With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway to the Deep South.  This area has many great options for city breaks, mountain views, or just a relaxing stay on the beach.  So there’s a perfect getaway place for everyone.  Check out some of these great Deep South getaway locations.

Plano, Texas

Plano is a short 20-minute drive from Dallas, so its close enough to explore the area without being overwhelmed by the city of Dallas.  Plano is home to a small historic railroad station that has been turned into a museum.  The station highlights the importance of railroads in developing Texas.  The city also is home to the Heritage Farmstead Museum,  living history museum that showcases what life in early Texas was like.  Also, each September, Plano hosts a hot air balloon festival.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a jack of all trades.  The city is on the Atlantic coast and has some of the best beaches in the eastern United States.  It also has all the amenities of a major city, such as theaters, restaurants, and museums.  Many of the museums are dedicated to the city’s history.  Charleston is home to Fort Sumter, where some of the first shots were fired in the American Civil War. The city also is full of historic homes, making it a great place to wander around if you’re a fan of architecture.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee was a sleepy little mountain town hidden near the entrance to Smokey Mountain National Park until a little lady named Dolly Parton was born nearby.  Dolly Parton is a world-famous country singer who decided to help a poverty-stricken region by building tourist attractions.  She started with one mountain theme park in a nearby town and this park has created growth in the town and nearby region. Gatlinburg and surrounding area is the tourism hub of East Tennessee.   Despite the grown and tourism the town still feel like a small town in the mountains.  The town has avoid the influx of large mega-hotels of nearby towns.  It is mostly small chain or local hotels with cabin rentals along the mountain ridges near the town. There are many hidden places to explore and enjoy the mountain views.

Newport News, Virginia

Newport News is a perfect beach town.  During the summer, the warm Atlantic waters provide a relaxing escape from the heat of the day.  The town is close to Virginia Beach, but doesn’t come with the higher prices or the masses of visitors.  The city offers many great restaurants that serve the local catch of the day.

Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine is near Dallas and Fort Worth.  The city sits on the southern edge of Grapevine Lake, which is great place to indulge in some water sports.  The lake also has several open spaces to explore.  Unsurprisingly, the town is home to wineries, several of which offer daily tours.  The town is committed to maintaining its historic roots and buildings.  Several buildings date to early Texas.