Fall in love with the South: 10 reasons to go now

CoastalSoutheastArkansas road tripsFlorida road tripsGeorgia road tripsKentucky road tripsNorth Carolina road tripsSouth Carolina road tripsTennessee road tripsBeer tourismLet's hikeMountainsTravel planningWaterfalls
Written By Sarah Womack
Hemlock Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

Hemlock Falls drops 90 feet from a sandstone bluff at Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia on a sunny spring day.

Note: If you book a stay using one of our VRBO links, we may receive a very small referral commission. You won’t pay anything extra. Be sure to check the most current rating and reviews and read all the policies before you book.

 

in this blog

Skip ahead to:

I have to admit, I slept on visiting the South for most of my life. Instead, I trekked to Chicago, San Francisco, Tokyo, Cabo, New York City, Hawaii, Seattle and other fabulous destinations.

So, imagine my surprise that once I started seeing more of the South, I started falling in love.

It was a bit of a slow burn — a bestie trip to Savannah, Georgia, in 2008 and a Florida Keys trip with my parents and J-Wo in 2016.

Until it wasn’t.

My love for the South really started heating up in 2021. We had moved from the West Coast back to the Midwest and gotten a shiny new toy: Camper Van Beethoven.

Going by camper van means going to places much smaller than New York City and even Seattle.

Think Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bentonville / Rogers, Arkansas; and Highlands, North Carolina. And, of course, into nature. Think Lookout Mountain in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama; and Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi.

I’ve now seen (and tasted) enough to say: the South is one of my favorite regions to visit in the U.S.

There are just as many reasons to go there as there are the West Coast or New England.

Still sleeping on visiting the south?

A graphic listing the 17 states of the U.S. South.

I don’t think of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Oklahoma and Texas as the South, but the U.S. Census Bureau does. Well, maybe Texas. (Background image created by AI. Graphic by Super Cool Van Trips.)

Perhaps you’re like I was once. New to exploring the South. Not quite sure where to start. It’s a big region, after all.

To help, I’ve put together 10 things I’ve absolutely adored during my time in the South.

I’m talking waterfalls and sunsets that speak to your soul. Bourbon and coffee that make your eyes go wide in wonder. And, waffles and sandwiches you’ll crave for the rest of your natural life.

Read through each of the 10 things to find something that calls to you. That gives you both a destination and the first item on your itinerary.

To be extra nice, I’ve even included other things to check out while you’re in the area. This will help round out your itinerary, whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or longer.

10 things that’ll make you rush to visit the South

1 Waterfalls at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Rising Fawn, Georgia

Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

Cherokee Falls spills over a sandstone bluff at Cloudland State Park in Georgia.

This park had me with just its name alone. How magnificently magical does a place called Cloudland Canyon sound?

Well, I can tell you with 100% certainty that it’s not just the name. The place itself is magically magnificent as well.

The setting: A water-carved canyon more than 1,000 feet deep, dotted with sandstone boulders and cliffs, on the western edge of Lookout Mountain.

The waterfalls: The first is easy to see. Just drive to the parking area for the West Rim Loop trail and walk to the Main Overlook. From here, you can look across the canyon to the 300-foot West Rim Falls cascading down a sandstone cliff.

A sandstone boulder at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

The Waterfall Loop trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia winds past sandstone boulders and cliffs.

For the next two waterfalls, make sure your shoelaces are double knotted and your water bottles full. Because you’re going on a trek.

At just under 2 miles, it’s not an overly long trek. But, the elevation change of 700 feet and the 600 stairs make the Waterfall Loop a somewhat strenuous hike.

But, it’s worth it for an up-close look at Hemlock Falls (90 feet) and Cherokee Falls (60 feet).

You can hear the roar of the falls the entire time you’re hiking — causing the anticipation to build with every step.

Oh, and after you’ve walked the 600 stairs down to the falls, get ready. You’ll have to take them back up, too. Making this a little less worrisome are the flat stretches between sections of stairs and the benches for resting.

Visit in late winter or early spring for the greatest water flow and cooler temps.

Summer can bring drought-like conditions, with little to no water flowing from the falls.

What else to do when you visit Cloudland Canyon State Park

  • Order a woodfired pie at Lookout Mountain Pizza Company or a steak at Canyon Grill. Both are located on Lookout Mountain, about 1 mile from the park entrance.

  • Visit Rock City, another way to take in the sights from Lookout Mountain. This bustling tourist stop has walking paths, gardens, tours, shopping and dining.

  • Catch a movie under the stars at Wilderness Theater, a seasonal drive-in theater. Accepts cash only.

  • Take to the sky at Lookout Mountain Flight Park, where you can hang glide or paraglide on a tandem flight with a certified instructor.

Where to set up camp in Rising Fawn, Georgia

Cloudland Canyon State Park has 104 campsites (tent, RV, backcountry, group), plus 16 cottages and 10 yurts. Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA Holiday is about 25 minutes away.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Rising Fawn, Georgia

How much time to spend at Cloudland Canyon State Park

We camped at the park for two nights, which was much too short. I recommend three to five nights instead.

You can also hike to the waterfalls as part of a daytrip from Atlanta (~2 hours, 20 minutes), Chattanooga (~30 minutes), Huntsville (~1.5 hours) or Nashville (~2 hours, 20 minutes).

 2 6-toed cats at Hemingway Home and Museum

Key West, Florida

One of the many cats who live at Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

(Canva photo)
Polydactyl cats, including those at Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, can have extra toes on their front or back paws. But, they’re most common on the front.

Ernest Hemingway wasn’t just a literary giant, penning tomes such as The Old Man and the Sea, The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms.

He was also a cat lover.

Cats would come and go on his Key West property — in his writing studio, in the gardens or in the house.

But, not just any cats. Polydactyl cats, or cats with six toes.

In the 1930s, a ship captain gave Hemingway an all-white, six-toed cat. Hemingway named her Snow White.

Today, all the six-toed cats across the island of Key West are thought to be her descendants.

The Hemingway Home and Museum cares for these descendants — as many as 60 — to this day. You can see and learn about them when you tour his home, which includes a gift shop.

What else to do when you visit Key West, Florida

A concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S. in Key West, Florida.

(Canva photo)
The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, Florida, is a popular spot for photos — you may have to wait in a queue.

  • Get a group photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy, a concrete buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental U.S. You’ll find it near the intersection of South and Whitehead streets.

  • Grab a bite, a pint and a t-shirt at Hog’s Breath Saloon. This popular watering hole has been around since 1976.

  • Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to peep a variety of winged friends and flowering plants. More than 60 species of butterflies thrive here.

  • Take a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. Reserve your transportation early. You can’t reach the park by land.

  • Walk to the top of the 50-foot-tall Key West Lighthouse for great water and city views.

Where to set up camp near Key West, Florida

There’s a KOA on Upper Sugarloaf Key. Closer to Key West, you can try Leo’s Campground or Boyd’s Campground, both on Stock Island.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Key West, Florida

How much time to spend in Key West, Florida

You can see a lot during a long weekend. Or, spend a week and explore some of the other islands, too. Staying longer than a week would allow you to slow down and enjoy life on island time. Meaning, a slower pace.

3 Double-viewpoint hike at Ravenel Park

Highlands, North Carolina

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Sunrise Rock in Highlands, North Carolina.

Sunrise Rock overlooks Horse Cove Valley in Highlands, North Carolina.

Hiking for a spectacular view is well worth the effort in my book. But, why settle for a trail with a single viewpoint when you can hike to a double viewpoint in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

The trail starts off as a service road, so you can even drive most of the way, if you like.

But, it’s only about 1.4 miles total if you choose to hike out and back.

At the top of the service road, two smaller trails present a choice of heading west to Sunset Rock or east to Sunrise Rock.

Two terriers at the top of Sunset Rock in Highlands, North Carolina.

Bonnie and Clyde rest at the top of Sunset Rock in Highlands, North Carolina.

Sunrise Rock is the smaller viewpoint.

Mind you, the view over Horse Cove Valley isn’t small. But, the viewpoint area is only big enough for a few people to enjoy at a time.

Sunset Rock, however, boasts a large, granite-floored space as its viewing area.

You can scramble over the rocks, have a picnic or just sit in stillness and enjoy the view. You can also, as the name implies, watch the sun go down behind the mountains in the distance.

Bring the dogs, plus enough water for everyone, and enjoy both viewpoints. The elevation gain is about 236 feet.

What else to do when you visit Highlands, North Carolina

  • Grab picnic provisions from Mountain Fresh Grocery before heading to Sunset Rock and Sunrise Rock.

  • Visit the nature center and botanical gardens at Highlands Biological Station to explore the biodiversity of the Highlands Plateau.

  • Stroll Main Street through downtown Highlands to check out the boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

  • Have breakfast with your pups at Blue Bike Café, which has delicious biscuits, pimento cheese spread and a dog menu.

  • Hike to one of the area’s many waterfalls, including Sequoyah Falls, Secret Falls or Cane Creek Falls.

Where to set up camp near Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands Hidden Creek RV Resort is an upscale campground (no towable campers or tents) within walking distance of downtown. Just outside town, you can try Van Hook Glade Campground or free Forest Service camping (first come, first served), such as at Ammons Branch, Blue Valley or Burrells Ford.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Highlands, North Carolina

How much time to spend in Highlands, North Carolina

If you just want to explore the town and go on some short hikes, a long weekend is fine. Stay for a week or more to enjoy longer hikes and see more of the surrounding area.

 4 Rosé waffles at Milk & Honey

Chattanooga, Tennessee

A woman with a plate of waffles in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The rosé waffles at Milk & Honey in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will put a smile on your face.

It was love at first bite at Milk & Honey in Chattanooga — or “Chatt” as the kids call it.

That first bite being the fig and prosciutto toast, which also has gorgonzola, goat gouda, arugula and kalamata olives. Because it’s fun to have something to share before the main course arrives.

And the main course is a knockout, both visually stunning and mouth-wateringly delicious: Rosé waffles, topped with rosé-soaked strawberries and rosé syrup.

I got to have them on my birthday in 2023, so, naturally, it was the best birthday ever.

J-Wo likes to order the hot chicken and waffles. But, warning, they aren’t messing around with the heat. Order the honey hot sauce on the side if you’re worried about overheating.

Before you leave, grab some dog treats or coffee beans. They have their own blend of beans from the cult-favorite Stumptown Coffee Roasters, based in Portland, Oregon.

What else to do when you visit Chattanooga, Tennessee

  • Take your waterfall worship underground at Ruby Falls (145 feet) or Raccoon Mountain Caverns (75 feet). You reach the former by taking a glass-front elevator to a walking path inside a cave. To reach the latter, book the Waterfall Dome Expedition, which takes you deep into the cave system at Raccoon Mountain.    

  • Kayak or paddle board on the Tennessee River, which curves through the city, with a rental from L2 Outside.

  • Wander through the Chattanooga River Market, open early March through late October, at Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. Browse artisan foods and food trucks, jewelry and candles, and pet goods and more. Then, tour the aquarium afterward.

  • Raise a pint at Chattanooga Brewing Company, dating back to 1890. They also serve food, including nachos, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and salads.

Where to set up camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee

Raccoon Mountain is also a campground, offering tent and RV campsites along with cabins and safari glamping tents. Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA Holiday is west of town.

Or, tent camp with the Chattanooga Audubon Society at their nature sanctuary or on Maclellan Island.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Chattanooga, Tennessee

How much time to spend in Chattanooga, Tennessee

A long weekend is enough time to explore the town. Stay for an entire week or longer if you’d like extra time to take in all the nature just outside of town.

 5 Tasting tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Bardstown, Danville, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky

A bourbon tasting glass at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Barrel thieving in a rickhouse at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, was a highlight of our tasting tour. Barrel thieving is when you extract a sample of whiskey from a barrel as it ages..

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t just a handful of distilleries or even a single destination. Rather, it winds through the north-central and western parts of the state and includes 56 different distilleries.

You likely won’t hit them all in a single trip. But, if you do, my hat’s off to you.

At various distilleries on the bourbon trail, you can enjoy tasting tours and cocktail classes, meet distillery cats and shop for bottles and other merchandise.

If you have a favorite bourbon, plan your first or next trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail around it. Book a tasting tour and maybe another experience at that distillery.

Keep in mind that some tours fill up months in advance.

Then, look around the area for other distilleries, hiking trails, parks and restaurants to fill out your Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary.

You can also join a tour that will take you to several different spots.

What else to do when you visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A figure made of wood in Claremont, Kentucky.

Little Elina is one of three forest giants that Thomas Dambo crafted from repurposed wood and bourbon barrels at Berheim Forest in Clermont, Kentucky.

Where to set up camp on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Bourbon Springs RV Resort and Louisville South KOA put you close to Louisville and Bardstown. Kentucky Horse Park Campground is just north of Lexington. Elkhorn Creek RV Park is just east of Frankfort. Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground is about 30 minutes from Danville and about 45 minutes from Frankfort and Lexington.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

How much time to spend on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

If you want to focus on one area of the trail at a time, a long weekend is plenty time for each. You could combine Bardstown, Danville and Louisville into a single trip of five to seven nights. Same with Frankfort and Lexington. If you want to hit all five areas in one go, you might need seven to 10 nights.

 6 Dirty chai at Onyx Coffee Lab

Rogers, Arkansas

Barisas craft drinks at Onyx Coffee Lab in Rogers, Arkansas.

Onyx Coffee Lab in downtown Rogers, Arkansas, is a beautiful, airy space in a historic building.

If you thought Arkansas wasn’t hip enough for hipster coffee, sorry not sorry, but you’re wrong.

So. Very. Wrong.

In fact, a stroll through historic downtown Rogers just isn’t complete without a stop at the headquarters of Onyx Coffee. It’s a stylish and tranquil spot to get a buzz on.

Plus, you can nibble on avocado toast, a breakfast sammy or something sweet.

I had the best iced dirty chai of my life here, hands down. Not to mention, I had fun shopping for coffee, tea and chocolate.

They also have cool hats, hoodies, tees and other merch.

Once you decide what to order, you’ll also have to decide whether to stay and sip in the café or on the patio. Or, take it to go as you continue exploring this cute little area.

If you want more Onyx in your life, sign up for one of their coffee subscriptions or classes. From pour-over basics to latte art, classes at Onyx can help you live your best barista life.

A vintage building housing Ozark Beer Company in Rogers, Arkansas.

An old flour mill in downtown Rogers, Arkansas, is now home to Ozark Beer Company.

What else to do when you visit Rogers, Arkansas

Where to set up camp near Rogers, Arkansas

Horseshoe Bend Campground is on Beaver Lake, east of Rogers. The Bike Inn in Bentonville has hotel rooms, glamping cabins and three RV spots for vehicles up to 25 feet. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve has non-electric tent and camper van sites.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Rogers, Arkansas

How much time to spend in Rogers, Arkansas

A weekend is long enough to enjoy the towns of Rogers and Bentonville — preferably a long weekend. However, you might want a few extra nights, or even a week, if you also plan to hike, mountain bike or visit Beaver Lake as well.

7 Sunsets at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Pensacola Beach, Florida

A beach sunset at Gulf Island National Seashore in Florida.

The crashing surf is the perfect accompaniment to a vibrant sunset at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.

Of all nature’s many splendid offerings, a beach sunset is surely one of the best.

It’s the triple sensory hit of seeing the sky turn orange, peach, pink and purple. Smelling the salty air. And, listening to the sound of crashing waves.

You can even dip your feet in the surf or bury them in the sound to engage your sense of touch.

What makes the sunsets so great at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida is that, as you look out over the Gulf of Mexico, you don’t see anything but white sand and sea.

There are no condo buildings. No restaurants. Not even a road in sight.

It’s just you standing at the westernmost edge of Santa Rosa Island — a barrier island off the coast of Pensacola.

You’re not really that far out in nature. But, the super cool thing is that it feels like you are.

What else to do when you visit Pensacola Beach, Florida

  • Book a fishing trip, sailing trip or boat tour to see dolphins or watch the sunset.

  • Go scuba diving or snorkeling, or rent a kayak or paddle board.

  • Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola — you might just catch a Blue Angels practice flight.

  • Walk the pier at Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach or Okaloosa Island.

  • Meet some cute new friends at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

A camper van at Fort Pickens Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.

Camper Van Beethoven in site C8 at Fort Pickens Campground in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Where to set up camp in Pensacola Beach, Florida

This one’s easy: Fort Pickens Campground is located within Gulf Islands National Seashore. Tents and RVs only. There are no cabins or yurts.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Pensacola Beach, Florida

How much time to spend in Pensacola Beach, Florida

A long weekend is plenty of time to take in the trails, beaches and historic Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Spend a week or longer if you’d like to see more of Pensacola or Santa Rosa Island. Or, if you just want to escape from the world for a while.

8 Hazy IPA in Asheville or Nashville

Asheville, North Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee

A tasting flight of hazy IPA at Southern Grist Brewing in Nashville, Tennessee.

The hazy IPAs at Southern Grist Brewing Company in Nashville, Tennessee, are a hop lover’s delight.

Sure, the West Coast is stacked with iconic craft breweries serving up hoppy, bitter IPAs (India pale ales). And, the delicious juice bomb known as a hazy IPA originated across the way in New England.

But, the South has plenty of great craft breweries for a beer enthusiast to love.

Two standouts are Wicked Weed in Asheville, North Carolina, and Southern Grist in Nashville, Tennessee. Especially if you like IPAs and hazy IPAs.

Each brewery also has delicious food, to-go beer and cool merch.

And, they both offer beer flights. Load yours up with tasters of as many IPAs and hazy IPAs as you can.

Southern Grist had 9 hazy IPAs on tap when we visited in late February, and each one was absolutely delicious. We didn’t even have room to try their standard IPAs.

Prost!

Vince Gill performs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Vince Gill closes a Grand Ole Opry show in Nashville, Tennessee, in late February 2025.

What else to do when you visit Asheville, North Carolina, or Nashville, Tennessee

  • Asheville: Go white-water rafting, or hike Grandfather Trail (strenuous) or Linville Falls Trail (easy).

  • Asheville: Tour the Biltmore mansion and gardens.

  • Nashville: Walk down Lower Broadway, aka Honky Tonk Highway, and visit the Johnny Cash Museum.

  • Nashville: Catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t worry about who’s playing. Just go and soak up a little of country music history.

Where to set up camp in or near Asheville, North Carolina, or Nashville, Tennessee

Staying at Nashville KOA puts you within a 10-minute drive of the Grand Ole Opry and a 20-minute drive to Lower Broadway. A pair of KOAs flank Asheville to the west and the east.

Or, try Seven Points Campground outside Nashville or Lake Powhatan Recreation Area & Campground outside Asheville.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Asheville, North Carolina, or Nashville, Tennessee

How much time to spend in Asheville, North Carolina, or Nashville, Tennessee

Sample Nashville’s amazing food, breweries and nightlife over a long weekend. Stay longer and squeeze in a day trip to historic Franklin or Lynchburg, home of Jack Daniel’s.

To take in both the city of Asheville, its stunning surroundings and many outdoor activities, stay five nights or so. The mountain scenery is just too good for a shorter trip.

9 Soft-shell crab season

Charleston, South Carolina

A fried soft-shell crab sandwich from a food truck in Charleston, South Carolina.

The bartender at Charles Towne Fermentory’s garden location in Charleston, South Carolina, told me to line up for a soft-shell crab sandwich as soon as the Co-Hog food truck opened. I wasn’t entirely sure what he was talking about, but I took his advice and ended up having one of the best meals of my life.

Roll into Charleston during “softie” season for a delectable delight like no other: a soft-shell Atlantic blue crab.

You’ll often find them at restaurants and food trucks fried whole and put on a sandwich, with tartar sauce or remoulade. You may also find them sauteed in butter. Or, find them at a seafood stand and cook them yourself.

But, you’ll only find them at a certain time of the year — from about late spring to early summer.

Then, they’re gone until the next softie season in a year’s time.

How (and why) does a blue crab become a soft-shell crab?

Great question! I had to learn this, too.

To get ready for their summer growth spurt, blue crabs ditch their hard outer shell in favor of an inner soft shell. They’re a softie until they regrow their hard outer shell.

And, that means no need to remove the shell before cooking and eating. You can more or less eat the entire thing.

No making a mess trying to crack the shell. No struggling with this tool or that to dig out the meat. No need for the embarrassing plastic seafood apron.

Soft-shell crab is a delectable seasonal treat that will make you rethink what your favorite seafood dish is.

The patio and garden at Charles Towne Fermentory in Charleston, South Carolina.

RuPaul and I enjoyed the covered patio at Charles Towne Fermentory’s garden location in Charleston, South Carolina.

What else to do when you visit Charleston, South Carolina

  • Grab a pint of hazy IPA at Charles Towne Fermentory. Their garden location has a large outdoor space that feels like hanging out in a friend’s backyard.

  • Stroll or take a horse-pulled carriage ride through the historic downtown streets. Don’t miss the pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park or the colorful homes of Rainbow Row on East Bay Street, between Tradd and Elliott streets.

  • Take a kayak tour through salt marshes and swamps to see why this is called the Lowcountry. Tours are available from operators such as Charleston Outdoor Adventures and Charleston Kayak Company.

Where to set up camp in or near Charleston, South Carolina

There’s a KOA both northeast and northwest of town, and James Island County Park is to the southeast. Or, stay on the coast at Edisto Beach State Park Campground about an hour and 15 minutes south of Charleston.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Charleston, South Carolina

How much time to spend in Charleston, South Carolina

A long weekend will give you plenty of time to enjoy a softie, a pint and some nature. Or, stay longer to explore the outlying areas, such as Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.

10 Trees dripping with Spanish moss

Savannah, Georgia

Tree branches dripping with Spanish moss frame a view of Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, Georgia.

(Canva photo)
Spanish moss dangles from the tree branches framing the iconic Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, Georgia.

Trees dripping with Spanish moss aren’t, by any means, unique to Savannah, Georgia, But, with its historic architecture and iconic parks, you might just say that Savannah does dripping moss the best.

Interestingly enough, Spanish moss is neither Spanish nor a moss. It’s a perennial epiphytic herb native to the southeastern U.S., as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, Central American and South America.

An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant without taking nourishment from it. That means it’s not a parasite. Yay!

Indigenous People of the Americas called the charming plant, dangling from the branches of live oak, bald cypress and other trees, “tree hair.”

French explorers, thinking the moss resembled the beards of Spanish conquistadors, called it “Spanish beard.” The nickname later became Spanish moss, as we know it today.

The perfect place to see Spanish moss in Savannah? Forsyth Park, spanning more than 30 acres within the historic city.

If you’ve watched movies like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil or Forrest Gump, then you’ve already seen the park. But, being there in person is, of course, even better.

Don’t miss the ornate fountain at the center of the dog-friendly park. There’s also a farmers market on Saturdays, and Collins Quarter at Forsyth serves brunch, along with wine, beer and cocktails, within the park. The homes lining the park are worth a look, too.

No doubt you’ll want to take loads and loads of photos of this idyllic park and its Spanish moss. What you won’t want to do is touch the moss. It plays host to chiggers, spiders and other insects that might enjoy nibbling on you. No, thanks!

What else to do when you visit Savannah, Georgia

  • Enjoy tea time, brunch or lunch in a stunning setting at The Gryphon. Students from the Savannah College of Art and Design run the tea room and restaurant in a building that’s been a Scottish Rite Temple, a pharmacy and a library.

  • Take in the historic buildings and shops along Broughton Street, River Street and Jones Street.

  • Hop aboard a dolphin, sunset or karaoke cruise with Savannah Harbor Cruises.

  • Assuming you’re not driving afterward, ask for a “roadie” at a bar within the Historic District. It’s your favorite beer or cocktail in to-go form. Enjoy it as you walk to your next destination.

Where to set up camp in or near Savannah, Georgia

Try Rivers End Campground & RV Park on Tybee Island or Skidaway Island State Park for a scenic place to stay. The KOA is southwest of the city.

Top-rated vacation homes (VRBO) in or near Savannah, Georgia

How much time to spend in Savannah, Georgia

A long weekend gives you time to take in the sights and flavors of the city. Stay longer and venture out to Wormsloe Historic Site or Ossabaw Island State Heritage Preserve in Georgia or Hilton Head in South Carolina.

 

That’s 10 things I’ve loved about traveling in the southeast U.S. — along with loads of other things to do and places to stay.

Now, it’s your turn.

Book a trip and find your own reasons to love the South. No doubt you’ll be glad you finally opened the door to this diverse, interesting and beautiful part of the country.

And, no doubt you’ll find yourself wanting to go back.

Happy travels!

 

Keep exploring with us on Instagram

Follow @supercooltrips

Sarah Womack

Hey there, super cool of you to stop by my camper van blog. I’m Sarah, the creator of this site. I’ve been spending time outdoors and taking road trips since before I can even remember. That journey continues today, mostly with camper van travel, paddle boarding and hiking. I’m a terrier and cat mom, published journalist, content designer / ux writer and Etsy seller. And, I’m glad you’re here.

Next

Calling a tow truck for your camper van? Read these 5 tips first