Best vacation spots in the south for couples

Pick any town below the Mason-Dixon line, and you're destined to find old-fashioned Southern hospitality and charm—not to mention tons of delicious comfort food and stunning architectural eye candy. But here's the thing: You've already done the whole Nashville thing, you've seen Charleston more times than you can count, and you've eaten your weight in beignets down in New Orleans too. Where else can you find loads of culture, entertainment, shopping, and opportunities for relaxation in the South?

All over, that's where! And here, we're sharing the best under-the-radar spots with you—the Southern U.S. small town destinations that should be on everyone's bucket list in 2020. These 30 locales are among the very best weekend getaways in the South, and we can't imagine a more perfect spot for your next weekend trip with your girlfriends, roadtrip with kids, or family vacation.

While bigger cities usually get all the love (and listen, you don't have to tell us twice why they're awesome!), we think it's high time to look beyond the usual suspects and escape to quirkier gems. Looking for something outdoorsy and artsy with a killer small town main street? Knoxville, Tennessee, or laid-back Lexington, Kentucky, might be your spots. Interested in a kid-friendly trip? Head to Lake Murray, South Carolina! Here, find our favorite surprising southern destinations to book for a memorable trip with your best sidekicks.

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Looking for the ultimate small town main street? You'll find it in Danville, along with all the shops, restaurants, and galleries you could ask for. Pro tip: Sync your trip dates up with the Kentucky State BBQ Festival.

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You'll want to check out the springs for which this peaceful town is named, of course, but that's not where the relaxing vibes end. Hot Springs also offers multiple wellness clubs, spas, and saunas. Perfect for a weekend trip!

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3 Flat Rock, North Carolina

You won't have to wonder why Flat Rock was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 2015. This friendly town is only 30 miles away from Asheville, and it's a wonderful place to see fall foliage.

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Bardstown isn't just the "Bourbon Capital of the World"—though that'd be reason enough to pay this quaint locale a visit. It's also the second-oldest city in Kentucky. Take a trip to the Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam distilleries, or just check out the main square.

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5 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Ellis Anderson / Getty Images

Seaside allure gets muddled with artistic soul in this groovy southern town that you'd probably just drive right past on your way to New Orleans if you weren't in the know (most aren't). While in town, you can relax with your posse during a restorative class at Treehouse Yoga, which offers just as much whimsical and free-flowing fun as its name might hint at.

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6 Blowing Rock, North Carolina

This is the North Carolina that small town mountain fantasies are made of. You could easily spend all day in a rocking chair, soaking up views of the lush wilderness, but we suggest hitting the road to check out the breathtaking vistas on the Blue Ridge Parkway aka "America's favorite drive." Make a pitstop at renowned Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, for a quick but memorable visit to the craft center, before heading onto Canyons for some tasty grub and unreal mountain views. Rest your weary feet at Chetola Resort—where your gang might have a hard time prying themselves away from the sauna—or at the elegantly restored Green Park Inn. (Fun fact: Margaret Mitchell spent time penning Gone With the Wind there!)

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Courtesy of Visit Bowling Green

Groups looking for off-the-beaten path thrills will be more than satisfied with a weekend in this Bluegrass State prize of a town. You can finally use the word "spelunk" in everyday conversation as you tour the world's longest cave at Mammoth Cave National Park (you'd never guess you're just an hour north of Nashville!). Then, you can make the kiddos back at home jealous when you and the ladies take some classic cars for a spin at the National Corvette Museum. Finally, enjoy a fun night out at the 1869 Boyce General Store, where you can take a canning or baking class, or simply enjoy some live music at its "Pickin' on the Patio" event every other weekend in the summer. Slip into bed at the funky-yet-elegantly outfitted Kentucky Grand Hotel, which offers a cool Prohibition-era vibe.

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8 Charlottesville, Virginia

Courtesy of Keswick Hall & Golf Club

Nestled in central Virginia's wine country, there's a million reasons you won't want to say goodbye to the Keswick Hall & Golf Club (wine definitely being one of them, thanks to the resort's vineyard). Perhaps start your day with the 3 Bs—birdwatching, bocce ball, and badminton—and end your night in the energy-infused streets of downtown Charlottesville. Since there's likely still one or two Dave Matthews Band Crash-era devotees in your throng, raise a pint at Miller's (ask for the DMB brew), where Dave himself tended bar when the band's biggest shows were at UVA frat houses and the 900-person Trax nightclub. (And you thought you were cool because you caught them on your local amphitheater's lawn back in '97...)

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Call the luxurious and rejuvenating Cheeca Lodge Resort & Spa, located on the islands of Islamorada in the Florida Keys, home base for your next girls' getaway. (Islamorada means "purple islands," a name that will click upon arrival). There, you and the gaggle can indulge in the true joy that is the adults-only pool, book a treatment (or two) at the spa, and eat way too many sushi rolls at the resort's lauded Nikai Sushi Bar. Should you choose to take your retreat off-property, try backcountry skiffing with Bud N'Mary's for some of the best sport fishing the country has to offer.

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10 Columbia, South Carolina

Pulsing with a vibrant, artsy energy, downtown Columbia is sprinkled with enough bakeries, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops to set the backdrop for RGMs (Really Good Memories). Remember The Andy Griffith Show? This Palmetto State treasure emits a "Mayberry-esque" quality, despite its fast growth in recent years. Nest up at the Inn at USC where you can spend hours relaxing on the wide wrap-around porch and feeling far removed from the hustle of city life, even though you're only a few blocks from plenty of dining options and attractions, like the industrial Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse. While in town, assemble the gals for an afternoon trip to West Columbia (it's a quick 10-minute jaunt across the river) where you'll find the Old Mill Antique Mall, a two-level historic building that houses over 75 dealers with some of the coolest antiques, furniture, and vintage finds around. After, congregate at Cafe Strudel, a zany pour-your-own coffee bar, to dish about your vintage bounty.

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Courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

Abandon any preconceived notions you may have about what spring break in Florida is like, and get ready to unwind on the picturesque beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. Fans of the culinary arts will be excited to sink their teeth into the incredible Peruvian-Argentinian-Italian fusion at El Gaucho Inca or conquer the daunting yet delicious portions at Farmers Market Restaurant, which specializes in homey, southern cooking. Then burn off all that grub by exploring Sanibel and Captiva Islands, which offer some of the world's best shelling (and have no buildings higher than a palm tree).

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Worthy as a destination in itself, the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear is a gorgeous resort and spa tucked away on 550 sprawling acres along the Alabama coastline. Studded by 36 holes on its esteemed golf course and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the hotel was founded in 1847. It now offers outdoor and indoor swimming pools, an art gallery, and daily tea-and-cookie service in the lobby. Relax at the spa before heading to the daily historic cannon- firing ceremony (seriously!). As you stroll around the nearby town of Fairhope, you'll wonder why you didn't take an extra vacation day. Oh well, Sunday Jazz Brunch awaits...

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13 Greenville, South Carolina

Courtesy of Visit Greenville South Carolina

Ah, where to start? Food seems like a good place to kick things off in this epicurean haven, anointed one of the New York Times' top places to go in 2017. First, there are the oldies like Grill Marks (order a boozy milkshake) and Sidewall Pizza. Then, there are the newbies, like Biscuit Head (get a Bloody Mary on the side to wash 'em down) and The Anchorage, with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. Ward off a food coma by heading over to M.Judson Booksellers and Storytellers for a reading, or to pick up some titles for an impromptu book club with your gals. Falls Park, with its cascading waterfalls and scene-stealing gardens, seems like a good spot for the literary discussion, as do the grounds of the rustic Hotel Domestique, where you'll want to hit the hay early so you can squeeze in a group yoga class in the morning.

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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

You know a day that starts with yoga on the beach and ends with harborside drinks with your besties before catching an outdoor Miranda Lambert concert is a good one. Here's how to make that fantasy itinerary a reality in this underrated beach town: First, book a session at Glow Yoga, then reserve an outdoor table at Driftwood Bar and Grille, and finally, look up the concert schedule at The Wharf (or, time your trip for the ever-popular Hangout Music Fest). Of course, you'll probably need a place to stay, so score rooms at Turquoise Place, which has a lazy river and a bar with some of the best Bushwackers in town. Oh, and all roads should lead to the legendary Flora-Bama at the end of the night, a beachside mega-dive with live music straddling the Florida-Alabama line in the happiest of boozy limbos.

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15 Hendersonville, North Carolina

Step aside, Asheville. This neighboring town, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is worthy of bucket list goals, too. Satiate your hankering for a dose of the outdoors by hiking the nearby trails, or take a stroll downtown on the extra-wide sidewalks punctuated by benches, flowers and outdoor cafes. Book a few nights at the Mélange Inn and Gardens, which serves as a convenient launching pad for adventures to countryside wineries, Sierra Nevada's massive East Coast brewery, and the famed Flat Rock Playhouse, which regularly hosts Broadway shows. Another fun fact to share with your friends: The recent remake of Dirty Dancing was filmed in Hendersonville!

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Courtesy of Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Whisk the group away to the pristine shores of beautiful Jekyll Island, a gorgeous state park that's protected from extensive development. At the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, book a package (there's a yoga retreat; murder mystery weekends; and whiskey, wine, and wildlife adventures ... just to name a few) or build your own itinerary. Whatever you choose to do, make sure Victorian tea, a day trip to the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and a guided water tour with Turtle Tides are all on your list. The property's regional southern Georgia cuisine is so good, you should expect to go on a grits kick for weeks when you return home.

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Courtesy of Visit Knoxville

Nashville may the first place travelers think to go when visiting the Volunteer State, but Knoxville makes for a spectacular getaway if outdoor activities are your group's thing. Start at the Adventure Center which offers moonlit paddles, disc golf, and mountain biking (among many, many more options). After working up a sweat, the city's downtown district has oodles of mouthwatering dining options, but we're partial to the idea of a welcome night feast at Knox Mason, where everyone will beg the chef for the pimento cheese recipe. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at sophisticated speakeasy Peter Kern Library, which moonlights as a coffeehouse by day. Next, you can retreat to your chambers at The Oliver Hotel, or find music and fun in . Just don't overdo it if the plan is to wake up early for rock climbing at Big South Fork the next day...

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18 Lake Murray, South Carolina

Many people don't know there's 500 miles of undisturbed shoreline less than a half-hour drive outside of downtown Columbia. Many people are missing out. At this idyllic getaway, you'll find pristine views, hidden coves, and a glassy, peaceful lake that may just be the state's best-kept secret. Visit River Runner to rent a boat or kayak, and make a day out of lazing on the water, or pitch a tent at Brickhouse Campground for a backcountry experience that offers ample opportunity to tackle trails via foot or mountain bike. Hungry? Waterfront restaurant The Rusty Anchor provides solid grub. End your days at the old-school Newberry Manor where you can peacefully count sheep before drifting off.

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19 Lewisburg, West Virginia

Courtesy of Wild Wonderful West Virginia

Picture your dream antiques-themed Pinterest board. Now picture it coming to life in the form of a small-town Appalachian town. Welcome to Lewisburg. Wander through its antique stores and galleries, like the Harmony Ridge Gallery and Robert's Antiques and Wine Shop (which houses over 600 labels of vino) before refueling on java at community gathering place, The Wild Bean. Or, spend your bonding-time staying put in one place: The Greenbrier, a sprawling historic resort which opened in 1778. If you're looking to stay closer to town, you'll be hard-pressed to find better lodging than the Historic General Lewis Inn, which offers up authentic, nostalgia-stirring southern cooking that you won't forget anytime soon.

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Richard CumminsGetty Images

If you want to laissez le bon temps rouler New Orleans-style without having to deal with crazy crowds and steep prices, consider Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. Spend some time moseying around the waterfront's galleries and boutiques, under a charming canopy of oak trees, before taking a quick drive to famed Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Then, ditch sea level for dinner at Dauphin's, perched high over the bay—34 stories up in the Trustmark Building, specifically—where you'll want to save plenty of room for a plate of the local Gulf shrimp. Make your home away from home , that is steeped in Dixieland elegance.

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There's plenty here for history geeks (make a beeline to St. John's Church where Patrick Henry delivered his "give me liberty or give me death" speech) and live music fans alike (swing by The National for a show, and if you can, grab dinner at Vagabond, which earns you early admission to the venue). And thrill-seekers won't feel left out, either, with the epic 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail to glide over via bicycle. If your group prefers to get their thrills in the form of stiff drinks, head to the up-and-coming Scott's Addition neighborhood, for an impromptu craft beer and cider crawl. For your accommodations, the recently opened Quirk Hotel offers everything you could dream of, including a rooftop bar and tours of the city's fabulous street art.

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This storied Magnolia State town is sure to kick your wanderlust into full gear. First, its gorgeously preserved historical homes provide custom-curated tours for gal groups wanting a Gone with the Wind-inspired experience (don't miss the As You Like It Silver Shop!). Second, you can live out your old-house fantasies by staying at the Bisland House (which also offers a special girlfriends package), erected in 1904. Third, if all that down-home charm isn't enough to win you over, the "Knock You Naked" margaritas at Fat Mama's Tamales certainly guarantee a good time. Soak up picture-perfect views at Hotel Vue's bar, where you can exchange toasts while watching the sun set over the Mighty Mississippi. Before you leave, swing by Mon Amie's Children's Boutique so you and the girls can nab some adorable clothing and loot for your kids, then treat yourselves to a final meal at the rustic King's Tavern, built in the late 1700s—you'll be dreaming about the wood-fired steak for months.

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Swap your heels for hiking boots, and trek along the Appalachian Trail on McAfee Knob where the fresh air is as soothing as the breathtaking views. But this Virginia city also offers ample indoor fun: Visit Black Dog Salvage (home of DIY Network's Salvage Dawgs), catch a show at Center in the Square, or get inspired at the Taubman Museum of Art. The handsome Hotel Roanoke may just become your annual excuse to plan a girls' getaway, thanks to the in-room spa services you can treat yourself to post-hike and its outstanding Sunday brunch.

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24 Seabrook Island, South Carolina

Courtesy of Seabrook Island

This quiet, laid-back sanctuary makes relaxation a very pressing priority. Kick off your travels with some beachcombing, dolphin-watching or crabbing. If your gang is feeling ambitious, you can try a Water Dog stand-up paddleboarding tour. If you're feeling less-than-ambitious, try lazing around at your villa or townhouse rental (complete with ocean or tidal creek views). Other potential activities include visiting the equestrian center, playing a round of pickleball, or a night out on the town in Uber-able Charleston.

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Courtesy of Visit South Walton

Forget Miami and Fort Lauderdale—the 26-miles of sugar-white sand beaches in South Walton is the stuff Instagram gold is made of. There are plenty of eclectic seaside villages to choose from, but our pick is Rosemary Beach, with its black-and-white- trimmed boutique hotel The Pearl. Note: Its rooftop restaurant, complete with firepits, hammocks, and ocean views, make it exceedingly difficult to leave. While in town, you and your group will also want to hit up some of the area's famed coastal dune lakes (these rare ecosystems only exist in a handful of other places, like New Zealand and Madagascar) for some stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, or even birdwatching. If you prefer to balance all that beachtime with some on-land excursions, try a bike ride along the scenic 19-mile Timpochee Trail (you'll ride through quirky beach villages, state parks, and around dune lakes).

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"SoIn," as folks have started calling this region, has been quietly gaining traction as a hot destination for eating, drinking, and being merry. New Albany, which is just five minutes from Louisville, Kentucky, has earned the name "Louisville's Brooklyn" thanks to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. Check out Brooklyn and the Butcher, a great option if your group likes sharing plates, and Aladdin's Cafe for fresh, Mediterranean fare. There's also Feast BBQ which offers bourbon slushies! Feeling full? Venture to nearby Jeffersonville to cycle or walk over The Big Four Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge,which connects the city to Louisville Waterfront Park. Need another reason to go? On the weekend of May 25th-29th, 2017 Jeffersonville will host Abbey Road on the River, A Beatles-inspired fest with over 20,000 concert-goers. Reserve your rooms at the delightful Market Street Inn B&B now, and thank us later.

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Wild Wonderful West Virginia

While many venture to better-known Berkeley Springs in West Virginia, there's a good reason this old coal mining town is on the rise. Rally the crew for a self-guided walking tour of its historic homes (Thomas has more than 50 homes and sites on the National Historic Register) before winding down at The Purple Fiddle, a live music venue with homemade ice cream that you won't want to miss. Outdoor junkies should spend some time getting lost in Blackwater Falls State Park, though just about anyone can benefit from its breathtaking views and fresh country air. Be sure to check yourselves into the funkily furnished Cooper House Bed & Cocktail for a mountain town vacation you and your girls will be reminiscing over for years to come.

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28 Wilmington, North Carolina

Courtesy of Visit North Carolina

Enter port city nirvana in Wilmington, a town that also offers plenty of beach hangouts, first-rate dining, and opportunities for active adventures. Escape the southern heat on a breezy eco-tour with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Cruises, which are —hallelujah!— BYOB (you can buy drinks onboard, too). Airlie Gardens is also worth a visit since you may recognize the famed Victorian era-garden from TV or movies. And don't set your anchors aweigh before satiating your sweet tooth at beloved dessert spots like Pink Baking Co., Coastal Cupcakes, and The Peppered Cupcake. (Note to self: pack stretchy pants.)

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29 Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Courtesy Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Between its 40+ local vineyards, celebrated Reynolda House (which houses a stellar collection of American art spread out over 60 rooms), and historic Old Salem, it's no easy decision to settle on how to spend your first day in this impressive town. Whatever you decide on, make sure to reserve time to eat at The Tavern in Old Salem. Erected in 1816, its Sunday brunch may not have been a 19th century fixture, but the staff in period dress may just fool you yet. Come nightfall, slink into the sleek embrace of The Cardinal Hotel, situated in the Reynolds Building, which you may recognize as the prototype for Manhattan's Empire State Building. Another fantastic choice? The Brookstown Inn, a restored cotton mill from 1837 that utilizes the original structure's ceilings, wooden beams, pinewood lobby floors, and more.

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You and your girls don't have to be horse aficionados find something fun to do in this historic city. The birthplace of bourbon offers drinking opportunities aplenty: Clink your glasses in the rapidly evolving Distillery District, at buzzy hotspots like Middle Fork, Ethereal Brewing, The Break Room (the bar is in the original break room for the old distillery), and Crank & Boom (offering superb craft ice cream to soak up all that booze). Also worth venturing to: Castle & Key (pictured), the Bluegrass region's newest distillery with a female master distiller (the first in Kentucky since Prohibition!). On any given day, you can also bike awesome trails (try the Legacy Trail), shop artsy boutiques (The Square is a must), and yes, see plenty of stunning horses.

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