Gatlinburg is an iconic starting point for family-friendly outdoor excursions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There's a wide variety of attractions in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, from breathtaking mountain scenery and riverside strolls to exciting amusement parks and educational museums. Hiking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, ice skating all year long, and wildlife watching are just a few examples (black bears, elk, and deer, just to name a few). Over one hundred artisans and artists line an eight-mile loop in the Great Smoky Mountains, making this community the largest of its sort in all of North America. And for a place barely two by five miles in size, there sure are a lot of eateries serving up Southern-style pancakes, freshly caught trout, and various cuts of beef. octordle

This coastal community is known for its high-end resorts, which are nestled among ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and resurrection ferns. Palmetto Bluff is a development in Bluffton that spans 20,000 acres and features a marina, nature preserve, walking/biking trails, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and waterskiing are all great activities to partake in if you love being near or on the water. Enjoy your stay at the luxurious Montage Palmetto Bluff, which features a racquet club, seven restaurants, and a golf course. Bluffton's week-long Arts and Seafood Festival in October is a great place to sample locally caught seafood and experience true Southern hospitality.

Fredericksburg is a charming town in the Texas Hill Country famous for its vineyards, German heritage, and succulent peaches. The city is bursting at the seams with world-class museums, as well as enticing boutiques, art galleries, and five-star hotels. Meanwhile, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of Texas' International Dark Sky Parks where stargazers can see some of the most spectacular skies.