• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Best Spring and Summer Vacations in the Southeast

January 19, 2022 | Travel

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!

Best Spring and Summer Vacations in the Southeast

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.

vacations in the southeast

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!

vacations in the southeast

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!

vacations in the southeast

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!

vacations in the southeast

I hope you enjoyed this list of vacations in the southeast. We have made some wonderful memories, and I hope you get to make some with your family!

southeast vacations

 

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
✨ S U M M E R G I F T I N G ✨ I’ve teamed ✨ S U M M E R  G I F T I N G ✨ 

I’ve teamed up with @best.day.ever.giveaways and some amazing accounts to make this blessing possible for someone. 

I N C L U D E S: 
Checkered Tote Bag
Apple iPad 
Apple Watch
Divi dry shampoo
Divi scalp serum 
Dermalactives LED light mask 

👇T O  E N T E R👇

1️⃣ F O L L O W @best.day.ever.giveaways and everyone they  f o l l o w 
2️⃣ L I K E + save this reel 
3️⃣ T A G a friend

⭐️ B O N U S ⭐️ 
1️⃣ C O M M E N T  your favorite item
2️⃣ S H A R E  to your stories and tag @best.day.ever.giveaways (counts once a day) 

Ends on 7/10 at 11:59 pm EST.  The randomly chosen recipient will be announced by @best.day.ever.giveaways on 7/12
•
This is not affiliated with Instagram or any of the brands pictured. Must be 18+ to enter. Open USA/Canada.
🇺🇸 Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts 🇺🇸 Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts ❤️ 
Happy Birthday, America! 

Peep the last photo for a 4 year comparison of EK at the parade. 🥰

#4thofjulyweekend #4thofjulyparade #letfreedomring #partyintheusa
When was the last time you truly relaxed? 🛁✨ When was the last time you truly relaxed? 🛁✨

We escaped to The Alpine Haven Cabin near Gatlinburg and wow… from the jetted soaking tub with a fireplace, to the private indoor pool, sauna, and steam room—it felt like our own personal spa retreat. 🔥🧖‍♀️

Whether you need a romantic getaway, a family trip, or just a little peace and quiet, this place has everything. We left feeling completely recharged. 💆‍♀️🌲

Ready to book your escape? Use code HEATHER10 for 10% off your stay! Link in bio to check out these dreamy luxury mountain cabins! 🏔️ @alpine_haven_cabin_spa

#Alpinehavenpartner GatlinburgCabin #MountainRetreat #SpaGetaway #RelaxAndRecharge #CabinVibes  #FlourishAndGlow #alpinehavencabin
Boy were they wrong. 🤪 🔗 in bio to book wit Boy were they wrong. 🤪

🔗 in bio to book with the best discounts. Share with someone you want to cruise with! 🚢 

#virginvoyages #virginvoyagesvaliantlady #valiantlady #cruiseship #holyairball
#AD | Busy mom life = always on the go, but a quic #AD | Busy mom life = always on the go, but a quick stop at @McDonalds makes it easy to treat my girl and grab a little pick-me-up for myself. 🙌💙 With the new Under $3 McValue Menu, we can enjoy frozen drinks, snacks, and more—all for under $3, all day, every day! 🥤💸 

From Frozen Blue Raspberry to Frozen Coke, it’s the perfect way to take a breather before heading to the next activity—and ordering ahead in the app keeps things simple. 👏

#McValue #McDonalds
That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of s That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of sunscreen. 👀😆 ☀️ 

#poolday #husbandandwife #loveandmarriage
We originally got it as a solution for rainy or co We originally got it as a solution for rainy or cold days during the holidays, but it quickly became part of our weekly routine — especially for family game night or those super hot afternoons when going outside just isn’t an option.

What I love most? It gets us laughing, playing, and moving together. The games are active and designed with real child development principles in mind — which means I feel good about the screen time. And when she plays solo? I know she’s safe — no online strangers, just fun, movement, and confidence-building play.

Whether we’re all competing or she’s playing on her own, @nexplayground has become one of our favorite ways to stay active and connected as a family.
Grab yours on Amazon — and don’t miss it during Prime Day!

#NexPlayground #FamilyGameNight #IndoorPlay #Momhack #SummerSolutions #ad #nexplaygroundonamazon #playthatmovesyou #activeplay #familyplaytime #kidgiftideas #kidsummerideas

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d