The Virginia Highlands Festival, one of the top tourist events in North America, takes place July 25 to August 9, 2009 in historic Abingdon, located in the picturesque Appalachian foothills of southwestern Virginia. An award-winning regional festival, the Virginia Highlands Festival offers entertainment, a large antiques market, a juried arts and crafts show, visual and performing artists, guided hikes and many other outdoor activities, living history and much more. Read more...

Plan a Shopping Getaway for Tax Free Savings - During 2009, Sales Tax Holidays for certain items are taking place in 15 U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia. Nine of the participating states are located in the Southeast U.S.

Sales Tax Holidays dates and tax free items vary from state to state, although eight of the participating southeastern states are offering back-to-school tax free shopping in late July or early August. In addition, some states have scheduled additional Sales Tax Holidays in other months for energy-saving shopping or hurricane preparedness supplies.

States in the Southeast that have 2009 Summer Sales Tax Holidays include:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

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North Carolina Travel - Although Bald Head Island is located only two nautical miles away from the North Carolina mainland, the island's quiet serenity and unhurried pace feel oceans away from the complexities of daily life. For one thing, cars are not allowed on Bald Head Island, and the absence of them has the effect of enhancing the harmonious music and chatter of the island's natural environment and its vast array of wildlife inhabitants. Also, of Bald Head Island's 12,000 total acres, 10,000 acres are protected preserves, providing many natural settings for peace and quiet. Enjoy this photo tour, which offers a glimpse of the relaxed elegance of Bald Head Island.

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^{Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees, the annual Bele Chere festival held in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the largest free street festivals in the Southeast. Bele Chere, derived from an ancient Scottish dialect, means beautiful living and visitors from the region as well as from across the country gather to enjoy Asheville's picturesque mountains and downtown area restaurants, galleries, theaters, art exhibits and great vibe. Started in 1979 as a small three-block event, Bele Chere celebrates its 31st Anniversary in 2009.
More about Bele Chere

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^{Photo Credit: Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau}