Looking for a quick trip? Here are some regional attractions and events to consider.

Arkansas

Through Saturday (Aug. 9): 29th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival — Entertainment on Thursday and Friday from 6-10 p.m. A festival parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday with all-day activities. Cave City city park; (870) 283-5959, cavecityarkansas.info.

The 29th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival takes place through Saturday at Cave City, Ark. A festival parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday with all-day entertainment.

Saturday ( Aug. 9): Sunset Kayak Tour — Join a park interpreter for this guided paddling tour of the lake at Cane Creek State Park in Star City. View the Delta sunset while listening to the sounds of nature all around you. No experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable around water. $15 adults, $10 children ages 12 and under. Fee includes use of a kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. Call for reservations; (870) 628-4714 or send e-mail to canecreek@arkansas.com.

Aug. 22-24: Twenty-fifth annual Fall Bluegrass Festival — Bluegrass and gospel music, acoustic instruments, jam sessions, arts and crafts, food vendors and fishing. Showers, restrooms, camping facilities available. No alcohol permitted. Admission: $10 Thursday; $10 Friday; $12 Saturday; $30 three-day pass. Camp daily $8. Cadron Creek Park in Little Rock; (501) 920-9534.

Missouri

Through June 3-Sept. 28: Flight City: St. Louis Takes to the Air — A thrilling and comprehensive exploration of the history of flight in our region. Photos, personal stories, gallery activities and treasures chronicle St. Louis’ relationship with aviation. Flight City evokes the past while challenging you to imagine the future. At the Missouri History Museum at 5700 Lindell Blvd., in Forest Park. Free. (314) 746-4599; mohistory.org.

Tennessee

Today and Saturday (Aug. 8-9): Edmon’s Family Farm Bluegrass Festival — The home-cooked food has an unmistakable Southern touch, and it is one of the nicest features of the festival. Enjoy regional bands with many talented pickers. In Pikeville; (423) 533-2720.

Aug. 15-16: Celebrity Chef Series Featuring Alton Brown — Don’t miss a fascinating time learning about food as only Alton can present it — with a twist of pop culture, comedy, kitchen science, and plain good eating! Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville; (615)-458-2875.

Aug. 23: Southern Brewers Festival — One of downtown Chattanooga’s most anticipated gatherings. Wet your whistle on more than 40 different brews as vendors from around the world serve up their best. Several local cafes are also on hand to provide a variety of culinary delights; (423) 757-5259.

Aug. 30: Sixteenth annual Crape Myrtle Festival — Crafts, live entertainment, children’s games, live entertainment, specialty foods and more. In Ardmore; (931) 363-3789.

Mississippi

Through Sept. 1: Civil War Living History — Confederate and Union soldiers camp on the grounds of historic McRaven Tour Home. Events include period demonstrations in textiles, cooking, fashions, music and battle skirmishes. Free. 1445 Harrison St., Vicksburg. (601) 636-1663; mcraventourhome.com.

Sept. 4-7: Tennessee Williams Tribute Weekend — Honoring one of the South’s most prolific playwrights, the weekend event will feature a tour of Victorian Homes, theatrical plays by Tennessee Williams, a gallery exhibit of photographs and much more. In Columbus; (662) 328-0222 (800) 327-2686, columbus-ms.org.

From the Southeast Tourism Society’s

Top 20 Events

Through Aug. 31: Celebrate Freedom — Pigeon Forge salutes active and retired men and women who preserve our freedom with month-long discount savings offered by county-wide businesses. Show your military ID and don’t forget to print Web coupons. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., (865) 453-8574, mypigeonforge.com.

Today and Saturday (Aug. 8-9): Sixth annual StringTime in the Smokies — Gather in Patriot Park for bluegrass concerts with musicians like Doc Watson and David Grisman. Bring lawn chairs and instruments for Jammin’ at the Old Mill. Free. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; (865) 453-1390; mypidgeonforge.com.

Aug. 14-17: Sixth annual Thunder on the Gulf— More than 35,000 raring-to-go fans race to Alabama’s Gulf Coast for a weekend of power, speed and the excitement of the world’s fastest powerboats. Gulf Shores, Ala.; (251) 974-1510; thunderonthegulf.com.

Sources: escapetothesoutheast.com, arkansas.com, visitmississippi.org, tnvacation.com, visitmo.com. Send event info to travel@commercialapeal.com.