Guntersville

In Guntersville, water is a way of life. The 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville surrounds the North Alabama town, which means you can see the tree-lined waterway from nearly anywhere in town. Guntersville's nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline provides plenty of direct paths to the water, and mild temperatures make it appeal all year. When it comes time to return from a day on the lake, the city of fewer than 10,000 people impresses with its hospitality and historic charm. Guntersville is ideal for a laid-back, low-key getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers, whether you want to hunt for antique treasures, unwind with a glass of wine, or simply chase the sunset.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama's largest lake, has some of the best fishing in the Southeast. Largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, and catfish are all likely to be caught. There are plenty of safe places to swim and kayak for those who want to get a little closer to the action. Lake Guntersville State Park is one of them, and it is located on the Tennessee River's banks. The park has 6,000 acres of natural woodlands, including more than 36 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a swimming beach and easy kayak rental at Town Creek. Boats carrying water skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers crisscross the water during the summer months. Lake Guntersville proves its claim to have the fastest water in the South with Lake Hydrofest, a two-day annual event of extreme Jet Ski and boat racing.

The 6,000-acre park is open all year and has a lodge and dining on-site if you want to make an outdoor weekend of it. Guntersville is best explored on foot, walking through the park and natural areas. The Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center is another must-see in town, with exhibits for bird lovers on native species and items related to the steamboats and race boats that played a role in the area's historic river life.