There are some Southern locations that everybody is aware of: Charleston, New Orleans, Savannah. We all know them. We love them. We’ve both been earlier than or have added them to our journey bucket lists. However exterior of these heavy hitters, the South is dwelling to 1000’s of locations that get far much less consideration however are worthy of our time all the identical. From lesser-known nationwide parks to small cities with surprisingly spectacular sights, these hidden gem locations run the gamut, providing one thing to pique the curiosity of every kind of vacationers. Should you’re a seasoned Southern traveler searching for someplace new to discover, these underrated locations are an ideal place to search out inspiration on your subsequent journey. Take a look at these 10 spots and tell us your favourite undiscovered locations within the South.
Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park
Between Yellowstone and Yosemite (and dozens of different parks in between), the West is thought for being dwelling to the nation’s most mind-blowing nationwide parks. And whereas the South will get credit score for having the most-visited park in Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, many individuals overlook our area’s different parks. Positioned in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park’s limestone formations and underground passageways make up a 400-mile-long system that showcase Earth’s evolutionary levels and is the longest identified cave system on the planet. Discover its mysterious tunnels on one of many park’s many guided cave excursions that vary from a wheelchair accessible tour to 1 that requires crawling. You may even see the cave by lantern.
Crystal River, Florida
For anybody who’s ever dreamt of swimming with dolphins solely to be upset by a commercialized expertise at a theme park or zoo, Crystal River is a should go to. The small city on the western coast of Florida (situated 80 miles north of Tampa) is without doubt one of the solely locations within the U.S. the place you may swim with manatees within the wild. Each winter, round 800 manatees search refuge within the heat waters of Crystal River’s Kings Bay and its 70 pure springs. From November to March, guests and locals swimsuit up and take the chilly plunge to spend face-to-face time with these light giants. Dozens of outfitters are on standby that can assist you have this once-in-a-lifetime, talk-about-forever expertise.
Coastal Mississippi
If Florida’s coast is the peak of want for seaside holidays (with coastal locations within the Carolinas, Alabama, and Georgia following someplace behind), then Mississippi’s coast is perhaps much more of a distant thought. However for these in on the key, locations like Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis are hardly second fiddles. With 62 miles of scenic shoreline, there’s loads of room to unfold out within the sand. However that’s removed from all Coastal Mississippi has to supply. Every of its city presents its personal distinctive character, from artsy, eclectic Ocean Springs to buzzy Gulfport.
Scorching Springs Nationwide Park
Robbie Caponetto
One other under-the-radar nationwide park, Scorching Springs Nationwide Park in Scorching Springs, Arkansas is a type of locations it’s important to see (and really feel) to consider. Nestled within the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, the park is comprised of 47 pure springs, the place steam rises from the earth as if by magic. Discover the park (and its historic tub homes), then stick round to see what else the city has to supply, from the 210-acre botanical paradise Garvan Woodland Gardens to a few main lakes the place you may take pleasure in watersports.
Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
Brown W. Cannon III
This tiny city, nationwide park, and historic website on the West Virginia-Maryland state line is a three-in-one combo that delivers on all fronts. You may get beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a scenic hike to the precipice of the Maryland Heights Overlook Path. You may stroll by the historic streets of Decrease City to see 19th century structure by means of Victorian properties and 150-year-old row buildings. Some are full of new boutiques and eating places, whereas others reside historical past museums that reveal what life was like within the 1800s. And you are able to do all of it with a captivating mattress and breakfast as a comfortable dwelling base.
Fort Payne, Alabama
This small North Alabama city might not seem to be a lot, however when you think about its extremely excessive focus of gorgeous pure sights all situated inside one easy-to-navigate space, it’s a little bit of a surprise extra folks haven’t caught on to its charms. DeSoto State Park, Little River Canyon Nationwide Protect, and Little River Falls are just some of its many outdoor-focused factors of curiosity. In actual fact, Little River Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the East. We admit it’s not fairly as magnificent because the one out west, but it surely certain is loads simpler to get to—and also you received’t need to battle crowds to get the right image.
Virginia Wine Nation
When folks consider American wine nation, just a few locations instantly come to thoughts: Napa Valley, Sonoma County, perhaps even Willamette Valley in Oregon. The South most likely isn’t a primary thought, however Virginia’s wine nation completely must be. Virginia is acknowledged because the birthplace of American wine, since colonists tried the craft within the early 17th century. Right now the state is dwelling to greater than 300 wineries unfold largely throughout northern and central Virginia. The rolling hills and plush vineyards create a surprising backdrop for a tasting, and the wines greater than maintain their very own. In 2023, Wine Fanatic even named the Charlottesville space the Wine Area of the Yr.
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Charming Blue Ridge Mountain cities are a dime a dozen in North Carolina. From Brevard to Boone to Blowing Rock, every group brings its personal aptitude. And naturally all of them have beautiful views and nice alternatives to benefit from the outside. In all probability the realm’s hottest vacation spot, Asheville will get 1000’s of holiday makers every year, however if you wish to escape the crowds, head 20 minutes east to Black Mountain. This quaint city has all of the makings of an ideal trip vacation spot—glorious native purchasing, a various and scrumptious eating scene, a quaint downtown, reasonably priced lodging, and quick access to mountain climbing trails the place you may bask within the glory of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Between large, flashy Broadway and a gradual stream of nation music star sightings, it’s no shock that Nashville tends to steal the highlight in Tennessee. However in the event you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle (and ever-increasing costs) of Nashville, think about heading east to take a look at Knoxville. With a inhabitants of simply round 200,000, this school city strikes the right stability of getting lots to do whereas remaining manageable sufficient to deal with in a protracted weekend. Spend a day strolling round downtown’s Market Sq. and having fun with the ample greenspace at World’s Honest Park. You’ll be singing the praises of Good Ole Rocky Prime very quickly.
Terlingua, Texas
Once you’re in a state with main cultural hubs like Austin, Houston, and Dallas (and the state itself encompasses almost 270 million sq. miles), it may be tough to get seen—particularly when your complete inhabitants hovers proper round 100 folks. Regardless of its diminutive measurement, there are some large (fairly actually) causes to go to Terlingua. The largest: Huge Bend Nationwide Park. You may entry the otherworldly nationwide park simply minutes from city. Take within the surprising fantastic thing about the Chisos Mountain springing from the Chihuahuan Desert, and don’t fear a drop about crowds. The park is the 8th largest within the U.S. however sees fewer than half 1,000,000 guests per yr, that means you’ll have ample room to roam.
