Life in the Southeast USA is often considered to be slow, laid-back, and casual, but in fact it is diverse and rich with unique attitudes and lifestyles. Vacation spots, contributing cultures, performing arts, exciting flavors, and unique populations abound! Exploring the possibilities in the Southeast USA is an adventure that offers much for any individual regardless of interest.

While most people identify the Southeast USA with Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, some add Louisiana and Tennessee. Still others include Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. For the purpose of the Bellaonline Southeast USA site, we will consider the Southeast USA to consist of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

From one of the top beaches in America – Myrtle Beach, SC – to the Great Smoky Mountains, lakes stocked with fish or perfect for boating, river excursions that include tubing or exciting wildlife sightings including blue heron and alligators, deep sea fishing – there are activities for all.

The southeast is home to a wide range of historical sites to explore the past and reflect upon its effects on the present. A visit to St. Augustine, FL will reveal a unique historical perspective as the oldest city in the nation. Atlanta, GA balances the historic with the modern, housing both old historic homes that survived the burning of Atlanta alongside the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. New Orleans beckons with Mardi Gras and arguably the best jazz/blues music in the world.

No exploration is complete without food. Mint juleps, southern bar-b-que with all of its regional flavors, fried chicken, chitlings, and homemade peach ice cream. Every state in the southeast has its own regional delicacies, recipes, and celebrated chefs. From home-style to elegant dining, it can be found in the southeast and every bite savored is worth the effort in finding that one special flavor that satisfies the taste buds. Picnic with cucumber sandwiches and lemon tarts under the mighty oaks in Charleston or enjoy Oktoberfest in Helen, GA with an abundance of bratwurst and strong German ale. Crawfish or Key lime pie; apple cider from one of the many NC apple orchards or wine from one of the many vineyards scattered throughout the southeast – food celebrates all of the best qualities of diversity.

State parks across the southeast offer a variety of activities for the more outdoorsy, adventurous explorers. Whether the adventurer prefers to camp in an RV, a cabin, or a tent, they are sure to find just the right state park to satisfy their natural spirit. There are natural enclosure wildlife parks, plenty of hiking trails, and always the lure of water sports. However, if the traveler prefers a more civilized approach to nature, there are also well-celebrated spas located in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina that will cater to the natural spirit without insisting that the body gets down-and-dirty to do it. From Sea Island Olive wraps to Peach Blossom massages, stress is dispelled in a relaxing atmosphere sure to please.

The Southeast US has something to tempt every traveler and the process of discovery is half the fun of the trip. State by state, emerging the body and soul into the experience, the Southeast is certain to please even the most demanding traveler.