Most 9 Underrated Summer Vacation Destinations In The South

1. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Nature enthusiasts won’t have to roam far for a summertime destination worthy of their bucket lists. Known for its world-class rock climbing and hiking, summer is as good a time as any to get familiar with this impressive geological wonder

2. Lake Lanier, Georgia

Nothing says summer like a day on the lake. If you’re lucky enough to have your own lake house (or a very generous friend with one), you may have your summer plans set, but the rest of us are on our own. Luckily, the South has been blessed

3. Richmond, Virginia

A summer in the city can be just as magical as one in the wilderness, if you know how to do it right. In Richmond, you’ll get the best of both worlds. The state’s capital is more enticing than ever thanks to a dedicated group of locals who have worked hard

4. Blue Ridge, Georgia

If you think of the mountains solely as an autumn destination, think again. Blue Ridge may be beloved for its scenic train rides and apple picking in the fall, but summer is an equally wonderful time to explore this part of the Peach State.

5. Mercer County, West Virginia

Roll down the windows and turn up the radio as you cruise through the rolling farmland and dense forests of Mercer County on the southern border of West Virginia. Temperatures rarely climb higher than the low 80s, and when the sun goes down

6. Navarre, Florida

For some Southerners (read: most), summer’s simply not summer without a classic beach trip. If you can’t resist the call of the ocean, follow its siren song to Navarre, a tiny community on the western portion of the Florida panhandle.

7. Crystal Coast, North Carolina

The Outer Banks may be first to come to mind when daydreaming about a North Carolina beach trip, but the Crystal Coast has all the same natural beauty and laidback beach town swagger with far fewer crowds.

8. St. Michaels, Maryland

Coastal towns are a given in the summertime, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore has some of the best bayside villages anywhere. Just an hour and a half’s drive from Washington D.C. is St. Michaels, a favorite weekend escape for city dwellers

9. St. Louis, Missouri

Make your “Meet Me in St. Louis” dreams come true with a trip to the Gateway of the West. St. Louis may seem a surprising choice for a summertime trip, but when you consider its range of amenities and activities (many of which are free)

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