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Ever go on vacation and feel like you are still battling the hustle and bustle of daily life? Many vacations these days leave travelers even more weak and weary than before the trip. The next time you leave for a family summer vacation or even a weekend trip, elect for a little-known destination where you won't spend your time fighting other tourists for the last set of mouse ears. Several areas within the Southeast can offer wonderful vacations without leaving you feeling like you need another one.

Anyone who loves the Old South will enjoy a trip to Selma, AL. Whether you stay in a historical hotel, plantation B&B, or a chain hotel, you will be within easy distance of several historical areas which detail Selma's rich history ranging from the Civil War to the Civil Rights. Visit in the spring to participate in the annual Pilgrimage, which includes an antique car show, open-house tours of historical homes, and even a cemetery tour where you can visit with ghostly figures from the past. In late spring, a civil war battle reenactment is held as well as a period-costume ball in Selma's most prominent plantation home. An annual commemoration of Martin Luther King's civil rights march to Montgomery, called Jubilee, is held in early March. Fall brings about the annual "Tale Tellin' Festival" which includes ghosts stories as well as additional ghost cemetery tours. The annual Riverfront Market Festival is held every November, and the Central Alabama Fair is held every October. Even if you can't visit during one of the organized events, you can always stop by the welcome center for a "windshield tour" recording which allows you to drive around at your own pace with turn by turn directions taking you to several of Selmas most prominent sites. Just up the road is Cahaba, the first state capital of Alabama, where you can enoy a leisurely day of fishing and picnics while nestled in between the Alabama and Cahaba rivers.

Want something with a little more action? Head up to Clarksville, TN. April brings about the annual Rivers and Spires Festival, and summers include Jazz on the Lawn, an open-air picnic with jazz music at the local winery. Ever wanted to tour a cave? Visit to Dunbar Cave to head deep underground or if you prefer, stay outside and feed the ducks at Dunbar Lake. Visit the Customs House Museum for revolving art shows or enjoy free concerts at the APSU campus. Winter time brings a beautiful lighting display in Riverside Park. Stroll under the lights at your own pace while enjoying Christmas music and the sparkle of the lights ont the river. If you are lucky, you may even see a snowflake or two. Just a little bit up the road is the military museum at Fort Campbell, which is always a great hit with kids of all ages.

Want a more relaxing vacation with a little beach time? Head to St. Augustine, FL, the oldest city in the United States. After a day at the beach, embark on one of the many sunken ship tours of take a sightseeing train to visit St. Augustine's historic sites, including Fort Matanzas, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Lightner Museum. If you are feeling a bit more daring, a trip to the Alligator Farm may be in order. After hours, indulge yourself in a sunset sail, but be sure to turn in early. You don't want to miss watching the sun rise over the Atlantic.

Learn more about this author, Theresa Morrow.
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