UNKNOWN + UNDERRATED VACATION SPOTS IN THE SOUTH. 8

By Adam Bailey

The best hidden vacation spots in the South range from secluded beach destinations and small towns to secret state parks tucked in the middle of nature. If you’re looking to discover some of the coolest hidden paradises all within a day’s drive, keep reading!

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path place that’s packed with culture, adventure, and delicious food? This vacation spot in North Carolina is quickly becoming one of the hottest vacation destinations in the South, and for good reason! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a unique blend of urban flair and natural beauty that will leave you wanting more.

First of all, Asheville is a true feast for the senses. From the vibrant downtown lined with independent shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants, to the historic architecture and colorful street art, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Plus, the city is known for its thriving arts and music scenes, and you can find live performances of all kinds throughout the week.

But let’s not forget about the great outdoors! Asheville is a hiker’s paradise; the Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just a casual walker, you can find a trail that suits your level. You can even go rock climbing, horseback riding, and ziplining! The Blue Ridge Parkway will also give you an unforgettable scenic drive and offers plenty of opportunities for picnicking, hiking and sightseeing. Along the parkway, you will find some of the most famous natural attractions in the area such as waterfalls, meadows, and lookouts with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And let’s not forget about the food! Asheville is a foodie’s paradise, the city is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and local wines. You can find many options for any taste and diet, and the quality is always excellent.

JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA

Just off the coast of Georgia lies an idyllic island escape called Jekyll Island. It’s brimming with immaculate nature and compelling history—without the crowds—making it one of the coolest places to visit. This oasis truly represents a getaway in the lap of luxury.

During the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, Jekyll Island was an exclusive retreat for the world’s wealthiest people, including William Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and William Rockefeller. These influential people were members of the Jekyll Island Club, the world’s richest and most exclusive club at the time.

After World War II, the island was sold to the state of Georgia as a state park, but many of the mansions remain in-tact. For those who crave a more deluxe retreat, visit the Beachview Club Hotel for waterfront dining and entertainment, beachside camping or golfing at the Jekyll Island Golf Club.

While these activities may appeal to the finer things in life, the island is focused on preserving its island ecosystem—only 35 percent of the land is developed due to state-protected lands. This lends itself to Jekyll Island’s laidback, unhurried lifestyle. Beaches are plentiful, but if you want to do something more active, biking is a popular activity and mode of transportation along the 20 miles of bike paths sprawled throughout.

BROKEN BOW, OKLAHOMA

If you’re looking for a beautiful nature spot with minimal crowds, add Broken Bow to your bucket list. Located in southeast Oklahoma, the destination is only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Shreveport. This proximity makes it a camping and glamping hotspot, perfect for a weekend getaway. Broken Bow is tucked away in the forested hills at the confluence of Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake. Broken Bow is the gateway to Beaver Bend State Park and as you may imagine it’s full of outdoor activities.

There you’ll have a little bit of everything: pine trees and wildlife galore, lakes, hiking trails, state parks, and so much more. For some visitors that means staying at campsites or RV parks and for others, it means cabins in Broken Bow Airbnb cabin rentals, which are sometimes as nice as five-star resorts. Either way, it means an outdoor getaway in a beautiful region of the country.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

Many American travelers escape to Florida for its beaches, theme parks, and endless sunshine. But in the process, they overlook the charm of America’s oldest city, St. Augustine—a great place for a romantic getaway.

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. This old town is home to 144 historic blocks lined with Spanish colonial architecture, public parks, and museums. St. Augustine’s colonial charm—best conveyed by the city’s 17th-century castle, horse-drawn carriages, and narrow cobblestone streets— is still on full display today. Though it’s situated on the coast, St. Augustine is worlds apart from your typical beach destination. It’s just a 50-minute drive from Jacksonville, making it a convenient weekend getaway from Florida’s largest city.

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

Located at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, this family-friendly, mountain town in eastern Tennessee is one of the best hidden gems and vacation spots in the US. From precious scenery to its adrenaline-inducing activities, outdoorsy types will love everything this small town has to offer. Gatlinburg has so many fun things to do for the whole family, including whitewater rafting, biking, horseback riding, and ziplining. It’s also connected to 600 miles of hiking trails, ideal for hiking and snapping photos of some of the state’s most scenic landscapes. You’ll also want to check out nearby Pigeon Forge, another one of the best places to vacation in the US. For a bird’s eye view of the town and mountainous terrain, take an elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, an observation deck with 360° views. Nearby, there’s also a 2-mile-long cable car that brings you to Ober Gatlinburg—a popular ski area and amusement park. This cool complex has everything from indoor ice skating and water rides to wildlife encounters.

Texas Hill Country

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the Texas Hill Country, located in Central Texas, offers amazing outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and striking landscapes. Not far from Austin and San Antonio, this town in Central Texas offers a little bit of everything: stunning views, amazing food, scenic vineyards, and amazing architecture. It’s the whole enchilada. There are many amazing things to do in the Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg is one of the best places in Texas to see the bluebonnets. As its name suggests, Fredericksburg has German roots. It was made into the vibrant town it is today from German immigrants who settled here in the early 1800s. They brought with them authentic German food, great beer, and fine wines, which are front and center today. Take advantage of the live music scene, which is a close second to that of Austin. Explore the breathtaking lavender fields that Fredericksburg is known for. Stroll the Marktplatz and German-style churches.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is great for hiking. Beat the Texas heat by floating in the river at New Braunfels.

You can also go swimming in the Hill Country’s many swimming holes and waterfalls. Jacob’s Well in Wimberley and Hamilton Pool near Austin are the top favorites. Other great small towns to explore include Luckenbach, Johnson City, and Gruene.

Visitors can see the highlights of Texas Hill Country in two to three days. You need a car for the road trip since there is no public transportation in the Hill Country. You can either stay in Austin or the small towns. For a more budget-friendly vacation try camping in one of Texas’s state parks like Pedernales Falls State Park.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Once a center of the iron, steel and railroad industries, this Alabama metropolis shares its name with Birmingham, England, a city with a similar industrial heritage. Many of the city’s top attractions pay homage to its mining past, including Red Mountain Park and the Vulcan Park & Museum. This southern city was also at the epicenter of the civil rights movement, and visitors will want to explore the Civil Rights District and some of its significant attractions, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Institute.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with Birmingham’s past, get to know its present-day identity. Check out the excellent art museum and then head to Railroad Park, known as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” to socialize with the locals. More than one-fourth of Alabama residents call this vibrant city home, known today for its live music scene, verdant parks and championship golf courses. You’ll also find an array of antique stores and art galleries, as well as a burgeoning food scene.

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Nestled in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains about 55 miles southwest of Little Rock, Hot Springs serves as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers from around the country. A network of springs inspires the town’s name and attracts a majority of its visitors. In fact, these thermal waters have beckoned travelers for thousands of years, starting with American Indians. Today, visitors flock to the town’s Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs’ naturally heated springs are protected as part of Hot Springs National Park, but the city and the park are intertwined in such a way that visitors may feel like they’re staying in the park itself.

While Arkansas may not immediately come to mind when travelers think about dining, entertainment and shopping, the modest town of Hot Springs also checks all those attractions off the list with its casino, water park and wide variety of restaurants and boutiques. Meanwhile, the city’s rich history and unique buildings delight amateur (and professional) historians and architects. Still, the main reasons to visit are to bathe in the town’s namesake hot springs and revel in the surrounding wilderness.