The Big 2020 - Southern Destinations to Check Off Your List This Year
WITH A PLETHORA OF CITIES RICH WITH HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE AND POPPIN’ FOOD SCENES, THERE’S SOME-THING HERE FOR EVERYONE, FOR EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR!
While every state in the South boasts more than just one vacation spot worth your while, there are always a few that stand out in the crowd. What do you do once you have those narrowed down? You make your travel plans for the new year and try to experience as many of them as you can! Whether you want to soak up all the southern history, sample some, dig into a bowl of the slap-your-mama gumbo, or find the newest best thing in the music scene, there’s a perfect getaway for you, just begging to be visited this year.
An Ace in the Hole
This 1,500 acre private resort is located near the New River Gorge National River, making access to the water simple. Spring, summer and fall offer white-water rafting trips suitable for novice or experienced rafters as wek as children. And with several types of lodging available, including cottages, cabins and bunkhouses, the fresh mountain air and shimmering stars create the perfect backdrop for your nightly campfire. ACE Adventure Resort offers the excitement you crave, with the serene setting you need.
aceraft.com
The Adventure Specialists
Pioneers of the adventure resort industry, Adventure on the Gorge provides guests the complete adrenaline-fueled adventure. Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the devoted staff has over 40 years of experience and their deep enthusiasm for adventure create a vacation experience unlike any other. Surrounded by natural wonders of West Virginia and the New River Gorge, world-class whitewater, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking are just a few of the activities at the resort.
adventuresonthegorge.com
Nashville, Tennessee
You won't find a city more accommodating, authentic, and accessible than Nashville. They have plenty of rooms, a state-of-the-art convention center, a music scene that is second to none, rockstar chefs, and so much more to offer. Live music can be seen and heard every day of the week in Nashville at the world-famous honky tonks, located on Broadway. But this southern destination is more than just it’s music roots, there’s also family-friendly fun, fan-filled football and unforgettable historical attractions.
visitmusiccity.com
Bardstown, Kentucky
When you’re in the Bourbon Capital of the World, expect to have a few drinks and a lot of good times. Try the new Bardstown Bourbon Company featuring one of the best new restaurants in the state, Bottle & Bond Kitchen and Bar. The city offers a lot more than bourbon, though. Bardstown is one of the oldest cities in Kentucky and one of its most charming. Wander the well-preserved downtown area and hop a ride on the Kentucky Dinner Train or grab a bite at the Old Talbott Tavern.
visitbardstown.com
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has been the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1780, so it has had a lot of time to practice its hosting skills. The city truly has something for everyone, from the World’s Largest Slinky to rafting trips on the James River to Carytown shops. History buffs will want to stop by the American Civil War Museum, Richmond National Battlefield Park, and Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of two U.S. presidents. While Richmond loves its past, the future is pretty bright, too. See it unfolding in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, where you'll find craft brewers, startup distillers, charming boutiques, and restaurants.
visitrichmondva.com
Jackson, Mississippi
Take a cue from Johnny Cash and head to Jackson this year. Tour the home of liter-ary great Eudora Welty, visit the Mississippi Museum of Art for exciting contemporary exhibits, pay your respects to Farish Street’s history at the Big Apple Inn, or simply me-ander around the Fondren District pop-ping into the cafes, bakeries, boutiques, taco trucks, and performance spaces that line the blocks. Check out local jazz or blues at Underground 119 or opt for trivia night at the Pig and Pint pub. Bookworms will find plenty of fare at Lemuria Books, the renowned local bibliophile hangout.
visitjackson.com
New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana is a true melting pot. Caribbean, African, Canadian and French influences inform this state’s culture. You’ll find ex-perimental food, amazing music, incredible architecture and alligators. The city of New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest city and it’s known for being rambunctious and for having music in its soul. As the birth-place of jazz and several cocktail recipes, this city is the perfect nightlife spot. Walk through the historic French Quarter or take a steamboat cruise. Be brave enough to try a Cajun dish in one of the centuries-old restaurants or check out the historic Creole neighborhood.
neworleans.com
Savannah, Georgia
Famous for its iconic squares, Savannah is a Southern beauty with a mischievous streak. She’s that drop-dead gorgeous belle of the ball who just might spike the punch on her way to the dance floor. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) fuels the city’s artsy vibe, while lo-cal boutiques, restaurants, and bars make it great for long weekends and girlfriends’ getaways. The locals are friendly, the food is delicious, and the sites are breathtak-ing. What more do you need to know?
visitsavannah.com
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Dating back to 1879, this well-preserved town boasts streets lined with remnants of Victorian architecture. The area is known—and the town is named—for the hot springs that bubble out of the Ozark Mountains; but it also offers plenty of stunning lakes and rivers for fishing, kayaking, and cruis-ing. Pair those excursions with the quirky shops you’ll find in town, and you’re set with a fun-filled vacation. There’s no shortage of things to do in Eureka Springs.
eurekasprings.org
Asheville, North Carolina
When you find a city that’s just the right size and has all the right stuff, make it a GPS favorite. The setting is the Blue Ridge Mountains and the food scene is so vibrant that its nickname is Foodtopia. There’s an authentic Appalachian farm-to-table vibe there, influencing everything from restau-rants and bars to local farms and winer-ies. Of course, no visit would be complete without touring the beautiful Biltmore Estate but make time to discover the rest of Asheville’s charm while you’re there.
exploreasheville.com
Visit Madison County FL
Beautiful countryside landscapes, rich his-tory, vibrant culture, and nature to explore means that in Madison County. “Our at-traction is only Natural.” This Big Bend destination is perfect for your ideal get-away with three major rivers to paddle, a natural spring to swim in, and trails to cycle on. Madison county’s historic monu-ments, buildings, and parks honor its he-roes and pioneers. Madison’s warm com-munity welcome you for each visit and new adventure.
madisonfl.org
Stay at The Beach
Garrett Realty Services offer a superb se-lection of beach homes, condos, town-homes and more along Scenic 30-A in Gulf Place and surrounding areas of the Beaches of South Walton. Enjoy luxurious beach front houses featuring panoramic views and heated whirlpools or afford-able condos that offer exceptional ame-nities like tennis courts, beachside pools, private balconies and more. Whether it’s your next family vacation or a romantic get-away they’ll provide you with life-long memories of the Emerald Coast.
garrettrealty.com
Fair-tastic
Less than one mile from Downtown Nash-ville, the Nashville Fairgrounds is an ideal location for meetings, conferences, trade shows, special events, and more. At one time the most famous horse track in Ten-nessee, the Fairgrounds is located on 117 acres and is now home to the monthly Nashville Flea Market. The Flea Market has been a Nashville staple for over 60 years and is considered one of the top ten flea markets in the nation, occurring every month and drawing in over a thousand vendors from more than 30 states.
thefairgrounds.com
Perfectly Pickled
From modest beginnings in 1926, Mt. Ol-ive Pickle Company now manufactures the best-selling brand of pickles, peppers, and relishes in the U.S. Originally founded by Lebanese immigrant, Shikrey Baddour, early records indicate that for the first year all production was done by hand. Now, the company now has about 1,100 fiber-glass tanks with storage capacity for over 40 million pounds of cucumbers, and pro-duces several varieties of pickles, includ-ing Splenda-sweetened sugar free pickles and their single serving picklePAK™ line. It’s easy to taste why Mt. Olive is the #1 pickle brand in America.
mtolivepickles.com
Live Simply. Think Big.
Nestled in Rockingham County, the “North Star” of North Carolina, Reidsville is a hot spot in the county, with historic homes, bustling businesses and serene scenic views. Downtown Reidsville holds a va-riety of boutique retail shops, antique stores, Lucky City Brewery and scrump-tious restaurants including Kelly’s Kitchen and 24 Blackbirds Café and Market. The beautiful downtown park and amphithe-ater in Market Square houses the Farmers Market and is a major hub for arts and en-tertainment in Reidsville offering concerts, movies and community events for all ages.
ci.reidsville.nc.us
Land Back & Lively
Camden is one of South Carolina’s most historic cities with a world-class sporting lifestyle and revolutionary spirit. Whether exploring one of 9 historic touring districts on your own or with a group you’ll find Camden is eager to share yesterday’s treasures with today’s visitors. Enjoy quaint shopping opportunities, varied dining selections, and a classic southern hospitality. Visitors stop to shop and refuel at eateries where locals gather, and wind up making new friends. The possibilities for great experiences are endless in Camden.
ClassicallyCarolina.com
Visit Sequatchie County TN
Visitors to the Sequatchie Valley will find a variety of things to see and do including thrilling outdoor adventures, local events, historical sites, and more. The Coke Ovens Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and tells the story of the coalmines that dominated the area and the miners who worked in them. It features the largest collection of historic mining photographs in the state of Tennessee and is a can’t miss opportunity.
sequatchie.com
Welcome to LTOK
This family owned resort in Louisville, MS, is the perfect place for your next vacation or family reunion. Featuring conference centers, waterfront cabins, an RV park and a lakeside motel, Lake Tiak-O’khata’s full service restaurant is renowned for their buffet, specializing in Southern delicacies and desserts. With breathtaking views, a white sandy beach, water slides, ten-nis, basketball and volleyball courts, plus some of the area’s best golfing and fish-ing spots nearby, it’s easy to see why Lake Tiak-O’Khata is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
ltok.com
Elevating the Future
The Bertha Lee Strickland Museum, Oconee County’s one-of-a-kind cultural exhibit museum, focuses on the rich, and often times, turbulent history, culture, and contributions of local African Americans. Bearing the name of the late Mrs. Bertha Lee Strickland, a former Seneca resident, who initially began working as a laun-dress for Dr. John and Mrs. Lilian Lun-ney of Seneca, the museum’s exhibits and events blend technology and tradition to create a meaningful and educational ex-perience for all ages.
blscm.org
Go Southwest
Southwest Tennessee is a vibrant area, known for its historic destinations, flowing sounds of Blues and Country music, and Southern hospitality. Learn about the rails at the Casey Jones Village. Enjoy tradition-al southern cuisine at Brook Shaw’s Old Country Store Restaurant and a scoop or two in the beautiful 1890’s Ice Cream and Fudge Shop. Become mesmerized with the music at the Savannah Bluegrass Fes-tival or throughout the year with perfor-mances by the Jackson Area Plectral Soci-ety or the Gospel Supper Club. And relax with a glass of wine in the Tuscany-style villa at Crown Winery and learn about the science of wine and renewable energy. visitswtenn.com
Novel in Knoxville
With a diverse community of artists, cul-tural institutions, culinary and arts organi-zations, Knoxville has something for ev-eryone. The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Zoo Knoxville, and the East TN History Center provide visi-tors with cultural, adventure, and history. The city’s focus on food can be tasted in the city’s multiple Food Truck Parks, offering a variety of treats, brews, and music to create a unique experience for all. And the Sunsphere, created for the 1982 World’s Fair, stands 26 stories tall and provides a spectacular 360-degree view of Knoxville through the 24-karat gold dust filled glass panels.
visitknoxville.com
Idyllic Apalachicola
An idyllic destination in the Florida Pan-handle, Apalachicola Bay is located di-rectly in the heart of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Rich with small-town charm and big hearted hospitality, Apalachicola Bay is made up of the coastal communities of St. Geroge Island, Apalachicola and East-point, and features miles of unspoiled na-ture, historic downtowns, unique shops and galleries, plus lots of fresh straight-from-the-water seafood. Relax on the pris-tine beaches. Enjoy a restful night in a me-ticulously restored B&B or a charming inn. Eclectic and endearing- the communities of Apalachicola Bay will make every vaca-tion a memorable one. apalachicolabay.org
Over the Moon for Overhill
Overhill is full of history, incredible sights, tasty treats and winning wines. Home to the largest underground lake in the na-tion, the Lost Sea Adventure offers visitors a serene boat ride on the lake with views of cave flowers called anthodites. The Ocoee River is a great spot for whitewater rafting, while Coker Creek hosts gold pan-ning for the whole family. Taste the fla-vors of Overhill with a visit to Sweetwater Valley Farm for some farmstead cheese, Benton’s Smoky Mountains Country Hams for smoked ham, bacon and pork prod-ucts, and Savannah Oaks Winery to taste some local wines featuring Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes.
tennesseeoverhill.com
Charming Burnsville
A charming small town 40 minutes from Asheville, Burnsville is home of Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain East of the Mississippi River. In the center of the large grassy Town Square, find the statue of Ot-way Burns, the town’s namesake. Whether hiking in the mountains or strolling down Main Street- with its many restaurants, pubs, shops, and art galleries, there is always a good day waiting for you in Burns-ville. Discover the journey of the highest mountains with home-town hospitality.
yanceychamber.com
A Grand Time in Granville
On the waterfront just an hour outside Nashville — Historic Granville, TN — a place you’ll want to call home. But even if you just plan to visit, see why people from all over the south visit the Sutton General Store, Granville Museum, Antique Car Mu-seum, Sutton House, and the astounding antique shops! Plan your visit at the right time to take advantage of their multiple festivals and events throughout the year that ooze of fun and charm!
granvilletn.com
The Heart of Tennessee
Tour, shop, dine and relax in this vibrant Southern community located just south-east of Nashville - in the exact center of Tennessee. Discover the many Civil War historic sites like the Oakland Mansion, or spend the day at the reconstructed South-ern village of Cannonsburgh. Shopping and good eats can be found everywhere in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville. The Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Center for the Arts, an Italian Re-naissance building provides opportunities to experience the performing arts.
readysetrutherford.com
Picture Perfect Pawley
One of the oldest vacation communities in the Southeast, Pawley’s Island is perfect for a low-key getaway. Enjoy the calm-ing sea breeze from the many oceanfront cottages on the island. Beautiful undevel-oped beaches create a gorgeous backdrop for area’s history of rebellions, wrecks and even ghosts. Home to world-class gardens, pristine golf courses, top-notch shopping, fertile fishing and decadent Lowcountry dining, Pawley’s Island is the epitome of the picture perfect Hammock Coast of South Carolina.
hammockcoastsc.com
The Great Lakes of South Carolina
Santee Cooper Country is the five-coun-ty region in South Carolina that sur-rounds lakes Marion and Moultrie that cover 171,000 acres. We have world-class fishing, camping and RVing at over 40 lakeside facilities, birding at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, paddling oppor-tunities on our lakes, three rivers and a vast pristine swamp. Beauty abounds at Edisto Memorial Rose Garden, Swan Lake Iris Garden and Cypress Gardens. Learn about our history at four museums that will take you from pre-history to now. If the Revolutionary War interests you some of the most significant battles were fought here by General Francis Marion “the Swamp Fox” and his militia.
santeecoopercountry.org
Attraction is only Natural
Bordered by rivers, Madison County is 716 square miles of forests, rivers, lakes, and gently rolling hills. To the west - in Green-eville — visit the birthplace of world fa-mous musician, Ray Charles. In the town of Madison, antique shops, eateries, and museums line the streets of downtown. Dip into the deep blue natural spring pool at Madison Blue Spring State Park. With canopied roads, an abundance of wildlife, and the picturesque beauty of untouched land, it’s easy to see why attraction is only natural.
madisonfl.org
Properties that Count
Whether it’s a resort-like setting, an off-the-beaten-path cottage or a beach front condominium with all the amenities, Counts Vacation Rentals has the perfect property. Located along the stunning Em-erald Coast of Panama City, 30A, and Des-tin — Counts offers visitors to the much coveted area exceptional residences for any vacation getaway. Welcome to North-west Florida where soft white sands, the lapping emerald green ocean waves, and extraordinarily brilliant sunsets are what dream beach vacations are made of.
countsvr.com
Go Wild at WNC
Connecting people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Moun-tains, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is 42 acres of award winning exhib-its meant to inspire, nurture and advance conservation. From the Prehistoric Appa-lachia exhibit highlighting red pandas and the diverse wildlife of the area 50 million years ago, to being one of approximately 40 accredited facilities housing the world’s most endangered canine, the red wolf, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is a walk on the wild side!
wildwnc.org
African Safari, Texas-Style
One of Texas’ most recognized family entertainment attractions; Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Tex-as-Style. Visitors drive through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds and majestic live oaks witnessing over 500 exotic, na-tive and endangered animals. One part education, one part preservation, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has been providing care for animals from all over the world for over 30 years. Grab your safari hat and join Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch for an adventure of a lifetime!
wildliferanchtexas.com
Mountain Town Tranquility
Escape from life’s hectic pace to the beau-tiful scenery and southern hospitality of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Hender-sonville offers a variety of attractions, fes-tivals, cultural activities, historic sites, and outdoor recreation. DuPont Recreational Forest features stunning waterfalls and a variety of terrain to explore. Sierra Nevada along with Henderson County’s other wineries, breweries, and cideries provide tours and tasting rooms, to sample moun-tain grown selections. Make memories in this charming mountain town.
visithendersonvillenc.org
Heritage on The Gulf
In the MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area, appreciation of yesterday, today and tomorrow is celebrated. Enhancing the heritage resources of the six MS Gulf Coast counties — Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, George, Stone, and Pearl River — The Mis-sissippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area imparts the area’s unique history, people, traditions, and landscapes to residents and visitors. With a variety of programs imple-mented, including nature-focused tourism, The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heri-tage Area is gumbo of humanity, ready to be discovered.
dmr.ms.gov
Get Outside
Explore the Tennessee River Valley, also known as the “Great Lakes of the South.” Rich in natural and cultural heritage the valley is spectacular in its geological and biological diversity. Discover the heritage of the Cherokee, Civil War, and African Americans told through the stories of people and place. From white water to flat water paddling; from bouldering to wild-flower hikes; from antiquing to live music, there is an adventure waiting to be discovered by you.
tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org
Discover Fun
From dinosaurs to Native American his-tory to space exploration, Discovery Park of America will inspire - and provide a greater understanding of the world — past, present and future. Located in the beautiful Reelfoot Lake Region of Tennes-see, with more than 70,000 sq. feet of gal-leries and interactive exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history and art they make learning fun! Explore their 50-acre heritage park, featuring a Blue An-gels plane, our Discovery Garden and a 100-year-old chapel.
discoveryparkofamerica.com
Great Times in Goodlettsville
Discover the green rolling hills of Mu-sic City on the North side. Just 12 miles from downtown Nashville, Goodlettsville offers over 1,300 affordable hotel rooms. With picturesque parks and walking trails, unique shopping and dining, Goodletts-ville should be your home base for a Mu-sic City vacation- and beyond. The perfect destination for folks just passing through or for folks wanting to stay awhile! There’s only one Goodlettsville and it’s not to be missed!
goodlettsville.gov
Person County in Person
Person County welcomes you! Located in north-central North Carolina in the Pied-mont region, find beautiful rolling hills di-vided by farmlands and forest. Forget that long, congested drive through the moun-tains just to reach a private patch of water. With two magical public lakes - Hyco and Mayo — each within spitting distance of everything you need, Person County gets you back to being a person. personcounty.net/visitors
