America’s Deep South by no means received the memo that winter meant huddling inside with a pile of blankets. In the Southeast snowbird area, the solar shines by means of a lot of the winter (though there could also be a slight chill within the air) and locals welcome snowbird vacationers with thrilling festivals. Hoist a microbrew or feast on chili at fun-filled gatherings within the South.
Looking to catch some beads? You can discover Mardi Gras celebrations all through the area, not simply in New Orleans. Looking for one thing much less boisterous? Treat your snowbird sweetheart to Valentine’s Day deal with with legendary Southern delicacies.
You’ll discover a vary of environments in Alabama, from the 150 miles of untamed inland waterways to high-tech rockets within the metropolis of Huntsville. Visit cities like Mobile, the unique house of Mardi Gras, or Birmingham, the place metal is king.
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Mardi Gras in Mobile, Jan. 21–Feb. 21, Mobile. For weeks, the streets of downtown cellular bustle with marching bands, colourful floats and costumed revelers in satin and sequins. This is house to “America’s Family Mardi Gras,” so you may convey the youngsters.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Mobile space:
Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, Feb. 18, Wetumpka. Catch some beads on the River Region’s largest Mardi Gras parade. The occasion culminates with an epic parade, full with colourful floats and revelers spreading the enjoyable.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Wetumpka space:
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thirty first Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show, Feb. 25, Orange Beach. Held on the Wharf, this celebration of Gulf Coast dwelling boasts a great deal of tasty meals, reside music on two phases, and greater than 125 arts and crafts distributors. Peruse vintage and basic automobiles, in addition to scorching rods, in a enjoyable and festive setting.
Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest, February 25, Fort Morgan. At the tip of the Fort Morgan Peninsula, this occasion takes place on the Beach Club Resort and Spa. Crack open a juicy seafood treasure and chase it with beer and cocktails served up with Southern aptitude.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Orange Beach and Fort Morgan space:
Interstate 565 close to the Space and Rocket Center. Getty Images
Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, Feb. 26, Huntsville/Madison. Between Spragins St. and Jefferson St., revelers can take pleasure in music, food and drinks specials from the native eating places, free beads, and extra. North Side Square might be closed between Washington St. and Jefferson St.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Huntsville/Madison space:
With heat winter temps and legendary white-sand seashores, Florida ranks because the most-visited state within the U.S. To wit, Walt Disney World in Orlando attracts a whopping 58 million guests yearly — greater than twice Florida’s inhabitants. Fortunately, vacationers can discover loads of secluded locations, together with tranquil stretches of seashore alongside its 1,350 miles of shoreline. If you favor to affix the gang, the Sunshine State rolls out a slew of winter festivals for fun-seekers. Check out the next boisterous occasions.
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Homestead Rodeo, Jan. 27—29, Homestead. Florida’s “cracker cowboys” showcase their abilities within the southernmost rodeo within the continental U.S. Started in 1949, ths is among the oldest annual skilled sporting occasions in Florida.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Homestead space:
2023 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, January 28, Tampa. Pirates invade Tampa Bay in menacing crusing ships festooned with the Jolly Rogers. Put in your finest buccaneer duds for meals, music and reside leisure.
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Florida State Fair, Feb. 9-20, Tampa. Explore a showcase of Florida’s finest agriculture, delicacies, livestock and leisure. You’ll additionally discover loads of rides and actions.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Tampa space:
Everglades Seafood Festival, Feb. 17-19, Everglades City. Feast on stone crab in a blockbuster occasion with nation music, carnival rides and craft cubicles.
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Good Sam Campgrounds within the Everglades City space:
Cortez Fishing Festival, Feb. 18-19, Cortez. This occasion celebrates a neighborhood that has been hauling within the large ones for the reason that 1800s.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Cortez space:
As the biggest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia additionally boasts deep historic roots that embody the Revolutionary War and Civil War. The Peach Tree State’s dynamic winter festivals showcase among the space’s most attention-grabbing sides. Walk a winter wonderland or hoist a beer in candy Georgia.
2023 Colonial Faire & Muster, Feb. 4-5, Savannah. Learn about navy historical past and watch dramatic reenactments unfold proper earlier than your eyes at Wormsloe State Historic Site.
2023 Savannah Irish Festival, Feb. 11, Savannah. Why await St. Paddy’s Day? Honor the town’s wealthy Irish heritage at Savannah Station with conventional Irish music, dancing, libations and delicacies.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Savannah space:
Atlanta Winter Beer Fest, February 11, Atlanta. Held at Atlantic Station, this annual occasion celebrates each method of suds, from IPAs to stouts. Food, music and wine are on faucet as effectively.
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Good Sam Campgrounds within the Atlanta space:
Party Gras on the Coast, Feb. 18, Darien. Sign up for quite a lot of rides alongside Georgia’s Atlantic coast, from brief, 25-mile excursions to a 3-mile Slow Roll.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Darien space:
Jekyll Island Plein Air +, Feb. 23-26, Jekyll Island. The Jekyll Island Historic District welcomes artwork lovers with exhibitions of work, pottery and crafts. Take a category to be taught new methods.
Camping within the Brunswick space:
Coastal Georgia RV Resort, Brunswick
The Pelican State is floor zero for Mardi Gras festivities, however it’s additionally house to wealthy meals, vibrant Acadian tradition and among the most attractive landscapes on the planet. Sample Louisiana’s finest choices at among the enjoyable gatherings held all through the state.
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Algiers Mardi Gras Festival, Feb. 4, New Orleans. You might have a tough time selecting a Mardi Gras occasion that fits your tastes, however this can be a good start line. The occasion contains a neighborhood parade, succulent N’awlins meals and rollicking zydeco, blues and jazz music. The parade begins at Lamarque Street and L.B. Landry Avenue.
Krewe of Cleopatra Parade, Feb. 10, New Orleans. Honoring the well-known Queen of historic Egypt, this parade begins at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and options majestic ladies on opulent floats.
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Mardi Gras Day, Feb. 21 New Orleans. Mardi Gras Day, often known as Fat Tuesday, marks the ultimate day of the carnival season and ranks as the height occasion of Mardi Gras. See the Skull and Bone Gang, who stroll the streets sporting skeleton costumes and banging on drums, or watch the beloved Zulu Krewe.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the New Orleans space:
The Louisiana Elvis Festival, Feb. 23, Alexandria. Elvis followers will descend on the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center to see Elvis tribune artists shake their our bodies and curl their lips. A sequence of manufacturing reveals embrace the King Creole Extravaganze, the Elvis ’68 Comeback and, in fact, Elvis in Louisiana.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Alexandria space:
225 Fest, Feb. 25, Baton Rouge. This inaugural occasion kicks off within the capital’s downtown space on N. Fourth St. and the Capital Park Museum. The occasion celebrates the area’s wealthy historical past in addition to the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop.
Camping within the Baton Rouge space:
Poche Plantation RV Resort, Convent
The birthplace of Elvis Presley boasts a cultural heritage that encompasses the event of the blues, a robust literary custom (William Faulkner hailed from right here) and compelling historical past. Travelers can immerse themselves in Magnolia State custom at a bevy of gala’s and festivals.
Shotgun Entertainment Fighting Championships, February 4, Southaven. See among the world’s best Mixed Martial Arts combatants compete within the octagon within the Landers Center.
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Southern Flea Market, Feb. 18-19, Southhaven, Mississippi. Browse wonderful treasures from antiques to basic albums.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Southaven space:
Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo, February 18, Jackson. One of the premier occasions within the rodeo world options roping, bronco bucking and barrel racing on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.
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Mississippi Blues Marathon, Feb. 25, Jackson. Need a remedy for the blues? Participate in a marathon, half-marathon, 10k or 5k run, or watch blues musicians performing reside in Jackson. Savor refreshments and nice Magnolia State meals.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Jackson space:
Mardi Gras Parade, February 21, Biloxi. This Mardi Gras celebration is touted with the “greatest free show on the Coast,” with colourful floats and many beads flying by means of the air. Making an look are King d’Iberville and Queen Ixolib, each thought-about official royalty of this occasion.
Good Sam Campgrounds in Biloxi:
Texas has extra land space than every other state within the Lower 48, giving snowbirds loads of choices for enjoyable within the solar. Visitors are sure to search out sun-soaked river banks or ocean shores for rest. Discover nature, festivity and wild city adventures within the Lone Star State.
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The eleventh Laredo Birding Festival, Feb. 1–4, Laredo. This occasion includes a number of journeys to bird-rich environments alongside the Rio Grande. contributors met on the La Posada Hotel earlier than departure for his or her journey. Field guides lead birders to see a wealthy number of species, from cinnamon teals to white-tailed kites.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Laredo space:
Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 5, Austin. Savor among the best chili on the face of the earth, as newbie {and professional} cooks showcase their concoctions at Jo’s Coffee at 1300 South Congress Ave. Music by Jeff Hughes and Chaparral rounds out the occasion.
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Good Sam Campgrounds within the Austin space:
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Feb. 9–26, San Antonio. Approximately 15 million guests descend on the San Antonio Fairgrounds to observe rode motion within the Freehan Coliseum Complex. A barbecue cookoff, Western Heritage Parade and Let’s Rodeo Ball spotlight the occasion.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the San Antonio space:
Mardi Gras Galveston, Feb. 10–21, Galveston. More than 3 million beads might be thrown by the riders of floats within the Lone Star State’s greatest Mardi Gras occasion. Watch parades, take pleasure in leisure and attend the Airstream Rally.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Galveston space:
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Whooping Crane Festival, February 23–26, Port Aransas. Join fellow fowl lovers to witness the annual return of the cranes of their winter habitat on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Located on the Texas Coastal Bend, Port Aransas is the one place to see this superior spectacle.
Good Sam Campgrounds within the Port Aransas space: