3 Southeast Travel Destinations for Spring & Summer
Springtime is here, and summer vacation will be close behind! Want some help dreaming or planning a lovely trip to enjoy the arrival of warmer weather? Let’s take a look at fun activities you can do in three top Southeast destinations — whether you’re journeying solo, with a partner, or with the entire family.
Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle beach, you can enjoy the sun and sea, of course — plus plenty of shopping and other activities when you don’t feel like getting sand between your toes. On top of sunning and swimming in the area’s lovely beaches, here are a couple more ideas for fun activities while you’re away.
Brookgreen Gardens
At Myrtle Beach’s Brookgreen Gardens, you can see:
- 250-year-old live oaks, a butterfly garden, perennials, and iconic South Carolina palmettos
- Alligators, owls, river otters, herons, egrets, and more in the Lowcountry Zoo
- Sculptures and a bit of “low country” history
Pelicans Minor League Baseball
What could signal spring or summer more than the combination of the beach and baseball? While in Myrtle Beach, be sure to take in a Pelicans game.
Sevierville, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge
If you’d rather be near the mountains than the beach, consider one of these East Tennessee destinations. All three are close together, so regardless of which one you choose for lodgings, you have access to the same unforgettable indoor and outdoor activities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee National Forest
Spending some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must — which is why it’s the most-visited national park in the U.S., coming in at over 14 million annual visitors! With more than 850 miles of hiking trails, the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and more, you won’t regret your time in one of the Southeast’s most beautiful settings.
The park is part of Cherokee National Forest, which also offers trails, rivers, and campgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors.
Dollywood
You might also want to spend a day at one of the country’s most famous theme parks, where you can do things like:
- Ride roller coasters
- Cool off with water rides
- Learn about mountain culture and art
- Watch live musical performances
Tennessee Smokies Minor League Baseball
After a day of hiking or visiting other attractions, grab a hotdog and sit back to watch the Tennessee Smokies at bat. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch an after-game fireworks display — a common post-game treat offered during summer months.
Asheville
Western North Carolina offers another lovely mountain experience that may feel less touristy. Visit eclectic Asheville — whose unofficial motto is “Keep Asheville Weird” — to experience its quirky local restaurants, breweries, shops, and more in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Biltmore Estate
With gardens, restaurants, a winery, lodging, and of course the mansion itself, Biltmore, America’s Largest Home® is a must-visit in Asheville. Enjoy a few hours or as much as a few days exploring this historic estate.
The North Carolina Arboretum
With hiking and biking trails and cultivated gardens containing hundreds of native plant species, the Arboretum is another great option for the outdoors.
Vacation Essentials at the Local Hamrick’s Store
Whichever of these Southeast cities you choose, there’s a Hamrick’s nearby with spring and summer travel staples. (And if you have other travel destination ideas in mind, check out our full list of locations on our website to pick a spot with a Hamrick’s close by!)
That way, if you realize you’ve forgotten something — or maybe shopping is your preferred vacation pastime — we’ve got you covered. We have tees, tanks, beach towels, flip-flops and sandals, hats, sunglasses, rolling coolers, bathing suits, tennis shoes, and more to help make your vacation a success.
Whether you’re shopping at Hamrick’s before, during, or even after your trip, make sure to join our free MORE Rewards Loyalty Program — so you can earn points on every purchase, whether at home or away. Happy shopping!