Outdoor Adventures

SPECIAL SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION

Choose Your Own Adventure

SOUTHEAST OUTDOOR VACATION GUIDE

The Southeast is replete with outdoor activities, and here you’re sure to find all kinds of wild adventures in some of the most pristine and untouched places in the country.

Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the real world and relax in the great outdoors or fulfill your need for speed on rapids or bike trails, you’ll find it all here.

ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPI NORTH CAROLINA • SOUTH CAROLINA • TENNESSEE • VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com

Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

For

a

fun

and

educational

experience, head to the foothills of

ALABAMA

the

Appalachian

Mountains.

Here,

Alabama offers a unique adventure at

THERE’S A REASON THEY CALL IT “ALABAMA THE BEAUTIFUL.”

DeSoto Caverns. The park offers guided tours of the cave, decorated with one of America’s most concentrated collections of formations, as well as myriad other options ranging from

The people here love their outdoor

navigating a giant maze to panning for

adventures, getting out and enjoying

gemstones. Located only 36 miles from

what Mother Nature provided. And it’s

Birmingham, DeSoto Caverns provide

easy to see why, with so many things

a perfect getaway for an afternoon of

to do.

outdoor Alabama adventure.

Head out to Lake Martin, a

The Heart of Dixie is also known

44,000-acre lake that was completed

for its Bass Trail, stretching from the

in 1926. At the time, it was thought

mountains of northern Alabama to the

to be the largest man-made lake in the

coast. Places like Joe Wheeler State Park,

world. It was built as a reservoir, but

on the Tennessee River, and Lakepoint

it also serves as one of the premier

Resort State Park, the “Bass Capital of

outdoor destinations in Alabama, a

the World,” bring anglers to this state

renowned site for boating, fishing,

every year.

water skiing, camping, and a plethora

www.alabama.travel

of other activities.

One popular attraction for locals and visitors alike is Chimney Rock, where you can climb to the top and take the 60-foot plunge to the deep water below. Visitors can lodge in cabins around the lake, from palatial homes to log dwellings with just the essentials.

Down in Mobile, rent a kayak and paddle out into the delta, where you can explore the waterways that helped shape the area. Much of the delta is conserved through Alabama’s Forever Wild Program, designed to protect

for flight, and the views of the Petit Jean River Valley and the Arkansas

ARKANSaS EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF THE NATURAL STATE, A LONGTIME HAVEN FOR PEOPLE SEEKING TO GET BACK TO NATURE.

River Valley with the wind beneath you will certainly give you a rush.

For a different kind of thrill, hunt for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, the only public diamond mine in the world. A 37-acre field that is the surface of an ancient volcanic pipe, this is the site where a number of large, priceless diamonds

The state’s beautiful landscape

have been unearthed, from the 16-carat

provides the backdrop for many

Amarillo Starlight to the four-carat

activities, each designed to give you

Kahn Canary, worn by Hillary Clinton

a new sensation, from relaxation

during the presidential inaugural balls.

to exhilaration.

Thought you had to head to the

green spaces throughout the state. You

At Mount Magazine, Arkansas’

coast to go scuba diving? Even though

can even make it an overnight trip by

highest point, take flight as you

Arkansas is miles from the beach,

camping on floating docks that sleep

hang glide over the lush terrain. The

divers can explore the crystal-clear

up to 16.

mountain provides excellent conditions

waters at Beaver Lake. Featuring little

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com boat traffic, this quiet lake is a diver’s

bored on the shore. The white sands

paradise with abundant marine life and

of the Emerald Coast in places like

crystal water providing an ideal diving

Destin and Panama City will take your

experience. If your idea of outdoor

breath away. And the beaches along the

adventure doesn’t involve scuba, there

Atlantic Coast and South Florida—like

is plenty of activity at Beaver Lake

Jacksonville Beach, Daytona, Miami,

including hiking, camping, and more.

and the Keys—provide great spots for

Arkansas is a great place to view diverse wildlife, from the Ivory-billed

fishing, surfing, and boating.

If you’ve seen enough of the beaches,

rediscovered

head out to Everglades National Park,

in the Big Woods area to black bears

renowned for its hostile beauty. You

in the Ozark Mountains, as well as

can get a knowledgeable airboat captain

elk, majestic bald eagles, and brightly

to give you a tour, take a guided hike

colored butterflies.

and learn about the protected wetlands,

www.arkansas.com

or paddle out and explore places only

Woodpecker,

recently

accessible by boat.

FLORIDA THE SUNSHINE STATE HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF TRAVELERS FOR GENERATIONS.

Northwest

Florida

offers

un-

forgettable escapes for those looking to commune with Mother Nature.

At Blackwater River in Milton, you can paddle downstream to a serene sandbar, and then set up camp for the gentle giants. Scuba divers can get upnight. On clear nights, the shores of the close-and-personal with these unique

People come here for the amusement

Blackwater River provide the perfect creatures during a dive unlike any

parks, big city nightlife, and beaches.

spot for stargazing and taking in the other they are likely to experience.

But there is also an abundance of

beauty of your natural surroundings.

outdoor activities, sure to give any nature buff a thrill.

Of course, the beaches are one of the

For a one-of-a-kind experience, take a manatee tour on the Crystal River,

Guides

will

educate

you

about

interacting with and protecting the endangered manatees.

where you’ll swim alongside these www.visitflorida.com

main attractions in Florida. But that’s because you’d be hard pressed to get

Visit Florida

Visit Florida

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GEORGIA

gold in the site of the country’s first

GEORGIA HAS AS DIVERSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AS THE PEOPLE WHO INHABIT THE PEACH STATE.

to paddle down. Rent a kayak or canoe

gold rush or find a crystal-clear river and get out on the Toccoa and Cartecay Rivers, to brave rapids, or in the calmer parts, find great places to float and fish.

If you want to stay on land, you’ll find great places for camping and horseback

From the coast to the mountains,

riding. The Appalachian Trail, a favorite

you can rest assured you’ll be able to

for hikers and other outdoor buffs that

find an adventure or two.

runs all the way to Maine, begins in this area of Georgia.

Georgia’s Golden Isles have been a popular destination for over 150 years.

Here you can lounge on the beach, explore the islands and surrounding waterways in a kayak, or hike through the islands’ sub-tropical forests. There are trails for hiking and biking, and

Celebrate Spring in Pine Mountain, GA

For a mix of the beach and mountains,

Pine

Mountain

offers

something for everyone. Home to the 14,000-acre Callaway Gardens, tourists have been flocking to this retreat for more than half a century.

Hike a trail through the Appalachians in

you’ll be able to spot all kinds of birds

the morning, then spend the afternoon

and other wildlife. The weather on the

soaking up the rays at Callaway Garden’s

Golden Isles is almost perfect year-

very own freshwater beach. This retreat

round, so visit any time.

also offers water skiing lessons, ropes

If for you, life isn’t a beach but a

course adventures, and guided excursions

mountain, go north to the Blue Ridge/

for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dahlonega area, where you can pan for

www.exploregeorgia.org

Come visit the friendliest small town in Georgia — with interesting shops, beautiful hikes and the best golf in the south on the grounds of beautiful Callaway Gardens. And we’re located just an hour south of Atlanta.

Call for an Experience Book 800-441-3502 ext 28 or check our events calendar at pinemountain.org.

Georgia Department of Economic Development

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.kentuckytourism.com

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com what it takes to get to the top.

kentucky THE BLUEGRASS STATE IS A REGION OF HIGHS AND LOWS, AT LEAST FOR THE OUTDOOR TYPES, AND IT’S TRULY A PLACE TO FIND GREAT ADVENTURES. Hiking, biking, water sports, fishing, and hunting are all abundant here.

In Bayou Lafourche, you can get in

Once you’ve been on top of the

a canoe and paddle a 54-mile, three-day

world, see what it’s like underground

trip and learn all about the valuable and

in Mammoth Cave National Park,

fragile ecosystem. From the waterways,

home to the longest cave system in the

you’ll take in the gorgeous terrain and

world. Discover the magnificent beauty

species indigenous to the land and be

of the caverns, and learn about their

educated you on what’s being done to

history and geology.

protect them.

Ready to ride? Since Kentucky is

Louisiana is home to one of the

known for its horse population and

country’s largest game preserves and

unbridled spirit, there are numerous

boasts an eight-month hunting season,

places for horseback riding, especially

so you’ll have plenty of chances to bag

in the Bluegrass Region. Hop on and

the big one.

take a ride either along wild trails or

Head to western Louisiana and

open fields. Turkey, deer, and waterfowl

experience the famed Creole Nature

make their homes along these trails,

Trail. Featuring 180 miles of roads

providing animated scenery for you to

winding through bayous, marshlands,

enjoy during your ride. Bikers also have

and along the Gulf of Mexico, this

their pick of terrain with numerous

remarkable trail was featured as a

biking trails throughout the state.

must-see attraction on the Today

Whether you’re a beginner or looking

Show. Get up-close-and-personal with

for a challenge, Kentucky is home to

turtles that make their home along

scenic back roads perfect for the cyclist

the trail, or watch an alligator in its

and rugged mountain traces ideal for

natural environment Birdwatchers will

the mountain biker.

be impressed with the array of fowl

www.kentuckytourism.com

indigenous to Louisiana.

LOUISIANA KNOWN THE WORLD OVER AS A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE, THE BAYOU STATE IS FULL OF WILD ADVENTURES.

If you’re looking for a new high,

Hunting and fishing are popular

check out Red River Gorge, where you

attractions here. In recent years, some

can test your mettle by climbing cliffs

of the area’s wetlands have been in

that attract climbers from around the

danger of being lost, but there are

world. If it’s your first time up, don’t

people taking steps to ensure this

worry. Expert guides will show you

doesn’t happen.

Of course, Louisiana’s other bayous and swamps are begging to be explored, too. Hop on an airboat for a swamp tour, where a guide will take you into the back waters where nature has truly been untouched. www.louisianatravel.com Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

the Gulf is more your speed, point your craft toward the barrier islands, like

MISSISSIPPI THEY CALL MISSISSIPPI THE HOSPITALITY STATE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. The people here are friendly and

Horn Island and Gulf Island National Seashore Park.

The Delta Region is steeped in history, much of it shaped by the majestic Mississippi River. Here you’ll find wildlife refuges and nature trails, great places for horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.

the outdoors are just as inviting and

Mississippi has 46 National Wildlife

looking for intense outdoor excitement.

welcoming. There’s always something

Management areas, as well as 14

Get a new view of Mississippi from

exciting to do.

National Refuges, making this state

high above—you’ll never forget this

In southern Mississippi, canoeing

a great place for watching wildlife.

breathtaking sight or experience. If

and kayaking on the area rivers are

Hundreds of species of animal live here,

you prefer an unhurried pace, slow

popular pastimes. Wolf River is one

from woodpeckers to black bears.

down and hike the scenic trails across the

state.

Whatever

your

style,

such waterway. It’s relatively wide and

Looking for extreme adventure?

deep, and it meanders along the coast,

Mississippi has that too! You might

Mississippi’s great outdoors offer what

so it’s perfect for paddlers of all skill

not expect to find it, but sky diving and

you’re looking for.

levels. If getting into the open waters of

rock climbing are available for those

www.visitmississippi.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com

NORTH CAROLINA TRYING TO DECIDE BETWEEN A VACATION IN THE MOUNTAINS OR ON THE BEACH? DON’T DECIDE — YOU CAN HAVE BOTH.

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

before camping out under the stars or

fishing and water sports. Dragon

renting a quaint log cabin.

boating, a trend that draws on ancient

A getaway to North Carolina offers

If the coast is more your style,

the crisp air of the Highland Mountains

North Carolina has that in spades as

just a few hours from the scenic shores

well. The Outer Banks offer a gorgeous

of the Atlantic.

coastal getaway with options ranging

No matter the time of year, North Carolina’s mountains offer endless opportunity for outdoor exploration.

Hiking the Highlands offers stunning

from shelling to water sports, like kayaking and recreational boating. The mild climate invites vacationers to the shores of North Carolina year round.

views of the Tarheel State. You can go

Inland, North Carolina features

mountain biking, hiking, and horseback

3,500 square miles of fresh water,

riding in the state parks and resorts,

offering opportunities for world-class

roots, is making a comeback in Charlotte. This exciting sport, famous in China for thousands of years, involves teams racing paddleboats throughout the lakes of North Carolina. Be sure to check out the Charlotte Dragonboat Festival in June.

In North Carolina, any landscape serves as the ideal backdrop for your perfect vacation. www.visitnc.com

Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. A lot of excitement at Carowinds. A lot to learn and experience at our museums and galleries.

And a lot of family bonding time at our parks. Find a lot more at 800-231-4636 or charlottesgotalot.com.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SOUTH CAROLINA TRAVELING THROUGH THE PALMETTO STATE, LICENSE PLATES READ “SMILING FACES. BEAUTIFUL PLACES.” It’s true; you can’t help but smile during a trip to the coastal gem of South Carolina. The beaches are just the beginning of the destinations for those travel plans.

For

freshwater

for paddling, as do the marshes and swamplands, all begging to be explored.

South Carolina is home to a wide variety of habitats, enabling an immense array of wildlife. Outdoor adventures bring you up close and personal with the creatures that call South Carolina home any time of year.

Take a safari-style jeep tour through a wildlife refuge, brave the swamps during a search for alligators, or coast alongside Flipper and his friends during a dolphin cruise.

activities,

check

out the area lakes, like the 50,000acre Lake Murray, with the world’s largest earthen dam; and 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell, on the border of South

Head upstate into the foothills of

the

Blue

Ridge

Mountains

for enchanting views and highelevation relaxation. Wherever you

Carolina and Georgia, that hosted the

are in South Carolina, you’re sure

2008 Bassmasters Classic. The scenic

to have a smile on your face.

mountain rivers provide great spots

www.discoversouthcarolina.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Having your breath taken away has never been more affordable.

Cool Stuff In Asheville That Won’t Cost You A Penny Free Outdoor Adventures Walk or bike trails for all skill levels or enjoy waterfalls and swimming holes found throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The economy isn’t exactly at its best. We get it, and we want to help in a way that only Mother Nature’s hometown can. Right now you can escape the stresses of your daily life in a setting that’s not only soothing to your soul but also comforting to your pocketbook. In fact, there’s plenty to do here that’s absolutely free.

Free Asheville Urban Trail Take a stroll through Asheville’s outdoor art and history museum without walls.

So, if you’d like to spend some time in a place where the view is breathtaking and the unexpected is waiting around every corner, hit the road and head to the mountains of Asheville.

Free Inspiration for Art Lovers Asheville is one of the top arts destinations in the Southeast, featuring hundreds of art galleries and working art studios.

Free Asheville Drum Circle The drum circle downtown has become a unique tradition each warm-weather Friday evening.

Free Entertainment Watch street theater, enjoy traditional mountain music and dance, or catch a live show at one of the many area festivals.

Decompress for less. Go to CoolAshevilleSavings.com

ACV-900 (76205).indd 1

12/31/08 3:19:30 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.EscapetotheSoutheast.com The Volunteer State has 54 parks and more than 1000 miles of trails.

walls to scenic hilly landscapes. After

Hit the world-class rapids for

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism

TENNESSEE

THE TRANQUILITY OF THE CRISP MOUNTAIN AIR IN EASTERN TENNESSEE IS A FAR CRY FROM THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF BIG CITIES LIKE NASHVILLE AND MEMPHIS, BUT IT CAN BE EVERY BIT AS ENTERTAINING.

ranging from challenging mountain this

experience,

you’re

guaranteed

rafting on the Ocoee River, renowned

to have a whole new outlook of this

for its challenging and exhilarating

scenic mountain escape you won’t

white water. This is the river Olympic

soon forget.

kayakers paddled when the 1996

Great Smoky Mountains National

Summer Games were in Atlanta. But

Park is the perfect spot for hikers and

you don’t have to be going for the

campers, with 800 miles of maintained

gold to brave this thrilling outdoor

trails. Here you can spot abundant

adventure.

wildlife, like bears, elk, and deer. To

Guides

offer

all

the

instruction you need to make your way through the rapids.

Take things to new heights in the mountains of Tennessee during a rock climbing adventure. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before; numerous companies provide education in a safe yet challenging atmosphere. Those who need no training have their choice of crags to climb throughout the state

learn even more about the park’s environment, a ranger will be more than happy to assist you.

The Appalachian Trail cuts through the park on its way to Maine, and hikers will delight in the miles of pristine beauty, a perfect setting for enjoying nature at its finest. www.tnvacation.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Chimneys are a must see in this area.

Rising 120 feet above the pastoral

VIRGINIA

OLD DOMINION’S ROLLING HILLS AND LUSH, SWEEPING VIEWS WERE HOME TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. WHEN YOU’RE HERE, YOU’LL SEE WHY HE LOVED THE OUTDOORS SO MUCH. The first president was born on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, and you can experience the outdoors just as he did. Much of the area is still pristine and unspoiled, and you’re sure to have a wild time. Charter a boat for fishing or rent a canoe and paddle the

terrain,

onlookers

unparalleled

views

can of

experience this

scenic

panorama. There are plenty of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking.

Head to Grottoes and experience Grand Caverns. This majestic beauty is the place to see Cathedral Hall, one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the eastern United States measuring 280 feet long and more than 70 feet high. Grand Caverns also offers hiking, biking, and even miniature golf.

If you’re looking for thrills, take flight on a hang glider in Amherst. No matter what your experience, you can experience the exhilaration, first from a training hill and then on to the big

places for rest and relaxation.

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Wonders like the 100-million-year-old Natural Bridge make this area a prime spot for exploration. And the Natural

the flat terrain, or extreme journeys throughout the mountains, biking is one of this state’s most exciting outdoor adventures. Plan a guided tour along the

mountain flights.

Greenbrier River Trail or take a group

www.virginia.org

ride to Berkeley Springs. Enjoy the scenic vistas of West Virginia during a

waterways. If you want to escape from it all, the beaches provide ideal

Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)

WEST VIRGINIA

THE MOUNTAIN STATE IS ONE OF THE PREMIER SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN THE COUNTRY, WITH SO MANY ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE. There is an abundance of rivers and lakes, perfect for boating and fishing.

You can also find great places for hiking, camping, and much more.

recreational trip throughout the state.

The lush, untouched terrain of West Virginia will entice you to get out, explore, and experience all Mother Nature has to offer, from horseback riding in the Greenbrier Valley to bird watching in the Potomac Highlands.

The Mountaineer Region is another ideal spot for outdoor adventures just like the miners and frontiersman in the state’s infancy found, from rock climbing to hunting.

For the thrill of a lifetime, the famous Gauley River is idyllic for white water rafting, with rapids of all classes, so it’s perfect for all skill levels. There are also

With a wide variety of terrain across

numerous places on the river to take it

the state, West Virginia is known for

slow and swim, and even explore ghost

its biking. Casual rides along the lakes

towns along the waterway.

and rivers, fast-paced cycling across

www.wvtourism.com