Helen, Georgia

Credit: Gazebo Creek

 Helen is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River in northeastern Georgia and is a town like no other.  Helen is quite unique and charming in that it's a replica of a German Alpine Village accented with cobblestone alleys, old-world towers and architecture to mimic that of Bavaria, Germany.  Helen stays true to its Bavarian theme from the names of restaurants, shops and accommodations to overall atmosphere that radiates from this quaint little town.  Helen's attractions include Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls, tubing the Chattahoochee River or even strolling the streets while enjoying the town's unique ambiance.  I visited Helen last summer and had a wonderful time.  I highly recommend "tubin' the hooch" as the locals call it; however, this is a seasonal activity only available during the summer months beginning in May.  It is quite entertaining and a really enjoyable experience!  Helen caters to those young and old and provides something for every member of the family to enjoy.  If you're looking for a unique experience, Helen, GA is the place to go.

Helen, GA
Credit: Off Beat Travel 

Helen, GA
Credit: North Georgia Photos



Anna Ruby Falls
Credit: Unicoi State Park

"Tubin' the Hooch"
Credit: Helen Luxury Vacation Rentals

                 



Townsend, Tennessee



Credt: Your Smokies

 Townsend is located in eastern Tennessee and a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains.  Townsend's main attraction is Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Visitors can also enjoy tubing the Little River, horseback-riding on scenic trails, hiking, shopping and so much more.  I visited a few years ago with my family and we had a great time.  I particularly enjoyed Cades Cove, Townsend Visitors Center states: "Cades Cove lies peacefully in a tranquil valley. Its open fields stretch between 5,500-foot mountain peaks. Home to a fully operational grist mill with a working waterwheel and historic structures, there's over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants, deer and hundreds of black bears that live in the park."  Townsend offers a multitude of accommodations for visitors, I suggest Whisperwind Cabin Rentals.  These cabins are centrally located and a short distance from Townsend's attractions.  They are kept in immaculate condition and are surrounded by beautiful scenery.  Townsend provides the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation. 




Cades Cove
Credit: Smoky Mountain Navigator

Tubing the Little River
Credit: Smoky Mountain River Rat



Whisperwind Cabin
Credit: Whisperwind Cabin Rentals

    
           

Highlands, North Carolina

Credit: Asheville Guidebook

Highlands is a beautiful mountain city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern North Carolina.  Its elevation is approximately 4,118 feet, providing picturesque scenery for visitors to enjoy.  Its main attractions are its beautifully manicured and scenic golf courses, the Nantahala National Forest, Callusaja River Gorge and many waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Bust Your Butt Falls, Cullasaja Falls and Dry Falls.  The waterfalls are all within driving distance from each other and offer hiking trails as well as spectacular mountain views.  The waterfalls are a must see, offering a tranquil setting to enjoy the sounds of nature.  Downtown Highlands is a charming and quaint collection of antique stores, an auction house, lodges, restaurants, Highlands Playhouse and many specialty stores. The downtown area is unique in that there is a definite lack of the typical chain businesses and instead, locally owned and operated establishments, separating Highlands from most tourist destinations.  I visited in the summer of 2007 and the weather was perfect.  The highs during the day were approximately 70 to 80 degrees with the lows at night about 50 degrees.  If you're interested in visiting the mountains, Highlands is the perfect location.



Mountain View
Credit: Asheville Guidebook



Bridal Veil Falls
Credit: Romantic Asheville

Callusaja Falls
Credit: Romantic Asheville

 

Downtown Highlands
Credit: Romantic Asheville

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Credit: Trulia

Hilton Head Island is located just off the southern tip of South Carolina.  It's a family friendly destination offering a plethora of outdoor activities including bike trails, golfing, tennis, boating, fishing, kayaking and more.  Its white sandy beaches attract visitors annually who want to relax and soak up the sun.  The Harbour Town Lighthouse is a great attraction that offers visitors a great view of the island from 90-feet above.  A welcome contrast Hilton Head offers is the absence of billboards, bright or flashy signs affixed to buildings and all of which are set back from the road, allowing the island's natural beauty to shine through and not overshadow its natural environment.  I have visited Hilton Head a couple of times and have always enjoyed my time there.  I especially enjoyed the bike trails that wrap around the island providing a scenic tour of the beautiful island.  I urge everyone to visit this beautiful destination.  Hilton Head's Chamber of Commerce says: " Hilton Head Island may only be 12 miles by 5 miles wide, but you'll find everything you need for a perfect Island retreat.  There's something marvelously different about the relaxed, warm island attitude found at Hilton Head Island."   


The Harbour Town Lighthouse
Credit: Travel Golf



The Beach
Credit: Discover Hilton Head Island



Aerial View of Hilton Head Island
Credit: Hilton Head Island



Charleston, South Carolina

Credit: Photographer's Direct

Charleston is a city full of Southern charm, rich in our nation's history and certainly one of the most beautiful coastal cities the United States has to offer.  Charleston can offer a unique experience depending on one's interests.  Some of the most popular attractions include the historic downtown district, which offers great shopping and dining, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the South Carolina Aquarium, Fort Sumter, Charleston City Market and much more.  I had the pleasure of visiting Charleston a few summers ago and was not disappointed; I had a wonderful time visiting this beautiful city.  According to Discover Charleston: "Clearly, America’s most historic city is also a modern one, offering something of interest to every traveler passing through. In fact, the value and variety of experiences found in this authentic Southern city constantly earns it a place among the top vacation spots in the Southeast and across the U.S."  This city is full of culture, history and beauty.  With all that it has to offer, I believe everyone should visit it at least once. 
 


Patriot's Point
Credit: Travel The Whole World

  





Magnolia Plantation House
Credit: Charleston CVB

  

 


Charleston City Market
Credit: Trip Advisor