I'm not sure my annual serving of New Year's black-eyed-peas helped much last year, but I'm still going have a heaping plateful to welcome 2010. And, if you are planning to celebrate the New Year in the Southeast, whether attending a gala gourmet dinner or a small casual gathering with friends and family, chances are you will be offered, and encouraged to eat, black-eyed peas as well. Why black-eyed peas? Once you know more about this time honored Southern tradition, you might decide to have some black-eyed peas for the New Year too.

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^{Photo Credit: © 2006 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, is the most popular historic estate in the nation and one of the most interesting and memorable places to visit in the Southeast U.S. A true treasure, Mount Vernon Estate is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. During the holidays through January 6, 2010, visitors to Mount Vernon enjoy themed decorations, several festive programs and weekend storytelling sessions for children.

Another holiday addition, Aladdin the Mount Vernon Christmas camel, has returned this year following his extremely popular debut last year. His holiday stay on the Estate grounds recalls Christmas 1787, when George Washington, for the entertainment of his guests, paid 18 shillings for a camel to temporarily live at Mount Vernon during the Christmas season. Aladdin, who plays his role very well, is adorable.

Also: This weekend (December 11, 12 and 13, 2009) is the final weekend for this year's ever popular and delightful Candlelight Tours, another fun thing to do during the holidays at Mount Vernon.

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^{Mount Vernon's holiday camel is similar to the one George Washington brought to the estate to celebrate the holidays
Photo © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Atlanta loves to party and especially on New Year's Eve when locals and visitors fill the clubs, hotel ballrooms and city streets to welcome the New Year in style.

From daytime college bowl events to the annual Peach Drop and popular parties that last into the wee hours, Atlanta offers an array of fun New Year's Eve celebrations for all ages.

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^{Photo of Atlanta's Peach Drop: Courtesy Underground Atlanta / Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau}

For a festive day trip, short getaway or holiday vacation to the Southeast U.S., here are 50 fun seasonal attractions and fun places to visit. Enjoy Christmas lights, visits with Santa, exploring time honored yuletide traditions and more. Entry prices range from free to moderate, offering choices for all travel budgets. See the list of 50 Holiday Attractions. And, if you don't see your favorite holiday attraction listed, please click here to tell our readers about it.

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^{(Pictured Above) Rock City Christmas Lights; Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Economic Development}