Your guide to exploring the Southeast
Step back into history, sample delicious regional cuisine, shop local artists, relax in unique accommodations—and this is just a sampling. The Southeast is a special place, filled with major attractions and off-the-path vacation jewels. Here are more ideas for friendly fun and entertainment in this storied region.

Culinary Excellence is Always on the Menu in Florida’s Beaches of South Walton
Enjoying the cuisine of a new place is an intrinsic part of the travel experience. And for those looking for their next beach vacation, there is a sweet spot along northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast—Beaches of South Walton. Visitors to the area will find an eclectic mix of dynamic chefs and delectable cuisines, which provide a unique glimpse into the culture of this beautiful coastal community.

A meal at the beach usually starts with a dozen raw oysters and follows with a fish sandwich or a hearty shrimp po’boy. And while you can still find classic beach eats in South Walton, many visitors are happily surprised by the award-winning eateries offering creative delicacies that range from succulent roast garlic yellow-fin tuna to Mayan spiced free-range chicken breast.

While many destinations claim locally sourced ingredients, area chefs and residents in Beaches of South Walton truly embrace this philosophy, creating menus that change on a daily or weekly basis, depending on what’s fresh and can be sourced within a 100-mile radius. Not only does this approach ensure the freshest dishes, but it’s a tie to why visitors come to Beaches of South Walton—for an authentic experience that’s true to its origins.

Nestled against the sugar-white sands and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Beaches of South Walton is home to some of the world’s top classically trained chefs and a host of award-winning restaurants. Here’s a glimpse of what travelers to this region can expect:

WaterColor Inn & Resort is home to one of the area’s most sophisticated restaurants, Fish Out of Water. With an ever-changing menu that often features such Gulf staples as tarpon, pompano, red snapper, and grouper, Fish Out of Water offers an intimate dining experience overlooking the blue hues of the Gulf of Mexico. Lunch or dinner is a welcome respite at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside, where the tasty menu relies on a gamut of regional fare. Diners can enjoy fine dining downstairs with live music and waterfront views or go upstairs to the Tarpon Club and place a bet on what time the sun will set.

Guests become part of the family at Café Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach with its great food, atmosphere, and wood-fired rotisserie. The menu offers favorites such as the Georgia quail and healthier fare such as puréed soups.

Vin’tij Wine Boutique and Bistro attracts diners looking for light fare or an elaborate feast. The applewood smoked bacon, tomato, and brie griddle-smoked chicken sandwich is a top selection.

Seagar’s, located in the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, is an elegant five-star restaurant, specializing in the best prime steaks and freshest seafood available. The New York–style steakhouse is dressed to impress with a walk-in humidor and a 500-label wine list.

Once travelers satisfy their appetites, they’ll have ample time to explore the beautiful sugar-white sand beaches, nature lands and state parks, designer and boutique shopping, challenging golf, one-of-a-kind events, and a thriving arts community.

For more information about Beaches of South Walton, visit beachesofsouthwalton.com or call 800-822-6877.

Your Love for America Comes Alive in Elizabethtown, KY
The “Search for America” might be a mythical quest, but with a visit to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, travelers have the opportunity to experience what America is, and was.

Upon arrival in Elizabethtown—or E-Town—your “Search for America” is in full swing. Start with these American icons: Schmidt’s Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia and Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear both showcase products that are synonymous with American culture. Equally American is Kentucky bourbon whiskey, and such famous labels as Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Heaven Hill are all made nearby. The distilleries are tourist friendly, and souvenirs from their shops make delightful gifts.

Just as these destinations suggest American culture, Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and the one-room schoolhouse loom large in American history, and in Elizabethtown’s heritage. Lincoln’s birthplace is a brief drive in the country, and several other Lincoln landmarks are nearby. The restored Summit one-room school dates to 1892, and Civil War points of interest are scattered throughout the E-town area. Nearby West Point was the site of Sherman’s headquarters and offers a commanding view of the Ohio River. The cannonball lodged in the Depp building in downtown E-Town can’t be missed.

Surround this with a stunning landscape of spectacular lakes, rolling emerald hills unique to Kentucky, and sunsets that inspire, and your Search for America begins—or ends—here in Elizabethtown, home of authentic Americana and the soul of Kentucky.

For more information on Elizabethtown, visit touretown.com or call 800-437-0092.

Flowers, Festivals, Food & More in Thomasville, GA
If you’re ready for spring, Historic Thomasville—“a Georgia Gem”—is the place to be. The grass turns green, and the flowers and roses start to bloom, sure signs that the bright, crisp weather of spring has arrived. Along with the roses, Thomasville bursts to life preparing for the annual Rose Show & Festival, celebrating 89 years in April.

There is so much to see in Thomasville. Relax at one of the bed-and-breakfast inns or hotels. Shop the award-winning historic downtown that offers everything from that little black dress to the perfect shoes to go with it. The local restaurant owners have their welcome mats out and are ready to serve up delectable delights. Tour the sweeping Pebble Hill Plantation, or visit one of the museums that offer glimpses into the grand Victorian Era. Peek into the past as you travel through the walking/driving tour of historic homes and buildings.

Whether you come to see the plantations, the grand cottages, or the rose gardens or to participate in one of the many cultural events or festivals, visit Thomasville today, and take a step back in time. Set apart from many tourist destinations because of its award-winning downtown and historic preservation, Thomasville is truly...Worth the Trip!

To plan a trip, visit thomasvillega.com or call 866-577-3600.

Destination...North Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach’s stunning natural beauty is the Carolinas coast at its best. It is the home of championship golf, great resorts, entertainment, fine dining, fabulous shopping, and some of the best fishing and boating on the East Coast!

North Myrtle Beach offers activities for the entire family—miniature golf, water sports and, of course, the dance craze that was born in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach—the Shag! Follow a fun-filled day with a star-studded theatre performance.

We believe it’s our pace of life that separates us from the crowd. Even with so much to do, our relaxed, peaceful environment lets you truly unwind—it’s the perfect place to take a long walk on our beaches, soak up the sun, and create wonderful memories for yourself and your family!

To order your FREE Visitors Guide, call toll free 866-646-1652 or visit www.visitnmb.travel.

St. Francisville, LA is a Year-Round Destination
Anytime is great to visit St. Francisville, LA, in West Feliciana Parish. With its charming historic district, St. Francisville is like a journey back to simpler times. Seven plantation homes are open for tours, and gift shops and antique stores invite you to browse.

Birding, biking, and hiking are popular West Feliciana activities. Our country roads are winding and treelined, perfect for spotting the same birds that John James Audubon painted while he lived here in the 1820s.

In the summer, historical reenactments and birding dominate the calendar. October brings beautiful weather to enjoy the Angola Prison Rodeo. The Yellow Leaf Arts Festival showcases area artists. The Halloween Extravaganza at The Myrtles Plantation is a hauntingly good time!

With many bed-and-breakfast inns, a hotel, and a country resort, you’ll relax in Louisiana’s Hill Country. For more fun activities, visit stfrancisville.us or call 800-789-4221.

Produced in cooperation with the Southeast Tourism Society, an organization dedicated to the marketing and promotion of travel and the travel industry within our twelve-member Southeastern States of AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV. Visit our Web site at: EscapetotheSoutheast.com.