-
- Alabama
-
- Mississippi
USA
Add These Southern States to Your Travel Bucket List
With so much charm and beauty, there is no time to waste! Start scratching places off your travel bucket list with our guide to the coolest places to visit in the South.
North Carolina
Visitors can embark on the “Mountains to Sea Trail” for a remarkable exploration, inviting them to hike or paddle trails that crisscross the entire state. Stretching from the majestic peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the serene coast of the Outer Banks, this trail showcases the incredible diversity of North Carolina’s landscapes. Whether navigating forested trails, meandering through the rolling hills of the Piedmont, or paddling along tranquil waterways and coastal marshes, adventurers can immerse themselves in the state’s natural beauty, encounter unique wildlife, and embrace the warmth of local communities. Whether you seek a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, the “Mountain to Sea Trail” offers a truly inclusive experience, allowing visitors from around the world to discover the heart and soul of North Carolina at their own pace.
Missouri
For sports lovers, 2024 should definitely include a visit to Kansas City! The Kansas City Current women’s soccer team will be playing inside their brand-new stadium, CPKC Stadium, starting in spring 2024. CPKC is the world’s first sports stadium purpose-built for a professional women’s team. The riverfront stadium will be right on the bank of the Missouri River with easy access to many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Kansas City’s free public streetcar will run to the stadium, allowing easier access. Inside the stadium visitors can get a taste of local cuisine, including Kansas City’s most famous offering – barbecue.
Alabama
Whether it’s trying mouth-watering barbecue, staying in boutique hotels or getting active while exploring one of the 22 state parks, Alabama has unique accommodations and experiences for every “New Year” Resolution! Head to Montgomery and dive into history by visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, the Dexter Parsonage Museum, and the Alabama State Capitol or get in touch with your adventurous side by visiting the new Whitewater Park. Or dive into the local food scene with Southern classics like BBQ, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits in Birmingham, aka “The Dinner Table of the South”. Additionally, don’t miss out on the vibrant music scene, especially in cities like Muscle Shoals, less than a two-hour drive from Nashville and Memphis.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby is on most people’s bucket list every year. However, this year’s Derby marks the 150th “Run for the Roses” and Kentucky is ready to celebrate. In fact, the celebration started 150 days before Derby Day with a “150 to 150” kickoff party at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. There will be many more festivities in the months and weeks leading up to the race, so make sure you don’t miss out on the party.
West Virginia
The 57-foot cascade of Blackwater Falls is named for its tannin-darkened water, which is caused by fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Blackwater Falls is also among the most photographed venues in the state. Blackwater Falls State Park has several viewing platforms that allow visitors to enjoy scenic views year-round and allow you to get those incredible photos that make this area so popular.
Tennessee
Stay in Suite 1986 at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort Adored with lavish décor and personal touches, music icon Dolly Parton’s personalized motorcoach, Suite 1986, offers an immersive journey into Parton’s life with exclusive accommodations, culinary delights and dedicated concierge in the Smoky Mountains. Learn more here.
South Carolina
It might seem unlikely that a national park could be undiscovered in any way, and yet Congaree National Park is certainly a hidden gem. It’s one of the least visited national parks in the country, yet it is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeast. Each May, visitors may even see the dance of the fireflies, where they will synchronize their flash for an amazing, natural light phenomenon.
Mississippi
Planning a Mississippi vacation has never been easier. In addition to the Hospitality State’s many great hotels and amazing restaurants, visitors can explore a growing list of virtual tours illustrating blues history. Blues fans can take a web-based tour of the genre’s legacy through the Delta Blues Museum’s online resources. Mississippi travelers are invited to review exhibits at the museum or enjoy virtual field trips that highlight the history of the blues.
But that’s not all… the South offers a variety of unique experiences that are sure to make this is the year you check everything off your travel bucket list!
