Plan your escape: EscapetotheSoutheast.com

OCTOBER 2009

Oct. 2-4, 23rd Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival. Fun for everyone includes free chef demonstrations, Chef’s Tent Open Aire Seafood Market, sailing regatta, SasSea's Island Playground for Children, golf, fishing tourneys and fireworks,. Morehead City, N.C., 252-726-6273; fun@ncseafoodfestival.org. (ncseafoodfestival.org)

Oct. 2-4, BayFest Music Festival. The Steve Miller Band is just one of 125 musical acts on nine stages this year. 5K run/walk, PlayStation Experience, music scholarships and numerous activities next to beautiful Mobile Bay! Mobile, Ala., 251-208-7835; info@bayfest.com. (bayfest.com)

Oct. 2-4, Gretna Heritage Festival. Mississippi River madness includes headliner entertainment, midway, carnival, crafts, beer gardens and a deliciously diverse display of foods attracting all cultures pledging their international allegiance to good times! Gretna, La., 504-361-7748; info@gretnafest.com. (gretnafest.com)

Oct. 2-4, National Storytelling Festival. The most prestigious storytelling event in the country! Ghost stories, tales of history, humor and a wealth of cultures, styles and traditions. Features local talents and award-winning professionals. Jonesborough, Tenn., 800-952-8392, x281 customerservice@
storytellingcenter.net. (storytellingcenter.net)

Oct. 2-4, St. James Court Art Show. Juried fine arts and crafts at this fundraising event to benefit art scholarships features more than 750 artisans and covers three beautiful city blocks in historic Old Louisville! Louisville, Ky., 502-635-1842; mesrock@stjamescourtartshow.com. (stjamescourtartshow.com)

Oct. 2-31, Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival. A real treat and a few tricks, too! Backyard Circus, pie eating contests, scavenger hunts, parades, costume contests, crafts in the pumpkin patch and breathtaking fall foliage. Stone Mountain, Ga, 770-413-5058; generalinfo@
stonemountainpark.com. (stonemountainpark.com)

Oct. 3, Celebration of Cultures. Global Villages honor and explore the diversity of Nashville’s multi-cultural fabric. Exotic foods and ethnic music, dance, storytelling and crafts. More activities for kids, tweens and teens this year! Nashville, Tenn., 615-340-7501; bkindig@scarrittbennett.org. (celebrationofcultures.com) 

Oct. 3-4, The Cotton Pickin’ Fair. Lovely little community attracts over 30,000 with a return to the early 1900s at the Farmhouse, Cotton Gin and Cotton Warehouse. Mountain music, crafts and farming demonstrations. Gay, Ga., 706-538-6814; info@cpfair.org. (cpfair.org)

Oct. 8-10, Tybee Island Pirate Fest. Pirates capture more than your attention at this fun event featuring parades, costume contests, music and dancing, grog, grub and treasure to discover at the Thieves Market! Tybee Island, Ga., 912-786-5393; info@tybeepiratefest.com. (tybeepiratefest.com)

Oct. 8-11, 38th Annual National Shrimp Festival. Zatarain’s sponsors this humongous beach bash featuring shrimp cooked every which way, non-stop music, Children’s Activity Village, open-air marketplace, arts and crafts, sandcastle competitions and more! Gulf Shores, Ala., 251-968-4237; shrimpfestival@gulftel.com. (nationalshrimpfestival.com)

Oct. 8-11, Museum of Appalachia’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming. Log cabin village celebrates pioneer life with costumed artisans demonstrating traditional skills, from pottery and rail-splitting, to cooking and quilting, along with music, dancing and storytelling. Norris, TN, 865-494-7680; museum@museumofappalachia.org. (museumofappalachia.org)

Oct. 8-18, Georgia National Fair. More than 400,000 enjoy this fabulous fair known for its cleanliness and safety! Thrilling rides, carnival games, circus, livestock shows, horsey events, non-stop concerts, fireworks and laser displays. Twentieth anniversary! Perry, GA, 478-987-3247; thawk@gnfa.com. (georgianationalfair.com)

Oct. 9-11, Goats, Music & More Festival. The Fainting Goats originated in lovely Marshall County, where you’ll delight in the Nannies & Kids pageant, Goatly Goblins contest, goat yodeling, BBQ, chili, entertainment, karaoke and fireworks. Lewisburg, Tenn., 931-359-1544; glowe@ctyoflew.com. (goatsmusicandmore.com)

Oct. 9-11, The Great Georgia Air Show. Showcase of Military Airpower, Civilian Aerobatics, Commercial Aviation and Historic Warbirds just southwest of Atlanta. Ground activities include “Kids Port,” entertainment, local foods and flight simulators. Peachtree City, Ga., 678-216-0282; jhogan@visitpeachtreecity.com. (thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com)

Oct. 9-11, Heritage Days 2009. Historic homes, the picturesque town square and quaint shops provide a warm welcome for this community celebration. Music, storytellers, dancing, pioneer skills demonstrations, traditional foods, kids’ events and crafts show. Rogersville, Tenn., 423-272-1961; phumbert@rogersvilleheritage.org. (rogersvilleheritage.org)

Oct. 10-11, Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen Fall Fair. Glass, ironworks, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, photography and fine arts. Local foods, entertainment and hands-on activities for kids. Indian Fort Theatre, Berea, Ky., 859-986-3192; info@kyguild.org. (www.kyguild.org)

Oct. 10-11, Taste of Atlanta. Appetizing adventures in Hotlanta – the Southeast’s coolest city! Celebrity chefs, wine tastings, entertainment, all-the-rage restaurants and avant garde eateries. The trendy event perfectly blends Atlanta’s incredible energy and ethnic diversity. Atlanta, Ga., 404-875-4434; info@tasteofatlanta.com. (tasteofatlanta.com)

Oct. 17, 30th Anniversary of Bridge Day. A celebration of life on the New River Gorge! We have a bridge. We have gravity. We jump. It’s that simple. Come fall with us this fall! Fayetteville, W.Va., 800-927-0263; cindy@newrivercvb.com. (officialbridgeday.com)

Oct. 22-Nov. 8, State Fair of Louisiana. The biggest livestock show and carnival in the state promotes agricultural contributions and provides fun for over 400,000 fair-goers! Rodeo, carnival foods and games, rides and live music. Shreveport, La., 318-635-1361; info@statefairoflouisiana.com. (statefairoflouisiana.com)

Oct. 24, The Barbecue Festival. Rides, carnival games, Corvette show, 50-ton Pig-Themed Sand Sculpture, headliner entertainment, 300+ juried artisans and crafters, pig races, kids’ fun and succulent barbecue complemented by Childress Vineyards’ Fine Swine Wine! Lexington, N.C., 336-956-1880; ss@barbecuefestival.com. (barbecuefestival.com)

NOVEMBER 2009

Nov. 5-8, Stone Mountain Park’s Indian Festival & Pow Wow. Native Americans from across the country gather for education and entertainment, including colorful dance and drum competitions, primitive skills demonstrations, arts, crafts and music. Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-413-5058; generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com. (stonemountainpark.com)

Nov. 6-8, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Top fine arts and crafts show brings 200 artisans and 125,000 art fans to the Emerald Coast city’s historic Seville Square. Exceptional foods, entertainment and children’s art festival. Free! Pensacola, Fla., 850-455-7311. (ggaf.org)

Nov. 6-8, Heritage Harbor Days. Heritage Park is the scenic setting for this educational and cultural event that includes music, “Living History” reenactors, model trains, wooden boats, quilters, and the Miss Foley Shrimp Boat on display. Foley, Ala., 251-943-1200; foleycvb@gulftel.com. (heritageharbordays.com)

Nov. 7-8, 31st Annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival. Over 100,000 come to the cozy, coastal city to see 300 artists and crafters offering paintings, prints, pottery, sculptures, metals and woodworks. Just $2! Ocean Springs, Miss., 228-875-4424; mail@oceanspringschamber.com. (oceanspringschamber.com)

Nov. 7-15, West Virginia University Mountaineer Week. Multi-faceted activities offer a diverse celebration of Appalachia history and culture. Crafts Fair of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, music and local foods. Morgantown, W.Va., 304-293-2702; sonja.wilson@mail.wvu.edu. (mountaineerweek.wvu.edu)

Nov. 11, Gatlinburg’s Veterans Day Celebration. Stirring ceremony honors those who’ve served in our armed forces. Pipe & Drum Corps, choir music and an awe-inspiring flyover by the Tennessee Air National Guard.  Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)

Nov. 11-14, Christmas Jubilee. Do your holiday shopping at over 125 “shops” during our Silver Anniversary! Preview Gala, Girls’ Night Out, Santa Breakfast, Jubilee Art Walk, Author’s Corner and the popular Hall of Wreaths. Mobile, Ala., 251-471-3348; christmasjubileechair@
juniorleaguemobile.org. (juniorleaguemobile.org)

Nov. 12-22, Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival. Musicians from around the globe gather in the seaside city to celebrate the creativity and talents of aspiring and “hit” writers who influence and empower music. Pensacola, Fla., 850-492-7664; reneda@fbisf.com. (fbisf.com)

Nov. 13-15, A Fine Craft Fair Presented by the Foothills Craft Guild. Supporting its Craft Scholarship Program through the sale of original, juried works of over 140 Tennessee artisans. Traditional and contemporary works in various mediums. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-691-6083; aleexc@earthlink.net. (foothillscraftguild.org)

Nov. 14-Jan. 1, Tanglewood Festival of Lights. A million lights illuminate 180 storybook themes and holiday scenes! Enjoy roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate at the Red Barn Holiday Gift Village, filled with custom-made items. Clemmons, N.C., 336-778-6300; reichka@tanglewoodpark.org. (tanglewoodpark.org)

Nov. 20-22, Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Artists and crafters sell unique creations at this event consistently listed in Sunshine Artists magazine’s “100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows in the Nation.” Columbia, S.C., 336-282-5550; contact@gilmoreshows.com. (christmasclassic.com)  

Nov. 20-Dec. 31, Galaxy of Lights. Mile and a half-long drive through the icicle forest, beautiful botanicals, 600 larger-than-life exhibits and nursery-rhyme displays sparkling with more than 4 million lights, fireworks and an added dog-walk night! Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447. (hsvbg.org)

Nov. 20-Jan. 2, A Country Christmas®. Radio City Christmas Spectacular® starring the Radio City Rockettes®! Plus, ICE! – featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas and interactive ice sculptures, cruises aboard the General Jackson Showboat and photos with Santa. Nashville, Tenn., 615-458-2877; kkeelor@gaylordhotels.com. (christmasatgaylordopryland.com)

Nov. 20-Jan.2, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights. Award-winning event features more than 30 holiday scenes and a million blinking bulbs throughout the winter wonderland! Fun for all benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities. Lookout Mountain, Ga., 706-419-4004; meagan@rockruby.com. (seerockcity.com)

Nov. 21-Dec. 31, Holidays in the City. Celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year’s in Hampton Roads during the 25th anniversary of this multi-city, multi-cultural extravaganza kicked-off by the Grand Illumination Parade. Norfolk, Va., 757-623-1757; hic@downtownnorfolk.org. (downtownnorfolk.org)

Nov. 21-Dec. 31, Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. Enchanting nights of (new) lavish, lighted displays, Mini Express Train, carousel-themed pony rides, doll house display, holiday crafts, model railway and Santa visits. Lexington, Ky., 859-255-5727; foundation@khpfoundation.org. (southernlightsky.org)

Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Christmas on the Cumberland. Free, walk-thru holiday festival on the RiverWalk thrills all ages with traditional and fantasy creations twinkling with a millions lights! Santa visits, floats and charming children’s performances. Clarksville, Tenn., 931-645-7476; jennifer.byard@cityofclarksville.com. (christmasonthecumberland.com)

Nov. 25-29, Fantasy of Trees. Benefiting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital for 25 years, this family tradition shimmers with silver and bells adorning the trees and ribbon-wrapped gifts for purchase in holiday-decorated shops. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-541-8385; fot@etch.com. (etch.com/fantasy.cfm)

Nov. 27-29, North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. Start the holiday season beach-style! Tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, illuminated flotilla, Captain’s Party, Festival in the Park and awesome fireworks! Wrightsville Beach, N.C., 910-256-2120; info@ncholidayflotilla.org. (ncholidayflotilla.org) 

Nov. 29, Jacksonville Light Parade. Enjoy Downtown’s holiday decorations, celebrations at local eateries, incredible “waterfall” fireworks and see the St. Johns River transformed into a sparkling cavalcade of festive vessels on parade! Jacksonville, Fla., 940-630-3690; Langston@coj.net. (coj.net)

DECEMBER 2009

Dec. 1-31, Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival. The entire parish participates, hosting parades, a lighted flotilla, carnivals, music, kids’ activities, fireworks, holiday shopping, local foods and mistletoe-topped trees. Somebody’s gonna get a Christmas kiss! Calcasieu Parish, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (cityoflakecharles.com)

Dec. 3-6, ChristmasVille. Seventy holiday events highlight four delightful days and whimsical nights in historic downtown decorated in twinkling lights, trimmings and 80 images of Santa art by children’s illustrator Vernon Grant. Rock Hill, S.C., 803-329-8756; crandall@cityofrockhill.com. (christmasvillerockhill.com)

Dec. 4-5, Belhaven College Singing Christmas Tree. A 75-year tradition, this free outdoor event invites you to sing along with 100 students and faculty, donned in robes atop the 35ft. color-changing tree!  Jackson, Miss., 601-965-7044; pr@belhaven.edu. (belhaven.edu)

Dec. 4, 24th Annual Christmas in the Pass. Local merchants support the festivities, featuring holiday arts and crafts, Santa Claus parade, marching bands, illuminated boat parade and candlelit walkways winding through the coastal city. Pass Christian, Miss., 228-604-0014; passchristian@mscoastchamber.com. (mscoastchamber.com)

Dec. 4, Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at this holiday parade featuring LED-lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and giant helium balloons! Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)

Dec. 4, Roy Martin Delta Band Festival. High school and college bands come together for a “Percussion Explosion” before the parade and fireworks over the Yazoo River that ends the day with a bang! Greenwood, Miss., 662-453-9197; info@gcvb.com. (greenwoodms.org)

Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, Gum Drop Square. Adorable event! Around decorated trees, children share their wishes with Santa and elves assist the wee ones as they find gifts for their families in the “Secret Shop”. Warrenton, Va., 540-349-8606; amy@partnershipforwarrenton.org. (partnershipforwarrenton.com)

Dec. 4-30, Stone Mountain Christmas. Kids from 1 to 92 come to Crossroads™ to enjoy two million magical lights, nightly snowfalls, The Polar Express™ 4D Experience, train rides and nightly Santa visits. Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-413-5058; generalinfo@
stonemountainpark.com. (stonemountainpark.com)

Dec. 4-5, Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes. Annual tradition near Atlanta features decorated homes and delightful points of interest in the historic town beloved for its eclectic array of architecture. Decatur, Ga., 678-553-6573; cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. (decaturtourofhomes.com)

Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 17-19, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles. Ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss begin your tour of world renowned, sculptured gardens aglow during seven nights of seasonal celebrations. Murrells Inlet, S.C., 800-849-1931; info@brookgreen.org. (brookgreen.org)

Dec. 5, The Winter Festival – A Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts. Free kick-off to the holiday season, held under magnificent oaks adorned with lights. Children’s activities, youth competitions, five stages of local entertainment. Tallahassee, Fla., 850-891-3860; winter@talgov.com. (talgov.com)

Dec. 5-6, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. Costumed guides take you on a walk through history during the enchanting city’s 175th anniversary. Six private historic homes and ten public heritage buildings decked in holiday splendor. Marietta, Ga., 770-429-1115; welcomem@bellsouth.net. (mariettapilgrimage.com)

Dec. 5-6, 10-13, The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved fairytale brings sugar plum dreams to life, performed by NC School of the Arts students. A 40-year holiday tradition sure to delight young and old alike! Winston-Salem, N.C., 336-770-3293; boxoffice@uncsa.edu. (uncsa.edu)

Dec. 11, Christmas on Sunset. Old-fashioned Christmas wrapped in seasonal music, live nativity, holiday movies at historic Sunset Theatre and visits by Santa and his elves. Enjoy hot cider on your horse-drawn carriage ride! Asheboro, N.C., 336-626-2626; chamber@asheboro.com. (chamber.asheboro.com)

Dec. 11-13, 17-23, 26, Christmas in the Hopelands. A gift for all, as 100,000 holiday lights illuminate gorgeous gardens and the adjacent estate, Rye Patch. The peaceful retreat features scent-and-touch walking trails, fountains and wetlands. Aiken, S.C., 888-AikenSC; adavis@cityofaikensc.gov. (experienceaiken.org)

Dec. 12, Christmas on the Coosa. Arts and crafts, art shows, quilt expo, parades, live entertainment in Gold Star Park, antique cars, foods, kids’ fun, fireworks and Santa Claus skiing down the river! Wetumpka, Ala., 334-567-1313 or 334-567-5147. (cityofwetumpka.com)

Dec. 19-21, The Living Christmas Tree. Spectacular performances by a 240-voice choir, 60-piece orchestra and a drama cast of 300 volunteer actors (and animals) appeals to all ages. Holiday shopping, too! Free, but ticket required. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-577-4222; info@sevierheights.org. (knoxtree.org)

Dec. 31, First Night Warrenton. Alcohol-free celebration of the arts is a family-friendly evening offering dozens of performances that conclude with a midnight sing-along and grand illumination at the historic court house downtown.  Warrenton, Va., 800-820-1021; visitorcenter@warrentonva.gov. (visitfauquier.com)

Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Celebration. Do the barefoot boogie on moonlit sands at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! Late-night activities, great seafood, live music and midnight fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico.! Destin, Fla., 850-267-8110; contact@baytownewharf.com. (baytownewharf.com)

Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Road, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 e-mail: Neville@southeasttourism.org
Top 20 Event descriptions are written in conjunction with Lyn Fendley Foster.

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