5 Reasons to Visit the South

Rich-History-of-The-Great-Northen-Smokey-Mountains.The Southern states can be great destinations for an extended vacation or a quick trip to one attraction for a variety of reasons. If you’ve never been, then it can be interesting just to experience the unique atmosphere of the South. There’s a unique blend of European and South American style that makes the South stand out from other destinations. There’s also great variety in the landscape and Southern culture, not to mention the unique history. If you’re looking for a memorable trip, you could certainly do much worse.

Gorgeous Coasts 

The East Coast region of the US has no shortage of great places to visit, and you’ll find many of them in the South. Coastal cities are popular tourist attractions thanks to easy access to the beach, not to mention the delicious and (usually) reasonably priced seafood you’ll find as you travel the Southern coats. There’s more than summer fun to be had as well. The Crystal Coast and other beaches in NC maintain warm water throughout the fall, making them great destinations for most of the year. There are plenty of charming waterfront towns to explore as well as state parks, including the region’s famous dune systems.

Picturesque Mountains

If flat beaches and warm weather aren’t your cups of tea, you can always have the exact opposite. The South offers several mountain ranges from the Great Smokey Mountains National Park across TN and NC to the relaxing trails and zipline routes in Alabama. To make sure you capture the moment, you can find iPhone repair services in Homewood, AL at uBreakiFix, 1919 28th Ave S #141 Homewood, AL 35209. Give uBreakiFix a call at (205) 870-8858 and let them know your device isn’t surviving the trip.

In addition to the abundance of parks, the adventurous can always go for strenuous activities like skiing, snowboarding, or mountain climbing. Mountian areas are among the best to relax since they tend to have lower populations, and mountain properties are excellent for privacy. Renting a cabin out in the woods can be a great experience for your trip thanks to the gorgeous views and varied wildlife. If you fall in love with the landscape, you can find plenty of land for sale in North Carolina in the mountain regions.

Rich History

History buffs, or those with a passing interest, will have no trouble finding historically rich sites. The US has seen settlers and immigrants from all over the world, and everyone has left their mark in some way. This can be seen in architecture, food, culture, fashion, and music. The Southern states have multiple sites dedicated to country-shaping conflicts like the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Colonial Williamsburg in VA is the largest living history museum in the country and well worth a visit.

Noteworthy Food And Festivals

Of course, the South is vast and varied enough that you can’t really pin down one style of cooking. Shrimp is a common staple in most areas, but you’ll find it prepared in various unique ways depending on the area. Options can range from barbeque chicken (with a vinegar base in some states) and fried sausage to gumbo and alligator.

Of course, food always goes best with a celebration, and Southerners know how to handle that. Louisianna’s famous Mardis Gras festival is an especially great one to experience if you’re able. This week-long celebration features music festivals, parades, intricate float designs, and shows off some of the best the area has to offer.

Striking Architecture

It would be hard to visit the South without noticing the impressive and gorgeous architecture, particularly present in the mansions. From the great plantation houses to the vast winter homes built by Northerners, the South’s history and evolution are on proud display. Some of these homes have been turned into hotels or other attractions, so you can plan an extended stay. It would be a crime not to mention Biltmore House, which is the largest house in the US and boasts the most visited winery.

No matter your interests, the South offers abundant reasons to come visit during your next vacation.
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5 Picture-Perfect Islands for a Relaxing Florida Vacation

We have hectic lives, and there comes a time when we need a recharge. It’s vacation time, maybe for some personal rest and relaxation or a romantic getaway for two. Florida’s beautiful beaches and keys are a popular destination, but with a little more than 4,500 islands to choose from, that can appear a daunting choice. To give you a start, here are five picture-perfect islands that offer to relax, low-key vacations.

Merritt Island

Image via Flickr by mathewingram

If relaxation for you means adventure, Merritt Island may be the perfect fit. Home of the NASA Space Center, Merritt Island has more than rockets. It’s located on Florida’s east coast and boasts a selection of activities. Whether you’d like to dream of and discover astronauts and space travel, enjoy a quiet getaway into the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, or try your hand at parasailing, this island will satisfy the adventurer in you.

Longboat Island

If a more low-key, elegant vibe describes your perfect getaway, Longboat Island will fit the bill. With fine dining such as the acclaimed French restaurant Maison Blanche, this scenic island is perfect to bring lovers together. Enjoy the day golfing, or lounge on its 12 miles of white sand beaches. Then, unwind with a stroll through St. Armand’s Circle.

Captiva Island

If enjoying the outdoors is how you unwind, Captiva Island might be the right call. Do some kayaking and paddle boarding before hitting the local scene for a cup of coffee, a browse through boutiques, and a slice of pie from Key Lime Bistro. Located near Fort Myers, Captiva Island offers an array of activities, including biking, sailing, and cruises to rekindle your romance or work off stress. For a quick adventure in the woods, Cayo Costa is just a boat ride away.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Captiva’s sister island, offers a relaxing, fun atmosphere. Seashells abound along the sandy coast. If you’d like to know more about the shells you find, you can visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum where they also have live exhibits. After spending your morning on Sanibel Island shelling or hiking through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the Sea Breeze Cafe.

Matlacha Island

If even quieter is better for you and yours, Matlacha Island could be your go-to destination. Located west of Fort Myers, Matlacha Island is a tiny, artsy town offering an array of galleries like Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens. Historic Pine Island is a short distance away and has a bike trail which stretches Pine Island’s length. After an easy day spent paddling the calm backwaters, biking, or hiking through Pine Island’s Calusa Heritage Trail, you can visit Matlacha Island’s Great Licks Ice Cream Shop to recount the day’s adventure and maybe plan tomorrow’s.

We all need a getaway from time to time to recharge from our hectic lives and reignite our romances. Visiting one of these picture-perfect islands in sunny Florida could be just what you need. Your relaxation awaits.
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