The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock provides an attractive mix of world-class activities and affordability. In downtown, catch a show at the Arkansas Arts Center or visit the Clinton Presidential Center before grabbing a beer at one of the local breweries. Outside of downtown, visit Pinnacle Mountain State Park for scenic hikes or Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in the country, spanning the Arkansas River. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

In Alabama, Birmingham boasts a burgeoning food scene with lots of Southern flair, plus plenty of historic activities. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to catch up on Civil Rights history and Birmingham Botanical Gardens for beautiful themed gardens and thousands of plants. Get a glimpse of Birmingham’s industrial past (it was once the “Pittsburgh of the South”) at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and Vulcan Park. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

West Virginia’s Harpers Ferry is a tiny town perfect for a secluded getaway, but still conveniently close to Washington, D.C. Tucked into the mountains and squeezed into the fork of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry offers historic accommodations, a cute village atmosphere and lots of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, cycling, hiking and canoeing. © Avmedved | Dreamstime.com

Athens, Georgia, is, to some, primarily a college town, but its growing arts, start-up and entrepreneurial communities bring new life beyond the gaggle of youths that flock to the small city with the change of the seasons. Sophistication and Southern charm converge, attracting new residents from all over the country who’ve found the slower pace of life appealing. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Baton Rouge is somewhat overshadowed by New Orleans, but maybe skip the Mardi Gras destination next year and visit its smaller sister instead. Baton Rouge is a hodgepodge of Louisiana culture, mixing Deep South with Creole and Cajun for an unbeatable mix of style, cuisine and history. Visit antebellum sites like the Old Louisiana State Capitol and Magnolia Mound Plantation or the World War II USS Kidd for more modern history. © Anne Power | Dreamstime.com

Lexington is likewise often overlooked in favor of Louisville, but the rapidly growing city is quickly rising in popularity. In the past few years, the city received a number of breweries, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments and upscale shopping options. Plus, it’s just a short drive out of town before you’re in horse farm and bourbon country. © Americanspirit | Dreamstime.com

Knoxville, Tennessee, is filled with farm-to-table dining, live music venues and farmers markets. Enjoy a range of sounds and flavors from all around the world or try a little peace and quiet when you head out of the city and to the Tennessee River for kayaking, canoeing, hiking and camping. © David Cross | Dreamstime.com