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Some places can be famous locally or within select circles andremain undiscoveredby the rest of us.
Maybe it’s that tucked-away blues joint that music insiders know about, but you’ve never heard of.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
So check out our discoveries and then make your own special list.
(Tip: The one-mile Jeff Friend Trail is universally accessible.)
Both are housed in theCoastal Arts Centeron Wolf Bay in Orange Beach.
Credit: Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get Sauced: Rusty’s Bar-B-Q
We love a smokehouse with a few tricks up its sleeve.
Sweet Little Surf Town: Flagler Beach
Get this: Horseback riding on the shore.
Fishing off an iconic pier.
Credit: Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
Nature walks down tranquil paths.
So break out your Wayfarers and head down to U.S. A1A.
The resort’s Adventure Center offers guided tours, boat rentals, and diving excursions.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Bonus–admission is free.
Unspoiled Beach: St. Joe Peninsula
Looking for a blissfully uncrowded beach?T.H.
The opulent lobby is a great people-watching spot.
Also enjoy the Cobalt Lounge, Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, Poseidon Spa, and Costa Brava restaurant.
Check out three music venues: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, The Velvet Note, and Matilda’s.
Shop 250+ stores across the city’s five shopping districts.
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Local limousine and van companies can take you safely along the wine trail.
Experience the wonder of nature through the Center’s hiking trails, gardens, and wetlands.
Tchoup Yard is an outdoor hotspot with cocktails, food trucks, and colorful vintage patio seating.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
This top-of-the-cool-list bar was opened by the same owners who run legendary F&M Patio Bar inNOLA.
The husband-and-wife chef owners ofLOLA Restaurantboth came from the landmark Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans.
After Katrina, they evacuated to the Northshore and eventually decided to open their own placenow much lauded.
Credit: Plantation on Crystal River
Biking, paddling, or walking the trails are fun ways to see this picturesque county on the Chesapeake.
And he only takes cash, so don’t show up with plastic.
you’re able to sample brews from locally sourced ingredients like roasted pecans and family-produced honey.
Credit: Courtesy Shane Bevel
Here, you’ll find many variations on a St. Louis specialty, toasted ravioli.
Jeff’s serves a mix of locals and Marines (from nearby Camp Lejeune).
Other favorites include the Reuben Burger or a chili dog with all the fixings.
Credit: Chris Rogers
Also in Raleigh: Laotian Pho Lao at Bida Manda and locally-sourced Indian at Garland.
Explore such downtown shops as Polka Dot Palm and Edenton Bay Trading Company.
Guided walking and trolley tours start at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Get seriously into the coastal spirit with a cruise on the six-passengerLiber-Tea.
Guides are available to hire, so even novices can enjoy the adventure.
You might wish you could book a room yourself.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
If you’re looking for upscale charm along a scenic barrier island, this is the spot.
Don’t skip the burned-end pork belly potato skins with Cheddar and scallions, for starters.
Led by Rutger de Vink, RdV focuses on creating world-class Bordeaux-style blends.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
The restaurant serves regional favorites like shrimp and grits and pan-fried trout.
Enjoy a cocktail with a mountain view around the fire pit at Perch.
It still serves classics like scrapple, chitterlings, and pig’s feet.
Credit: Alpharetta Convention And Visitors Bureau
Credit: Wolf Mountain Vineyard & Winery
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Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Alexander’s Highland Market
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Credit: Courtesy of LouisianaNorthshore.com
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Credit: Courtesy of Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Lazy Magnolia Brewery
Credit: Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Credit: Felicia Perry Photography
Credit: North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
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Credit: Ski Shores Café
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Credit: Cibolo Nature Center & Farm
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Credit: Wynn Myers
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Credit: Robbie Caponetto
