BELOW THE MASON DIXON

(sigh)

There are so many terrific places in the south to visit and absorb the local color, sample the regional cuisine and just generally enjoy our way of life. Here're a few in no special order:

Asheville, North Carolina

A beautiful city in the mountains of western NC, Asheville has breathtaking views, wonderful crafts and, of course, Biltmore Estate.

Atlanta, Georgia

Becoming progressively crowded, it's still fun to explore Underground Atlanta and closeby Stone Mountain. And it's a shopping mecca.

Birmingham, Alabama

This city used to be called "The Pittsburgh of the South," which wasn't a complimentary moniker. But Birmingham has cleaned up its act and is pretty classy culturally....beautiful Botanical Gardens, an outstanding symphony.

Charleston, South Carolina

Getting too crowded and hard to get around from my perspective, but you must see the gorgeous old homes in the Battery and feast on Calabash seafood.

Charlottesville, Virginia

A great college town with lots of character and things to do. A number of literary celebrities live in the area and they frequently have local book signings. Monticello is an interesting tour, and Boars Head Inn is the place to stay and dine.

Memphis, Tennessee

The blues.

Mobile, Alabama

Two words...."the bay."

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

It's not called The Grand Strand for nothing. Beautiful, wide beaches, waterfront parks, shopping. If you play golf, you've surely taken advantage of one of hundreds of golf packages available.

Nashville, Tennessee

Country music (not to my liking), but great southern food and some interesting shopping.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Forget going until the crowds have cleared the beaches. Pick a fall weekend in mid-to-late October and take your beach chair and chill out watching the sun rise over a beautiful expanse of ocean.

Savannah, Georgia

My all-time favorite southern city -- from the beautiful Historic District's squares to Bonaventure Cemetery. The city will suck you in and mesmerize you. And, of course, Paula Deen's restaurant is there!

Selma, Alabama

Yes, Selma. This is truly a southern town still functioning as a turn-of-the-century maven. It sits on the banks of the Alabama River and just has an ambiance all its own. Of course, you must see the Edmund Pettus Bridge where the famous Civil Rights March took place.

Tampa, Florida

If you can stand the bugs (and they're HUGE!) as well as the heat mid-day from June-September, Tampa is a pretty Gulf Coast city. Wander through Ybor City's shops, watch the locals roll cigars, venture to Channelside to view a magnificent sunset.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Another fun college town with its own mega-history played out in grand style in Colonial Williamsburg. There's good shopping, good food and, of course, The Pottery in Lightfoot, VA, which is merely a group of ramshackle quonset huts stacked to the hilt with bargains galore.

On your list of places to go, hit "Delete" when you get to New Orleans and Washington, D.C.

(sigh)