Just a quick hello to introduce myself. My name is Katherine, formerly ofThe South Florida Traveler, and I wanted to let you know that I’ll be joining you here at Southern Byways and working with Apryl. Just a little bit of information about myself - I am originally from Milwaukee, but currently reside in South Florida. I am the editor/publisher ofDine Magazine, an upscale dining, luxury lifestyle publication covering the area from South Beach to Palm Beach. I also have a wine club to go along with the magazine where I host wine tasting events at some of the top restaurants in the area.When I am not busy trying out new restaurants, attending wine tastings or pampering myself at the spa, I am exploring the area and sharing the inside scoop about what’s going on in Florida and the surrounding area. To further introduce myself, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite posts I did while I was at The South Florida Traveler.
Could I Have Some Privacy Please?- For anyone who knows my, they know I’m an ice cream fanatic. From Banana Split to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough toGlace de Vino(Yes, it’s what it sounds like - wine flavored ice cream - Think Raspberry Merlot Cheesecake - This is to die for.) I know where to go for the good stuff.
Lions and Tigers, Oh My!- Popularly known for its pristine beaches, beautiful weather and glamourous shops, Palm Beach County is also know for the first drive-thru safari park in the country.Lion Country Safarihas been around since 1967 and is conveniently located in western Palm Beach County. This popular tourist attraction is great for children, animal lovers or anyone who “wants to take a walk on the wild side.”
A Champagne Pedicure. Could Life Get Any Better?- I read an article recently about Vinotherapy - wine in spa treatments. How fabulous! It brings you the best of both worlds, wine and a day at the spa. So when I was speaking recently with the marketing director ofBabor-Institutin Palm Beach last week, I was curious if they offered something similar. Not wine, but she did mention that they offered a Champagne Pedicure. OMG! I am in heaven. When can I come in? …
Baby Loves Disco and Other Fun Activities For the Young at Heart- A few days ago I read apostby one of our b5media bloggers at The Hawaii Traveler. Jody was talking about a national movement calledBaby Loves Disco. Have you heard of this latest craze? I hadn’t until I read Jody’s post, and I was even happier to find out that its taking place in my backyard, or nearly.
Escape to Orlando and Tackle Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge- In a town that is magical and is filled with them parks, dancing and a symphony of entertainment on every corner,Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Centerabsolutely amazes me. Best known for the elaborate Convention Center, Gaylord Palms is a city in itself. Located just 5 minutes away from Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, this 2.1 million square foot resort rings “The Sunshine State” from every corner.
There’s a look into my world. I am looking forward to working with you in the next days, weeks, months… you understand, I’ll be here with you exploring the Southern Byways.Photo Credit:spyderracer393@ flickr
Even though Elvis Presley has left the building (ahem, earth) over 30 years ago, despite what numerous tabloid headlines say, his life and everything related to him is still fascinating to many. Come on, admit it; even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, you still a little curious of what Graceland looks like on the inside.
As we approach the anniversary of his death (August 16), many want to “walk” (or ride by) in the footsteps of the King in the South. So, here is a little mini-guide that highlights some of the important places of Elvis’ life, as well as some sites related to him.
For starters, you can drive through Fort Chafee, Ark., where, in 1958, Elvis completed his Army basic training. However, if you really want to start at the beginning, head to Tupelo, Miss., the birthplace of Elvis. Be sure to stop by on August 9 for the annual Fan Day Appreciation. If you are interested in a self-driving tour of Elvis sites, I found information on where to go not only in Tupelo, but Memphis and Nashville as well. But before you head to Memphis, you have to swing by Graceland Too, a fan-created museum dedicated to the King, in Holly Springs.
Now, in Memphis, you all ready know about Graceland, but do you know about his other homes? If you are looking for a place to stay overnight, consider Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel. The 128-room property includes four themed suites. If you are in town August 9-17, you can partake in the different events during Elvis Week that includes live music, movies and an expo.
Want more Elvis? If you visit Pigeon Forge, don’t miss out on Elvis Museum and Gift that features a rather large private collection of Elvis memorabilia.
Save the date! Florida’s Space Coast, along with Elvis Presley Enterprises, is hosting the 1st Annual Elvis-themed festival on October 17-19, called “Elvis Has Landed.”
-Apryl Chapman Thomas
Photo credits: (top left) Elvis’ Grave at Graceland, flickr, creative commons by mmwm; (top right) The Foyer at Graceland Too, flickr, creative commons by Glynnis Ritchie; (bottom left) Front Entrance to Graceland, flickr, creative commons by mmwm
If you are from Atlanta or have done business/visited around downtown Atlanta, you know all about the neon “V” sign visible from I-85/I-75 (the downtown connector, if you want to speak Atlantan.) That “V” is for The Varsity, an Atlanta institution. The world’s largest drive-in restaurant has been chanting “Whatta ya have? Whatta ya have?” to customers since 1928. Movie stars, presidents - basically anyone who is anyone has eaten here. What’s the draw? Fried pies, hot dogs, onion rings and really, everything on their menu.
Word of advice, if you want to order like a local, you will need to quickly adopt the Varsity lingo. For starters, a “naked steak” is a plain steak hamburger, “strings” are French fries, “MK Dog”, and an “F.O.” is Varsity’s own Frosted Orange drink.
If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a trip the next time you find yourself in the area.
Photo credits: (top left) The Varsity, flickr, creative commons by tamaradulva; (bottom right) The Varsity: Before, flickr, creative commons by hushed_lavinia
There are some hotels in the South that make you say, “wow, what a great place,” and then there are others that make you say, “wow… just wow,” and you haven’t even left the lobby yet. 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Ky., falls into the later category.
“The concept of the hotel was born out of the owners’ love for contemporary art and the desire to revitalize downtown Louisville,” says Sarah Robbins, VP of Operations at 21c Museum Hotel. “There is art everywhere within the 9,000-square feet of space.”
The artwork, chosen by the owners (”whatever the owners like,” says Robbins) features local, national and international artists, and tends to lean heavily toward emerging artists.
21c Museum Hotel striving toward creating a cultural center in downtown. Not only does property hosts free artist talks, but it’s also regarded as a 24/7, completely free art museum.
“The property is easily accessible from the street and people walk in just to see the exhibits. In fact, there is one lady who works in the area and will park her car across the street to walk through the hotel on her way to work.”
By encouraging the revitalization of urban sprawl, the property helps the green effort by encouraging people back to the downtown area to live, work and play. And while speaking of green effort, 21c shines in this area as well.
The property, located on Main Street, is housed in five historical buildings that once served as warehouses and a bank back in the 19th century. Some of the buildings’ salvage materials were reused to create tables and the bar in the restaurant. Oh, the restaurant, Proof on Main prides itself on using locally grown foods.
“We are so lucky to be located in the Ohio River Valley,” says Robbins. “We have all of this produce available at our fingertips.”
In addition, the owners of the property have a bison farm, where Proof gets their meat. The restaurant also utilizes a rooftop garden that currently grows all the herbs used in the kitchen and heirloom tomatoes.
So, the next time you’re in Louisville, stop in 21c Museum Hotel either for the night or just take a glimpse of their artwork. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
If The Disney Traveler isn’t saved as one of your favorite blogs, it should be. This is a great resource for the latest news from the Mouse’s House and beyond. Whether you are thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or possibly taking a Disney Cruise, The Disney Traveler is the place to start your research.
Just a quick hello to introduce myself. My name is Katherine, formerly of
