Top 10 Summer Destinations
Every summer, TFC students stay busy with various camps, work, and family. However, there are some students who do not have plans or are looking for somewhere to travel with friends and family. For these students, it can be a challenge to find somewhere that everyone wants to go. Based off of student responses, here is a list of 10 destination recommendations to help plan the perfect summer trip.
10. Savannah, Georgia
About three hours away and full of charm, Savannah offers beaches, shopping, history, and some unique dining options. While driving and walking around, the history of the city is evident in the old houses, buildings, and some of the sidewalks. Downtown, you can find many different shops, a nearby mall, and several unique restaurants. While Savannah has several beaches in itself, Tybee Island is just outside of Savannah, and an extremely popular beach area among tourist.
9. Helen, Georgia
Helen has the charm of a German village without ever leaving the state, and is only an hour outside of Toccoa. While there is typically a fairly large amount of tourist, there are not too many people to make you feel overwhelmed. There is a lot to do there over the summer, with several tubing companies, mini-golf courses, bumper cars, and plenty of German shops and restaurants to get you started. While it may not be Germany itself, Helen offers a cheap, fun alternative when you do not have the time or the money to go quite so far.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is another quaint town, that allows you to explore, shop, eat, and enjoy the gorgeous mountains. Asheville is also home to The Biltmore House and Gardens. The Biltmore offers a wide range of attractions as well, with house tours, grounds tours, gardens, shopping, eating options in either a barn or your choice of taverns, and even horseback riding.
7. Nashville, Tennessee
About five hours from Toccoa, Nashville is quite the city. Full of life and history, Nashville is the country music capital of the United States. There is the Country Music Hall of Fame, lots of live shows, and plenty of unique stores. If you like country music, cities, or especially both, Nashville is a fun, unique place that you will likely enjoy.
6. Washington, DC
Our nations capital offers interests for everyone, with the Smithsonian, presidential memorials, the national treasury, many shopping outlets, and the home to the nation’s president. D.C. offers lots of sightseeing opportunities and is a great learning experience.
5. San Francisco, California
If you are from the west coast and are looking for something close by or enjoy traveling, San Francisco might be a fun idea for you. Full of gorgeous beaches, San Francisco is all home to many museums, the San Francisco Zoo, the iconic painted lady homes, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. What many people do not realize is that San Francisco is also home to some mountains and is a favorite of nature lovers. While it may be on the other side of the country, it is definitely somewhere to consider checking out.
4. Atlanta, Georgia
About an hour and a half from TFC, Atlanta is the state capital, and a very popular tourist destination. Atlanta has plenty to offer, with plenty of malls, outlets, and boutiques downtown Atlanta. If shopping is not your cup of tea, there is the Georgia State Aquarium, Six Flags Amusement Park, the Atlanta, zoo, multiple water parks, 52 different history and art museums, several 1996 Olympic sites, and some movie filming locations. If you are more of a sports person, Atlanta is home to the MLB’s Brave’s, and NFL’s Falcons. There are also many mountains and places to explore and hike, with Stone Mountain and Mount Yonah being among the popular sites.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
While most people mainly think of New Orleans in terms of Mardi Gras, it also has many other options for a fun experience that most people will enjoy. The city is full of history, and a fun downtown area with lots of shops, restaurants, and parades. Right on the beach, there is a lot of seafood, but also some opportunities to do some steamboat meal cruises. New Orleans offers a unique opportunity to experience culture, the beach, beignets, and an all-around fun time.
2. Destin, Florida
Most people love the beach. Destin offers a beautiful beach, with plenty of room to stretch out your legs. If you are a beach person but are not a fan of crowds, you will like it just for this reason. There is also a lot to do in Destin, including a large outdoor mall and several mini-golf locations.
1. Orlando, Florida
While Orlando might be full of tourist, there is good reason as to why. With Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, amusement park lovers have it made. For those in your group who are not a fan of amusement parks, SeaWorld offers some hands-on opportunities with the animals, and there are also several beach areas, the Kennedy Space Center, lots of shopping at Disney Springs, and shops around downtown. Orlando also has some unique restaurants and dining opportunities.