Since the late 1970s, Capricorn Sound Studios—the “birthplace of Southern rock”—has sat dormant and shuttered in downtown Macon, Georgia. But the hallowed space where the Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie, and many others laid down some of the era’s most iconic tracks now has a second life thanks to Macon’s Mercer University, which has restored the building to its vintage glory, including rolling out fresh shag carpeting and rehanging psychedelic art in the greenroom. Along with once again being a working studio, the renovated building will also function as a “music incubator,” with twelve rehearsal rooms available, and an exhibition space featuring a digital catalogue of songs recorded during the heyday, photos, interviews, album art, and more. The new Capricorn opens to the public on January 2. Read more and see additional photos here.

From Furious Hours, a behind-the-scenes study of To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee, to a new set of surreal stories from the Sunshine State by Pulitzer Prize finalist Karen Russell, Southern bibliophiles had plenty to dig into in 2019. On the music side, the year brought Brittany Howard’s fearless solo debut, the sophomore release from bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, and the eponymously titled The Highwomen from the new supergroup of Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, and Natalie Hemby. See these and more of our favorite books and albums of 2019.

Last week we asked, “If you’re a fan of a school in the SEC or ACC that didn’t make the college football playoff, will you root for LSU and Clemson in their games? Why or why not?” The majority of respondents said they indeed will be rooting for LSU and Clemson.

SEC, SEC, SEC. My wife and her family are Tennessee fans. My family went to Kentucky. Our son went to Auburn. Glad to see another SEC team. —Danny

I’m an Auburn Tiger. You bet I’m going to be yelling for the Tigers. All of them! —Wes B.

I am a USC Gamecocks fan but pull for Clemson any time they are not playing USC. I will also pull for LSU, being a fan of the SEC. —Debbie T.

I’m an FSU fan in Tallahassee (not much to cheer about lately), and I always root for the ACC team. If Clemson does not make it, then LSU for the win in the South. —Benson G.

I’m a Georgia Dawg. Proud of the SEC East champs, and I’ll be rooting for the best team and QB in college football—Geaux Tigers! —Alton C.

Rooting for Clemson. I am a big UNC fan (we came as close as anyone to beating them), but you have to respect the way Dabo Swinney runs that program. Go Tigers. —Arthur P.

Absolutely, I will be rooting hard for LSU because they are an SEC team. I might have beat the snot out of my little brother at home, but I had his back out in the world. —Lisa B.

So long as the trophy stays in the South ... bourbons for everyone. —Larry B.

Some fans have their limits:

LSU, yes. Clemson, I’m sorry, I tried but just can’t. I'm actually hoping for an LSU-Clemson championship game. —William H.

Pulling for Clemson. Tried-and-true Alabama fan, but love Dabo at Clemson. Always pull for him if he’s not playing us. LSU? Never! —Vicki S.

And others can’t bear the thought:

I went to Ole Miss. I will never root for LSU. As for Clemson, my nephew is a coach for Alabama ... not ever rooting for Clemson! —Katrena

As a Bama fan, the worst thing that could happen for our recruiting would be for LSU to win. I’m rooting for OSU and Oklahoma, in that order. —Charles M.

Watch Miguel Wattson, the resident electric eel at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, light up his own Christmas tree as part of the aquarium’s Holidays Under the Peaks celebration through Christmas Eve.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, honors the anniversary of the brothers’ first flight with a flyover and addresses from members of the First Flight Society, among others.

Close out the official first day of winter and shortest day of the year with an evening of s’more roasting and stargazing during the Winter Solstice Celebration at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, Louisiana. 

Toast the Yuletide season with locally brewed meads and cider along with live music, storytelling, and battle reenactments during the Texas Viking Festival, at Valkyrie Ranch in Paige.