That question crossed Gary McKechnie’s mind as he traveled across country working on his book, Great American Motorcycle Tours.

Having fun on his adventure, the author and owner of Coconut Cottage Inn in Mount Dora, Fla., realized there’s was so much to see in America and thus, another book idea was born. This book would highlight certain things that defined America.

Influenced by Charles Krault, McKechnie wanted to create a body of work that introduces people to the country.

And this book would be a start.

After successfully pitching National Geographic, McKechnie’s next (and perhaps most interesting) step for USA 101: A Guide to America’s Iconic Places, Events, and Festivals was selecting the sites.

“The sites needed to reflect America,” he says. “Icons like the Statue of Liberty and places like the Grand Canyon were obvious, as were certain regional ones like Texas State Fair and New England’s fall foliage. Yet, I wanted to dig deeper to find out what American really is about.”

McKechnie and his wife explored the country about to compile a list that many readers will agree with.

Representing the region in the book includes  Dealy Plaza in Dallas, Texas; Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Va., and Rock City in Lookout Mountain, Ga.

Interestingly enough, McKechnie had never visited Rock City prior to his book, so he didn’t know what to expect. Yet, after his visit, he was pleased with the discovery.

“Rock City is somewhat a fluke in its success,” he says. “It’s one of those nostalgic, comforting places that for some reason everyone seems to know about.”

He adds, “There’s not too many places like an old-fashion attraction that are still around. Rock City is very pleasing, comforting and assuring. One of its draws it the fact that is has been consistent through the years.”

Other places in the deep South, which he admits is an “impressive swath of the country,” included were tent rivals and the Mississippi Delta, which McKechnie was all ready was familiar with from his Motorcycle guidebooks.

“I really love the Delta. I enjoy being out on the open road and driving on Highway 61. It’s incredible to think about all of the great music that came out of the area.”

All in all, he says that the country as a whole is pretty amazing.

“You see these little bits of America and realize how special the country truly is. We are lucky to have the opportunity to travel and see it all.”

You can meet Gary McKechnie on Saturday, July 18 at Rock City Gardens’ Starbucks. He will be signing copies of his book from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

photo credit: Map of U.S. Highways, 1927, flickr, creative commons dave stroup

The “Back to the THE Beach – All American Summer” photo scavenger hunt contest is a different and fun way to get not only visitors, but also locals out and about to explore the region as well.

Pamela Watson, pr and marketing coordinator at Coastal Vision 3000, says it’s a great way to get everyone out.

“It (scavenger hunt) can be a great day trip for visitors and weekend trips for locals.”

Participants has until September 7 to upload photos THE Beach’s Facebook fan page site (must become a fan of the page.)

However, you must do/photograph all of the seven items listed. And some of those seven items include ordering a dozen raw oysters on the half shell in Apalachicola and snap a picture as you enjoy them, and showing off your golf skills at one of the fabulous courses (miniature golf included) in Panama City Beach.

According Watson, each of the seven items defines a particular area and/or county in the region.

For instance, as you visit the Constitution Convention Museum State Park in Port Saint Joe, it’s where the state of Florida began. Watson points out that Port St. Joe was a major port of the Gulf and everyone met here to draft the constitution for the state.

“This region is so diverse. The beaches are different from one another as well as the cities and towns.”

While the grand prize mentioned above is quite impressive, there are also opportunities to win weekly prizes as well. 

photo credit: Close up Camera Lens, flickr, creative commons by Katie_photographer

Adding a different twist to typical shelf-bound brochures, the podcasts takes the self-guided walking tours to a new level. Or like Tami Reist, president of the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau says, it’s like having your own personal tour guide.

Currently, the Decatur CVB introduced a Civil War Walking Tour podcast that covers a 13-block in city’s historic district. And since the nation is preparing for Lincoln’s 200th birthday, this was the perfect opportunity to introduce the podcast.

“The city played a small part in the Civil War, but it’s a part of our history,” says Reist. “We want people to know more about it.”

Some points of interest include Old City Cemetery, the city’s oldest cemetery, on Lafayette Street, and the Old State Bank Building.

Also on the tour is the Blue & Grey Museum, located on Banks Street. Independently-owned, the museum has the largest private collection of Civil War artifacts.

The Civil War Walking Tour is the second podcast available through the CVB. They also offer a Historic Decatur Walking Tour podcast that introduces you to the state’s largest concentration of Victorian Homes. Reist says they are working on another podcast for Amen Trail (PDF file), which features history churches throughout the county.

photo credit: Ear phone, flickr, creative commons by btting

Consider the following…

• Both Hotel Zaza Dallas and Hotel Zaza Houston (Texas) are offering a number of hot summer deals, including a 2 Hot 2 Handle promotion and Make Ours a Double promotion.
• And while Texas is on your mind, Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center in Galveston has their own summer packages as well. Good through August 31, you can choose from such specials as Bed & Breakfast, Explore Moody Gardens, among others.
• Thinking about a quick escape to the Big Easy? Well, you might be after checking out all of their current hotel deals.
• Not only will your family will enjoy a getaway to The Breakers Palm Beach (Fla.), but also your wallet as well. The property is offering special rates through 2010.
• Have you heard about Freeday at Radisson? Through September 15, book two or more consecutive nights (must include a Thursday or Saturday), and receive Friday night free.
• Through December 20, if you volunteer eight hours of your time with a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, you can receive either a free night or 50 percent off your stay with Sage Hospitality’s Give a Day, Get a Night promotion. Participating properties include Hilton Garden Inn Orlando (Fla.) at SeaWorld International Center, Charlotte (N.C.) Marriott Executive Park and Hilton College Station (Texas) and Conference Center.
• Ready to play “Let’s Make a Deal” at Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove (Miami) Fla.? Contact their in-house reservation desk at 787-220-7050 and make them an offer on a nightly rate for one of their suites. They may counter with a No Deal..or a Deal. You don’t know if they’ll accept your price until you try.

photo credit: Coin jar, flickr, creative commons by carvalho

Affordable, fun and good for your health, these tours tend to introduce you to stories, colorful characters and other background information that locals tend to only know.

And summer is typically the best time to participate in one of the many guided walking tours in the South.

Here’s a quick look at some of the tours around the region.

• The Greater Houston (Texas) Preservation Alliance holds guided walking tours on the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m., with an additional tour at 6 p.m., during the months of June, July, August and September. Upcoming tours include Westmoreland Historic District (July 12) and Woodland Heights (August 9.) $10/person.
• The Oxford (Miss.) CVB’s guided walking tour of north Lamar Historic District takes place on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. through July. The hour and 15 minute-long tour highlights architectural gems among other points in the town’s history.
• Franklin (Tenn.) on Foot offers a variety of guided walking tours, including a Classic Franklin tour. This 90-minute tour features historic buildings as well as the stories that go along with them. $10/adults; $5/children, ages 6-12.
• The Athens-Clarke (Ga.) Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Walks features guided walking tour led be local personalities. Upcoming tours include UGA North Campus/Old Athens Cemetery with Nash Boney (July 30 at 7 p.m.), UGA’s Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library with Steven Brown (August 8 at 2 p.m.), and West Cloverhurst/Springdale Historic District with Buck and Diane Adams (August 22 at 10 a.m.) $15/person.
• The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is offering historical downtown guided walking tours every Saturday, July –August, beginning at 10 a.m. Each Saturday, the hour-long guided walking tour explores a different theme. Upcoming tours include “Horses, Livery Saddlery and Blacksmiths” (July 18), “The Harrison’s of Harrisonburg” (July 25), and “The History and People of Woodbine Cemetery” (August 1). $5/person.
• The Historical Society of Frederick County (Md.) has downtown guided walking tours every Saturday and Sunday through October. The tours begin at 1:30 p.m. $7/person.

photo credit: Sneakers for sneaking, flickr, creative commons by arlette

Southern in its roots, Raleigh is quite the cosmopolitan with it’s cuisine and cultural activities.

And of course, that’s just the beginning of what attracts visitors to the city.

It’s not too often that you discover a destination that can be something different to everyone. Yet, Raleigh fits that profile.

Whether you’re into history, cultural arts, different activities or yes, even barbecue, Raleigh is the destination for you.

Smith believes much of the city’s draw is the fact that it’s convenient to nearly everyone.

“We are right there between New York and Florida, along the east coast.”

Easily accessible not only by car, but by air as well, Raleigh is a great long weekend getaway destination.

But exactly what is there to do?

Well, if you are into museums, you can divide your time among exploring North Carolina Natural Science Museum (the largest in the Southeast), North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina Museum of Art.

Don’t overlook North Carolina Railroad Museum in nearby Bonsal, or Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum, located inside the Ray Price Harley-Davidson dealership. If you’re traveling with children, Marbles Kids Museum is a must.

History lovers can put on their walking shoes and take in the many historic sites, such as the State Capitol building and the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel while on a self-guided walking tour of downtown. The tour includes over 60 sites.  If you aren’t up for a walk, you can still learn about the are on a Trolley Tour.

Near downtown is the historic Oakwood neighborhood filled with homes reflecting various architectural style. If it’s historic neighborhoods that you are interested in, be sure to check out Boyland Heights, Pilot Mill and Glenwood Brooklyn.

Raleigh is also a great place for the budget-conscience traveler as well. If you’re watching your travel wallet these days ( and really, who isn’t), you’ll appreciate these 30-plus free attractions.

However you choose to spend your time  in Raleigh, Smith says that you don’t want to miss the culinary scene. If you tend to plan your travels around food or not, you will be disappointed when you can choose from such options as chopped barbecue (PDF file) at The Pit, catfish quesadilla at Hot Point  Cafe, or Cha Chiang Noodles (PDF file) at The Duck and Dumpling.

Even with a quick glance at all that Raleigh has to offer, it’s evident that this city is a destination for everyone.

Did You Know

If Raleigh was a color, it would probably be green. There are over 150 parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in the city. Like to hike? Enjoy the 20 miles of hiking trails at William B. Umstead Park. Love roses? See the nearly 60 varieties blooming at Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden.

Don’t Forget

Before you make any plans, be sure to check out their hot deals for saving on accommodations, attractions and more.

Upcoming Events

• MusiCoal, July 12, August 16, September 13.
• Cary Art Loop, July 31, August 28, September 25.
• Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Fest, August 15.
• 33rd annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, August 22.
• La Fiesta del Pueblo, August 29-30.
• Wake Forest ItaliaFest, September 12.
• 68th annual Gourd Arts & Crafts Festival, September 12-13.
• 28th annual Greek Fest 2009, September 18-20.
• Wake Forest IrishFest, September 26.

photo credit: (top left) Downtown Raleigh skyline, flickr, creative commons by Shaun Johnson; (middle right) Hallway, flickr, creative commons by shaloot; (lower middle left) North Carolina State Capitol, flickr, creative commons by jimbowen0306; (bottom left) The Pit at sunset, flickr, creative commons by abbyladybug.

Southern in its roots, Raleigh is quite the cosmopolitan with it’s cuisine and cultural activities.

And of course, that’s just the beginning of what attracts visitors to the city.

It’s not too often that you discover a destination that can be something different to everyone. Yet, Raleigh fits that profile.

Whether you’re into history, cultural arts, different activities or yes, even barbecue, Raleigh is the destination for you.

Smith believes much of the city’s draw is the fact that it’s convenient to nearly everyone.

“We are right there between New York and Florida, along the east coast.”

Easily accessible not only by car, but by air as well, Raleigh is a great long weekend getaway destination.

But exactly what is there to do?

Well, if you are into museums, you can divide your time among exploring North Carolina Natural Science Museum (the largest in the Southeast), North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina Museum of Art.

Don’t overlook North Carolina Railroad Museum in nearby Bonsal, or Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum, located inside the Ray Price Harley-Davidson dealership. If you’re traveling with children, Marbles Kids Museum is a must.

History lovers can put on their walking shoes and take in the many historic sites, such as the State Capitol building and the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel while on a self-guided walking tour of downtown. The tour includes over 60 sites.  If you aren’t up for a walk, you can still learn about the are on a Trolley Tour.

Near downtown is the historic Oakwood neighborhood filled with homes reflecting various architectural style. If it’s historic neighborhoods that you are interested in, be sure to check out Boyland Heights, Pilot Mill and Glenwood Brooklyn.

Raleigh is also a great place for the budget-conscience traveler as well. If you’re watching your travel wallet these days ( and really, who isn’t), you’ll appreciate these 30-plus free attractions.

However you choose to spend your time  in Raleigh, Smith says that you don’t want to miss the culinary scene. If you tend to plan your travels around food or not, you will be disappointed when you can choose from such options as chopped barbecue (PDF file) at The Pit, catfish quesadilla at Hot Point  Cafe, or Cha Chiang Noodles (PDF file) at The Duck and Dumpling.

Even with a quick glance at all that Raleigh has to offer, it’s evident that this city is a destination for everyone.

Did You Know

If Raleigh was a color, it would probably be green. There are over 150 parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in the city. Like to hike? Enjoy the 20 miles of hiking trails at William B. Umstead Park. Love roses? See the nearly 60 varieties blooming at Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden.

Don’t Forget

Before you make any plans, be sure to check out their hot deals for saving on accommodations, attractions and more.

Upcoming Events

• MusiCoal, July 12, August 16, September 13.
• Cary Art Loop, July 31, August 28, September 25.
• Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Fest, August 15.
• 33rd annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, August 22.
• La Fiesta del Pueblo, August 29-30.
• Wake Forest ItaliaFest, September 12.
• 68th annual Gourd Arts & Crafts Festival, September 12-13.
• 28th annual Greek Fest 2009, September 18-20.
• Wake Forest IrishFest, September 26.

photo credit: (top left) Downtown Raleigh skyline, flickr, creative commons by Shaun Johnson; (middle right) Hallway, flickr, creative commons by shaloot; (lower middle left) North Carolina State Capitol, flickr, creative commons by jimbowen0306; (bottom left) The Pit at sunset, flickr, creative commons by abbyladybug.

• Certain properties in Jupiter, Fla., is celebrating Palm Beach County’s 100th anniversary by offering visitors who stay three, four or five nights an additional night for only $19.09.
• Check out the various packages offered by Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort at Stone Mountain, Ga. Choose from the Three-Day Family Staycation package that includes amenities and special Stone Mountain Park privileges, or the Stone Mountain Escape package, great for a mini-getaway.
• Rain might be a good thing at The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra. Their “Sunshine Guaranteed” package includes a certificate for a free night stay if it rains a half inch recorded at St. Augustine airport during your stay.
• And speaking of Jacksonville, the Omni Hotel Jacksonville has an ultimate romantic getaway package available only on the weekends this summer and fall. Enjoy such amenities as champagne and strawberries, and a full seven-course dinner with wine pairings.
• Stay two nights at Lakeway Resort in Austin, Texas, and get the third night free. Don’t wait too long to book this deal because the package (promo code BOGO3) is good through September 7.
• La Quinta Inns & Suites knows the importance of getting away for a night or a long weekend. You can find a large selection of packages (entertainment, romantic and such) for various properties.

photo credit: Keys to your kingdom, flickr, creative commons by fallsroad

Southern Byways wants to wish you a very Happy Fourth of July. As you enjoy the cook-outs and fireworks, be sure to take some time out to reflect back on the true meaning of the day and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

photo credit: American Flag, flickr, creative commons by kjtittle84

Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

Foodies will enjoy the…

• Avery (Texas) Tomato Festival, July 4.
• Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank Off in McKinney, Texas, July 4.
• Crab Festival in Bay St. Louis, Miss., July 4-6.
• Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival in Henagar, Ala., July 4.
• Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert, S.C., through July 4.

Those who enjoy the arts will like the…

• Old West Film Fest in Springdale, Ark., July 4.
• Free Music in Basin Spring Park in Eureka Springs, Ark., through July 5.
• Tall Meadow Rue Chapel Art Show in Mentone, Ala., July 4-5.

And then for a little history, there’s the…

• Historic Trail Camporee in Pawhuska, Okla., through July 5.
• Anvil Shoot and Celebration in Norris, Tenn., July 4.
• Battlefield Walk at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Mount Olivet, Ky., July 4.

Don’t forget about the…

• International Brick and Rolling Pin Festival in Stoud, Okla., July 4.
• Crape Myrtle Festival & Driving Trail in Waxahachie, Texas, through July 4.
• Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race in Canton, Miss., through July 5.
• Gatlinburg (Tenn.) River Raft Regatta, July 4.
• Sunflower Farm Festival in Rutledge, Ga., July 4-5.
• 12th annual Hot Air Balloon Rally in Lexington, Va., through July.
• Downtown Harrisonburg (Va.) Walking Tour, July 4.