The Southeast is a region of charm, history, and slow-paced beauty. The Southeast Travel Guides section of Travel Destinations takes you from moss-draped oaks to coastal byways and mountain back roads. Explore small towns, hidden trails, and places where Southern hospitality still feels genuine. Each guide includes travel tips, scenic routes, and photography inspiration for capturing the spirit of the region. Whether you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Florida coast, or a quiet Georgia bridge, these guides show you why the Southeast shines best off the beaten path.
A detailed look at freshly harvested sea sponges drying on a sponge boat in Tarpon Springs—an enduring symbol of the town’s maritime heritage.
Tarpon Springs may sit on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but it feels like a world away — a place where Greek heritage, sponge diving, and waterfront charm blend into one colorful story. From biking in along the Pinellas Trail to photographing the historic docks and tasting authentic Greek food, this small town invites you to slow down, explore, and savor every moment.
The old Crossroads Store stands as a reminder of rural Georgia’s history and the unexpected places you discover while traveling the back roads.
The Crossroads Store in Troup County, Georgia is a quiet reminder of rural America’s past. Discover the history, photography opportunities, and timeless charm of this historic country store hidden along Georgia’s back roads.
The historic Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge stands resilient against the backdrop of a Georgia sunset, showcasing its timeless craftsmanship.
Georgia’s covered bridges are quiet storytellers of another time. From the historic Red Oak Creek Bridge built by Horace King to the peaceful beauty of Auchumpkee Creek, these hidden gems remind us that the best detours are often the ones history left behind.
From snowy roads to southern coastlines, a journey through changing landscapes
Each winter, we trade snow-covered roads in upstate New York for a slower journey south. This 30-day road trip to Florida wasn’t about the fastest route—it was about scenic back roads, quiet farmland, unexpected stops, and the freedom that comes with traveling instead of vacationing.
The Gibson Inn, a historic hotel in the heart of Apalachicola
Apalachicola isn’t a typical Florida stop—and that’s exactly what makes it special. Along quiet back roads and a working waterfront, you’ll find a town rooted in history, shaped by the bay, and best explored at a slower pace.
A preserved Cold War missile site hidden within Everglades National Park
Tucked away in unexpected corners of the country, remnants of the Cold War still quietly stand. Visiting a former Nike Missile Site offers a glimpse into a time when these hidden locations played a critical role in national defense—now transformed into places where history, curiosity, and exploration meet along the back roads.
Entering Everglades National Park, where the landscape shifts into the River of Grass
Discover the quiet beauty of the Everglades, where winding waterways, wildlife encounters, and wide open landscapes reveal a side of Florida that feels untouched. From alligators to mangroves, these highlights capture the rhythm and stillness of this unique ecosystem.
A quieter coastal stop — simple, peaceful, and easy to settle into.
Biking Key Largo offers an easy way to explore parks, local food stops, and waterfront views without relying on a car. Here’s what it’s really like to ride along Route 1.
Smaller and more delicate than northern deer
Explore Big Pine Key by bike—quiet roads, Key deer encounters, a stop at No Name Pub, and a visit to Blue Hole. A scenic Florida Keys experience.
Key Largo is more than just a stop in the Florida Keys. From quiet parks and scenic coastal views to local food trucks and unforgettable wildlife moments, these highlights show a different side of the island.
Graceful strands of Spanish moss sway from the trees, creating a peaceful canopy along the hiking trail on Honeymoon Island.
There’s so much more to the Southeast than beaches and humidity. From the small-town warmth of Plains, Georgia, and the history of Roosevelt’s Little White House to the shady bike paths and breezy causeways of Florida, this region celebrates the slower side of travel. Join me as I trade interstates for scenic backroads, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and discover how much beauty there is when you simply take your time.
A classic sponge-diving boat in Tarpon Springs displays freshly harvested sea sponges, honoring the town’s deep Greek heritage and maritime traditions. On the Pinellas Trail.
Looking for something more than Florida’s beaches? Join us as we explore the Pinellas Trail — a 50-mile bike path that winds through charming towns like Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, across scenic causeways, and into the natural beauty of Honeymoon Island State Park. From Greek food and sponge docks to wildlife trails and sunset views, this ride reveals a different, unforgettable side of the Sunshine State.
Golden hour glow at the historic train depot in Plains, Georgia—once Jimmy Carter’s campaign headquarters.
Discover the charm of Plains, Georgia — a small town rich in history and Southern hospitality. From President Jimmy Carter’s legacy to quaint landmarks like the historic train depot and Billy Carter’s gas station, Plains offers a peaceful escape full of stories and timeless beauty. Perfect for history buffs, photographers, and travelers seeking a genuine back roads experience.
