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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Travel South USA!
. . . Ok. Ok. We know. It's not quite time for Christmas yet. But, it's not too early to start planning this year's Christmas adventure for you and your family!

If this year's holiday agenda is looking a little "ho-hum," might we suggest a break from tradition with the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights?

The Natural State's Trail of Holiday Lights Tour takes you over the river and through the woods across some of Arkansas’s most revered cities, towns, landmarks and attractions.

From the picturesque North Arkansas Ozarks through the state's River Valley, Central and Ouachita Regions to the Southern Arkansas Timberlands, the tour is your chance to witness not only some of the most beautiful Christmas light displays you've ever laid eyes on but also to experience the many stop-over activities along the way.

You can go ice skating in Hot Springs. Take the Holiday Tour of Historic Homes in Yellville. Watch the Holiday parade in Pocahontas's historic downtown square. Go "Caroling in the Caverns" in Blanchard Springs, or have a "Musical Christmas" in Gurdon. Even visit the world's largest man-made Christmas tree in El Dorado.

If you've got the time, traveling the trail over several days is the way to go. Arkansas offers many unique stopovers such as bed and breakfasts, downtown luxury hotels and quaint river, lake and country-side cabins.

The tour is perfect for both the family, and for couples just looking for a little winter romance. Events begin as early as November 9th, so it's time to start planning! Let the glow of millions of red, green and white lights in 64 communities lead you through your Arkansas Christmas adventure.

This year marked my family’s 50^th Anniversary of eating Thanksgiving dinner together.  Started by my great grandfather, each year somewhere around 60 folks get together to break bread, share stories of the past year, check out the newest “significant others” brought home by our college-aged kin (God love ‘em for their bravery) and remember days gone by. 

One of the things I love most about the holiday season are the traditions that make my family, my family.  First, we absolutely do not have Thanksgiving dinner without sausage.  Yes, we have the cornbread dressing, the mashed potatoes, the Turkey, the cranberry sauce, etc.  But, dinner absolutely cannot be served without someone having pattied out and fried up some Jimmy Dean sausage (preferably as spicy as it comes).  As I recall, it all started with my great grandfather’s need for something spicier with his Turkey and not once in my life have I had Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without a piece of sausage on my plate.

Maxine’s Chocolate Cake is the second must for every holiday occasion.  My grandmother made the absolute best chocolate cake you will ever think about tasting.  Since her death, my father has picked up the tradition and he would not even dare think about attending a church or family gathering during the holidays without it in his hands, leading the way as his ticket through the door.  As my grandmother said, and I have witnessed, it takes all day and every bowl in the kitchen to make, but mercy!  It is worth it.  I’ve shared the recipe below.  It is without a doubt an absolute gift and this holiday I am going to try to make it for myself (for the first time!)

Until next time…Happy Holidays!