If You Go: Southern Living Edition

The South provides a whole host of fun activities, even if those activities are different than what you’re used to enjoying. But what states make up the “South”? Well that depends on who you ask. According to the US Census Bureau’s 2020 report, the South includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Tennessee.

The Census Bureau might be certain those states are “the South” but Americans have been arguing about this for a long time. Some people don’t include Florida, but it is geographically the most southern state in the continental US states. Others exclude Texas.

But no true Southerner would ever say Washington D.C. and Maryland are “Southern". For this article “the South” means the hottest states to the east of Texas and no state north of Virginia.

Previously I shared about things that will be different for newbies living in the South. So keep an open mind while exploring your new home. Different isn’t always bad.

Do This, Not That

Missing snow skiing? If you are near a body of water, especially the Gulf Coast, explore the abundant water sports available. Perhaps try water skiing or wakeboarding if you have use of a ski boat.

No boat? Rent or treat yourself to a WaveRunner. The sea foam in your face will be refreshing.

Each of these sports will give you the thrill of speed you might miss from skiing in the powder of Aspen, Colorado.

Missing majestic snow-capped mountain trails? Take advantage of the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain trails and go hiking. You will find lush green fields and forests of color for three seasons of the year. Make sure to take your bathing suit and hike to hidden waterfalls. Take a dip. These ancient mountains have a lot to offer.

Is rolling on the river more your style? Try kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding! Not into calm? Explore rougher waters with whitewater rapids perfect for river kayaking and rafting. Like snow-tubing? Take up river tubing!

Unique Experiences

Of course, if you are seeking something different, you need to do a little research for your specific area. The great thing about our transient lifestyle is the ability to take advantage of the uniqueness of each place we live. Below are some examples of the kinds of things to look for when researching your piece of the South.

Georgia has the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This is a great idea for those who want to see the Appalachian Mountains, but do not or can not hike. The train takes you from Blue Ridge, Georgia to the border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. A two-hour layover allows visitors to explore both towns. 

Located about 20 miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, as well as summit skyrides, a scenic railroad, hikes, miniature golf, giant dinosaurs, a 4D theater, seasonal festivals, and a “Historic Square.”

Southern Louisiana, New Orleans specifically, provides a swamp experience at Jean LaFitte National Historical Park and Preserve. If you want to explore the swamp and don’t want to step in the swamp, the preserve has a raised walkway to travel through the swamp.

For the history buffs, North Carolina Outer Banks has Kitty Hawk, of Orville and Wilber Wright fame. The area is known for its sand dunes. Fly a kite, roll down a hill or rent a dune buggy for more adventures. (I recommend goggles or glasses for the littles!)

Want to go on a cruise? Many locations near the water from the Gulf of Mexico north to the Potomac River in Virginia offer sunset dinner cruises.

The South’s Big Cities

If you’re missing shopping, museums, night life, and great restaurants, plan a trip to one of the South’s big cities. These are the 10 largest cities in the South by population according to the US Census Bureau. You are bound to find some new favorites!

The South’s Top 10 Cities:

Jacksonville, FL
Charlotte, NC
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Louisville, KY
Atlanta, GA
Raleigh, NC
Miami, FL
New Orleans, LA
Lexington, KY

Most of these cities have great sports teams too! The Atlanta Braves, Miami Heat, New Orleans Saints and Louisville Bats are just a few of the major and minor league sports franchises that call the South home.

For the History Buffs

The South certainly doesn’t lack history, much of it pre-dating American history. Pick the era that interests you and start exploring.

Curious about the Native American cultures in the South? Visit Alabama (Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center), Georgia (Ocumulgee Mounds National Monument), Florida (Fort Walton Temple Mound), Louisiana (Poverty Point National Monument) or Mississippi (Chickasaw Village and Fort Site) to learn more.

Does the French or Spanish influence peak your interest? Explore Louisiana-New Orleans specifically (Garden District, French Quarter, Old Spanish Fort) or Florida (Mission San Luis, Fernandina, Castillo de San Marcos).

Maybe the Colonial or Revolutionary War periods might be more your pace. Virginia (Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, more), North Carolina, (Moores Creek) South Carolina (Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse), and Florida (Barberville Pioneer Settlement) all offer lots of history.

Don’t forget to check out the numerous Civil War era battlefields and museums.  Work your way south from Virginia (Winchester, Richmond, New Market, more) to Kentucky (Perryville), Tennessee (Shiloh, Chickamauga, Carnton), North Carolina (Averasboro), South Carolina (Ft. Sumter), Georgia (Ft. Pulaski, Green-Meldrim House) and  Mississippi (Vicksburg, Natchez). Some of these are small parks and others are something akin to Gettysburg National Military Park.

Perhaps something more recent like Space exploration catches your attention. Many new adventures await you in Virginia (Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Virginia Air and Space Science Center), Mississippi (Stennis Space Center), Alabama (US Space and Rocket Center), Georgia (Museum of Aviation), Florida (Kennedy Space Center, National Naval Aviation Museum, American Space Museum and walk of fame).

Clearly the South is full of great adventures and experiences.  It certainly doesn’t look like the Northern US, but if you keep an open mind the South might surprise you-in a good way.