5 Hidden Gems Found in South East U.S.

I’ve been in the Southeast part of the U.S. for basically as long as I can remember. I’ve lived in Georgia. I went to school in North Carolina. I’ve visited Florida with my friends. I’ve gone to South Carolina for spring break. In my opinion, it’s easy to pick the places that everyone wants to go: Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte. Basically the big well-known cities; The cities that offer theme parks, attractions, and sights. But what about the great places that aren’t as well-known? The smaller{er} places with places with personalities just as big as the larger cities? Ready to learn where to find some gems in the southeast? Let’s go!

1. High Springs, Florida:

First stop: High Springs, Florida. I obviously need to take more pictures when I go back because this is the only one I have from my trip! But anyways…here you will find one of the clearest springs in Florida. Grab a group of friends, a cooler of food and drinks, and head up for the day. You can bring your own tubes, or rent them there. You also have the option of tying your tubes together so you don’t drift away from your group. With so many groups on the river, it’s easy to befriend those enjoying the day with you. While floating down, you can stop at little alcoves along the way where you can explore the clear waters and the underwater caves! When I went, there was a group of divers going down into the caves, so that was pretty cool to witness. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend the day, then this is a great option. Don’t forget to bring your waterproof speakers so you can jam while you float down the river.

Although we didn’t do this, I know there is also the option of camping here. We saw a lot of camping grounds set up, and walked past them when we walked back to the start of the river. Everyone looked like they were having a good time!

2. Seaside, Florida:

Next stop: Seaside. Now I know this beach is really popular and well-known in the south, but I’m not sure about the rest of the United States. There’s a reason people keep coming back to this beach side town, time and time again. Be it summer, fall, winter, or spring {especially spring break}, you will find the sidewalks and beaches full of people. There’s a main “downtown” area that many visitors choose to bike to, or even walk due to limited parking. This area boasts unique boutiques, some specializing in clothes, toys, or artwork. There’s an amazing ice cream place in there too. You can also find various food trucks and delicious restaurants. I tried my very first fish tacos in Seaside…and I was hooked! Also, you’ll find a local seafood market called Goat Feathers! So many fresh options…check it out! There are also so many options when it comes to renting a house or a condo. There are some super cute ones on the side of 30A that are painted with bright colors or vibrant pastels, and they have their own names. I have yet to stay in one, but who wouldn’t want to stay in ‘Hakuna Matata’ or ‘Sweet Sunshine’! Seaside is not a far drive away from Destin or Panama City Beach, if you’re wanting to make a day trip to other beaches.

3. Marietta, Georgia:

Next up: Marietta. This Atlanta suburb has a beautiful spot appropriately named the Marietta Square. Locals just refer to it as the Square. The Square boasts a plethora of restaurants, ice cream shops, coffee shops, unique boutiques, and much more. And you guessed it. It’s all placed in a square formation…for the Square is actually a square. Not only is this a great place to visit on any given day, but the Square hosts various events throughout the year, sometimes even closing down the streets to make the entire square a pedestrian event. They just started hosting a drop for New Year’s. For the Fourth of July, the streets are littered with booths selling handmade items, and food trucks selling deliciousness in the form of fried. If you’ve never tried a Fried Oreo, this is the place to do it! People also come out for the fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets are spread all throughout the Square, for everyone to celebrate Independence Day together. It’s really something great to experience. In the winter, the Square is dressed with decorative lights and all types of holiday cheer. They have a small ice skating rink set up in the middle. Basically, the Square has something for anyone and everyone! If I had to recommend only one place to go {which is super hard, because they’re a lot of great places}, I would have to say do NOT miss SweeTreats! You have to stop by here to get some ice cream. The options seem unlimited! First you choose your size: kid cup or cone, or adult cup or cone. I always go with the kid cone because it takes me forever to eat my ice cream and I hate when it starts to drip. Next up is the base: chocolate or vanilla. Ice cream or frozen yogurt. Last are the add-ins: choose anything from fruit to chocolate to candy. Seriously. Your head will be spinning from all the choices! To make things a little easier, they do have pre-selected options that you can choose, as well as some of the employee favorites! They also sell various candy, and numerous coffee selections. No matter what you choose, the end result will definitely be a sweet treat!

4. Kiawah Island, South Carolina:

Fourth stop: Kiawah Island. Driving to get to this island is beautiful. There are Weeping Willows arching over the road with their branches and leaves framing the street, creating the illusion of a fairytale. The route is so scenic, you won’t mind the little drive it takes to get out to the island. As it is on the way, you can choose to stop at Angel Oak, which is a magnificent oak tree. It is believed to be approximately 400 years old, and trust me when I say this tree is at least one in a million.  Also, on the way is this super cute shopping area, Freshfields Village. This center contains a grocery store, various shops, and numerous eateries. The people and the atmosphere are so friendly, it makes you keep wanting to come back for more. The beach is not that far away either. Definitely a place to lay out and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you’re wanting a night out on the town, Charleston is just a short 30-45 minutes away as well. Enjoy having the best of both worlds!

5. Angier, North Carolina:

Final Destination: Angier! I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream! This super small and quiet town comes with a big and loud personality, in ice cream! Having been mentioned on the Food Network Channel, the Travel Channel, and various websites, people from all over travel to this tiny town to sample the various homemade flavors Sunni Sky’s has to offer. You can find everything from the classics like chocolate, vanilla, and cookie dough, to more unique choices like Rice Krispie {which is my personal favorite}, dark chocolate cherry, and popcorn. They also offer sorbet and sherbet. It doesn’t stop there…you can also choose to get a milkshake. They also have seasonal flavors, so be sure to look out for those. Before deciding on something {or multiple flavors} though, don’t forget about the free samples! Trust me, it will just make the decision process ten times harder. But then you’ll just have to come back to try all the flavors…and that’s okay!

Funny story: One time I was shopping with my mom, and I was looking at some clothes on a rack. The TV was playing in the background, but I wasn’t facing it, and I wasn’t really paying attention to what was being said. But then I heard the words “sunny skies”. I swear my head has never whipped around so fast. I assumed they were talking about the ice cream place {even though I was in Georgia at the time}. They were not talking of the ice cream place. They were discussing the weather for the week!

Have you been to any of these places? What was your experience like? Would you want to go to any of them, if you haven’t been? Let us know in the comments!