Southern Byways

The South is filled with so much to do and to see. If you happen to be visiting the region with your family soon, why not…

• explore caverns. The South is filled with these underground wonders. Here are a few to get you started: Natural Bridge in San Antonio, Texas, is said to be the largest commercial cave in the Lone Star State. In central Kentucky, Cave Country is named such because of all of the caves in the area. Virginia has numerous caves to choose from. Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tenn., is not only the state’s largest show cavern, but also a U.S. National Landmark. Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, Ala., holds six world records, including having the largest cave opening.

• go to a museum. In the South, you can almost find a museum for nearly anything. For instance, you can see over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers around the world at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Visit the birthplace of Kermit the Frog, or well, Jim Henson and learn about his boyhood life in the Delta through exhibits in Leland, Miss. Learn about windmills at the Windmill Museum in Lubbock, Texas. Find out more about your teeth and oral health at Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, Md.

• see some animals. See and learn more about exotic cats at Tigers for Tomorrow outside Attalla, Ala., and Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla. Curious about elephants? Be sure to visit Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary in Greenbrier, Ark., home to Asian and African elephants. Beech Mountain, N.C., is home to Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary where tours are give on request.

• learn some history. There is so much history that’s found in the south, making it impossible to list everything. Here’s a sampling of what you can find in the region: America’s Historic Triangle in Virginia that includes the towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Baltimore, Md., is another city rich in history. Here you can see such sites as the Flag House & Star Spangled Banner Museum. Visit America’s largest restored Shaker community in Kentucky. Located east of Louisville, in Harrodsburg, the 3,000 acres is a National Historic Landmark.

• have fun. Take a ride on the restored 100-year old carousel at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ride the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Ala., said to be the Southeast’s largest at 112 feet. Go geocaching!  All you need is a GPS unit and a sense of adventure. This can be a fun way to explore a new city. Check out Asheville, N.C.’s and Townsend, Tennessee’s sites to learn more.