Best Spring and Summer Vacations in the Southeast

It’s that time of year where I am cold all the time, wearing two pair of socks, and dreaming of going someplace warm (or somewhere indoors with fun things to do!) for a few days. I started thinking back over the past couple of years about some of the wonderful brands we have gotten to work with for vacations in the southeast. I wanted to share some of my favorite places in the southeast so you can start planning your spring or summer vacations. Let me know if you have any questions about these amazing locations!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel:

This hotel is an indoor and outdoor experience like no other. With seasonal events to entertain kids from 1 to 101, you will never be bored at this Nashville playground. From dining to scavenger hunts, to a spa and an indoor outdoor waterpark, this place truly has it ALL. I have stayed at a lot of places, and this one is truly one of my absolute favorites! I could spend a whole week at the hotel and never leave. Time to make it happen, haha!

Gaylord Palms Resort:

This gem is located just off Disney property in Florida, sshhh don’t tell too many people! We LOVE the waterpark here, especially the all new Crystal River Rapids, think lazy river without the lazy. It’s tons of fun, as are the other hotel seasonal events. They also have a bomb breakfast buffet.

OWA:

We learned about OWA driving down to the beach a couple summers ago, and it has become a family favorite. Adorable walkable area, shops, restaurants, a magic show, amusement park, inflatable water park, hotel with indoor pool, and coming this year, an indoor/outdoor water park! We cannot WAIT to try it out!

Hilton Pensacola Beach:

Another family favorite we didn’t know existed (this seems to happen a lot…) Hilton Pensacola Beach is nestled in the best location on the beach, and boasts tons of rooms as well as HUGE gorgeous suites with sweeping gulf views. Rent some chairs or bring your own, relax at the pool or in the hot tub, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy. You are on vacation!

Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Walton Beach:

This location is a great “halfway point” for us on our many trips down to Orlando. We loved the “extras” with this hotel, like a lazy river, fun games outside, a fire pit, and a seasonal tiki bar. The family suite had bunk beds and you can borrow Xbox controllers from the front desk. Score!

The Lodge at Gulf State Park:

If you want quiet and peaceful to get away from it all, this spot in the middle of the state park in Gulf Shores is what you where you need to go! No other hotels around, everything has a very natural feel. The hotel has tons of sustainability practices, and one of the best breakfast buffets I have been to. Yum yum.

TradeWinds Island Resort:

This resort gives you a great “everything you need is here” vibe with restaurants, several pools, the beach, waterslide, live music, and even a miniature golf course! The sunsets are to die for, and the beach chair set up comes with amazing covers that provide perfect shade. Laid back and fun, we loved our time at TradeWinds!

Walt Disney World Resort:

Obviously you all should know me well enough to know I had to include my beloved WDW. The water parks are now open (at time of writing, Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment but Typhoon Lagoon is open!) which I feel are a great way to beat the heat in the middle of your trip if you are wanting a more relaxing, leisurely day. Emma Kate was obsessed with the kids Ski Patrol area when we went on opening day last March, and we truly had an epic time. Of course ALL of WDW is amazing, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been lately! The resorts have great pools, the parks are always a good time, and the themed restaurants are out favorite.

Margaritaville Island Hotel:

This one is another family favorite, where we have made some amazing family memories. The first time we came here is when we fell in love with the Smoky Mountains, and we have been back several times since. The hotel is located on The Island which is full of shopping, dining, and did I mention dancing fountains? There is a luxurious rooftop pool and bar that make you feel like a celeb. There is a gym, bar, spacious well appointed rooms, and all the entertainment you can handle with a short walk downstairs to the Island. Such a blast!