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THE
GREAT
WIDE OPEN
SOUTHEAST ADVENTURE GUIDE
ALABAMA arkansas florida georgia
INTO YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS
kentucky louisiana mississippi
The leaves are showing hints of gold and red and a chill begins to linger in the air.
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As fall makes its presence known in the Southeast, there’s no better place to welcome the season. With a plethora of options to enjoy the wilderness, get out of the house and rediscover the wonders of the outdoors in these southern states.
south carolina tennessee virginia www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com
west virginia
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Wisdom is realizing THAT CATCHING UP IS MORE impor tant than keeping up.
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Alabama From the sugar-white sands along the Coast to the mountains in the northern portion of the state, options for outdoor recreation abound in Alabama. You’ll find some of the best biking trails in the South and ample sites for camping, hiking, rock climbing, and watching wildlife. The Alabama Bass Trail lures avid fisherman from across the nation to see if they can get a bite in the lakes, rivers, and ponds here. And the Coast is a “can’t miss” spot for outdoor adventure with dolphin cruises, nature preserves, and 32-miles of sand just waiting for you to sink your toes into. If variety is what you’re after,
get out of the house and explore the natural wonders of Alabama.
www.alabama.travel
Arkansas Get back to nature with a visit to the Natural State. With 600,000 acres of water, there’s plenty of space for fishing, swimming, sailing, power-boating, scuba diving, and more. Take a dip in the lakes across the state, relax with the family during a float trip, or take things up a notch during a whitewater rafting excursion through the rapids. Then keep your adrenaline up by testing your rock climbing skills. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life during an outdoor getaway to Arkansas.
www.ARKANSAS.com
What’s this you’ve found? An accessible, enjoyable vacation destination that’s well within reach. With great deals waiting to be discovered on our website, it’s the ideal spot for a guilt-free getaway. BeachAndRiver.com • 877-945-6386
Florida Florida may be the capital of amusement parks, but you don’t have to spend a dime to experience the excitement. Renowned for its beaches, the Sunshine State is home to the whitest sand and bluest water in the country. Pensacola offers world-class beaches where you can just relax and soak in the sun, or head offshore for scuba diving adventure on your choice of reefs and wrecks. If you’ve seen enough of the beaches, head out to the greens. Known as a golfer’s paradise, Florida is home to the nation’s top notch courses. Play like a pro at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra or Champions Gate, featuring
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an international and national course right outside of Orlando. Make Florida your own personal playground during your next outdoor getaway.
www.VISITFLORIDA.com
Georgia From the mountains to the Coast and everywhere in between, Georgia offers endless options for outdoor excitement. Rent a scooter in Savannah and explore the city named “Best in the South” by Southern Living. For adventure off the beaten path, head to Tybee Island for dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, or kayaking. On your way there, make a pit stop at the McQueen’s Island Historical Trail for biking along an old railroad bed.
If you’re more of a mountain man (or woman), climb the state’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, where a halfmile trail winds 4,700 feet above sea level offering unforgettable views from atop the mountain. And be sure to see what’s blooming at the botanical gardens! Whether you just want to enjoy scenic beauty or take your vacation to new heights, Georgia offers what you’re looking for.
www.EXPLOREGEORGIA.org
Kentucky Unleash your wild side in Kentucky, the state of unbridled adventure. Ready to ride? The Cross Kentucky Trail Project makes it easy to find the perfect spot to explore the
outdoors, whether crossing the terrain on an ATV, climbing a stretch while mountain biking, or, in true Kentucky spirit, blazing trails on horseback. Get your mix of highs and lows as this state is the place for caving as well as mountain climbing. You’re sure to be exhausted after all that adventure, so make your bed under the stars at one of the state’s many national parks and get a good night’s rest to prepare you the next day’s excitement. Kentucky is an adventure waiting to happen!
www.KENTUCKYTOURISM.com
Louisiana There’s a reason Louisiana is known as “sportsman’s paradise.” Avid outdoorsmen will be impressed
H Having your breath taken away h has never been more affordable. TThe economy isn’t exactly at its best. We get it, and we want to help in a way that only Mother Nature’s hometown can. Right now you can escape the stresses of your daily life in a setting that’s not only soothing to your soul but also comforting to your pocketbook. In fact, there’s plenty to do here that’s absolutely free. So, if you’d like to spend some time in a place where the view is breathtaking and the unexpected is waiting around every corner, hit the road and head to the mountains of Asheville.
Cool Stuff In Asheville That Won’t Cost You A Penny Free Outdoor Adventures
Free Inspiration for Art Lovers
Walk or bike trails for all skill levels or enjoy waterfalls and swimming holes found throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the Southeast, featuring hundreds of art galleries and working art studios.
Free Asheville Urban Trail
Free Entertainment
Take a stroll through Asheville’s outdoor art and history museum without walls.
Watch street theater, enjoy traditional mountain music and dance, or catch a live show at one of the many area festivals.
Free Asheville Drum Circle The drum circle downtown has become a unique tradition each warm-weather Friday evening.
Decompress for less. Go to CoolAshevilleSavings.com
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with an eight-month long hunting season, offering ample time to bag a big one in the backwoods and bayous filled with fourlegged critters. Fishing is another favorite sport along the waterways of Louisiana from back bays to winding rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. America’s Wetland Birding Trail runs along the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast, providing an ideal spot to observe fowl native to the state. Don’t forget your binoculars! On your next escape to Louisiana, take a walk on the wild side (and I don’t mean Bourbon Street.)
www.LOUISIANATRAVEL.com
Mississippi In the Hospitality State, the people aren’t the only ones welcoming you to visit. Mississippi’s outdoors are just as inviting, with diverse activities covering a wide variety of ecosystems and landscapes. Sail the waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the Coast of the state search for shells at the Gulf Island National Seashore Park. Take aim and fire at Grand Casino’s Willows Sporting Clays, one of the most dynamic trap and skeet ranges in the country. Pedal over rugged terrain, through forests, and past historic landmarks on the Trace
State Park Mountain Biking Trail. You’ll never forget the breathtaking sight or experience of skydiving or rock-climbing in Mississippi! Consider this your invitation, and make plans to explore the outdoors of Mississippi now.
www.VISITMISSISSIPPI.com
North Carolina Outdoor enthusiasts, North Carolina is calling your name. You don’t have to travel to the tropics to fly through the trees— take the first Canopy Tour in the Smokies at Nantahala Gorge. Another option for getting a bird’s
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eye view of the state? Hot air balloon tours that take you up, up and away. Get some fresh air in Charlotte at the U.S. National Whitewater Center where avid outdoorsmen and nature novices can be found making waves on the largest manmade whitewater river or climbing, hiking, biking, and more. And if you’re in the mood to catch some rays and some waves, head to the coast for some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen. If you aren’t in the mood to pump up your adrenaline, North Carolina is still an ideal getaway with hiking in Asheville through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or soaking up the sun on the coast
of Cape Fear. Here, any landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for your vacation.
www.VISITNC.com
South Carolina Cascading waterfalls, blossoming wildflowers, and fantastic autumn colors— Mother Nature invites you to enjoy her scenic landscapes this season in South Carolina. The Palmetto State’s varied habitats from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast provide countless playgrounds for the outdoor lover. Come face-to-snout with an alligator during a swamp tour or take off
on a safari-style jeep tour through a wildlife refuge. Journey off the beaten path during a horseback ride through the wilderness or paddle on ancient water routes. Or just relax—get outdoors and soak up your beautiful surroundings during a breezy fall afternoon in South Carolina.
www.DISCOVERSOUTHCAROLINA.com
Tennessee Return to nature during your next getaway and you’ll see why Tennessee’s outdoors have been called “Heaven on Earth.” Learn about the conservation and restoration of North America’s
Savor Charlot te Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. A lot of indulging at our five-star restaurants. A lot of flirting at our electrifying clubs. And a lot of exploring at our museums and galleries. Find a lot more at 800-231-4636 or charlottesgotalot.com.
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waterfowl wetlands during a visit to the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters, then head up to Reelfoot Lake, one of the nation’s most abundant areas of waterfowl. The only natural lake in the state, options are limitless for outdoor entertainment including camping, canoeing, and hunting. Take things to new heights in the mountains of Tennessee during a rock climbing adventure. Numerous companies provide education for the beginner, while more challenging routes await experienced climbers. Get away from the bright lights and big cities and commune with nature during a heavenly adventure to Tennessee.
www.TNVACATION.com
Virginia Live the life—the beach life that is—during an outdoor escape to
Virginia. Boasting a moderate climate, clean air, and unspoiled beaches, it’s no wonder Forbes ranked Virginia Beach one of the top 10 cities for the outdoors.
West Virginia Home to many a road less traveled—West Virginia’s great outdoors are just waiting to be explored.
False Cape, a mile wide barrier between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offers 6 miles of unspoiled beaches featuring 12 primitive campsites, 9 miles of hiking, and biking trails for those looking to get away from it all. If you’re in search of adventure, make your own waves with kayak rentals, parasailing, and even surf camps. Virginia is for lovers, and if you love the outdoors, this is the ideal spot to get up close and personal with Mother Nature.
For heart-pounding, exhilarating action, brave the rapids during a whitewater rafting excursion, or jump on an ATV and trek across steep mountains and deep valleys on more than 700 miles of off-road trails winding through the Mountain State. For a slower pace, explore the Appalachian Trail through Harper’s Ferry on foot, while marveling at the beauty of first signs of fall. Experience West Virginia firsthand and discover why it’s called “wild and wonderful.”
www.VIRGINIA.org
www.ESCAPE2WV.com