Asheville is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It has a thriving artistic culture and old buildings, such as the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. The huge 19th-century Biltmore mansion has works by artists such as Renoir. The Downtown Art District is densely packed with galleries and museums, while disused manufacturing buildings in the neighboring River Arts District host artists' studios.

A charming alpine village. Hipster paradise. America's Beer City. University Town, Bluegrass Country. destination for foodies. It's tough to categorize Asheville in a single word. The community is an unexpected jewel in western North Carolina, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a strong arts culture that blends with Southern traditions and stunning surroundings. It's safe to assume that whatever your hobbies are, Asheville offers something for you.

While history lovers lose themselves on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, epicureans may sample from a gourmet buffet and put their taste buds to the test at one of the city's many breweries. Adventure seekers may go full-throttle hiking, biking, zip lining, or whitewater rafting in one of the various parks and woods, while culture hunters can walk around the River Arts District. Asheville combines these traits to create something entirely its own, with an identity that is always changing while remaining faithful to its roots.

The Best Hotels in Asheville, NC:

• The Omni Grove Park Inn
• Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate

The Best Things to Do in Asheville, NC:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Pisgah National Forest,
• Craggy Gardens

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in October
• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• 1 in Best Fall Vacations
  

Rating:

• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

More than a dozen theme parks may be found in Orlando, a city in central Florida. Walt Disney World, which includes parks such as the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as well as water parks, is one of its most famous attractions. Universal Orlando, another popular attraction, has both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spanning both. This city is said to be one of the best weekend getaways in the South that you can't miss.

No other city in the United States, or maybe the globe, embraces the spirit of children like Orlando, Florida. The sensation you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center's Spaceship Earth (located within Walt Disney World Resort, of course); or when you take your first sip of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade (located within Universal Orlando Resort); or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu's aerobatics (during the "One Ocean" water show at SeaWorld Orlando)—all demonstrate that being a kid is about your state of mind, not your age.

The assumption that only young people would appreciate the attractions of this city is simply that—a myth. In reality, Orlando has a little of this and a little of that to appeal to all ages, and there's more to do here than visit theme parks. The subtropical climate is great for golfing, and the downtown city landscape is too attractive not to explore.

Best Hotels in Orlando:

• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• The Alfond Inn at Rollins

The Best Things to Do in Orlando:

• Walt Disney World Resort
• Universal Orlando Resort.
• I-Drive

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Family Winter Vacations
• 1 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
• 2 in Best Places to Visit in Florida
  

Rating:

• 3 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

You'll come face to-face with American history no matter where you walk in St. Augustine. This village in northern Florida, founded by Spaniards in 1565, is the country's oldest continually occupied European colony. Along with small cobblestone alleys and colonial architecture, there are Romanesque Revival-style structures, many of which were planned by railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who was instrumental in the development of St. Augustine and the rest of Florida's east coast. With so much history, it's no wonder that St. Augustine has a fascination with the paranormal: several of the town's biggest attractions, which are said to be haunted by Spanish settlers and original inhabitants, provide midnight ghost tours.

Though the wealth of landmarks dating back to the Spanish occupation is the major draw here, the Ancient City also has a variety of stores, cafes, live music venues, and art galleries. Visitors who are traveling with children should visit the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Art lovers will enjoy the Lightner Museum's unique collection, while shoppers will enjoy browsing the stores on St. George Street. When you're ready to unwind, take your beach clothes and head to the beach. St. Augustine, like many other coastal Florida communities, has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine.

The Best Hotels in St. Augustine:

• The Collector Inn
• Marker 8 Hotel & Marina
• Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine:

• St. George Street
  
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• St. Augustine Distillery

Rankings:

• 4 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• 7 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• 8 in Best Places to Visit in Florida
  

Rating:

• 4 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Charleston, in a nutshell: centuries-old homes, Spanish moss-draped trees, eerie cemeteries, and cobblestone lanes. You could believe you've journeyed back in time as you wander the gas lamp-lit streets at night and pass horse-drawn carriages. However, just because this South Carolina city is proud of its tradition does not imply it is trapped in the past. Charleston is known for its inventive restaurants, unique stores, modern art galleries, and the world-renowned Spoleto Festival USA.

From the grand homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that celebrate the city's significance in US history, history infuses practically every element of the Holy City. History aficionados may learn about the Civil War at Fort Sumter, the plantation owners and the enslaved Africans who labored for them at Middleton Place, and how Martin Luther King Jr. gave a momentous address at Emanuel AME Church. Meanwhile, those searching for locally manufactured products can visit the Charleston City Market, where they may discover sweetgrass baskets crafted in the traditional Gullah pattern, as well as other unusual mementos.

When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several neighboring beach towns, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm, and Folly Beach, offer sun, sand, and gentle waves. When it comes to being one of the best weekend getaways in the South, people always choose Charleston to visit.

The Best Hotels in Charleston, SC:

• The Spectator Hotel
• "The Dewberry Charleston"
• French Quarter Inn
  

The Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC:

• The Battery
  
• Charleston Walking Tours
• Waterfront Park

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• 3 in Best Weekend Getaways
• 5 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Rating:

• 5 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Miami, officially the City of Miami, is a major city and coastal metropolis located in Miami-Dade County in southeastern Florida. Take a variety of cultures, mix in some art, and add a dash of ocean water, and you have Miami. Looking at the wonderful art institutions and the thriving gastronomy scene, it's hard to think that only a century ago, this vibrant Floridian metropolis was swampland. When developers raced into the region, one of the country's most famous tourist spots and most beautiful city skylines were formed. Today, with South Beach in front of you and the Everglades in the back, you may stroll through the lively streets past ancient mansions while listening to Spanish phrases and Caribbean music.

This little melting pot has protected multicultural areas such as the famed Little Havana as pockets for the survival of distinct traditions. They band together to establish an electric network known as Miami. Miami Beach, a barrier island east of the mainland, lives up to its reputation for bustling nightlife and spectacular events. Meanwhile, the down-to-earth city center fosters an artistic spirit. Sign up for one of the city's top boat excursions for a taste of Miami Beach, where you'll be able to marvel at the dazzling skyscrapers from the sea on a boat tour or by parasailing. This is one of the best weekend getaways in the South.

Best Hotels in Miami

• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
• Mandarin Oriental, Miami
• Four Seasons Hotel Miami

The Best Things to Do in Miami:

• Miami Beach
• Little Havana
• Miami Zoo

Rankings:

• 5inBest Places to Visit in January
  6inBest Weekend Getaways in the South
  8 inBest Weekend Getaways
  

Rating:

• 6 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Destin is a city in northwest Florida, in the area known as the Panhandle. It's known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and many golf courses, as well as the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Nature trails pass through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park in the south, where the coastline is dotted with pine and oak trees, sheltering wildlife. To the west are the tall slides, waterfalls, and pools of Big Kahuna’s water park.

Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Florida Panhandle. Destin, founded in the 1850s, was a peaceful fishing village until a bridge joined the thin peninsula to Florida's mainland. With a base population of 13,000 (which grows to almost 25,000 during the summer), this town maintains a small-town vibe. Midwestern and Southern families flock to Destin's beaches each summer for the city's trademark bright white shores, made up of pure Appalachian quartz.

This distinctive sand not only keeps you cool in the summer heat, but it also gives the water an emerald color due to sunlight reflection. Golfers navigate beach bunkers while children play at water parks. More daring guests may snorkel and scuba dive off the shore or rent a boat to go deep sea fishing. After all, fishing is an essential component of this peninsular paradise.

Best Hotels in Destin:

• The Henderson-A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is
• Hotel Effie Sandestin.

The Best Things to Do in Destin:

• Henderson Beach State Park
• Crab Island
• Destin Dolphin Cruises.

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  3 in Best Beaches in the U.S.
  5 in Best Places to Visit in July
  

Rating:

• 7 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Washington, D.C., with its marbled monuments and high-profile politicians, has long been stigmatized as a stodgy, government-driven town. Outsiders frequently perceive Washington as a "city of southern efficiency and northern grace," as John F. Kennedy famously called it. But these days, the nation's capital is awash with a new energy, transforming itself into an exciting, faster-paced East Coast vacation destination. Although the government is still the sun that this city revolves around, the district also has a number of renowned institutions and attractive districts. And, thanks to a recent influx of restaurants, cafés, shops, and clubs, D.C. is becoming a flourishing cultural center. The D.C. Tourism Board's DC Cool campaign emphasizes that this isn't the Washington you remember from your middle school field trip; it's far hipper.

You can choose a traditional D.C. adventure, filled with tours of classic attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. And there's no better way to experience iconic D.C. than with a stroll around the Tidal Basin. (Plan to visit in late March or early April – just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival – and you'll be rewarded with a canopy of beautiful pink blooms.) But if you've already seen the national landmarks, get a feel for the city's more youthful ambiance, highlighted by its urban neighborhoods, marquee art galleries, and vibrant farmers markets. While you'll only need a few days to see the city as you know it from your history book, it could take months to experience the Washington that today's locals know and love.

The Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.:

• The Jefferson, Washington, DC
• Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
• The Hay-Adams

The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
• The Tidal Basin

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
  2 in Best Family Summer Vacations
  5 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  

Rating:

• 8 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Austin, Texas's state capital, is an inland metropolis that borders the Hill Country area. Austin, home to the flagship campus of the University of Texas, is noted for its diversified live-music culture centered on country, blues, and rock. Hiking, biking, swimming, and boating are popular activities in its numerous parks and lakes. The United States Grand Prix has been held at Formula One's Circuit of the Americas racetrack south of the city.

Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the country. It has seen the beginnings of some great musicians' careers, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin, and the Dixie Chicks. Despite recent expansion, Austin retains a unique, laid-back character that you won't find in other Texas towns. Outsiders sometimes perceive Austin as a haven for odd personalities, but Austinites relish their quirkiness and proudly proclaim the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird."

Aside from its buzzing live music and nightlife scenes, the main reason to visit is to enjoy the outdoors. With an average of about 300 sunny days per year and large swaths of green space like Zilker Metropolitan Park, many experts consider Austin one of the best places to live in America. It's probably because there's something here for everybody: Whether you're a history buff (LBJ's library is here as well as the Lone Star State-sized Texas State History Museum), an art lover (Blanton Museum of Art), a sports fan (University of Texas at Austin football) or a budding musician (Sixth Street). After your visit, you might be asking: "Why don't I live here?"

Best Hotels in Austin:

• Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
• The Archer Hotel in Austin
• Miraval Austin

The Best Things to Do in Austin:

• Texas Capitol
• Mount Bonnell
• Zilker Metropolitan Park

Rankings:

• 3 in Best Places to Visit in Texas
• 8 in Best Nightlife Cities in the U.S.
• 9 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Rating:

• 9 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine, reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for its raucous costumed parades and street parties.

New Orleans is famed for its European-style architecture, delectable Creole food, and overall positive vibes. And music serves as its backbone: jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, and Zydeco melodies pour from every city crevice. For many, though, the main reason to visit is Mardi Gras, an extravagant festival with carnival elements like masks, music, floats, and merriment. Even if you don't make it during Mardi Gras, there's always a party going on, with revelers streaming out of Bourbon Street bars into the early hours of the morning and a festival of some kind practically every weekend.

Despite previous environmental calamities, such as the BP oil leak, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Isaac, New Orleans thrives. Significant attempts have been made in recent years to reestablish the different districts. Today, the Crescent City appears to be virtually brand new. Begin your journey with a walking tour of the French Quarter, which is rich in colonial history and ghost stories. From here, you can see the key architectural landmarks before settling down for a substantial dinner of jambalaya and a wild night out.

Best Hotels in New Orleans:

• Windsor Court Hotel
• Maison de la Luz
• The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The Best Things to Do in New Orleans:

• Frenchmen Street
• French Quarter
• Garden District

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
• 1 in Best Places to Visit in February
• 2 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  

Rating:

• 10 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

The Outer Banks is steeped in history: here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright made their famous first flight (at Kill Devil Hills), pirate Blackbeard fought his final battle (at Ocracoke), and the mysterious Lost Colony vanished (exactly where is unknown, but it was last seen on Roanoke Island near Manteo). This collection of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known colloquially as OBX, isn't only for history aficionados. Fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing are all popular among the daring. The Outer Banks' roughly 3,000 shipwrecks, explorable by snorkeling or scuba diving, earned it a reputation as "the graveyard of the Atlantic." Families gravitate toward the beaches, the mini-golf courses, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island.

Old lighthouses, rocky dunes, and quiet beaches in the south combine with vacation homes, water sports, and kitschy beach stores in the north to create a one-of-a-kind coastal resort. OBX is great for people who want to avoid overdeveloped tourist destinations in favor of pristine beaches. There isn't much in the way of nightlife, but there is plenty of natural beauty. Beaches are more crowded in the summer, but with so many places spaced out around the barrier islands, you're unlikely to encounter overcrowding at any time of year.

Best Hotels in Outer Banks:

• Sanderling Resort
• The First Colony Inn
• Beachwoods Resort

Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks:

• Outer Banks Beaches:
• Jockey's Ridge State Park
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S
• 2 in Best Places to Visit in August
• 4 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  

Rating:

• 11 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

San Antonio, a significant city in south-central Texas, has a rich colonial history. The Alamo, a surviving 18th-century Spanish mission, commemorates the epic 1836 conflict for Texas's independence from Mexico. The River Walk is a mile-long pedestrian promenade that follows the San Antonio River and is dotted with cafés and stores. The 750-foot Tower of the Americas at HemisFair Park provides a panoramic view of the city.

Davy Crockett may have died at the Alamo, but San Antonio still remembers the Texan pride displayed by the "King of the Wild Frontier" and his comrades in 1836. The heritage of this contemporary metropolis is notably visible throughout downtown. Along with the Alamo, there are numerous more renowned missions that are now part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. And amongst the gleaming skyscrapers, the austere San Fernando Cathedral still stands as a testament to the city's religious past.

But don't be fooled: you don't have to be a history buff to be enchanted by this city. The Texas city's amusement parks, world-class museums, professional sports teams, and the famed River Walk will appeal to families in particular. Furthermore, San Antonio is a booming culinary destination, with a variety of new barbecue places and a variety of premium cafes in addition to its characteristic Tex-Mex flavor. With so many options for how to spend your day, you might be too busy to "Remember the Alamo." If you don't have much time, try taking one of the top San Antonio tours to learn about the city's history, culture, and gastronomy.

Best Hotels in San Antonio:

• Hotel Emma
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
  
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

The Best Things to Do in San Antonio:

• Brackenridge Park
• The Alamo
• San Fernando Cathedral,

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Texas
• 12 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• 12 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
  

Rating:

• 12 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for its manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks, such as Forsyth Park, shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. At the center of this picturesque district is the landmark Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Savannah is similar to Charleston, South Carolina, with its Spanish moss, Southern accents, and spooky graveyards. However, this city, some 100 miles to the south, has a quirky side. Savannah College of Art and Design students mingle with ghost hunters and preservationists, and Southern eateries coexist alongside trendy cafés and renovated theaters on city blocks. The eccentric characters in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" say it all. Yes, quirkiness is the name of the game, but if that isn't your "box of chocolates," as Tom Hanks memorably stated in the Savannah-shot "Forrest Gump," perhaps history or nightlife are.

Savannah's antebellum past leaks from practically every corner—it's home to one of North America's oldest black churches, and Fort Pulaski served as a safe haven for enslaved people seeking freedom. Whether you're in town to immerse yourself in history, see the sites, enjoy the delicious Southern food, or spend a few hours bar-hopping, Savannah knows how to entertain tourists.

Best Hotels in Savannah:

• Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
• JW Marriott Savannah Plant, Riverside District
• The Mansion at Forsyth Park, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Savannah:

• Forsyth Park
• History Tours
• Savannah City Market

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• 1 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  

Rating:

• 14 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

You'll need to slow down if you want to fit in at Hilton Head. This 42-square-mile barrier island may attract a more affluent clientele, but you don't have to hustle to keep up with the Joneses. Follow the locals' relaxed pace—the population is made up of Gullah, or freed slaves who settled in the area, and East Coast mainlanders who make Hilton Head their second home. Because of the world-class fairways, your holiday companions will most likely be white-haired seniors and young families (thanks to the clean beaches). So if you're looking for a rollicking nightlife scene, this may not be the spot for you. This isn't to say there's no nightlife – it exists, but usually in the form of leisurely sunset dinners and live music on the waterfront. In short, if you've come to Hilton Head, you've come to relax.

If you know anything about the island, you know that it got its wealthy status through golfing, tennis, and "spa-ing." However, you could spend your whole holiday here without ever picking up a golf club or a tennis racket. The island is rich in natural beauty, such as the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, as well as 12 miles of sandy beaches. So, whether you come to see low country fauna, practice your backhand, or simply rest on the sand, Hilton Head offers something for you.

The Best Hotels in Hilton Head:

• The Inn & Club at Harbour Town-The Sea Pines Resort
• Montage Palmetto Bluff
• Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

The Best Things to Do in Hilton Head:

• Coligny Beach Park.
• Daufuskie Island
• Mitchelville Beach

Rankings:

• 2 in Best South Carolina Beaches
• 5 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• 6 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  

Rating:

• 15 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Williamsburg, which is one of the best weekend getaways in the South, This is a city in the U.S. state of Virginia that was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It forms the “Historic Triangle” together with Jamestown and Yorktown. Its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores, and workshops.

Williamsburg is very modern for such a historic town. The downtown portion of this Virginia Peninsula community was not renovated until the twentieth century. You may now walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers—in fact, in Williamsburg, you could even find yourself strolling among those individuals (or at least, alongside some talented, costumed interpreters acting out their parts). However, the location is not unique. Instead, Williamsburg and adjacent towns like Jamestown and Yorktown are living memorials to some of the country's most famous colonial personalities. Patrick Henry, George Washington, John Smith, Pocahontas, and others are all honored.

The Best Hotels in Williamsburg

• Williamsburg Inn
• Kingsmill Resort
• Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Williamsburg:

• Colonial Williamsburg
• Jamestown,
• Water Country USA

Ranking:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Virginia
• 5 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• 5 in Best Places to Visit in November

Rating:

• 17 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, famous for the influential strains of blues, soul, and rock 'n'roll that originated there. Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash recorded albums at the legendary Sun Studio, and Presley’s Graceland mansion is a popular attraction. Other music landmarks include the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Memphis is always grooving, whether to Elvis Presley's melodies reverberating across the city or to the tunes of up-and-coming singers on Beale Street. For many, Graceland is the main attraction. Yet, audiophiles who come just for Elvis will be thrilled to discover that Memphis has much more to offer. In Memphis clubs and recording studios, Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes, and B.B. King honed their distinct sounds. Along with its significance in music history, Memphis serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the civil rights fight. In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. petitioned for equal rights for black sanitation employees here. After leading a peaceful protest in March, King returned to the city on April 3 only to be assassinated a day later at the Lorraine Motel, now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum.

There's a third, often neglected, incentive to visit Memphis. The "Cradle of American Music" serves you wonderful food, nice sounds, and solid historical lectures. Consider a vacation in the spring or fall (the summer heat here is unbearable) to sample a few gastronomic (and decidedly Southern) specialties. Any wannabe foodie's list should include the region's finger-lickin' BBQ and buttery grits. Sign up for one of the top Memphis tours to learn more about the city's history, gastronomy, and music.

Best Hotels in Memphis

• The Peabody, Memphis
• The River Inn of Harbor Town
• The Guest House at Graceland

The Best Things to Do in Memphis:

• National Civil Rights Museum-Loretta Motel
• The Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Sun Studio

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Rating:

• 19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina. It’s known for its universities, including North Carolina State University. The number of technological and scholarly institutions around Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham makes the area known as the Research Triangle. The North Carolina State Capitol is a 19th-century Greek Revival–style building with a statue of George Washington dressed as a Roman general in its rotunda. Raleigh demonstrates that the South will rise again. First and foremost, it is a smart city. A number of colleges and institutions have campuses in and around the Greater Raleigh region. In addition, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, a geographical area that encompasses Durham and Chapel Hill and is densely populated with IT jobs and techies.

Second, it's an interesting city. Greater Raleigh, a booming community of around 500,000 people, attracted more than 13 million tourists in 2013. And it's not hard to see why: Raleigh is brimming with entrepreneurial enthusiasm. It's evident in the numerous craft breweries that dot this city in central North Carolina, as well as the influx of new restaurants and businesses downtown and in the fashionable Warehouse area.

Third, it is a visually appealing city. Raleigh has natural beauty in addition to the urban pleasures of chic coffee shops and small companies. Visitors should go to the rich nature of the Neuse River Trail, the woodland grandeur of Umstead State Park, or any of the city's green spots for proof.

Best Hotels in Raleigh:

• The Umstead Hotel and Spa
• The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
• Mayton Inn

The Best Things to Do in Raleigh:

• The Neuse River Trail
• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
• Pullen Park

Rankings:

• 9 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
  21 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Rating:

• 21 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  

Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, is a city on the Arkansas River. It’s home to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, with exhibits including a replica of the Oval Office and presidential artifacts. In an 1800s Greek Revival building, the Old State House Museum traces Arkansas's history. MacArthur Park has a pond and the Arkansas Arts Center, known for its large collection of drawings.

The Little Rock Nine, a group of black students who enrolled at the traditionally all-white Little Rock Central High School in 1957, are possibly the city's most famous residents. The children's enrollment, which came after the Supreme Court ruled that school segregation was unconstitutional, thrust civil rights into the national limelight. Little Rock's role in the civil rights struggle is commemorated with monuments and displays distributed across the city's parks and museums.

Today, you'll have much more to chew on than civil rights history. Sure, there are museums dedicated to the lives of frontier-era Arkansas citizens and former President Bill Clinton, but Little Rock is much more than its educational offerings. There are several outdoor activities available, ranging from mountain climbing to a leisurely stroll across Big Dam Bridge. Social butterflies will feel at ease here as well. Little Rock provides annual events for all types of visitors and comes alive at night in the River Market Entertainment District. So gather your belongings and make your way down. Little Rock has something for everyone.

The Best Hotels in Little Rock

• The Capital Hotel
• The Burgundy Hotel, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
• Little Rock Marriott

The Best Things to Do in Little Rock:

• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park
• The Clinton Presidential Center

Ranking + Rating:

• 23 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South