Apryl Chapman Thomas

Freelance/Feature Travel Writer

United States of America

Freelance writer with over 10 years of experience writing articles for magazines and newspapers.

Currently serves as a feature writer with Southern Hospitality Magazine –Traveler edition (http://traveler.southernhospitalitymagazine.com), updates the blogs, Happening Now (http://traveler.southernhospitalitymagazine.com/happening_now) and Take Five (http://traveler.southernhospitalitymagazine.com/take_5.php) as well as Traveler's Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Southern-Hospitality-Magazine-Traveler/).

Previously penned Road Trips, a travel blog for PlanetEye Traveler (http://planeteyetraveler.com/travel/specialty/road-trips) and Florida Monthly Magazine Blog, Apryl in Florida (www.floridamagazine.com/blog). Was selected as a Kissimmee Guest Blogger in January 2010 (http://i.seekissimmee.com/author/apryl-thomas). Under contract with VISIT FLORIDA for three months in summer of 2009 to create and provide content for North Florida Write Away! (www.writeawaynfla.com).

Portfolio
Explorationtravelmagazine
11/03/2013
Discover Alabama's Cuisine during The Year of Alabama Food

Does a location define its food, or does the food define its location? While there is no right or wrong answer, Martie Duncan, of Martie Knows Parties and season eight of "Food Network Star," believes that food and the place it comes from have always been synonymous.

Explorationtravelmagazine
11/03/2013
Getaway to St. Simons Island, Georgia

We are all familiar with the saying "good things come in small packages," and that sentiment holds true even when talking about destinations. Even thought it's only 18 miles long, St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia's four barrier islands. These aren't cookie-cutter islands, either. Each island has its own personality and flavor.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Louisville, Kentucky Beyond the Derby | Happening Now | SHM - Traveler

Go, See, Do: Six Getaway-Worthy Southern Destinations (January 2016) 16 Things to Do in the South in 2016 (January 2016) Rider or Not, There are Many Reasons to Visit Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (October 2015) The Great Georgia Escape: Discovering (and Enjoying) Big Canoe (September 2015) Quick Glimpse into Birmingham, Alabama's Growing Culinary Scene (August 2015) Discover the Vast Musical Side of the South with the Americana Music Triangle (June 2015) Take Grilling to the Next Level with...

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
College Football Hall of Fame Debuts in Atlanta | Happening Now | SHM - Traveler

Go, See, Do: Six Getaway-Worthy Southern Destinations (January 2016) 16 Things to Do in the South in 2016 (January 2016) Rider or Not, There are Many Reasons to Visit Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (October 2015) The Great Georgia Escape: Discovering (and Enjoying) Big Canoe (September 2015) Quick Glimpse into Birmingham, Alabama's Growing Culinary Scene (August 2015) Discover the Vast Musical Side of the South with the Americana Music Triangle (June 2015) Take Grilling to the Next Level with...

Feast + West
02/12/2015
Hidden Gems: Athens, GA Travel Guide " Feast + West

Today's Hidden Gems travel guide to Athens, Ga. comes from Apryl Chapman Thomas from Southern Hospitality Traveler Magazine! The saying "good things come in small packages" can be applied to Athens, Ga. Athens-Clarke County is the state's smallest county, but you would never know that when you are here.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Five Things to do in Three Southern Capital Cities | Take 5 | SHM - Traveler

Regardless of what you may think of politics in general, capital cities can be an attractive destination for everyone. From museums to attractions to unique venues, there are numerous reasons to plan a trip to one. These three southern capital cities, complete with five things to experience at each one, should be on everyone's travel radar.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Five Ways to Experience the Great Smoky Mountain Towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and...

What is it about the trio towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tenn., that make them appealing to travelers? Perhaps it's the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Maybe it's the varied choices of affordable entertainment and activities for all ages. It could even be the allure of the pancake houses.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
What's Growin' On: Five Gardens in the South to Explore | Take 5 | SHM - Traveler

No doubt about it, the South loves its gardens. Big or small, the region celebrates them all. Whether you are looking to unplug for a couple of hours or spend some quality time outdoors, there is a garden for you to explore. Check out any (or all) of these five during your travels in the South.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

Weekend Getaway to Lake Charles, La. What can you do in a weekend in Lake Charles? Actually, the question should be what can't you do in a weekend in Lake Charles. Located about three hours from New Orleans and only 30 minutes from the Texas border, Lake Charles is a more relaxed and laid back destination with festivals and culinary offerings one associates with Louisiana.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

10 Reasons to Visit Lafayette, Louisiana With its rich blend of music, culture and food, it's not surprising that Wall Street Journal ' s Market Watch named Lafayette, La., as America's happiest city in 2014. Located about two hours west of New Orleans, the city is unique in the way it holds onto to its past while looking toward the future.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

MISSISSIPPI Food Finds Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast From beignets to oysters to shrimp potatoes and more, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is carving out a name for itself in the culinary world.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

For travelers, Macon, Ga., is a great destination to visit. Located a little over 80 miles south of Atlanta, off I-75 South, it offers historic sites like Ocmulgee National Monument, museums such as Tubman Museum, and more. However, there is something -- a rather large something that, for many, separates the city from its counterparts.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

No doubt about it, history is a big part of Montgomery, Alabama, but there is a lot more to this capital city. Home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, and the Montgomery Biscuits, Montgomery is definitely a destination that everyone needs to visit at least once in their life.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Places | SHM - Traveler

12 Reasons to Visit Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville, Ala., is one of those destinations that has something for everyone. Whether you're young, old or somewhere in the middle; traveling with kids, as a couple or by yourself; enjoy the arts, like the outdoors or love history, there is definitely something (or some things) that'll appeal to everyone's interest.

Southern Hospitality Magazine - Traveler
Experience Acre in Auburn, Alabama | Happening Now | SHM - Traveler

Go, See, Do: Six Getaway-Worthy Southern Destinations (January 2016) 16 Things to Do in the South in 2016 (January 2016) Rider or Not, There are Many Reasons to Visit Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (October 2015) The Great Georgia Escape: Discovering (and Enjoying) Big Canoe (September 2015) Quick Glimpse into Birmingham, Alabama's Growing Culinary Scene (August 2015) Discover the Vast Musical Side of the South with the Americana Music Triangle (June 2015) Take Grilling to the Next Level with...