Southern Hospitality Magazine

02/09/2024

New at Southern Hospitality Magazine ---> Festivals and Events Make for a Spectacular September,

Can believe it's already the first of the "-ber" months. You know what that means, right? Pumpkin-spice everything for at least two months before it's time for holiday lights, peppermint, and/or gingerbread-flavored treats.Now, if only the weather would cooperate, but that's another story.Among the....

01/09/2024

today is National Hotel Employee Day.

In 2022, American Hotel & Lodging Association - AHLA and the National Day Calendar established the observance to be held annually on Sept. 1 to honor the nearly two million employees who work in America’s hotel industry.

Every day in communities across the nation, hotel employees play a key role in some of Americans’ most important life events – from wedding receptions to family reunions and vacations. Hotel employees keep guests safe, give back to their communities, and are critical to keeping our nation’s travel and tourism industry running smoothly.

The hotel industry offers employees more than 200 different career paths, rewarding pay and benefits, as well as many opportunities for upward mobility.

In 2024, hotels are expected to pay employees a record total of more than $123 billion in wages, salaries and other compensation. Check out AHLA’s state-by-state analysis at https://tinyurl.com/3c4fadfp to learn more about how hotels contribute to employment and economic growth around the country.

Along with AHLA, top hotel industry groups, including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), and the Latino Hotel Association, recognizes National Hotel Employee Day today and throughout the weekend along with hoteliers across the country.

"The nearly two million people employed by America’s hotels are the heart and soul of this industry. Their talent and drive create memorable visits for millions of guests every year,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey, in a released statement.

"This National Hotel Employee Day, we thank them for their service and encourage others to explore a career in our vibrant and growing industry."

"At AHLA Foundation, we support hotel employees at every step of their career to help them find a permanent home in our industry," added AHLA Foundation President Anna Blue. "On National Hotel Employee Day and throughout the year, our work is to champion the hotel industry one career at a time."

"AAHOA members are proud to employ over one million dedicated individuals across the nation, who are the driving force of the hospitality industry,” said Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Chairman Miraj S. Patel.

"The hoteliers we represent know firsthand that this industry only succeeds because of the commitment of staff who work directly with guests. Today and every day, we honor their unwavering commitment to excellence, their role in creating unforgettable guest experiences, and their significant contributions to our communities."

“We put a high value on the professionals who make this industry thrive day-in and day-out, and we hope everyone finds time to thank the hotel employees that create warm, welcoming stays all around the country,” said National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) President, CEO, and Founder Andy Ingraham.

"Our industry only succeeds when our staff succeeds."

"At the heart of hospitality are people who care, and we’re so glad to work with so many warmhearted professionals who have made a career in our industry,” said Latino Hotel Association President & CEO Lynette Montoya. “On this third annual National Hotel Employee Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work hotel employees do every day."


Learn about National Hotel Employee Day, visit www.ahla.com/day .

photo courtesy of StockSnap/pixabay.com

30/08/2024

Carowinds, situated on the South Carolina/North Carolina border, lights up the night with the Summer BLAST! Fireworks Show at 9:30 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 31, adds sparkles to the Labor Day weekend.

The 17-minute spectacle is synchronized to a musical score featuring artists from the star-studded Carowinds Summer Music Fest amplified by Coke Studio™. The show includes a variety of shells and effects in different colors and shapes, with five shell sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 5 inches, offering a high-flying, multi-sensory experience. This fireworks display launches over 700 shells from 102 racks behind Hurler, Carowinds' wooden roller coaster.

The Summer BLAST! Fireworks Show features multiple effects, offering a memorable way to close out the summer as guests reminisce about moments from the Carowinds Summer Music Fest.

While the fireworks are visible throughout the 400-acre park, suggested viewing locations include Carolina Boardwalk, County Fair, and Celebration Plaza.

The Thrill Zone area and surrounding attractions will close at 8:00 p.m. to safely prepare for the Summer BLAST! Fireworks Show.

As summer ends, Carolina Harbor Waterpark, featuring 13 different attractions, including 33 slides and experiences, will soon close for the season.

Families and thrill-seekers have two remaining weekends to enjoy various attractions catering to guests of all ages. Adrenaline seekers can ride the Boogie Board Racer, the Southeast's longest mat-racing water slide, known for its high speeds and exhilarating experience. For younger guests, Carowinds’ water park features a three-acre children’s area with large play structures and interactive water jets.

During Labor Day weekend, Carolina Harbor Waterpark will be open on Sat., Aug. 31, Sun., Sept. 1, and Mon., Sept. 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Carolina Harbor Waterpark will close for the season on Sun., Sept. 8.

For more events, check out our calendar on the website.

photo personal collection

Discover South Carolina Visit North Carolina

30/08/2024

Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is home to the state's only underground boat tour and has one of the largest entrances east of the Mississippi.

In addition to its Civil War history and possible Jessie James gang connection, another interesting point in Lost River Cave's history is that it was used as a nightclub.

From the 1930s to the late 1950s, the "Nite Club" was located at the mouth of the cave. It was recognized as one of the few air-conditioned nightclubs in the country. The NBC Orchestra was among the famous acts that performed here.

~ https://www.lostrivercave.org

photos personal collection

Visit BGKY Kentucky Tourism

28/08/2024

Unclaimed Baggage, the nation's only retailer of lost luggage and Alabama's beloved tourist attraction in Scottsboro, hosts its annual Labor Day Weekend Event, August 30-31 and September 2.

With fresh fall rollouts, guests can shop from a unique selection of fall apparel and luxury items. In addition, summer clearance will be 75 percent off all weekend long, and a big tent will be set up in the parking lot, displaying a vast assortment of men’s and women’s activewear.

The event also features:

• free lemonade and popcorn
• Kona Shaved Ice Truck
• Love Luggage Painting Stations – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Fri. -Mon.)
• The Baggage Experience – 12:00 p.m. (Sat. and Mon.)
• Finders Keepers – 1:00 p.m. (Sat. and Mon.)
• 60 Second Show Down – 2:00 p.m. (Sat. and Mon.)

Learn more about Unclaimed Baggage, visit https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com .

photo personal collection

Visit North Alabama Sweet Home Alabama

27/08/2024

is right around the corner. Do you have any travel plans? If you do, you aren't alone. According to AAA, domestic travel over the holiday weekend is up 9 percent compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2 percent.

What seems to be a popular escape this year? Alaskan cruises due to smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. For those wanting to remain on 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘢, Orlando is one of the top Labor Day destinations and the only one in the South (others being New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco), per AAA findings.

And for some welcomed news, road-trippers should expect to pay less for gas than last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. AAA reports in recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50.

Even with the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. However, hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September.

photo personal collection; Lake Eola Park, Orlando

24/08/2024

Can't celebrate without highlighting Waffle House.

Enjoy this brief peak inside the in Decatur, Georgia.

Next Waffle House Museum open house is Sept. 7; learn more at https://www.wafflehouse.com/museum .

images in video are from personal collection

VisitDecaturGA Discover Atlanta Explore Georgia

22/08/2024

Freedom's Hill, originally built in what is present-day Alamance County, N.C., is located on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.

~ https://www.swu.edu/conference-services/freedoms-hill-church

Dedicated in March 1848, it's the first Wesleyan abolitionist church in the South. Learn more about its history at http://bit.ly/2y0uJFC .

photo personal collection

Upcountry South Carolina Discover South Carolina

19/08/2024

in 1946 William Jefferson (Blythe III) Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas. He would go on to serve as Arkansas Attorney General, Governor of Arkansas and eventually the 42nd President of the United States.

Discover Clinton's Arkansas at https://www.arkansas.com/articles/presidential-pathways/clinton

photos below personal collection; William J. Clinton Presidential Library

Arkansas - The Natural State

19/08/2024

Of course, one /can't talk about Delta in Atlanta without first mentioning its beginnings in Monroe, Louisiana.

Inside Chennault Aviation & Military Museum are exhibits telling the story of a crop dusting business that grew into an international powerhouse.

~ https://chennaultmuseum.org

photos personal collection

Discover Monroe-West Monroe Explore Louisiana

19/08/2024

Let's talk about flying on . First place Southern Hospitality Magazine highlights is the Delta Flight Museum, at the Delta Air Lines World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia that provides an up-close look at the airline's history and development over the decades.

Housed within two 1940s aircraft maintenance hangers (both are the oldest surviving buildings at the headquarters and were designated as a Historic Aerospace Site in 2011), you can view memorabilia and artifacts, a full-scale replica of a Huff Daland Duster, The Spirit of Delta (a Boeing 767 purchased Delta employees in 1982) and much more.

Outside, you'll find a Douglas DC-9 and the first Boeing 747-400 to be built, which can be toured. For more information, visit deltamuseum.org/exhibits/747-experience.

Round out your visit by experiencing the full-motion Boeing 737-200 that was once used to train Delta pilots. It holds the honor of being the only one of its type in the country open to the public.
Learn more about the museum at https://www.deltamuseum.org .

*𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡. 5, 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 747 𝐴𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 ... Delta Flight Museum holds a monthly surplus sale inside the Museum Support Building. If Delta is 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 for you, this is worth a visit. Look for "surplus sale" on the museum's events calendar. Next one is scheduled for Sept. 13, https://tinyurl.com/2dtjfnhf .

images in video personal collection

Discover Atlanta ATL Airport District Explore Georgia

18/08/2024

in 1786, (David) Davy Crockett was born in Tennessee. Best known as the "King of the Wild Frontier," Crockett served as a frontiersman, soldier and politician, represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and would die at the Battle of the Alamo.

In Tennessee, you can view his first rifle at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, visit the Crockett Museum and Tavern in Morristown, the David Crockett Birthplace State Park near Limestone and more.

And in San Antonio, Texas, it is said/believed Crockett's remains, along with others, are entombed inside San Fernando Cathedral.

17/08/2024

in 1977, Elvis Presley was pronounced dead at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

On August 18, he was laid to rest next to his mother at Forest Hill Cemetery. However, with a threat of kidnapping the coffin and possibly future threats, Elvis and his mom were moved to Graceland as their final resting place. Since then, family members have been buried there as well.

Learn more about Graceland and its upcoming events and tours at https://www.graceland.com .

photo personal collection.

Memphis Travel Tennessee Vacation

10/08/2024

Happy 10th anniversary to Krog Street Market in Atlanta's Inman Park. Adjacent to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, the city's first food hall celebrates a decade of offering elevated dining, retail and experience options for visitors and locals.

Learn more at https://www.thekrogdistrict.com .

photos personal collection

The Krog District Discover Atlanta Explore Georgia

09/08/2024

It's the ~ finally! Before you head out to enjoy your much-earned freedom, even if it's just a day, check our FB pinned post for food festivals and more, and the calendar on our website for what's happening around the region.

photo courtesy of TheDigitalArtist/pixabay.com

08/08/2024

Fortunately, Hurricane Debby had minimal impact on Florida's Historic Coast, and all vacation business operations are normal. However, the destination's thoughts are with those affected by and those still in the storm's path. For information on how you can assist in the recovery efforts of Hurricane Debby, please visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org .

The end of summer and fall are the top times of year to visit Florida's Historic Coast. The weather and waters are warm, sunshine is abundant, there's more elbow room on the beach, and unforgettable experiences and deals are ready for all to enjoy an end-of-summer or fall getaway at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches ~ https://tinyurl.com/mr2xphdt .

photo personal collection; Bridge of Lions, https://tinyurl.com/mrxcypkx

St. Augustine, Florida VISIT FLORIDA

08/08/2024

At Macon, Georgia's Coleman Hill Park, a 60+ foot slide is waiting for you to try it out.

Find more to do in Macon for a weekend getaway at https://tinyurl.com/2uy5h4nw .

photos personal collection

Visit Macon Explore Georgia

08/08/2024

It's , and below are some of the Southern Hospitality Magazine has visited and/or climbed.

~ https://tinyurl.com/4v8fd2es ~

What lighthouses in the region have visited and/or climbed? Do you have a favorite?

Coastal Mississippi Visit Mississippi Golden Isles Explore Georgia St. Augustine, Florida Florida's Forgotten Coast Visit Pensacola Gulf County Florida Tourism The Florida Keys & Key West VISIT FLORIDA Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands of SC Discover South Carolina Visit The Outer Banks Visit North Carolina

Lighthouses found in the South

03/08/2024

Did you know the International Disc Golf Center at Wildwood Park in Appling, Georgia.

The center features a clubhouse, training center, practice greens and three championship-level courses. It also includes the Ed Headrick Museum and the Hall of Fame.

Learn more at https://www.pdga.com/IDGC .

For more on Wildwood Park, visit https://tinyurl.com/3yx9kwzb .

photos personal collection

Visit Columbia County, GA Explore Georgia

02/08/2024

Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau invites visitors and locals to celebrate all things during August.

Deemed as Huntsville Culinary Month, savor and sip your way through the Rocket City with hands-on classes, demonstrations, one-night-only events and/or the "main course" ~ Restaurant Week, August 9 - 18.

Learn more at https://www.huntsville.org/events/restaurant-week

In the meantime, whet your appetite as you check out the small sampling of palate-pleasing delights that await you in Huntsville not only for this month but year-round.



Sweet Home Alabama

02/08/2024

August is Museum Month in New Orleans.

The initiative began in 2014 and is a collaboration between museums of all sizes and genres across the greater New Orleans area. It allows locals to experience the wealth of art and culture available in the city.

Museum Month features around 24 museums, including the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, Louisiana Children's Museum and New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and History.

Click on the video below for a sample of New Orleans' museums that can be discovered in August.

For a complete list of participating museums, visit https://www.neworleans.com/museum-month/participating-museums .

Add a visit to a unique museum or two as well as you explore. For some ideas, check out 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀' 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱, https://tinyurl.com/ydpxmssy .

video, personal collection

Visit New Orleans Explore Louisiana

01/08/2024

Near Franklin, North Carolina, in the Nantahala National Forest atop Wayah Bald, elevation 5,342 ft., is Wayah Bald Lookout (built in 1937, decommissioned in the 1940s, added to the National Historic Lookout Register in 2007.) The tower is situated at an intersection of the Appalachian and Bartram Trails.

If you aren't a hiker, you can drive to the tower, park and walk along the short, inclined paved trail leading to the three-story stone lookout.

It is said on a clear day (unfortunately, it wasn't entirely that way when Southern Hospitality Magazine visited), you can see all the way to the Georgia Foothills and the Great Smoky Mountains. Regardless of if it's cloudy or sunny, the sweeping views are worth it.

For more information, check out the following:
~ https://discoverfranklinnc.com/9-franklin-area-hiking-trails-ranked-easy-to-expert

~ https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/wayah-bald

~ https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48690

Discover Franklin NC Visit North Carolina

photos and video personal collection (2022)

31/07/2024

*𝐍𝐄𝐖* at Southern Hospitality Magazine

-- 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗚𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, https://www.southernhospitalitymagazine.com/post/let-s-go-august

-- 𝗡𝗼𝘁-𝘁𝗼-𝗯𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁,
https://www.southernhospitalitymagazine.com/post/not-to-be-missed-food-events-and-festivals-in-august

photo courtesy of Pexels/pixabay.com

27/07/2024

It's the , and Southern Hospitality Magazine thought it was the opportune time to highlight Booth Western Art Museum, located off I-75 North in Cartersville, Georgia.

At the second-largest art museum in the state, visitors can explore the West through paintings, sculptures, photographs and more without ever leaving the South.

In addition to the museum's permanent collection of Western art, there is also Civil War art and the Presidential Gallery, which features Presidential portraits and letters.

The Booth also offers a research library, hands-on children's area, gift shop and Café, and various events throughout the year.
Learn more at http://www.boothmuseum.org .

Only in Cartersville Bartow Tourism Explore Georgia

photo personal collection

20/07/2024

Standing near or underneath the to appreciate the size and fully grasp the magnitude of going to the .

in 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moon, followed by fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin minutes later. Two years later, President Richard Nixon proclaimed July 20 as , commemorating the historic lunar landing.

Regarded as "America's Moon Rocket," there are three launch vehicles on display in the country. They can be found at NASA's Johnson Space Center( http://bit.ly/30KHVda ) in Houston, Texas, U.S. Space & Rocket Center ( https://www.rocketcenter.com/SaturnVHall ) in Huntsville, Alabama, and NASA's Kennedy Space Center ( http://bit.ly/2M3wOb4 ) in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

19/07/2024

No plans yet for this ? Head over to the calendar on Southern Hospitality Magazine's website to see what's happening around the region. There might be an event or two nearby.

photo courtesy of pixabay.com/ Engin_Akyurt

18/07/2024

Inside the Great River Road Museum located on the grounds of Houmas House and Gardens in Darrow, Louisiana.

The museum provides a look into the everyday lives of the residents along the lower Mississippi.

Learn more about the museum at https://greatriverroadmuseum.org .

For more information on Houmas House and Gardens, visit https://houmashouse.com .

photos personal collection

Louisiana's Sweet Spot Explore Louisiana

12/07/2024

something fun to do this ? Check out Southern Hospitality Magazine's calendar on the website to discover such events as:

• SC Festival of Discovery, Greenwood
through July 14
https://www.uptowngreenwood.com/events/sc_festival_of_discovery/index.php

• Red River Balloon Rally, Bossier City, Louisiana
July 12 -14
https://redriverballoonrally.com

• Berea (Kentucky) Craft Festival
July 12 - 14
https://visitberea.com/berea-craft-festival

• Parker County Peach Festival, Weatherford, Texas
July 13
https://www.parkercountypeachfestival.org

On July 13, all Louisiana State Parks will offer free day-use admission in honor of their 90th anniversary. On the same day, Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Complete information on both events is posted on their pages.

And don't forget about Nashville Scene's Burger Week and Athens (Georgia) Restaurant Week, both through July 14 ~ https://tinyurl.com/3pe9a8rj .

photo courtesy of pixabay.com/ LUM3N

10/07/2024

Experience the ultimate summer vacation vibe at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Enjoy all the Smoky Mountain sights, sounds and tastes through entertainment and culinary delights.

Festivities include the "Gazillion Bubble Show” at the Celebrity Theater, which mesmerizes kids and parents with bubbles of all shapes, sizes and colors, and a fantasy segment pays homage to Dolly and her Smoky Mountain history.

The Pines Theater welcomes two new shows: The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience (June 15 – July 13) and Phat Cat Sw***er (July 15—Aug. 11).

The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience highlights the many talents of rescue and shelter dogs nationwide. Phat Cat Sw***er performs original music and reimagined favorites with style, class and charisma.

And, of course, there is the Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party and Drone Show. Wildwood Grove transforms with a hyped DJ and energetic dancers, inviting guests of all skill and coordination to participate.

The party takes to the sky with the drones and tells a unique Dollywood story through 3D animations, a symphony of light and an accompanying soundtrack.

Families can enjoy interactive play opportunities that include Los Trompos, spinning tops made from stretched fabric, located at the entrance to Wildwood Grove. Others, such as Jumbo Backyard Games, Noodle Takeover and the ever-popular Bubble Foam Zone, are now found in Country Fair.

Capture the fun and memories at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Kite Sky, a returning favorite photo spot on Showstreet, featuring bright orange, yellow and white kites overhead in suspended animation. Two new colorful overhead photo opportunities include Bright Sunshiny Day, across from Hickory House BBQ, and the Sky of Many Colors, next to Back Porch Theater.

Then there's the food, an integral part of any Dollywood celebration. Sink your teething into an Apple Cider BBQ Pork Sandwich or a creamy Bacon Mac & Cheese Pizza, then cool off with iced beverages, such as quintessential Homemade Southern Sweet Tea, Honey Raspberry Sweet Tea and Iced Boba Coffee, at seasonal culinary booths throughout the park.

For dessert (or snack), indulge with a Summer Showers Cupcake at Spotlight Bakery. This vanilla blue cupcake is iced with a dollop of cream cheese, summery sprinkles and a sugar flower.

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Passes are available and include multiple festival offerings for one price. The tasting pass, purchased online or at culinary locations throughout the park, is $39.99 plus tax or $36.99 for gold and diamond season pass holders.

Complete information on Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration can be found at https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Summer .

drone show image provided by Dollywood

My Pigeon Forge Tennessee Vacation