That’s why it was hard to pick our favorite weekend getaways in the South.
Footpaths wind through the lush green folds where waterfalls and creeks rush by bus-size rhododendrons.
These are our nation’s oldest mountains, and they continue to provide fresh experiences with each visit.
Credit: Wynn Myers
Take a car hike.
Craftswomen sell intricate woven sweetgrass baskets at the City Market, and carriages roll past storied restaurants.
And, oh, the shopping along King Street!
Credit: Carr Clifton/Minden Pictures/National Geographic Stock
Palmetto Carriage Worksoffers free downtown parking for customers.
Arrive early and explore the Market.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Sugar-white sands, Gulf breezes, and a bustling coastal village.
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
That means you practically have it to yourself.
It’s a hotspot for dining and shopping, too, whether you like it fine or countrified.
Every turn reveals something speciala split rail fence, an awe-inspiring vista, a stacked-stone bridge.
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For the return trip, skip the long taxi lines and catch the bus.
(Visitnorta.comfor details.)
You’ll find one of Savannah’s most affordable dinners in the basement of one of its finest restaurants.
Credit: Photo: Scott Suchman
Make a meal of the appetizers at the tavern, located downstairs atThe Olde Pink House Restaurant.
The downtown is chock-full of shops, galleries, award-winning restaurants, and picture-perfect spots.
Head to the Blowing Rock for breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Credit: Getty/Adina Olteanu / 500px
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Youll find a little bit of everything in this Tennessee River city.
TheTennessee Aquariumlocated along the riverfront traces the path of water from the mountains to the sea.
Learn about animals native to the Southeast.
Credit: Photo: Art Meripol
Taste your way through Louisvilles food scene, or follow the bourbon trail.
Theres something for every taste.
Baseball fans will want to see theLouisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
Credit: Art Meripol
Look for original bats for the greatest players in the bat vault.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Get away to festiveDahlonega, Georgia, to find joy during the holiday season.
Decked in lights, the small Georgia town celebrates Christmas for a full month.
Credit: Photo: Brad Ricker/Getty
Visit the town square, shop, and sip local wines.
Oxford, Mississippi
Head to this college town for game day and tailgate at The Grove.
For a true escape, head toHolly Springs National Forestfor hikes and lakeside views.
Credit: Photo: Chris M. Rogers
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
