SOUTHEAST USA TRAVEL GUIDE
Why would an Aussie family chose to live permanently in Raleigh, NC?
We know how weird it sounds, but we fell in love, not only with the vibrant lifestyle of Raleigh, but the stunning landscapes and historical stories and rich culture that surrounds it.
Southeast USA is home to beautiful mountains, small towns, stunning beaches, innovative food, and growing craft beer scene.
We also feel it's where you'll find some of the friendliest people in the USA, particularly in our hometown, Raleigh, NC.
Scroll below to find some of our highlights and favorite experiences in the Southeast USA including festivals, mountains, lakes, beaches and fun road trip ideas.
SOUTHEAST USA ROAD TRIP IDEAS
18 Fantastic Things To Do In North Florida (escape the typical crowds)
Leave behind the well-known Florida destinations and head to a quieter, more rural experience in Natural North Florida. One where your bliss is kayaking down […]
Top Places To Go in the North Carolina Mountains (Western NC)
Now that we live permanently in Raleigh which is a great base to explore the Tar Heel state, we’re excited to start taking road trips […]
Places to Visit on a South East Coast Road Trip (North Carolina – Florida)
Are you planning a South East Coast road trip? Let us help you with our top suggestions on places to visit on the East Coast […]
4 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
Planning a trip to Tennessee? After a month long Tennessee road trip, here are 4 of our favorite places to visit in Tennessee and suggestions on what to see and do in each destination!
SOUTHEAST USA BEACHES
16 of the Most Fun Things to Do in Outer Banks, North Carolina (don’t miss #12)
After experiencing many of the fun things to do in Outer Banks and its natural beauty, we can report that this destination is just heaven. […]
Amazing Things To Do In Cedar Key (it’s a throwback to Old Florida)
You’ll be happy to know you don’t have to completely ditch the Florida beaches on your visit to Natural North Florida. One thing we love […]
Why You Should Visit Wrightsville Beach, one of the Best Beach Towns in North Carolina (and our fave!)
Thinking about where to travel next? Or a beach vacation anytime of the year and looking for the best beach towns in North Carolina? Below […]
16 Spectacular Florida Vacation Spots For Those Dreaming of The Sunshine State
Are you looking for advice on the best Florida vacation spots? We are here to help. From personal experience, down below we share the best […]
12 Fun Things to do in Gulf Shores Alabama (beach fun ahead!)
Planning to visit Gulf Shores Alabama and Orange Beach? We were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed our three day beach vacation here, and […]
Mel Lahr
UNIQUE SOUTHERN TOWNS
25 Favorite Things to Do in Raleigh, NC (Our Locals Guide)
Okay, so this post has been a long time coming – like 14 years coming! Not sure why it’s taken us awhile to write a […]
14 Fantastic Things To Do In Monticello, Florida (including adventure & history)
Every now and then you find a place like Monticello, Florida that pulls you in and welcomes you like a long-lost friend. A place where […]
Essential Things to Do in Beaufort SC (on a relaxing short break)
If you’re a fan of the movie Forrest Gump, then you’ve already traveled to Beaufort, South Carolina. You just thought you were in Alabama with […]
6 Captivating Things to do in Franklin TN (Day Trip From Nashville)
Top things to do in Franklin TN with kids including the cute Magpies Boutique store, Civil War House tours, good tacos and live music.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids!
Should you visit New Orleans with kids? The short answer, yes, you absolutely can bring the whole family. Our recent family trip to New Orleans […]
What to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
Looking for tips on what to do in Charleston, South Carolina? As part of our city guides series, we interviewed Caroline Eubanks who visited Charleston, SC every year […]
WHAT SOUTHEAST USA STATE ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
SOUTHEAST USA OUTDOOR BEAUTY
Fun Airboat + Kayak Adventures on the Wacissa River, Florida
Our airboat zig zagged over eelgrasses and aquatic plants and past startled alligators on the Wacissa River, Florida. Savannah clutched my arm with a mixture […]
Climb 499 Steps To The Top of Chimney Rock, NC for Incredible Views!
Chimney Rock State Park is one of the most popular parks to visit in Western North Carolina. And climbing the 499 steps to the top […]
Slip Into Serenity With These 8 Things To Do In Lake Lure, NC
Discover the best Things to do in Chimney Rock And Lake Lure NC for serenity and fun. Lake Lure near Asheville North Carolina is one of my favorite places in the US.
Family Fun Camping at Kerr Lake NC
Kerr Lake NC is the perfect camping getaway especially with kids and with friends. Prepare for some kneeboarding and tubing fun and total relaxation
Cades Cove bike ride, Great Smoky Mountains National Park – we saw bears!
We saw bears. Lots of them on our Cades Cove bike ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I thought that when, or if, […]
SOUTHEAST USA CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Fun & Interesting Things to Do in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the 4th destination we have visited in Alabama so far, and the more we explore this state the more we enjoy it’s history, culture […]
See History Come Alive in Greater Williamsburg VA (don’t miss it)
Historic Williamsburg in Virginia is the place to see history come alive. There are so many great things to do in Greater Williamsburg with kids including Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefields and American REvolution Museum.
22 Fun Things to Do in Jackson MS to Discover the City With Soul
What does it mean to be the City With Soul? This is what was on my mind when planning our trip to Jackson, Mississippi. How […]
How to Enjoy New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids (yes you can!)
“Don’t take the kids to Mardi Gras in New Orleans” they said. “Are you sure you want to go to Mardi Gras with kids?” We […]
5 Important Experiences on the U.S. Civil Rights trail in Montgomery AL
Montgomery Alabama is really the birthplace of Civil Rights Movement. There are five important experiences on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Montgomery Alabama that will help you gain an understanding of the struggles and the triumphs and how what happened here changed the world.
An Iconic Night at the Durham Bulls Baseball Game, NC
The Durham Bulls are an iconic minor league baseball team. We had a fun night experiencing American culture at the Durham Bulls game in Durham North Carolina. Do you like going to baseball games with your kids?
FUN MUSIC EXPERIENCES IN THE SOUTHEAST
5 Outstanding Live Music Experiences in Nashville, TN
5 Must Not Miss live music experiences in Nashville TN. Check out the Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe and more for the best things to do in the Music City
Visit Graceland, Sun Studios and Studio B, TN (Feel the Spirit of Elvis Presley)
Visit Graceland in Memphis, including the Graceland mansion. Sun Studios, Memphis and STudio B in Tennessee will give you greater insight into Elvis Presley
11 Insanely Cool Things to Do in Memphis with Kids (or without)
This is not your typical things to do in Memphis with kids guide. Yes, you can visit Memphis with kids and still do adult stuff. […]
A Magical Grand Ole Opry Experience (what dreams are made of)
As the curtains rise and the first performer comes out, I think of my Mum. I’m sitting in the chair that she has long dreamed […]
SOUTHEAST USA ACCOMMODATION TO LOVE
Rent a Vacation Home Near Disney World, Orlando with friends
What do you do when you’re presented with an opportunity to stay in an 8,000 sq.ft Orlando vacation home with a private pool that sleeps […]
Welcome to the Largest Home in America: Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
Tips for visiting the Biltmore Estate & Gardens: Biltmore House tours, Antler Village and winery places to stay in Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina
OUR SOUTHEAST USA FAVORITES
25 Favorite Things to Do in Raleigh, NC (Our Locals Guide)
Okay, so this post has been a long time coming – like 14 years coming! Not sure why it’s taken us awhile to write a […]
16 of the Most Fun Things to Do in Outer Banks, North Carolina (don’t miss #12)
After experiencing many of the fun things to do in Outer Banks and its natural beauty, we can report that this destination is just heaven. […]
Amazing Things To Do In Cedar Key (it’s a throwback to Old Florida)
You’ll be happy to know you don’t have to completely ditch the Florida beaches on your visit to Natural North Florida. One thing we love […]
2 Day Itinerary: Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Looking for things to do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina? Look no further. We enjoyed a lovely three-night stay in March, and below we share […]
Slip Into Serenity With These 8 Things To Do In Lake Lure, NC
Discover the best Things to do in Chimney Rock And Lake Lure NC for serenity and fun. Lake Lure near Asheville North Carolina is one of my favorite places in the US.
How to Enjoy New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids (yes you can!)
“Don’t take the kids to Mardi Gras in New Orleans” they said. “Are you sure you want to go to Mardi Gras with kids?” We […]
15 Awesome Things to Do in Nashville with Kids (adult’s love these too!)
Planning to visit Nashville, TN? Looking for tips on the best things to do in Nashville with kids that adults love too? We took our […]
Cades Cove bike ride, Great Smoky Mountains National Park – we saw bears!
We saw bears. Lots of them on our Cades Cove bike ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I thought that when, or if, […]
FEATURED VIDEO: Beaufort SC
Beaufort is a charming historical town in South Carolina. Press play to discover all the wonderful things you can do in Beaufort, including one of our favoirte beaches on the East Coast: Hunting Island State Beach.
FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES
Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.
We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.
We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.
We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.
Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below - for a deeper connection, insider tips and planning freebies.
And connect with us on social for live udpates!
OUR FAVORITE SOUTHEAST USA TRANQUIL ESCAPES
Want help planning your Southeast USA travels? We start with sharing our four favorite tranquil escapes. Our free VIP email community also gets access to a range of checklists, tipping guides, and itinerary ideas. All easy to print off and follow PDF formats! Fill in the form to join
ALL SOUTHEAST USA ARTICLES
25 Favorite Things to Do in Raleigh, NC (Our Locals Guide)
Okay, so this post has been a long time coming – like 14 years coming! Not sure why it’s taken us awhile to write a post on our favorite things to do in Raleigh, NC, […]
16 of the Most Fun Things to Do in Outer Banks, North Carolina (don’t miss #12)
After experiencing many of the fun things to do in Outer Banks and its natural beauty, we can report that this destination is just heaven. There’s over 100-miles of some of the best beaches in […]
18 Fantastic Things To Do In North Florida (escape the typical crowds)
Leave behind the well-known Florida destinations and head to a quieter, more rural experience in Natural North Florida. One where your bliss is kayaking down meandering rivers, cooling off in refreshing luminous-blue natural springs, and […]
EP 23: Savannah, Georgia as a road trip stopover
We love to stop in Savannah, Georgia on our road trip to Florida. Find out why it’s a beautiful destination and the perfect half way point. Plus tips!
Fun Airboat + Kayak Adventures on the Wacissa River, Florida
Our airboat zig zagged over eelgrasses and aquatic plants and past startled alligators on the Wacissa River, Florida. Savannah clutched my arm with a mixture of terror and exhilaration on her face. I grinned and […]
14 Fantastic Things To Do In Monticello, Florida (including adventure & history)
Every now and then you find a place like Monticello, Florida that pulls you in and welcomes you like a long-lost friend. A place where the focus is on community connection and the appreciation of […]
Amazing Things To Do In Cedar Key (it’s a throwback to Old Florida)
You’ll be happy to know you don’t have to completely ditch the Florida beaches on your visit to Natural North Florida. One thing we love about this region in Florida is the diversity and outdoor […]
Essential Things to Do in Beaufort SC (on a relaxing short break)
If you’re a fan of the movie Forrest Gump, then you’ve already traveled to Beaufort, South Carolina. You just thought you were in Alabama with Bubba’s and Lieutenant Dan’s shrimp boats, running over the bridge […]
Podcast: Wrightsville Brings out Aussie Lingo and Nostalgia
We had a lot of fun recording this podcast episode and sharing why we resonate so strongly with the beach community vibe of Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.
2 Day Itinerary: Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Looking for things to do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina? Look no further. We enjoyed a lovely three-night stay in March, and below we share our tips on what to do, places to eat and […]