The Southeastern states offer visitors a variety of summertime fun. You can view a historic lighthouse, attend a gospel music festival and experience the thrill of watching a high-flying acrobatic aviation team.
The Blue Angels
Thirty miles from Gulf Shores, visitors can enjoy aviation attractions in Pensacola, Fla., home of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, and the National Museum of Naval Aviation — one of the largest aviation museums in the world.
“When you combine 400 years of history with decades of military patriotism — topped with a jaw-dropping Blue Angels air show and the timeless beauty of our coast — people know a good getaway when they see it,” said Stacy Garrett Hopper, marketing and communications manager of the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Visitors to the area can see the Blue Angels in action at the Pensacola Beach Air Show, held July 14–15. Other civilian and military fliers will also perform.
From March through November, visitors to the museum of aviation can watch the Blue Angels practice their aerial routines. Practices are held most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted. After select practices, the team will visit the museum to sign autographs and answer questions.
For those who want an inside-the-cockpit look at the Blue Angels team, the museum offers the IMAX movie “The Magic of Flight.” A flight simulator at the museum takes the brave at heart on a five-minute mission set either during Operation Desert Storm or with the Blue Angels.
For information on the Blue Angels team and its schedule, call 850-452-2583 or visit www.blueangels.navy.mil. For museum information and directions, call 850-452-3604 or visit www.naval-air.org.
For Pensacola information, call 1-800-874-1234 or visit www.visitpensacola.com.
Gospel Music Galore
Columbia State Community College in Tennessee will provide the backdrop for the International Gospel Music Fan Fest Aug. 9–12.
“Gospel groups from all over the South will come and celebrate with their fans this indigenous music form in the historic town of Columbia, Tenn.,” said Alton Kelley, executive director of the Middle Tennessee Visitors Bureau. The event will include a variety of gospel music styles with a church choir competition and workshops as well.
According to the festival’s Web site, the four-day event will feature an exhibition of booths where Christian music artists will have an opportunity to celebrate with old friends while introducing their music to thousands of new fans.
The festival will culminate with the International Country Gospel Music Association awards show.
For information call 931-540-2837 or visit www.johnsonmanagementandmedia.com and click on the 2006 Fan Fest link.
While in town for the festival, tour the city and admire its architecture. “Columbia also provides a bevy of historic homes to tour when not listening to gospel music,” Kelley said. “From large plantation homes to the (house of the) 11th president of the United States, at least an afternoon should be spent exploring this lovely town.” For information call 1-888-852-1860 or visit www.antebellum.com.
St. Simons Island, Ga.
Historic sites combined with sandy beaches make St. Simons Island, Ga., a popular vacation spot.
This year’s Sunshine Festival takes place June 30–July 4 and will feature arts and crafts, games and live entertainment, as well as the annual Independence Day fireworks display.
For information call 1-800-933-2627 or visit www.bgivb.com.
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