{"id":7549,"date":"2022-09-20T20:46:34","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T20:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/?p=7549"},"modified":"2022-09-20T20:46:35","modified_gmt":"2022-09-20T20:46:35","slug":"southern-us-travel-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/20\/southern-us-travel-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"Uncovered: Secret Spots in the South"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you think you\u2019ve been to all the best southern travel destinations in the U.S. \u2014 think again. These charming spots are packed with unique cultural experiences, classic food & drink, outdoor adventure and, of course, plenty of that famous southern hospitality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dolly\u2019s Town: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The name of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee<\/a>, may not ring a bell. But the name Dolly Parton certainly will! The country music legend was born not too far from the town, and it\u2019s where she chose to build Dollywood<\/a>, Pigeon Forge\u2019s world-class Appalachian-themed amusement park. Open from March through January, Dollywood brings tens of thousands of people to the area to enjoy classic rides, delicious food and an array of Dolly-themed attractions. But beyond the park, Pigeon Forge is an excellent homebase for exploring the natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/a> is the most popular national park in the U.S. for good reason. Across more than 500,000 pristine acres, outdoor adventurers will find a playground filled with hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic drives, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where To Stay In Pigeon Forge:<\/strong> Laurel Crest Resort<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Appalachian Getaway: McGaheysville, Virginia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For another excellent Appalachian getaway option, head to McGaheysville, Virginia<\/a>, located in the heart of the lovely Shenandoah Valley. There\u2019s no theme park in her honor, but this destination is the birthplace of a different country music legend \u2014 none other than Patsy Cline. The pastoral beauty of the surrounding area, with rolling hills, lush greenery and blue skies that stretch on endlessly may inspire you to write a few country songs yourself! But there\u2019s a lot more to get up to in McGaheysville, including the acclaimed Brix & Columns Vineyards<\/a>, offering some of Virginia\u2019s very best wines in an exquisite setting, and the Cave Hill Farms Brewery<\/a>, serving finely crafted beers in a 18th<\/sup> century farmhouse. Simpler times await in McGaheysville! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where To Stay in McGaheysville:<\/strong> The Summit at Massanutten<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Laid-Back In The Sunshine State: Siesta Key, Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Located just a short drive from Sarasota, Siesta Key<\/a> offers travelers in search of sun, sand and serenity a perfect escape. The eight-mile-long island on Florida\u2019s spectacular Gulf Coast is laid-back but luxurious, with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that practically beg you to spread out a towel and forget your cares. But it\u2019s not all<\/em> relaxation in the region. For eco-tourists, both Myakka River State Park<\/a> and Oscar Scherer State Park<\/a> offer glimpses of Florida\u2019s unique wildlife, from alligators to a dazzling selection of migratory birds. And you\u2019re never far from the water in Siesta Key, with plenty of opportunities to go jet skiing, parasailing or deep-sea fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where To Stay In Siesta Key:<\/strong> Hyatt Siesta Key Beach – A Hyatt Residence Club<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Historic Flavor & Coastal Charm: St. Augustine, Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Over on Florida\u2019s other coast, St. Augustine<\/a> is a place steeped in history; in fact, it\u2019s arguably the longest continually inhabited city in the United States, having been founded all the way back 1585. The lovely Spanish architecture you\u2019ll see here is a reminder of this legacy, as are several historic landmarks, including Ponce de Leon\u2019s famed \u201cFountain of Youth\u201d archaeological park<\/a> and the Castillo de San Marcos<\/a>, a 450-year-old Spanish fortress. Beyond the history, there are more than enough 21st<\/sup> century experiences for all ages to enjoy in St. Augustine, from spacious beaches (Vilano Beach<\/a> is a local favorite), celebrity-designed golf courses and dolphin cruises that get you up-close with friendly marine mammals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where To Stay In St. Augustine:<\/strong> Grande Villas at World Golf Village<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Start planning your southern getaway with RedWeek now.\u00a0<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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