5 Southern US Honeymoon Destinations

5 Southern US Honeymoon Destinations

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The U.S. South has some of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the country. We've picked five of our favorites to inspire your planning!

Savannah, GA

1. Take an architectural tour in this gem of a city. You'll find charming tree-shrouded avenues (above) in the many historic districts composed of beautiful houses and impressive landscapes. It's the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon walk.

2. Visit some of Savannah's moodier attractions. Like many cities in the South, Savannah adopts a whole different persona once the sun goes down. From the spooky-in-a-good-way Bonaventure Cemetery to haunted tours, there are so many different things to experience.

3. Tybee Island Beach is just outside of Savannah for those who want a coastal getaway. Soak up the rays and stop in to quaint shops and tiny cafes. If you want to keep your honeymoon within Savannah city limits, you can always visit the popular riverfront district instead.

Nashville, TN

1. Savor Music City. Visit the Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame by day, and hit the local honky-tonks at night. Nashville has one of the most lively music scenes in the country, so you should definitely make checking it out a priority on your honeymoon.

2. Need a breath of fresh air? Nashville has several beautiful gardens for you to explore. Head to the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens or the Opryland Hotel Gardens for a relaxing afternoon (you need to re-cover from all those shows, after all).

3. Spend what's left in your checking accounts. Nashville has such an eclectic selection of shops, open air markets, and thrift stores. Vintage lovers will be in heaven searching through a seemingly endless collection of home decor finds in retro-chic style. And if all the regular shopping wasn't enough, Nashville hosts several artisan fairs throughout the year, so check the event calendar when you visit!

Charleston, SC

1. Much like Savannah, Charleston is a treasure trove of architectural history, particularly surrounding the Civil War. Make sure to go to Fort Sumter, a pivotal military installation. You can also visit numerous antebellum plantations, such as Boone Hall, Middleton Place, or Mansfield, to gain historical perspective while walking in serene surroundings.

2. Play on the beach. From frolicking in the sand on Sullivan's Island to windsurfing of the coast of Isle of Palms County Park, there is plenty to do at the coast. Drool over the stunning mansions in The Battery, an upscale neighborhood lining Charleston Harbor.

3. Experience a thriving arts scene. Don't let Charleston's small size fool you. You can find a plethora of cultural activities here. Take in a local theatre production. Attend a regional food and wine festival. Browse an art gallery. Charleston is bursting with artistic talent, so be sure to take advantage.

Louisville, KY

1. A trip to Louisville wouldn't be complete without a stop at Churchill Downs. Get your Derby on by taking a tour and sipping on a mint julep (pictured above). You can take all sorts of official tours depending on your interests, from learning about the horses to hearing anecdotal history of this American landmark while on a twilight stroll around the track.

2. Be a sports fan. If you two are baseball fans, you are going to love the Louisville Slugger Museum. The iconic wooden bat is still produced in the on-site factory. You can even purchase a personalized bat to commemorate your trip!

3. Ride a steamboat. Why wouldn't you want to set sail on the Mississippi River on the Louisville Belle? The oldest operating steamboat in the world, the Louisville Belle offers regular lunch and dinner cruises.

New Orleans, LA

1. Do the French Quarter. Of course, you are going to Bourbon Street (although locals seem to prefer Frenchmen Street). Let the good times roll with strong cocktails, the best creole food in the world, and plenty of great jazz music. This is a party that pretty much never stops.

2. Brave the Bayou. When else will you have the opportunity to take a boat ride to see centuries-old trees covered in Spanish moss or creep through the South's swampland? It's more beautiful than you realize and definitely an unforgettable experience.

3. Learn about everything. What you may not know is that New Orleans isn't all Mardi Gras and vampire novels. It's actually home to some amazing museums, parks, and historic homes. Find a few that suit your interests and spend the day improving your bar trivia skills. We think the National WWII Museum and Lafayette Cemetery are particularly fascinating.

Still haven't decided where to go? We have plenty more honeymoon destinations to explore!

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