With the football schedule jam-packed for this fall, everyone knows where they will be for the next few Saturdays. But what about dead weekends or those away games that are just too far away? This, my friends, should be seen as the perfect opportunity to go on what I call a local adventure.
Many of you may be unfamiliar with all the lovely southeastern part of our country has to offer, from the busy city life of places like Birmingham, or Jackson, to the local flair of our small rural towns, there is always something new to discover.
Over the next few months, this column will take you on many adventures to parts of this region you can explore on your own, instead of hosting that eighth barbeque of the semester in your backyard. I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and hit the road with a carload of your closest friends.
Our first stop, we will travel to Delhi, La.  Here you will find the “Wild Country Safari Park,” home to 300 animals you can get up close and personal.  I’m sure at first glance you’re thinking, “A safari in the south?” But in reality, it could just as easily be explained as a fenceless zoo. 
There are two options when you visit this safari park: Visitors can ride on a wagon tour or drive their own car. The park staff also offers animal food for purchase which you can toss out the window to attract the animals to your vehicle. Now, this might sound scary at first, but you go home with  some great pictures of these animals.
From my experience, the visit to the park is something I’ll never forget. I hung out of the sunroof of the car while we drove slowly, and together we got some phenomenal photos. We did have a few close encounters with the animals. On one occasion, both a camel and a zebra put their heads inside our car. Of course, I was screaming hysterically as I was throwing the rest of my food pellets out the window shouting, “Drive! Drive! It’s going to get us.” Don’t worry. There was no real danger, but it was definitely an interesting experience. We enjoyed it so much that we drove through a second time.
Now, it should be known I’m a sucker for a good zoo, but there are many other reasons for making the trip to the safari park. Not only can you check out your favorite animals, but you can  also complete a photography class assignment, get inspired for your next art project or find a secluded location for you and your significant other to spend some quality time together. 
There are different kinds of animals in this park from antelope and other deer-like creatures, to camels, long-horned cattle and zebras.  The safari is definitely worth your time to visit. You will never forget your weekend at this fenceless zoo. I sure didn’t!