Calendar

This week

“Paint Made Flesh,” opening Jan. 23 at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville. Features 38 works created since the 1950s. Focus is on artists whose depictions of the human body denote biological, psychological and spiritual volatility. Symposium also scheduled Jan. 23-24 with artist Eric Fischl and keynote speaker John Elderfield. 615-744-3247, www.fristcenter.org.

Start planning

The Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire, March 7-8 in Pensacola, Fla., features strolling minstrels, jousting knights, jesters and jugglers, along with Celtic music and gypsy dancers. 1-877-429-8462, www.gcrf.net.

Georgia

Madison —- hand.craft.it, an exhibition exploring the indy handmade craft movement, runs through Jan. 20 at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. 1-877-233-0598, www.mmcc-arts.org.

Adairsville —- Barnsley Gardens Resort hosts the Winter Wine Series through March. Representatives from select wine estates host each event and entertain with trivia and prizes. Jan. 24, Verite’s Luis Reyneri; Feb. 7, Krug’s Holly Beach; March 7, Silver Oak Winery’s Tom Johnson; and March 14, Freemark Abbey’s Ted Edwards. 770-773-2522, www.barnsleyresort.com.

Augusta —- The Augusta Futurity, Jan. 23-31, includes a cutting competition, championship bull riding, a fun fest, a dance, vendors and more. 706-823-3362, www.augustafuturity.com.

Kingsland —- The seventh annual Old-Time Oyster Roast, a fund-raiser held Jan. 31, includes all-you-can-eat oysters, shrimp, Brunswick stew, homemade chowders and homemade desserts. 912-673-1300.

Savannah —- The 20th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival, Jan. 31-Feb. 15, includes Grand Festival Day, music, dancing, youth talent showcases, historic tours, visual arts exhibitions, culinary arts activities and more. 912-691-6847, www.savannahblackheritagefestival.com.

Savannah —- The second annual Savannah Book Festival, Feb. 6-8, includes author appearances and signings, family activities and a brunch fund-raising event with Paula Deen. 912-897-9600, www.savannahbookfestival.org.

Madison —- The Fisk Jubilee Singers perform in the a capella African-American spiritual tradition Feb. 7 at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. www.mmcc-arts.org.

Dahlonega —- Three Sisters Vineyards presents the annual Wine & Chocolate Lovers Celebration Saturdays and Sundays in February. The event includes a barrel tasting, souvenir wine glass, special chocolates and Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia Cheese tasting. 706-865-9463, www.threesistersvineyards.com.

Alabama

Guntersville —- Eagle Awareness Weekends, each weekend in January, feature guided interpretive programs at various bald eagle nesting locations, guest speakers, fireside chats and more. 256-571-5444, www.guntersvillestatepark.com.

Huntsville —- The Huntsville Botanical Garden presents Dog Day of Winter through the end of February. Canines and their owners are welcomed for a stroll through the Dogwood Trail and outer loop. The second annual Bow-Wow “Bone-anza,” set for Feb. 7, features agility demonstrations, pet product vendors, photographer, puppy treats, dog and master look-alike contest and more. 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org.

Huntsville —- The Winter Wine Event, Jan. 29-30, offers samplings of wines complemented by local foods at the Huntsville Museum of Art. 256-535-4350, www.hsvmuseum.org.

Dothan —- The Antique Extravaganza, Jan. 29-31, offers on-the-spot appraisals of antiques similar to “Antique Roadshow.” Other events include an antique marketplace. 334-699-1475, www.wiregrassarc.org.

Brundidge —- The Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, Jan. 30-31, features nationally acclaimed storytellers Donald Davis, Bill Lepp, Carmen Deedy and Kathryn Tucker WIndham. 334-670-6302, www.piddle.org.

Troy —- The African-American Leadership Conference, Feb. 6-7, celebrates Black History Month with local and national speakers and breakout sessions for students and adults. 334-670-2283.

Birmingham —- A Celebration of Black History Month, Feb. 14, features local children in the program of live music, spoken word and more. 205-975-9540, www.alysstephens.org.

Prattville —- The Polar Bear Run, Feb. 14, is a 5K and 1-mile fun run with awards for winners in all age categories. 334-365-0606, www.polarbearrun.org.

Huntsville —- The 16th annual Antiques & Collectibles Show, Feb. 14-15, includes 45 vendors displaying glassware, jewelry, toys, books, postcards, posters and more. 256-880-0680, Ext. 115, www.hsvrehab.org.

Tuscaloosa —- The Jewish Film Festival, Feb. 14-16, features current movies from Jewish filmmakers worldwide. 205-758-5195, www.tuscarts.org.

Anniston —- The 29th annual Black Heritage Festival, Feb. 21 at the Anniston Museum of Natural History, features speeches by area students, a marketplace of African-American arts and crafts, and musical performances. 256-237-6766.

Montgomery —- The Jewish Food Festival & Treasure Market, Feb. 22, features all types of Jewish specialties as well as a marketplace and tours of the Temple Beth Or sanctuary. 334-262-3314, www.templebethor.net.

Monroeville —- Heritage Art Festival, Feb. 28, transforms the town with crafts, quilts, woodworking, soul food and art. Also scheduled is a fashion show, gospel music and ethnic dance performances. 251-743-3359, www.tokillamockingbird.com.

Florida

St. Augustine —- The World Golf Hall of Fame showcases “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory” throughout 2009. The exhibit offers a chance for visitors to reflect the different eras and places significant to Hope’s life. 904-940-4123, www.wgv.com.

Tampa —- The Black Heritage Festival, through Jan. 24, features a speaker’s series with Danny Glover and Felix Justice, a gala, a traveling exhibition and a two-day street festival. 1-888-224-1733, Ext. 143, www.tampablackheritage.org.

Orlando —- The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, Jan. 20-25, celebrates the work of the 20th-century writer with museum exhibits, public talks, panel discussions, workshops and concerts. It culminates with a three-day outdoor festival of the arts. 407-647-3307, www.zorafestival.com.

Fort Myers —- The Edison Festival of Light, Jan. 31-Feb. 22, celebrates the life and innovations of the famous inventor with a science and engineering fair, an inventors’ fair, a Light Up the Town Block Party, Rock ‘n’ Roll Saturday Night (with Eddie Money and Night Ranger), “junior” events, a stadium and fireworks show, and a grand parade. 239-334-2999, edisonfestival.org.

Pensacola —- The Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Feb. 20, is just one of the activities over three days of Mardi Gras festivities. Also scheduled is the Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade and the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade. 850-436-7638, www.pensacolamardigras.com.

Jacksonville —- Much Ado About Books, Feb. 27-28, includes author panel discussions, book sales and signings, writing workshops, celebrity readings and other activities. Authors this year include David Baldacci, Adriana Trigiani, Steve Berry, Carla Neggers, Tracy Brown. 904-630-1995, www.muchadoaboutbooks.com.

Bonita Springs —- The Bonita Springs National Art Festival, March 14-15, features the works of more than 200 artists specializing in painting, jewelry, glass, clay, photography, sculpture, wood and more. 239-992-1213, www.artinusa.com/bonita.

Kentucky

Olive Hill —- The Carter Caves Crawlathon, Jan. 23-25, includes wild caving trips, canoeing, rappelling and ascending, vertical workshops, proper techniques of caving workshops, and kids’ caving trips. Other events are a Cave Photo Salon competition and the squeezebox contest. 606-286-4411.

Corbin —- The Star Party at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Jan. 24, will teach visitors how to read a star map and view the moon, planets and other astronomical features through telescopes. 606-528-4121, www.parks.ky.gov.

Slade —- Arches Hiking Weekend, Feb. 6-7 at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, is a guided tour to see natural arches and bridges in the park. Also includes evening speakers. 606-663-2214, www.parks.ky.gov.

Falls of Rough —- The Dulcimer Music Festival, Feb. 6-8, celebrates the strings with concerts, jam sessions and workshops. 1-800-325-1713, www.parks.ky.gov.

Greenup —- Greenbo Lake State Resort Park celebrates Black History Month on Feb. 13-14, with guest speakers, music, a one-woman drama by Erma Bush and more. 1-800-325-0083, www.parks.ky.gov.

Frankfort —- Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2009, touted as the state’s largest showcase of traditional and contemporary fine art and crafts, is set for Feb. 19-22. The show also includes books, musical recordings, film and specialty food items. 1-888-592-7238, www.artscouncil.ky.gov.

Mississippi

Tupelo —- The Tupelo Automobile Museum Presents Camaros, through Jan. 24. Showcases the locals’ classic cars, as well as the museum’s collection of more than 100 cars from the 1880s to the 1900s. 662-842-4242, www.tupeloauto.com.

Jackson —- Jewish Cinema South, Jan. 22, 24-25, features the showing of four films, “The Counterfeiters,” “Arranged,” “Sixty-Six,” and “Praying With Lior.” 601-956-6215, www.isjl.org.

Diamondhead —- The Winter Rod Run, the 17th annual antique car show, set for Jan. 23-25, features cars dating to before 1969. 1-800-466-9048.

Oxford —- The Oxford Film Festival, Feb. 5-8, celebrates the art of filmmaking with more than 90 films competing. Workshops and panels also scheduled. 662-236-6429, www.oxfordarts.com.

Columbus —- The African-American Heritage Month Driving Tour, Feb. 6-7, celebrates Black History Month with tours of African-American heritage sites and live music. 1-800-327-2686, www.columbus-ms.org.

Brookhaven —- The annual Camellia Show, Feb. 7-8, allows growers from more than six states to submit blooms for judging. More than 1,000 blooms are on display for public viewing. 1-800-613-4667, www.brookhavenchamber.com.

Natchez —- The 20th Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, Feb. 19-22, features a theme-based lecture series enhanced by films, field trips, workshops, exhibits, book signings and discussions. This year’s theme is “Southern Women Writers: Saluting the Eudora Welty Centennial.” 601-442-9111, www.colin.edu/nlcc.

Biloxi —- The Mardi Gras Bed Race, Feb. 21, features decorated beds, complete with headboard, footboard, mattress and linens, racing propelled by human power only. Music, crawfish and children’s activities follow the race. 228-238-7606, www.mardigrasbedrace.org.

Jackson —- The Gem and Mineral Show, Feb. 21-22, promotes education and enjoyment related to the earth sciences through exhibits and demonstrations. 601-854-6085.

North Carolina

Charlotte —- The Mint Museum of Art presents “Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends,” rarely seen selections from Bank of America’s Warhol collection, through Feb. 15. The exhibit spans the artist’s career from the 1950s through 1986 and features key early works from such series as Endangered Species, Flowers, Jews, Muhammad Ali and Space Fruits. 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org.

Blowing Rock —- The 11th annual Blowing Rock Winterfest, Jan. 22-25, features a WinterFeast, wine auction, live music, chili cook-off, kids’ activities, ice carving, a Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake and more. 1-877-295-7801, www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Wilmington —- The 29th annual North Carolina Jazz Festival, Feb. 5-7, opens with “Lionel, Red and Bunny —- A Tribute to Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo and Bunny Berigan.” www.capefearjazz.com.

Morehead City —- The Carolina Chocolate Festival, Feb. 6-8, is a weekend of chocolate sampling and cooking competitions, live entertainment and restaurant specials. 252-504-2203, www.chocolate-fest.com.

Durham —- The Hayti Film Festival, Feb. 12-15, brings together filmmakers and enthusiasts for the celebration of African-American cinema. 919-683-1709, www.hayti.org.

Pinehurst —- The fifth annual Sandhills Camellia Festival, Feb. 21, is a chance to view an array of camellia flowers, as well as win raffle prizes, attend seminars and demonstrations and purchase plants. 910-255-0012.

Durham —- The Nevermore Horror, Gothic and Fantasy Film Festival, Feb. 27-March 1, screens new horror features from around the world, as well as many fan favorites. 919-683-1709, www.carolinatheatre.org.

Jarvisburg —- Brewing 101 & Then Some, March 6, offers a chance to learn how a batch of brew is made with Matt Glass, head brewer at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery & Eco Farm. The owner of the brewery and farm will take visitors on tours of the brewery, butchery, smoke house and eco farm. Day ends with lunch and beer samples. 252-491-5205, www.weepingradish.com.

South Carolina

Hilton Head Island —- Winter Carnival, through Feb. 28, features more than 200 arts, cultural, theater, food and wine events. www.hiltonheadislandhospitalityassociation.com.

Columbia —- The 2009 World Beer Festival, Jan. 24, provides a sampling of beers from more than 100 breweries and local entertainment. www.allaboutbeer.com/wbfcolumbia/index.html.

Charleston —- The annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Jan. 25, features oysters aplenty, an oyster recipe contest, an oyster shucking and eating contest, a beer and wine tasting tent and entertainment with a kids’ area. 843-805-3084, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.

Aiken —- Antiques in the Heart of Aiken, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, brings dealers from around the country to sell museum-quality pieces. Event also includes a preview party, lectures and fund-raisers to benefit the area’s arts programs. 803-641-9094, www.aikencenterforthearts.org.

Hilton Head —- The Gullah Celebration, Feb. 1-28, includes an art show and sale, an old-fashioned Gullah breakfast, a film festival, a celebration of Low Country authors and books and crafts. 1-877-650-0676, www.gullahcelebration.com.

Charleston —- The Lowcountry Blues Bash, Feb. 6-15, features more than 50 acts of traditional and contemporary blues at numerous venues. 843-762-9125, www.bluesbash.com.

Charleston —- The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Feb. 13-15, features a dock dog jumping competition, “Living With Wolves” presentation, children’s activities, a speed sculpt contest, lectures and more. 843-723-1748, www.sewe.com.

Columbia —- The South Carolina Book Festival, Feb. 27-March 1, hosts nearly 60 authors for readings and signings and many booksellers and exhibitors. 803-771-2477, www.scbookfestival.org.

Hilton Head Island —- The Hilton Head International Piano Competition, March 2-9, features 20 contestants ages 18-30 vying for $33,000 in prizes. 843-842-5880, www.hhipc.org.

Charleston —- The BB&T Charleston Food and Wine Festival, March 5-8, includes grand tasting tents, beer school, Bobby Flay’s burger demonstration, food and wine pairing seminar and more. 843-722-9998, Ext. 2, www.charlestonfoodandwine.com.

Tennessee

Townsend —- The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and Dancing Bear Lodge offers a two-night package Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Feb. 27-March 1 or March 6-8 to experience the cultural heritage of the area, including a tour of the heritage center’s main gallery; a chance to use a Native American hunting tool, the blowgun; making corn-husk dolls; and a guided tour of Cades Cove. 865-448-1999, www.dancingbearlodge.com.

Nashville —- The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville, Feb. 5-8, features more than 150 antique and horticultural booths and landscaped gardens, as well as special lectures by experts. 1-800-891-8075, www.antiquesandgardenshow.com.

Blount County —- The 2009 Winter Heritage Festival, Feb. 5-8, includes author lectures and signings, museum exhibits, Cades Cove Heritage Tours, vintage photography, stories and more. 865-448-6134, www.smoky mountainfestivals.org.

Oak Ridge —- The International Festival, Feb. 21, features the Kuumba Watoto Drum & Dance Company. Also included are cultural booths and activities for children. 865-482-1074, www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.

Memphis —- The 20th annual Beale Street Zydeco Festival, Feb. 27-28, features live music, dance contests, art and more. 901-619-5865.

Walland —- Appetite For Life, March 12-15, celebrates a weekend of food, wine, song and spirit with actress Ashley Judd, Conde Nast Traveler editor Klara Glowczewska, Chef Michelle Bernstein and more. This gathering supports Population Services International’s Five & Alive program. 1-800-648-4252, www.blackberryfarm.com.

Virginia

Richmond —- The Edgar Allan Poe Museum hosts Poe’s 24-hour bicentennial celebration Jan. 19 in honor of Poe’s birthday. Activities include daytime poetry readings, nighttime museum tours, birthday cake and a candlelight vigil at Poe’s shrine at dusk. 1-888-213-2763, www.poemuseum.org.

Hampton —- The second annual Hampton Book Festival, Jan. 24, features book signings, games and crafts for children and more. 757-332-4042.

Petersburg —- Ghost Watch at Historic Centre Hill Mansion, Jan. 24, allows visitors to tour the house, listening for “ghostly activity.” 804-733-2400, www.petersburg-va.org.

Huntly —- The Winter Barrel Tasting at Rappahannock Cellars Jan. 31 gives visitors the chance to taste new wines for 2009. 540-635-9398, www.rappahannockcellars.com.

Berryville —- Sips & Chips, Feb. 7, is a unique tasting option for game day when pairing wine and junk food. Find out how Chardonnay goes with potato chips. 540-955-5510, www.veramar.com.

Gordonsville —- Horton Vineyards Mardi Gras and Gumbo Celebration, Feb. 21, features Chef Emeril Le Horton as well as traditional Mardi Gras games and prizes. 1-800-829-4633, www.hvwine.com.

Virginia Beach —- Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Feb. 28-March 1, features hundreds of tables of trains and collectibles for sale, free modeling seminars, kids’ activities and more. 630-279-4087, www.greenbergshows.com.

Linden —- The Ravishing Red Days of Winter, Feb. 28-March 1, is a special cellar tasting at Fox Meadow Winery. 540-636-6777, www.foxmeadowwinery.com.