secret red sauce).

Get the Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from the iTunes store. ($4.99)

Who Shot Rock & Roll? One of Our Very Own! Birmingham Museum of Art Exhibit

2011-06-27T19:17:29-05:00

At Southern Living, we're fortunate to work with some of the best photographers in the business -- men and women who work tirelessly to get the perfect shot to grace the pages of the magazine. They bring with them rich and varied experiences that make their photographs shine. (And if you could see the outtakes, you'd see them working long hours, standing on rooftops and waiting for hours for the sun to get *just* right. What we don't do for the shot!)

On Tuesday, June 28, one of our very own will share some of his the experiences that shaped him as a photographer during a free talk at The Birmingham Museum Art (noon-1 p.m.).

Art's talk is one of a number of events hosted by the museum in conjunction with their "Who Shot Rock and Roll Exhibit," which opened last week and runs through September 18 (for the exhibit website, click here.)

From the museum's website:

"Art Meripol, Senior Photographer at Southern Living discusses his role as a concert photographer in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Meripol has photographed musicians such as David Lee Roth, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, John Mellencamp, and dozens more. Many of the artists Meripol has photographed are also featured in the exhibition, Who Shot Rock and Roll. Meripol’s photographs are taken from a fan’s vantage point, but with the goal of capturing the iconic image of the artist always in mind."

If you're in or near Birmingham, check out Art's talk, and the exhibit, which contains incredible, iconic images of rock and roll's history, 1955-present. Organized by the Brooklyn Museum and curated by Gail Buckland, it's a rare treat into photos of rock royalty, as captured through the eyes of skilled photographers.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is located at 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. Let us know if you visit!

Julep: Art, Wine, and Rock and Roll: Birmingham Museum of Art Rocks Out With Summer Concert Series

Southern Living Tornado Storytelling Project: Tuscaloosa

2011-06-17T20:00:03-05:00

Update: thanks to an overwhelming response, all of the slots for our June 28 storytelling project have been filled. If you are interested in sharing your story, please send afew sentences about yourself and your story, your name and contact information to tornadostories@timeinc.com

Earlier this week, here in Birmingham we had the privilege to spend time with a number of people who were impacted by the April 27 tornadoes. They came from all over and generously shared their stories with us, each one that tells part of the heartbreaking day that changed our region. These stories of loss, hope, community, and rebuilding are stories that we will be telling for a long time to come.

At Southern Living we're dedicated to honoring the lives of those so affected.To continue our storytelling project, we'll be in Tuscaloosa recording more stories on Tuesday, June 28.

If you or a friend are interested in sharing, please consider joining us. All the details are below. Please contact us at tornadostories@timeinc.com if you would like to schedule an interview slot. And if you aren't able to make it that day but would like to share your story, please email us at the same address.

What: Southern Living is looking for people who are willing to share their personal stories of how they have been affected by the April 27 tornadoes. Participants must be willing to have their stories recorded on video.

Who: Anyone who was directly affected by the storms. You don’t need to prepare anything to say – we’ll have questions. All you have to do is answer.

When: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: University Church of Christ, 1200 Julia Tutwiler Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35204-2934. Please go to the office and someone will direct you to the correct room.

Why: Our goal is to continue to tell this story that has impacted so much of the South, with a focus on how Southerners have found hope -- and helped one another. Photos and video may be used in upcoming coverage.

To Participate: Please email tornadostories@timeinc.com to reserve a time slot between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you cannot participate that day and would like to share your story, please email your name, contact information, place of residence and a few sentences about your story to the same address.

NPR: Sold Out Concert Raises Money, Hope In Alabama

CBS Evening News: After Alabama's Deadly Tornadoes, Hope Returns

Swim with Beluga Whales at the Georgia Aquarium

2011-06-10T10:48:00-05:00

Beluga whales – the permanently smiling, arctic white “canaries of the sea.” It’s one thing to see them twirling about behind a giant Plexiglas tank, it’s a whole other to have all 3,000 pounds of one wading right in front of you, begging you to reach out and play. The Georgia Aquarium is one of only six facilities in the world to host beluga whales, and through the aquarium’s new Beluga & Friends Interactive Program you get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to get in the water with the playful creatures.

The whole experience is set up so you are like an aquatic trainer for the day – from the custom wet-suits hanging in your locker room to the personalized 4:1 maximum trainer ratio. The program takes out no more than eight people at a time, and groups are split into four people per station. You can expect to meet most of the aquarium’s four beluga residents on any given dip.

Trainers teach you the commands to communicate with the whales, so you help lead the acrobatics. Motion like an orchestra conductor to hear the whales sing, or twirl like a ballerina to watch them mimic your moves. If you’re lucky, you might see Beethoven, the oldest, leaping feet above the water; or be left standing in shock after Qinu, the youngest whale, spits buckets of saltwater into your eagerly ajar mouth.

Be ready to get touchy feely. One of the neatest parts of the program is feeding the belugas (hint: they eat raw fish), and getting to pet their melons and marble-smooth skin – their squishiness rivals the best memory foam mattress.

The water is about 55 degrees, but between your custom-fit wetsuit (the staff ask for your weight, height and shoe size when you book the tour to ensure a snug fit) and the rush from getting in the water with whales, the chilly temp is barely an after-thought.

Just when you start to wonder who these “Friends” are in the Beluga & Friends title, your trainer leads you to an adjacent tank where one-by-one the harbor seals come out to meet you – slipping and sliding through the training-room floor.

You won’t be going into the water blind though. Before and after you meet the marine mammals, lively aquarium staff lead you through presentations in which you learn about conservation efforts and beluga factoids, i.e. they are made of 40% blubber, and are the most vocal animals of the sea (hence the nickname “canaries of the sea”).

In case you have a hard time convincing friends of your “I swam with beluga whales in the middle of Atlanta” story, staff photographers snap evidence all along the way.

Who can argue with a picture of you hugging a beluga whale?

Go try it: Programs run twice daily at 10am and 1:15pm. Participants must be 5’ or taller. To reserve a spot call 404/581-4000.

The two-hour program will run you $225 per person ($205 for members), and includes admission to the aquarium, animal encounter, and a souvenir towel and photo.

Photo courtesy: Georgia Aquarium

Southern Living Tornado Storytelling Project: Looking For People To Share Their Stories

2011-06-09T10:31:19-05:00

Southern Living is looking for people who are willing to share their personal stories of how they have been affected by the April 27 tornadoes. Participants must be willing to have their stories recorded on photo and video.

Who:

Anyone who was directly affected by the storms. You don’t need to prepare anything to say – we’ll have questions. All you have to do is answer.

When: Monday, June 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Southern Progress Headquarters, 2100 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham Alabama, 35209 (next to Samford University)

Why: Our goal is to continue to tell this story that affected so much of the South, with a focus on how Southerners have found hope -- and helped one another. Photos and video may be used in upcoming coverage.

To Participate:

Come to Southern Progress Monday, June 13 between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (For a map, go to http://tinyurl.com/3mueu7k)

Check in at the front desk and someone will come to meet you. Interviews will take about 20-30 minutes. If you cannot participate that day and would like to share your story, please email your name, contact information, place of residence and a few sentences about your story to:

tornadostories@timeinc.com

**Note: we are planning additional storytelling opportunities in other areas. Please email us if you would like to be contacted.**

Tornado Survivors: Willing To Share Your Story?

2011-06-07T16:48:28-05:00

At Southern Living, we're committed to continuing to tell the stories of those affected by the devastating tornadoes of April 27 that impacted so much of our region.

As part of our continued coverage, we are looking for survivors who are willing to share their personal stories. We want to know how you were impacted, what you learned, what has given you hope.

If you are interested in sharing your story, and possibly being photographed and videotaped, please send an email to:

tornadostories@timeinc.com

With the following information:

Name:

Place of Residence:

Contact Information (Email and Phone):

Please include a few sentences about your story, how you've been affected, and what's brought you hope.

Related Links:

Storms Across The South: How To Help

Hope and Help In The Wake of The Storms

New Tequila Bar in Midtown Atlanta

2011-06-07T09:09:00-05:00

Escorpion bar chef Gilbert Marquez especializes in mixing in with Mezcal. When the sun sets at Escorpión, the veladoras' (religious candles) glow set the mood.

To say that Riccardo Ullio’s (of Sotto Sotto and Fritti) newest food venture is a Mexican restaurant in Midtown would be a disservice. Putting this label on it might make you think you’re in for a taste of great tacos and salty margaritas. In reality, you’re about to enter a low-ceilinged sultry spot where colorful Mexican art enwraps the space and charismatic bar chefs with vast knowledge for their craft mix and shake with all the sazón of a Latin dance party.

Escorpión is a true tequila bar, right down to the three-tequila Tasting Flights served with sangrita (little blood) – a spiced, traditional Mexican chaser.

The drink menu is divided into 11 categories each describing the indigenous Mexican recipes and customs the mixes hail from. The Agave al Tiempo drinks will arm you with all the health benefits of the fresh fruits and herbs that line the bar. Go for the Santa Ana Fruit Cart - mixed with blanco tequila, pineapple cordial, cucumber and lime. The drink was created by Escorpión bar chef Gilbert Marquez and pays homage to his growing up in the Mexican-dense Orange County community.

If you’re looking for something more “straight-up,” try a libation from the Stirred section, where the drinks are “spirit driven, juiceless and intense.” The bartenders will recommend the 30-30*, but maybe not on an empty stomach.

To ensure you’re not falling off your chair, the bar stools are backed, and the dinner menu lures you to slow down and take a bite. The tuna and octopus ceviches are chilled seafood dishes perfect to cool down on a hot day, while the TNT tacos and tamales bring on the heat. Try the pork tamale or the Barbacoa de Chivo with braised goat.

If at the end of the day you still just want a margarita, sure they’ll whip one up for you; thought it will likely be an updated version of a margarita from the Sours and Daisies (margarita is Spanish for daisy) section. But I’d dare say you’d be missing out if you fail to try La Conquista, made with Mezcal, agave nectar and real Aztec cacao.

Check back later this week for a second Atlanta-scene update. This time we'll be swimming with beluga whales at the Georgia Aquarium.

Hope, and Help, in the Wake of the Storm

2011-05-03T13:05:17-05:00

Last Friday, I was driving through north Georgia when I saw an angry swath of downed trees and a torn-up town off I-59. Three young girls held a hand-made paper sign that read, "Free food for workers and tornado victims." Behind them, in a debris-littered church parking lot, their parents were among the group of locals bustling under white tents, feeding neighbors and strangers.

Six-year-old Madison Moreland put down her paper sign, grabbed my hand, and led me to meet her momma. Her mother, Kim, waved me in and tried to feed me. I explained that I wasn't a victim or a worker, but that didn't matter to her. She told me that they had started at dawn, with biscuits. Behind her, sunburned men flipped burgers and fished around bubbling deep-fryers. She teared up, telling me about watching her daughter hold a sign, like she had as a girl after another storm. I understood, then, something about grief. When everything you ever thought to be solid is suddenly falling to pieces, we feed others, because it is one small thing we can control.

Eleven-year-old Emma Middlebrooks told me of the tornadoes - an F1, then an F3, and then another F1 - had come through around 9 a.m. last Wednesday. Kids were in school. A funeral was taking place. And the town was going about its business as three twisters came over Sand Mountain and bounced around in the valley, like pinballs. She told me, unflinching, that a green X spray-painted on the side of a house means that everyone made it out okay, but a red X means someone is missing. And a red X with a circle means something even worse.

Emma told me that the roof was ripped off the middle school, and debris rained down on the fourth graders huddled in the hall. Most of the town was without power, or water, she said. She told me of the things she found in the rubble outside her house, which was spared. A wedding ring. A birth certificate too damaged to read the name. Photos of babies. Across the street from where she stood with her sign, the funeral home crumbled, a 15-passenger church van lay upside-down, and a blue plastic kiddie-pool was impaled on a tree.

The mood, oddly enough, was not somber. There was food to be cooked, work to be done, stories to be told without a trace of self-pity. Kim tried to feed me three times, and when I tried to politely decline. I couldn't take relief food that could go to someone in need. Kim's friends shook their heads. "She won't let you leave without a soda at least." I accepted a soda, and Kim plunged shoulder-deep into a barrel and pulled out an ice-cold RC Cola.

I can't seem to throw away that can.

Biker-Chic Gear for Girls

2011-04-22T17:01:55-05:00

Bike trips are the latest, greatest way to get tour a new town. (See our story on Joy Rides in the May 2011 issue.)

Editor-tested!A few quality pieces of cycling gear go a long way (literally and figuratively). Invest in the best, and check out these brands doing great things for women on wheels.

1. LUNA Sport Stripe long-sleeve jersey ($109): Admit it. When you look fast, you feel fast. And when you feel fast, you ride fast. But the beauty of biking is not always about being fast -- it's just as much about cruising in style and comfort. These sporty-yet-femine racing stripes scream "On your left!" and the wicking material keeps you dry no matter what your speed. Why we love it: LUNA (Clif Bar's sister) was the first to pay its female pro athletes the same salary as their male counterparts.

2. Pearl Izumi W Elite Rd II bike shoes ($180): A good pair of bike shoes is good for your soul as well as your soles. Why? A power plate stiffens the sole, which means that you have more levereage and power with each pedal stroke. Cleats on the sole clip in to special pedals that allow you to to spin (pulling up with your hamstrings, not just "mashing" with your quads) more efficiently, which means riding farther, faster.

3. Oakley Polarized Miss Conduct ($200): "Polarized" isn't an empty buzzword - it means lenses that reduce road glare dramatically, allowing you to see the road (and any potential obstacles) more clearly. This pair blends form with function. The sleek one-piece lens enhanses peripheral view and is impact-resistant, protecting your peepers.

4.Skirt Sports Hollaback Shorts ($85): A good pair of bike shorts is worth a pretty penny for the comfort it provides. And Skirt (known for sassy athletic skirts) makes a fine pair with a modest 7-inch inseam and a cushy chamois that covers your assets comfortably. Silicone grippers keep them from riding up, and a wide waistband is kind on the tummy.

5. Thunderbird Energetica bars ($36 for a box of 15): A concept born around a campfire in West Texas, this made-in-the-South artisan energy bar from an Austin-based company blends local and seasonal ingredients into a pocket-friendly snack that you will savor (instead of choking it down).

My Toast to the Coast

2011-04-20T11:16:05-05:00

Photo: Chris Rogers

Today marks the anniversary of the spill that released millions of gallons of horror into our Gulf of Mexico. I'd like to pause in gratitude for what the coast has meant to me, and all that I had taken for granted.

Like many of you, I spent childhood summers with sugar-white sand in my hair and between my toes, staring into that endless, impossible blue, the color of the crayon I could never find. I remember the first time I saw the white dunes of Okaloosa Island. I was a young girl, it was summer, and I was dumbfounded -- why were those beautiful hills of white snow not melting in the Florida sun? When I was eight, the sand became a medium for art: in an empty patch of condo parking lot, my friend Shelley and I drew giant sand-pictures that could only be appreciated from our 10th-floor balcony.

When my family moved to Fort Walton Beach my freshman year of high school, the water became part of my daily ablutions. I would rise at 5 a.m. and board a waterski boat driven by an old 2-star Air Force general who couldn't hear me holler over the motor, yet could detect under-the-breath teenage sarcasm as clear as a bell. My coach trained me to be a better athlete and a better person, and I learned those lessons on the waters of a sheltered cove of the bay.

These waters fed our family. My father loved fishing (though he preferred catching) and he would rise hours before dawn to drive his boat across the sound, through Destin Pass, and into the open Gulf. We would troll for king mackerel, ply reefs for grouper, and fly-line for Mahi Mahi. These were bonding moments, even though my enthusiasm for fishing usually reached its limits many hours before Dad was done. I'd usually fall asleep on the bow of his Boston Whaler, using a towel for a pillow and shade. I found my inner angler fly-fishing on mountain streams, but dad was a member of the catch-and-filet club, and my mother cooked everything he caught. We stocked the freezer with enough to last between fishing trips, and after meals, we'd recycle our leftovers, feeding the fish off our dock.

Dad delivered his finest fatherly lectures on the end of that dock, overlooking the greenish shallows of Poquito Bayou. He would teach me life lessons between identifying fish - black drum, trigger fish, mullet that jerk oddly to the side, their bodies catching the light. We would fish until the bay turned silver in the day's last light. He'd stay long after I had gone back inside, unraveling his problems.

I learned to clear my own head by diving off the dock in all weather and circumstances. I have never felt more alive, more present, than in that eternal moment suspended between dock and bay. I love swimming in the rain, when you can hear its crescendo underwater. I love night swimming away from the shore lights, watching the phosphorescence glow like fairy dust with each glittering stroke, each kick. Underwater, you can hear the crackle of sea life. Floating on your back, the stars look brighter. The world slows down, with a rhythm that moves in tune with your breath. I made a tradition of swimming on Christmas and New Year's, and have convinced a few friends over the years to join me.

The first time my future husband came to Florida to meet my family, Dad took us fishing. I hooked a fish, and reeled it in. Dad was kneeling, removing the hook from my fish, when my then-boyfriend, fish-on, lost his balance on the rocking boat, and he accidentally kicked his future father-in-law squarely in the face. Dad's eyeglasses cut a bleeding gash on his cheek, which progressed into a shiner that made us wince every time we looked at him that whole awkward weekend. Lucky for my guy, he landed that fish. A couple years later, when my beau asked Dad for my hand in marriage on a boys-only fishing trip. Dad said, "Fish on!" and made him wait until he had landed his catch before he gave his blessing.

When my father died, we held his service on the dock. He would have appreciated a wake in a no-wake zone. The minister wore a fishing shirt, and we left two rigged rods on the end of the dock, so folks could say goodbye. That summer, we scattered Dad's ashes in the Gulf. We planned to do it on the tide line, the visible barrier that marks the shifting tide and signals where the baitfish feed -- our first stop on every fishing trip. But on that day, the Fourth of July, dad's birthday, the tide line was hovering over Crab Island, the shallow sandbar under the Destin Bridge where pleasure boaters anchor until the beer runs out. Not dad's scene. So we motored out of the Destin Pass and into the open blue. With my husband and toddler at the helm, our eyes stinging with sweat and sunblock and salt, Mom and I said goodbye, watching Dad's ashes disappear into the achingly beautiful blue.

Exactly one year later, we all took a family stand-up paddleboarding lesson on Choctawhatchee Bay. Mom was 69, but she looked as if she had been born to stand and paddle. I think in that moment she saw the bay through new eyes, and the water became not only Dad's, but hers. She bought two boards and has become an SUP evangelist, teaching friends half her age to paddle in her watery backyard. Sometimes her 3-year-old grandson rides along, sitting at her feet. Last year, we paddled into a pod of dolphins and one surfaced about two feet from our boy's nose.

When I first saw the news of the spill, it was like hearing a loved one has cancer. I felt shock, then heartache, then grief. With my defining element spoiled, I thought, the world as I knew it might never be the same. I mourned for the fishermen, the sea life, and anybody else who loved the coast like I did.

Today, it looks like the Gulf might prove it is more resilient than we ever imagined. There are still questions, and there may be some lasting effects that we do not yet fully realize. In some places, things are back to normal. In others, not so much. And in yet others, the community has rebounded and come back stronger than ever before.

Whatever happens, let's celebrate, and never again take it for granted. Please join me in giving thanks for our coast by sharing one of your favorite memories.

Atlanta Chef Wins 'Top Chef All-Stars'

2011-04-01T12:43:26-05:00

FLIP Burger Boutique chef and partner Richard Blais, winner of Bravo's season 8 Top Chef All-Stars

After spending the past two weeks raving to anyone who will listen about the tuna tartare burger I tried at FLIP Burger Boutique; I was thilled to find that Atlantan, FLIP chef, Richard Blais took home the title of Bravo's Top Chef All-Stars competition Wednesday.

Makes total sense, I don't know anyone who has walked out of FLIP dissapointed by the inventive composites Blais stacks between perfectly toasted brioche buns. Even "standard" cheeseburgers get dressed up with pimento cheese and pancetta. I tend to stay on the "FLIP" side of the menu choosing between the Chorizo burger that speaks to my Spanish roots, or the Fauxlaffel burger, which might just be the best burger this side of the vegeterian realm. And don't go to FLIP with dietetic sensibilities, because to walk out without trying the Nutella + Burnt Marshmallow milkshake is a disservice to your tastebuds.

The Chorizo burger with spicy pork, manchego cheese, hashed browns and fried egg

As if you need any more reason to trek to Atlanta this weekend. Between Inman Park Restaurant Week hosting 12 Atlanta restaurants in the historic neighborhood; the Laughing Skulls Comedy Festival kicking off at 14th Street Playhouse on Friday, April 1, with Christopher Titus; Salt-N-Pepa performing at the Atlanta Civic Center Saturday, April 2,; and the Atlanta Home Show and Atlanta Fair going on all weekend; there's no better way to start the month.

Try one FLIP Burger Boutique's three locations - in Atlanta in the Buckhead and Midtown districts, or in Alabama in Birmingham.

Photos courtesy of The Reynolds Group Inc.; chef photo: Our Labor of Love; burger: Heidi Geldhauser for the Reynolds Group.

Beach Deal: $19 Direct Flight to Destin

2011-03-24T14:34:19-05:00

Get to the Florida beaches for just under $20 this summer with Vision Airlines’ new fare sale. The airline that keeps on growing has announced another expansion with direct, low-fare flights to 15 Southern cities.

Vision is celebrating the announcement with a gift for you! From now through Sunday, March 27, you can book a flight into Northwest Florida Regional Airport for $19 each way for flights from now through May 21.

The sale gives savvy travelers a chance to take advantage of Vision’s new service, which offers direct flights from the Ft. Walton/Destin area to 15 cities across the South, including Little Rock, Chattanooga, Asheville, Louisville, Greenville and Baton Rogue, just in time for the start of beach season.

To book now visit Visionairlines.com or call 877/359-2538.

Wondering what to do when you get to the beach? Read Southern Living's May issue's feature on the Gulf Beaches including Northwest Florida, and check out the Emerald Coast Convention's Center website, Emeraldcoastfl.com.

Photo courtesy: Emerald Coast Convention Center

5 Reasons To Love the Pig

2011-03-24T10:02:07-05:00

Most Tuesday and Thursday mornings, after my painfully early spinning class, I stop by the Piggly Wiggly on my way to work. I buy myself a 99-cent cup of surprisingly enjoyable coffee, grab breakfast, and wander the aisles. The Pig has become my sanctuary of stolen moments, a scrap of me-time when a working mom can think uninterrupted for a few sacred minutes or treat herself to a small indulgence (usually a bottle of wine; today, miniature Calla lilies).

Normally, I dread grocery shopping. But something about the Piggly Wiggly just makes me happy, the way shoe-shopping or gardening makes others happy. Here are a few reasons I <3 the Pig:

1. The wine guys: "My" Piggly Wiggly on Highway 31in Homewood, Ala. has a wine selection fabulously disproportionate to its size, and a well-curated variety (in my partially educated opinion). You can find a Washington Riesling, a number of big, bold Napa cabs, a smattering of foreign wines, local muscadine wine, and three types of sake. Not only do they have free wine tastings on Friday afternoons, but their wine guys--who are usually stocking shelves when I pass through at 7 a.m.--are knowledgable, friendly, and willing to spend 10 or 15 minutes helping you pick out the next good wine to try.

2. The BBQ aisle: This store stocks exactly two type of rice vinegar and one brand of sesame oil, but 59 types of BBQ sauce, from Alabama franchises (Dreamland) to locally made concoctions. The hot sauce selection is also robust, and reading the names on the bottles (some of which are unprintable in a family magazine) is a fine foil for reading the news.

3. The name: Non-Southerners used to poke fun at the Piggly Wiggly. One California friend of mine went off to college in Louisiana, and when he charged groceries at the Pig on his mother's credit card, she saw the bill and assumed it came from a strip club. Southerners not only know better, they know that you say you're going to the Piggly Wiggly.

4. T-shirts: Only a brand like this could make T-shirts that hipsters covet. My pal Tanner observed the brand's appropriation of a Vegas slogan with their "What happens at the Pig...stays at the Pig!" shirt in this post. Last week I couldn't resist adding to my toddler's wardrobe a shirt that says, "I'm big on the Pig."

5. It's Southernness: This morning, I bought a tub of Greek yogurt, a big, bold California cabernet (picked especially for my taste by the Wine Guy), a potted miniature pink Calla lily, some pre-boiled shrimp for lunch, and a 3/4-pound package of country pork cracklins (which the label helpfully explains are "Plain Fried out Pork Fat with Skin Attached.") One could also buy locally made cheese straws, sushi (not recommended), a slab of pork ribs, or a serving of grits.

Live from Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T08:47:45-06:00

Listening to the good counsel of my friend Becky, a New Orleans resident and reporter for the Times-Picayune, I cancelled my rental car and opted to fly in with one rolling carry-on and a folding bike as my one piece of checked baggage. It was a good choice: parade routes and holiday traffic would have rendered GPS useless in a tangle of parades.

We attended three private parties and two parades. The daytime Thoth parade was a family event, with young kids on ladder seats — boxes on top of ladders that put them above the crowds, a great target for gentle bead throwers. The second parade, Bacchus, was a zoolike frenzy exacerbated by the rescheduling of Endymion right after it. One local described Endymion as “the SUV of parades,” with a super-size me mentality that extends to its fan base, which makes a habit of setting up tends in the neutral ground (that’s the Nola word or the grassy median) several days befor the parade. The land-grabbing mentality is looked down upon by those who are not Endymion fans. The crowds were ten or twelve deep, and people brought port-a-potties strapped in the back of pickup trucks. In order to see anything, I had to climb a bead-encrusted tree.

The private parties were all unique, from a 1,200 square foot house with a pretty patio to a stately home serving red beans and rice, crawfish etouffe, and Emeril’s greens. The last was at the home of Muses foundress Virginia, who showed us the stroller parking lot in her yard and her impressive collection of hand-decorated shoes, which are second only to the Zulu coconut as the rarest and most coveted throws of Mardi Gras. The shoes included a pump covered with gold-painted macaroni — “Mac n shoes” — as well as the “sad crab” shoe covered with BP oil. The shoes, like the Muses floats themselves, are full ripe with clever political satire. If you step back and read the floats, it’s like a Colbertesque year in review.

Getting back to the hotel took hours. I had Gary, the photographer, let me out in the middle of the gridlocked street. I unfolded the bike, put my rolling carry-on on my back (the first time I have ever used the backpack straps, which I had nearly cut off for lack of use) and rode through the barricades and glittered streets. When I got to my hotel on Canal, the crowds were thick as molasses. I had to fight my way through with the bike, but eventually got in past a skeptical doorman. Gary didn’t make it through the traffic to his own hotel until hours later.

Right now I am blogging from my phone, dressed in a purple and yellow satin-and-sequin costume with a red mask, preparing to board Float number 18 in the Orpheus parade. It rolls at 6, but they will drive us uptown to the start, and so the madness begins now.

Bon temps are rollin’

- Kim Cross

Contest: Name a Waterfall; Win a Trip

2011-02-24T12:09:15-06:00

Got a knack for coming up with monikers? Cloudland Canyon State Park in Trenton, GA is christening its two scenic waterfalls, previously referred to as "Waterfall #1" and "Waterfall #2," and offering you a chance to get in on the naming action. The people who come up with the best names will win a two-nights stay in a park cottage or three nights stay in a campsite; an annual family disc-golf pass; and a Canyon Grill gift certificate. Not to mention the glory of naming a national park landmark.

The contest runs through April 15, 2011 and winners will be announced on April 30. To enter visit the Name the Waterfalls contest Web site.

Photo: Courtesy Cloud Canyon State Park

Art Around the South: Virginia's Picasso Exhibit

2011-02-04T15:30:21-06:00

This month 176 pieces from Pablo Picasso’s personal collection come to the South via the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. From February 15 through May 19, visitors of the museum can admire sculptures, paintings, etchings and drawings taken from the Musée National Picasso, Paris – the largest and most significant collection of the Picasso’s work in the world. Some of the exhibition's highlights include the famous Man With a Guitar, and La Celestina.

"Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris" comes stateside thanks to the Paris museum’s two-year, $28 million dollar renovation – a project which sends the pieces to seven museums around the world.The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of only three museums in the U.S. to host the exhibition, and tour's the only stop on the East Coast.

In honor of the special event, Richmond hotels are offering dozens of specials and packages including discounted lodging and tickets to the museum while the exhibit is going on. The Jefferson Hotel, a five-star property is offering overnight lodging, Southern breakfast for two, valet parking and two tickets to the museum for $265 plus tax; the Holiday Inn Express Richmond-Downtown is throwing in shuttle service to the museum, in addition to breakfast for two and exhibition tickets for $109 plus tax.

For more information on hotel deals, and attractions and dining around the museum, visit vmfa.museum/picasso.

Photo: Pablo Picasso's Jacqueline with Crossed Hands; courtesy Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

New in Town: Frank Gehry's New World Symphony Campus in Miami

2011-01-27T13:29:02-06:00

Photo courtesy: New World Symphony

World-renowned architect Frank Gehry continues to empower the South’s cultural scene with structural wonders. After designing the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, which opened in Biloxi, MS last fall (featured as Best New Arts Venue in our January Best of the South story), Gehry returns this week with a new campus for the New World Symphony orchestral academy in Miami.

But what was all modern, metallic edges, and ground-erupting “pods” in Biloxi, is a rectangular, gridded house in the middle of the Art Deco district in Miami. Or so it appears. Inside and behind the simple, frontal exterior, you find the deconstructive style Gehry is known for - funky waves of white plaster and misplaced blocks falling over each other and highlighted by neon LEDs.

The center, led by artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas, aims to bring the art of classical music to the every-day man with glass-enclosed practice rooms, which visitors can meander over during the day; and an adjacent public park where music fans can enjoy free “Wallcasts,” live feeds of the shows projected on the side of the building and heard through a 167-louspeaker system.

The opening-week celebration continues tonight with “A Shupert Journey,” a composition of Franz Shupert’s legacy; a Wallcast of Tuesday’s preview show on Friday; and as a nod to the community-focused element of the center, two free concerts on Sunday.

Get more information on the week’s events on the New World Symphony's calendar.

Newsflash: $49 direct flights to Destin

2011-01-18T12:41:28-06:00

Photo: Courtesy Phillip McDonald of Table Five Chef

Vision Airlines just announced a major expansion of air service to Northwest Florida, adding low-fare direct flights to and from 17 new markets around the South at bargain fares starting at $79 one-way. Starting March 25 and April 1, Vision will offer daily service to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) in Fort Walton, a 20-minute drive from Destin.

The airline is celebrating the announcement with a great deal: special $49 one-way fares (but you must book between Jan. 18-23, 2011).

This is the best travel news to hit the coast since Southwest expanded service to Panama City last summer, opening up the Gulf Coast to new markets. And it's wonderful news for me, since my mom lives about 4 miles from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, and I've driven dull stretches of two-lane roads from Alabama more times than I could count.

I'm not alone, apparently. "Destin is the No. 2 drive-in market in FL, after Orlando," says Clay Meek, director of sales and marketing for Vision Airlines. "Less than 3 percent of visitors fly here."

I reckon that fares this low might change all that.

If you hate the puddle-jumpers that usually fly into small airports like VPS, here's more good news: the Vision Airlines fleet serving this destination includes Boeing 737 jets in addition to the smaller Dornier 328 twin-propeller planes.

To book a flight (the website was down when I checked just now, probably flooded because of the news), visit Visionairlines.com or call 877-fly-a-jet.

See you at the beach!

Moon Pie Over Mobile: A Southern Icon Rings in 2011!

2010-12-31T09:47:20-06:00

Happy New Year from Mobile, Alabama, where the city is preparing for a huge MoonPie drop to ring in the New Year. Although it's the third time for a MoonPie incarnation to fall from the heavens, this year's event is bigger than ever, featuring a new 600-lb electronic MoonPie. (Well, an homage to one. This one is not edible!)

Here it is hoisted high above RSA Bank Trust Building, where it will fall at the strike of midnight, complete with fireworks and a laser light show.

This is the third year for the MoonPie to descent above the Azela City, but the first time the celebration has moved downtown, where crews are preparing for a huge Mardi-Gras like street party. Parade? Check? Activities for kids? Check.The O-Jays singing "Love Train?" Check.

The event has resulted in a city is abuzz with Moon Pie fever. Last night, "Sweet Home Alabama" played on Royal Street, while the MoonPie rehearsed its grand entrance. At the Mobile Carnival Museum and Serda's Coffee they're preparing for MoonPie tosses. Even the Gulf Coast Exploreum is getting in on the action, with a "Science of MoonPie" exhibits. Doesn't get more Southern than that.

Why Moon Pies on New Year's Eve? in short, Moon Pies are the traditional "throw" during Mobile's Carnival season, which begins in just a few days. (For a great history behind these traditions, check out this piece by Steve Joynt of the Mobile Press-Register.)

Delicious!

If you happen to be in Mobile tonight, look for a masked Southern Living editor -- she'll be throwing Moon Pies from a certain parade float ...

The Avett Brothers: New Kings of Southern Rock

2010-12-15T10:05:48-06:00

The Avett Brothers—they’re the best thing to happen to Southern rock since “Free Bird.” This string-happy trio (brothers Scott and Seth Avett, and Bob Crawford), former indie rockers who found their niche in punk-inflected American folk rock (that’s right), know their way around a song.

"Pretty Girl from Raleigh" by the Avett Brothers

No strangers to hard work (Scott and Seth grew up baling hay on their family’s North Carolina farm), the boys have built their fan base the old-fashioned grassroots way—one jam session, handshake, music festival, and 100-city string of gigs at a time.

We recently spent a day with the boys on the family farm, where Scott still lives in an apartment above the shed behind his parents’ house. These guys are rock stars, make no mistake. They sell out concert halls worldwide. Girls scream their names. But after an afternoon with them, shooting hoops on the cracked concrete pad, playing “dress-up” with an endless supply of Scott’s hats, goofing off on a rust-lacquered scooter uncovered in the barn, you realize they’re still just good ole Carolina boys. Playful at heart. Devoted to their (growing) families. With an almost-umbilical link to this Piedmont landscape. It’s easy to imagine the pre-rock star versions running heels-to-bottom through pastures and building forts in the woods.

And that’s what sets them apart from other road warriors of this genre. They aren’t just rockers with
a Southern sound. Their sound (whinnied bluegrass, soulful harmonies, story-rich songwriting to make a country singer swoon, fist-pumping hooks) continues to evolve. They are Southern. In all the ways that matter. And did we mention that they rock? Seriously rock.

Find more of the South's best music, inns, eats, shops
and more in the special section of our January 2011 issue

Opryland Ice: Things To Know Before You Go

2010-11-26T06:00:00-06:00

Heading to Gaylord Opryland's new "ICE!" exhibit? The attraction at the newly reopened hotel, will host people from around the country this holiday.

More than two million pounds of ice were used in creating this walk-through exhibit that tells the story of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (a story that's celebrating its 40th anniversary this year). It's open through January 2.

Here's some things to keep in mind before you enter Jack Frost's lair. (Good to keep in mind for similar exhibits at Gaylord hotels in Texas and Florida) ...

Dress warmly. Seriously. -- I knew that it would be cold, but not *this* cold -- one employee said it was nine degrees. Nine! That's a lot cooler than I'm used to in Alabama (and much colder than this Florida native is accustomed to).

Although they give you parkas when you enter, go ahead and come bundled up.

Think: layers that include a sweater, gloves, hat, and heavy socks for everyone in your group. (We had our little guy dressed warmly but we weren't. And we froze!)

Go during "off hours"-- Like the other "Country Christmas" attractions, "Ice" is a big draw, bringing in visitors from the region. We went during dinnertime and didn't have a problem walking right in. Lunch and dinner are good times to check out this populare exhibit. (More time for the ice slide! There's one for kids and a bigger one for big "kids." That's it below. Oh, and for best traction, make sure your parka is right underneath you. Wheee!!!)

Want great photos? Look for staff in the silver parkas -- Yes, you'll have your photo made as you walk in the door -- for purchase at the end (and they are cute). But if you want photos taken with your own camera, or cameras, just look for the staff wearing silver-gray parkas. They're happy to take family photos as you frolic through the ice sculpture. They are super patient (catching even our paparazzi-shy four year old).

To get a feel for the chill, here's a video of the making of ICE -- filmed before the hotel reopened:

And check out this video from Gaylord Palms, where "'Twas The Night Before Christmas Is The Theme." Raising a glass of hot chocolate!

SouthernLiving.com: Mountaintop Christmas Carols in Sewanee, TN

Happy Thanksgiving From Gaylord Opryland! (Tales From A Meal ... )

2010-11-25T18:19:27-06:00

It doesn't get more Southern than Cheerwine glazed Tennesse Ham.

Part of the meal served at Cascades, Gaylord Opryland. Other items included spiced pumpkin soup:

Lowcountry crabcakes:

Sweet potato casserole, mashed potatos, and of course turkey (free range). The Cheerwine ham is hiding underneath it. Tasty.

The deserts were just as good. I particularly enjoyed the mini pumpkin pies (served in small glasses):

Now, for a walk around the property to burn some calories.

Whatever was on your menu, hope that it was a delicious one, filled with family and friends!

Related Links:

Gaylord Opryland Reopens

SouthernLiving.com: Food Lover's Gift Guide

Gaylord Opryland Reopens: Thanksgiving Dispatch

2010-11-25T09:33:27-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Gaylord Opryland! It's definitely a day to be thankful in Nashville, as its iconic hotel re-opened November 15 after being closed for six months. The hotel suffered more than $200 million in damage as a result of the May floods that devastated the city.

The hotel, which draws visitors from around the country, was flooded in some places with as much as 12 feet of water, resuting in its closure -- a big impact for its employees and the nearby businesses.

After months of cleanup, the hotel is back better than ever, and decked out for Christmas.

I'm here with my family for Thanksgiving and excited to share snippets of the our holiday as we explore this Southern icon reborn. We're checking out their tradition of "A Country Christmas," which draws more than 1 million people each year, and bringing you some insider tips to navigate the attractions.

Our first adventure was braving their new "Ice!" exhibit last night. Stay tuned for the full story on that ... next post!

Blonde Mom Blog: You Can't Keep A Good City Down

Tenessean.com: Opryland Hotel Holiday Deals

Major Travel Deal: SATW's Travel Auction

2010-11-17T13:54:48-06:00

Our dream vacation just got a lot closer. The Society of American Travel Writers’ annual auction brings the possibilities of luxury-hotel stays and trans-Atlantic travel to the fingertips of budget travelers.

With more than 50 items to bid on, you could end up snagging a $3,725 castle in Ireland for $350, or a $50 two-night stay at a five-star hotel in the States. But, there’s only a few days left to get in on this incredible deal; the auction ends at 10 p.m. on Saturday, November, 20.

Visit satwauction.com to start bidding on packages, hotels, and even a safari gift basket. Good luck!

Beach Deal: Mississippi Gulf Coast $100 Gift Card

2010-11-05T11:05:02-05:00

Biloxi Christmas on the Water boat parade, one of the many events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this winter. For more events go to visitmscoast.org/events.

It’s not all beaches and sand in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With its casinos, fine dining, shopping, golf courses and museums, there really is no bad time to visit The Magnolia State’s ocean-side towns. And there is no better time to visit than when the Mississippi Development Authority is offering $100 to spend while on your coastal getaway.

This week, the MDA announced a new “Wish You Were Here” promotion that grants visitors a $100 MasterCard Wish Card, when they book a two-night stay at any of its participating hotels. The promotion, aimed at bumping winter travel, can be used anywhere that accepts MasterCard and is good through January 31, 2011. MDA has a limit of 7,500 cards to give away, so book fast.

Here’s how to get it:

Register for the program on visitmscoast.org. (Print out your confirmation page)

Book a two-night stay at least 24 hours in advance, by directly calling any of the 40+ participating properties listed on the site. (Use promotional code WYWH1110, when reserving)

Present your “Wish You Were Here” confirmation page upon check-in, and receive your $100 MasterCard Wish Card.

For promotion rules go to visitmscoast.org/wishcard.

Photo courtesy: Mississippi Development Authority

Editor's tip: Travel senior writer, and Gulf Coast aficionado, Valerie Fraser Luesse shares some of her favorite spots to shop and eat along the Coast.

In Ocean Springs EAT AT: Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant for innovative dishes and a Mediterranean atmosphere; 228/875-0603. SHOP AT: On the Menu for kitchenware and colorful pottery; 228/875-6979.

In Biloxi EAT AT: BR Prime in the Beau Rivage Casino for a glitzy steakhouse dinner; 888/952-2582. SHOP AT: Rosewood Gallery for hand-carved furniture; 228/435-0094

In Gulfport EAT AT: Vrazel's for a romantic, upscale dinner; 228/863-2229. SHOP AT: S F Alman for high-quality men and women's clothes; 228/896-6474

In Bay Saint Louis EAT AT: Trapani's Eatery for fried green tomatoes and great desserts; 228/467-8570. SHOP AT: The galleries on Main and Second Streets.