First off, a huge Happy New Year to our station viewers, our clients, and all of our Tripsmarter community – 2007 was a great year for vacationing in our markets, and I look forward to an even bigger 2008.

I am actually sitting down to write this article after driving back from New Orleans where we have already kicked off our 2008 Club Hour season. Our crew and I got the opportunity to party with LSU and Ohio State as they prepared to battle out a National Championship title in football…and if this four-day adventure is a sign of what’s to come this year with Club Hour, we all are in for a wild ride.

This was my first trip back to the Quarter in about 6 months, and all I have to say is THAT CITY KNOWS HOW TO THROW A PARTY! Since “the event” – which is what several bartenders chose to use as they are trying to put the past behind them – New Orleans has built back better than ever! From the new found energy on Canal Street, to swanky little boutique hotels popping up throughout the city… to the obvious entertainment of Bourbon Street – this city has not simply decided to ‘come back,’ but they have committed to making New Orleans a new experience rooted in their history but equally proud of their new future.

It’s exciting to start the New Year off with an adrenaline boost like this, and it’s just the first shoot of the year. Looking forward to Club Hour in the new year, I see events like Mardi Gras, Spring Break, Sun Fun, Fantasy Fest, Bike Weeks, college and pro football, concerts, shows, new bars and of course new cocktails…WOW…2008 is going to be great!

As with most New Year’s revelers, I made a resolution, but it will require your help in order for me to not break this one. We want you to be part of our fun…every year we can find the BIG events (even in our Mardi Gras induced hangover we never miss Spring Break), BUT our markets are growing and changing and with that change comes new traditions and new events.

If you know of such events PLEASE SHARE with us. You can email me directly at randy@tripsmarter.com or our editorial staff at story@tripsmarter.com. Add those to your address book right now, and don’t be afraid to use them - because without the events and the people enjoying them, you’ll be forced to watch an hour of me drinking Miller Lite, alone in our studio…riveting I know. Please help us make 2008 an incredible year for nightlife and festivals in the Southeast!