Fans of The Help, the bestselling novel by Kathyrn Stockett, aren't just heading to theaters to see the big screen version; they're also using the book for travel inspiration. The novel is about a group of black housekeepers and the white women who employ them in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, and with the movie opening this weekend Jackson is catering to those who want to immerse themselves into the world of The Help.

The Fairview Inn, mentioned in the book, is offering a new package called "The Help Experience" including overnight accommodations, an authentic southern dinner for 2 at Sophia's Restaurant, Mint Juleps upon arrival, and a Help welcome basket. They will even throw in a deck of cards and instructions for playing Bridge, a favorite pastime of the women in The Help. ]]> cmb 2011-08-12T11:54:51-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/10/91746/0341

If you’re making a summer pit stop at Six Flags Great Adventure in beautiful New Jersey, you might notice a little bit of construction noise. The park is in the process of ripping out the Great American Scream Machine during the middle of the summer season, but that’s only because they have big plans for what will take its place.

There’s a new coaster set to debut at some point during the 2011 season, and images released to the Jackson, New Jersey town planning board reveals what it looks like from above. It’s going to be bigger than the coaster that it’s replacing, and the park will be getting rid of some parking spots to make room for certain aspects of the new ride. The town seems fine with the coaster; so don’t expect local politics to interfere with theme park fun. ]]> kjb 2010-08-10T09:28:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/2/9/102513/7932

Do you feel like you've looked everywhere for your soul mate but haven't found them yet? Maybe you're just not looking in the right place. Forget bars, parties or the grocery store, why not try a ski lift? Black Mountain in Jackson, NH is hosting the 4th Annual Chairlift Speed Dating event this weekend.

Registration for the event begins at 12:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 13 in the Lostbo Pub. Speed dating runs from 2 pm to 4 pm and is followed by music, drinks and contests. While you're looking for the mate of your dreams, you can also enjoy 'Love Potions' from the bar and a special aphrodisiac menu to get you in the mood. And for the ladies, the deal is even sweeter since you'll get to ski for free (not to mention the fact that men find women more attractive in scary situations thanks to the adrenaline rush). ]]> cmb 2010-02-09T13:00:14-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/9/71449/9401

The best place to celebrate the spooky season in the New York City region has to be a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure in neighboring New Jersey. It’s a few hours from the city, but most theme parks are already boarding things up for the winter, so it’s your best chance for once last spin, dip, and drop on a roller coaster. Most of the Six Flags across the country offer a little entertainment, but the offerings at Great Adventure are some of the best around.

Celebrating its eighteenth year of freaking people out, Six Flags Fright Fest is well underway. This year’s events are sponsored by Snickers, so hopefully there will be some treats as well as some tricks for park visitors. There’s new shows, creepy decorations, and plenty of pumpkins and spiders to get you in the mood for Halloween.

The park is transformed into thrills by day and chills by night, so no matter what time you’re attending, you’ll get chills down your spine. Things during the day are a little tamer especially adventures like the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Here you’ll fill up your pillowcase as you get some free candy from the Looney Tunes characters. Hey Bugs Bunny, we’ll take the big size bars if you have any—thanks. Once nighttime arrives prepare Professor Zombini's Freak Show. Here you’ll be able to criticize and judge sideshow freaks as they perform their antics, let’s just hope they don’t escape.]]> kjb 2009-10-09T09:28:34-05:00 40.1394890 -74.400632 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/2/12431/44019

Desperate times call for desperate measures: Under pressure to balance the budget, the Mississippi state legislature is contemplating selling its private jet, Sarah Palin-style.

House Appropriations Chair Johnny Stringer cited Palin as an inspiration when he proposed putting the $3.7-million Cessna Citation 8-seater, which costs $1,600 an hour to operate, up for sale. That would leave just three state-funded planes for lawmakers to share, including the jet's most frequent passenger, Republican Governor Haley Barbour.

Critics of the plan call it a partisan stunt and mention that the state still owes $500,000 on the jet. eBay might not even be the way to go after all: When a buyer for Alaska's $2.7 million jet fell through online, the state took a $600,000 hit and got rid of it privately.

Related Stories:
· Miss. may sell state jet on eBay [Clarionledger.com]
· Opinion: Think It Over Before Selling Governor's Jet [Hattiesburg American]

[Photo of Gov. Barbour, who may be forced to drive everywhere: DayLife.com]]]> egw 2009-02-02T13:41:00-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/2/7212/04544

Unless you live in the middle of nowhere, you're probably within a reasonable drive of a Six Flags park.

But if you're truly dedicated to all things Halloween, then you'll consider making the pilgrimage to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Located between New York City and Philadelphia, it's the country's largest Six Flags park, and it's set to kick off this year's edition of Fright Fest this weekend.]]> kjb 2008-10-02T13:30:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/2/111941/1241 Contribute your R2D2 mailbox locations by uploading your photo, with mailbox address to the Jaunted Flickr Photo Pool, or sending us the photo and street address via email.

Jaunted tipster James found the R2D2 mailbox in Jackson Mississipi. Who knew R2 was into taking in some gospel music down by the Pearl River, or maybe the droid hit a blues bar. There are plenty of Mississippi blues events for R2 to check out this month.

He does look quite lonely sitting on the side of the road in Jackson, but at least he has his little blue postal friends to keep him company.

R2 is showing up everywhere this summer.

Go Straight To The R2D2 Mailbox Map]]> markj 2007-08-02T11:22:05-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/