These hidden gems in the South aren’t just for the locals.
Greenbrier Bunker
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
“The Greenbrier Resort has been a getaway for guests from around the world since 1778. During World War II, the U.S. Army converted the hotel into a 2,000-bed hospital. Guests can take a historic tour of the top-secret, supersized bunker, built under the resort for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. The bunker was stocked for 30 years but never actually used as an emergency location. Its location was not public knowledge until 1992.”
— Emily Amos, West Virginia Division of Tourism
Delta Resort and Spa
Tillar, Arkansas
“Imagine world-class duck hunting, full-service spa treatments, delicious Southern cuisine and abundant meeting space, all in one location. Huddled in hardwoods spanning 2,000 acres in the southeast Arkansas Delta region, the Delta Resort and Spa is a natural destination for a retreat or relaxation.”
— Tamora Williams, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Sweetwater
Tennessee
“A visit to Sweetwater is like taking a step back in time. Discover many unique shops and attractions teeming with nostalgia, charm and friendliness. In the historic shopping district, you will find shops filled with rare antiques, exquisite home furnishings and decor, original works of art, choice fashion, unique garden gifts, hard-to-find collectibles and much more. While you’re there, don’t miss a chance to explore underground at the fascinating Lost Sea.”
— Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Sky Lake
Stoneville, Mississippi
“Ancient bald cypress trees, some more than 1,000 years old, are the main attractions at Sky Lake. The oldest tree measures nearly 47 feet in circumference and reaches 70 feet tall. Sky Lake is also home to a diverse range of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other wildlife. Walk the boardwalk, or kayak through the living Delta swamp.”
— Jim Beaugez, Visit Mississippi
Moton Museum
Farmville, Virginia
“The Robert Russa Moton Museum, located in Farmville, Virginia, is the national center for the study of civil rights in education. Named a National Historic Landmark in 1998, the former high school was the site of the first nonviolent student demonstration in 1951, an action that led to the Brown vs. Board of Education case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which mandated equal education for all Americans.”
—Andrew Cothern, Virginia Tourism Corporation
Congaree National Park
Hopkins, South Carolina
“Congaree National Park is located a short drive from downtown Columbia. Open to the public and free of charge, there is a wonderful welcome center filled with information about the park, the wildlife found there, the tree and plant life that grow in the park and its overall history. Visitors can take advantage of various programming offerings throughout the year and take a canoe or kayak tour down Cedar Creek.”
— Kim Jamieson, Discover South Carolina
