The Southeast is full of vibrant history, unique cultures, and entertaining attractions and activities. In addition, many southeastern vacation spots offer relatively inexpensive pricing options. Many southeastern states also enjoy warmer weather year-round, allowing visitors to take advantage of off-season special hotel and attraction discounts.
Referred to as the "undiscovered gem of Tennessee" by The New York Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a wide variety of budget-friendly activities. Spend a Sunday afternoon wandering through the Chattanooga Market, where vendors sell everything from farm-grown produce to handmade jewelry and paper goods. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, located right along the bank of the Tennessee River, in downtown Chattanooga. The aquarium houses animals such as penguins, sharks, and coral reef fish. Visitors to Chattanooga also enjoy riding up the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and spending some time at the beautiful Ruby Falls. In addition, Chattanooga is home to the well-known Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic southern icon. Guests of the Choo Choo can spend their vacation in train cars that have been converted into hotel rooms.
Savannah, Georgia, provides visitors with a taste of old southern history. Numerous historic homes and churches are in Savannah, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the first Catholic church established in Savannah by French immigrants in the 1800s. Visitors can also enjoy spending some time at the Tybee Island Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1736 at the mouth of the Savannah River, and was the tallest navigational structure in America at the time. Today, the lighthouse is kept as a museum in which guests an learn all about Tybee Island and the lighthouse's history. Walking around downtown Savannah provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the many local boutiques and restaurants.
For those searching for an inexpensive beach getaway, the Gulf Shores area in Alabama is a perfect budget-friendly beach destination. Visitors can spend time lounging on the beach or participating in many fun, local activities. Affordable rental houses, condos, hotels and motels are available year-round within walking distance of the several miles of beach. Approximately 250 types of animals reside in the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, including tigers, alligators and exotic birds. Walk along the Gulf State Pier, the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, or spend an afternoon fishing off the pier. Other Gulf Shores activities and attractions include parasailing, golf and local amusement parks.
