Spring break looks a bit different these days but that doesn’t mean you can’t look forward to your vacation just like when you were growing up.
In these Southern destinations, visitors can enjoy the thrill rides of theme parks, soaring above the trees in ziplines, camping by the lake, and relaxing on the beach.
Huntsville, Alabama
If you missed out on going to Space Camp as a kid, don’t worry. The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville also welcomes adults to participate! The three-day course includes simulators and lessons like real astronauts.
Hike the 2,000 acres of trails at nearby Monte Sano State Park, including a Japanese-inspired garden. The park also has primitive camping, RV sites, and cottages.
When you’re ready for a grown-up beverage, visit Campus 805, home to one of Huntsville’s best breweries, Straight to Ale. Their beers are inspired by the “Rocket City” like the Monkeynaut IPA and they even have a restaurant and distillery.
The “campus” also has a speakeasy beer bar, located behind a row of lockers, an arcade, and ax throwing. Across the street is Yellowhammer Brewing.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
As the original site of baseball spring training, Hot Springs has long welcomed springtime visitors. Start in Hot Springs National Park, a long protected stretch of land that includes Bathhouse Row, historic Victorian bathhouses.
The bathhouses include a few that continue to offer spa services, like Quapaw and Buckstaff. The hot baths are the perfect place to unwind after a long day of hiking or mountain biking.
But others, like Superior Bathhouse, now operate as a brewery and restaurant, the first within a national park and the only to use thermal water.
If you’re into the gangsters like Al Capone that hung out in the town, visit the Gangster Museum. You can imbibe at The Ohio Club, a favorite of his, and Maxine’s, a former brothel.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is known for its plentiful theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. But they aren’t just for kids! You are able to ride any ride and can leave when you want. Not to mention the drinks at both parks!
Plan some time in the rest of Orlando as well. Here you can ride ICON 360, a massive Ferris wheel with glass pods that you can bring drinks on, and ICEBAR, a “chilling” place to enjoy a cocktail.
In Kissimmee, soar through the trees at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Orlando is also a nice place to pamper yourself at one of the spas, including the Ritz-Carlton.
Whitesburg, Georgia
Located on the site of an 1800s textile mill, Banning Mills in west Georgia is home to the world’s longest zipline canopy tour. It runs 2,500 feet across the canyon, reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour!
But the facility also has softer adventures like shorter canopy tours, a free-standing climbing wall, horseback riding, and kayaking. There are also 80 acres of trails, mini-golf, and sports courses.
When you’ve exhausted yourself, what could be better than spending a night in a real-life treehouse? The treetop cabins with fireplaces and daily breakfast are just one of the options at Banning Mills.
Covington and Newport, Kentucky
Located just across the river from Cincinnati are the sister cities of Covington and Newport. The Purple People Bridge, which spans the two states, allows visitors to be in two places at once!
The area has its share of quirky landmarks like Fort Mitchell’s Vent Haven Museum, a collection of ventriloquist dummies, and the World Peace Bell, the world’s largest swinging bell.
Learn about the area’s ties to organized crime on the gangster tours or get up close with sea creatures at the Newport Aquarium. And what would Kentucky be without booze? Visit the New Riff and Second Sight distilleries.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s underrated capital, home to Louisiana State University. You can visit the mascot, Mike the Tiger, in his expansive enclosure on campus.
The city also has an incredible collection of museums. The LSU Museum of Art has contemporary works alongside pieces from around the world.
The Louisiana Old State Capitol has incredible stained glass and a Disney-style interactive video narrated by the castle’s ghost. The Capitol Park Museum has exhibits on elements of Louisiana life from Mardi Gras to food.
Don’t forget the USS Kidd Memorial, Rural Life Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Louisiana State Capitol, and Old Governor’s Mansion.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi and the surrounding Gulf Coast towns are the perfect getaway for all age ranges. But adults can test their luck at the casinos found in this area like Beau Rivage and the Golden Nugget.
If you didn’t win big, you can still have fun for cheap, attending a minor league baseball game. The Biloxi Shuckers are an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The art community of this area is unrivaled, whether in folk art galleries or museums. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art highlights a local ceramicist while the Walter Anderson Museum of Art features paintings and murals.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal community that has served as the backdrop for your favorite films and television shows like Dawson’s Creek and Empire Records. You can visit the real-life locations using our post as a guide!
Another incredible way to see the city is on a boat trip with Wilmington Water Tours. They run daily and have beer and wine available for purchase.
The city is a real foodie town, with incredible craft breweries and award-winning restaurants. Make a reservation for dinner at Pinpoint and Manna, two of our favorites.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is a popular getaway for families but thereis plenty for adults to enjoy. Just about every resort has its own spa and golf course for a laid-back afternoon.
The island has miles of boardwalks and trails for getting around on two wheels. Kids love the many mini-golf courses in Hilton Head, but who says adults can’t play? You can also day trip to Daufuskie Island or Bluffton.
Dine out at Hilton Head’s best restaurants, including Skull Creek Boathouse, Old Oyster Factory, Truffles Cafe, and The Quarterdeck, among many others.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains have year-round fun. Base your trip in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, home to most shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
Feel like a kid again with activities like riding roller coasters at Dollywood, ziplining at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, “zorbing” at the Outdoor Gravity Park, or riding the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.
If you don’t have a fear of heights, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island followed by sampling moonshine at Ole Smoky. Or have a cocktail with a view at Anakeesta.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is known for being the site of important events in American history. Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see, even if you haven’t been since childhood.
Here you can grab a meal and drinks at one of four taverns or soak up the culture at the area’s two art museums. There’s also an annual beer festival.
Speaking of food, Williamsburg is home to incredible restaurants like Amber Ox and Fat Canary, not to mention cooking classes at Taste Studio. If that’s not enough, Williamsburg has a nearby winery.
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