4 Lesser-Traveled Destinations in the Southeast U.S. to Put On Your Bucket List

As the saying goes down here in the Southeastern United States, “I may not have been born in the South, but I got here as fast as I could.” There’s a reason why. Aside from the mild winters, the South is filled with a vibrant culture, warm smiles, and plenty of fresh, wholesome cooking.

However, when most people head down here to escape the winter blues, they end up in cultureless, commercial money sucks like Myrtle Beach and Daytona Beach, completely skipping what the South is all about.

Don’t be like those drones! To truly discover all we have to offer, check out one of these four lesser-traveled destinations.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is by far the largest city on this list, but I still included it as most people carry two huge misconceptions about the city. First, Charlotte is an airport connection with cool rocking chairs. Second, those who have actually landed here as their final destination were most likely only in town for work. Thus, they chalk up the Queen City as a corporate banking town. But oh, we are so much more!

Let’s start with beer. Charlotte is catching national headlines for its explosive craft beer scene. Right now, we list 24 breweries with a few set to open in the coming months. That’s up from just one a mere seven years ago. Several, like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sycamore Brewing, and Triple C Brewing, won national and international medals in 2015. The restaurant scene is just as tasty. Quaint neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood, South End, Elizabeth, and NoDa are filled with locally owned kitchens.

Charlotte also has its sporting side. During the warmer months, locals flock to one of the two main lakes that flank the city or to the US National White Water Center to brave the rapids.

Bryan Richards / Own Work

Bryan Richards / Own Work

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