Things to Do In the Southeast

If you can’t afford a trip out of the country but are looking for a memorable road trip, you can’t beat a trip through the Southeast.

Check out these destinations for a trip filled with beach, mountains, beauty, history, and fabulous food.

Start in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a perfect beach vacation location. The islands offer both ocean-side and sound-side beaches, impressive dunes for climbing, parasailing, and kite flying, and even a wild herd of ponies. If you can, stay in Duck, which is the Northern-most town on the Outer Banks. Bring beach gear, dune-climbing clothes, kites, and an appetite for fresh seafood.

Drive to Asheville, North Carolina

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, head west to the mountains. Asheville is a perfect day’s drive away and will give you a completely unique experience. Asheville is a mountain art town, filled with extraordinary art galleries, fabulous coffee shops, delectable restaurants (offering everything from down home Southern cooking to vegetarian and Thai fare), street performers, live music, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Put on your artsy hat and explore Asheville for a couple days, making sure to tour the Biltmore Estate and Winery.

If you’re a nature buff, you’ll want to drive parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop in at Grandfather Mountain where you can cross the mile-high swinging bridge and do a little hiking. Another short hike will bring you to a spectacular waterfall view in Linnville Falls, just a few miles away from Grandfather Mountain.

Finish Your Trip in Savannah, Georgia

When you’ve exhausted your options in the mountains, head south to Savannah, Georgia and get ready for a history lesson. Walk Savannah’s gorgeous squares (each has a fountain, statue or some sort of historic or aesthetically pleasing feature to it), eat at Paula Deen’s restaurant (if you can find a table), check out some native Gullah arts and crafts on the Riverwalk, and take a ghost tour. The architecture is amazing (be sure to walk Jones Street and visit the cathedrals), the history is fascinating, and the people welcoming.

Enjoy your visit to the Southeast! It’s bound to be a trip you’ll never forget.