Fruitcake, the Last Supper, and a Catfish Festival
Plus, the Point Peter battlefield and fall's final peak
This week, we’re here to fight for why fruitcake still makes a great holiday gift—if you use the right ingredients. Contributing writer Patricia A Branning reminds us that in the South, “we like our fruitcakes like we like our friends—wild, unpredictable, and always a little strong.”
Don’t feel like baking one? Check out the fruitcake we suggest in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.
Explorer and Voyager received a second email containing our full fruitcake feature plus two incredible fruitcake recipes. These recipes are only available to paid subscribers.
Below, we take you to a replica of Jesus’ Last Supper, a catfish festival, and a historic battlefield. We end tonight’s email with breathtaking views of fall’s final burst of color.
This week only, free subscribers can see our full email, but you’ll need to upgrade to access our fruitcake recipes. (They’re totally worth it!)
The Lasting Legacy of Fruitcake
If you’ve ever attended a Southern gathering in December, you know that fruitcake will be present—whether it’s eagerly anticipated or politely endured. There it sits, resting proudly on a beautiful pedestal plate in the center of the table, right next to the deviled eggs and pecan pie, as though it were the guest of honor. Unmistakable, unchallenged—its place on the table is as secure as tradition itself.
Most fruitcakes are lovingly soaked in bourbon, rum, or moonshine, transforming them into what we consider a true Southern delicacy. We like our fruitcakes like we like our friends—wild, unpredictable, and always a little strong.
Perhaps you’ve never had a homemade fruitcake, made with the finest glacéed fruits, rich organic farm-raised eggs, and Irish butter, generously laced with rum, bourbon, or sherry. Such a fruitcake has the power to convert even the most hardened fruitcake skeptic.
The Upper Room Chapel
Fort Mill, South Carolina
While we’re on the subject of food, the Upper Room Chapel in Fort Mill, South Carolina, was built in 1982 as part of the Heritage USA complex and replicates Jerusalem’s Upper Room, the site of Jesus’ Last Supper. Rescued from demolition in 2010, it offers a serene space for prayer and worship. The chapel is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to noon; Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 to 6:30 p.m. Its tranquil grounds and Walk of Faith path welcome all for reflection. Learn more at upperroomchapel.com.
Live Camera: The Upper Room Chapel offers a live view of the chapel, so you can peek in whenever you’d like. Check it out here. You can also view a photo gallery of the chapel here.
Kingsland Catfish Festival
November 21-22, 2025
Kingsland, Georgia
This coastal festival features southern fried catfish, crafts, an array of beers and wines, and live entertainment in celebration of South Georgia’s culinary traditions via a street party and parade. You’ll also find 200 vendor booths, a dedicated children’s amusement area, and more.
While you’re in Kingsland: Stop by Point Peter, where a battle occurred on Jan. 13, 1815, along the St. Mary’s River. British troops, ignorant of the Treaty of Ghent, assaulted the U.S. outpost, sparking a skirmish and brief occupation.
Fall’s Last Burst of Color
This vibrant fall vignette from our Fall 2025 Portfolio collection, photographed by Bruce DeBoer, brilliantly captures fall’s peak colors in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the last few leaves flutter away this month, enjoy fall’s last burst of color wherever you can find it.
Fall Peaks: View this fall foliage map to see the last few regions of the Southeast that will experience peak colors this week. Better hurry—there aren’t many left!
We hope you’re enjoying our weekly email and that you always remember to …
Take the long way home.
I sure remember the fruit cakes Dad brought home from Claxton, Georgia. You could have built a brick house with them.
Thank you for fighting for the fruitcake! You’ve won me over!