Ten Exciting Outdoor Activities for a Traditional Southern Summer Without Electronic Devices
Relaxing Into the Simplicity of a Southern Summer
Ah, the wisdom of generations passed, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That wise old adage doesn't just apply to grandma's cornbread recipe or a creaky screen door-it's a reminder to enjoy life's simpler pleasures too. Nowadays, it feels like we're expected to fill every moment with plans, apps, or some kind of upgrade. But sometimes, the old ways are the best, the kind of timeless joy that's defined Southern summers for generations.
As we grow older, it's the simple moments-chasing fireflies, dipping toes in a creek, or sharing a hand-scooped ice cream cone-that stand out as the ones worth remembering. This summer, let's take a breather, put away the phones, and embrace the kind of laid-back fun that slows down time. Here are 10 beloved, screen-free experiences perfect for a classic Southern summer.
1. Strut Your Stuff at a Swimming Hole
Before water parks and pool memberships, Southerners beat the heat by finding the nearest refreshing swimming hole. Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of your state, these crystal-clear gems are a revitalizing change when the beach gets too far (or too crowded). Hop into the famous Blue Hole in Texas' Wimberley or slip and slide at North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest's Sliding Rock-there's no wrong choice when it comes to a classic summer swim in the South.
2. Nest Under the Night Sky
How long has it been since we last slept beneath the stars? Camping, particularly in your own backyard, can reignite that childlike awe. Even one night outdoors can reset your senses, and you'll find campgrounds scattered across the South to suit every style. For a stunning stargazing experience, retreat to Ocracoke, the southernmost island of North Carolina's Outer Banks. The dark skies and crisp ocean breezes offer an unparalleled view of the Milky Way.
Stargazing Along the East Coast
3. Paddle and Glide with Nature
Gliding silently through still water, listening only to the rhythmic sound of paddles, is a sluggish sort of travel we could all use more of-and lucky for us, the South has plenty of picturesque spots to float through it. In New Orleans, rent a canoe or kayak at Bayou St. John and drift under romantic stone bridges and charming Creole cottages. Journey to Florida's Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest for one of the region's oldest and prettiest paddle trails, with drooping moss canopies and curious turtles.
4. Enjoy a Scenic Journey by Train
Sometimes it's nice to let someone else call the shots. This summer, board a train, kick back, and soak in panoramic vistas that remind you of simpler times. Hop on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina and wind through forested valleys and across the Nantahala Gorge, or ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga, where restored locomotives traverse historic routes, some even offering dinner and live jazz onboard.
Traveling by Train: A Southern Experience
5. Catch the Movies Outside
Few summer rituals embody the essence of nostalgia like the drive-in theater. Park at one, pop a tailgate, let the fireflies dance behind the screen-it's quintessential Southern fun. Visit Park Place Drive-In in Marion, Virginia, to enjoy more than just movies: mini golf, an old-fashioned ice cream shop, and weekend showings. If you prefer something with a longer history, make a trip to North Carolina's Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, one of the oldest drive-ins in the state, with retro charm, fresh popcorn, and weekend screenings that make it worth the drive.
6. Hand-Pick your Berries
By early summer, fields of berries burst with color across the South, just waiting to be picked by hand. Indulge in a day of fruit-picking at Deep Spring Farm in Florida, where visitors can gather organic blueberries beneath the shade of ancient live oaks. In North Carolina, Carrigan Farms in Mooresville offers the irresistible charm of filling buckets with plump, ripe strawberries.
7. Wander Through a Charming Amusement Park
A family-run amusement park knows how to infuse the right balance of roller coasters, cotton candy, and charm into every inch. Lake Winnepesaukah near Chattanooga has been delighting visitors since 1925, featuring a vintage wooden coaster, tilt-a-whirl, and paddle boats that float peacefully across the lake. If you yearn for more yesteryears, head to Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where arcade games, retro rides, and an ocean breeze evoke nostalgia.
8. Float and Drift on a Lazy River
There's nothing better in the summertime than doing absolutely nothing, and the South offers plenty of opportunities to float idly down a river. Whether you head to Texas' gentle currents at Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach or the quiet waters of Virginia's Lake Moomaw, where forested shores blanket the landscape, a brief soak in nature will leave you refreshed and renewed.
Southern Floating Destinations
9. Treat Yourself at a Small-Town Ice Cream Shop
A hand-scooped cone from a local ice cream parlor is the epitome of summertime joy, and the South's parlor scene is brimming with charm and deliciousness. In Savannah, Georgia, take a seat at Leopold's Ice Cream, a Southern staple since 1919, and savor flavors like lemon custard and rum bisque against the backdrop of a marble soda fountain. In Mississippi, drive down to Area 51 Ice Cream in Hernando, offering innovative, small-batch flavors like Blueberry Cobbler and Blackberry Goat Cheese.
10. Reel in a Big One from a Dock
Whether you snag a fish or not, casting a line while relaxing on a dock is a peaceful way to spend a summer afternoon. Catch the salty breeze at Cherry Grove Pier in South Carolina's North Myrtle Beach, where you might just reel in flounder, bluefish, or Spanish mackerel. If you prefer a more serene atmosphere, take in the tranquility of Lake Moomaw in Virginia's mountains, where the calming waters and forested shores offer an oasis of stillness.
Fishing for Peace and Quiet in the South
[1] Ancient creole cottages in New Orleans. (2021, August 20). Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/travel/destinations/ancient-crete-cottages-new-orleans-south-of-north-carter-belasticsearch:en
[2] 16 days of summer in the South. (2021, June 25). Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/travel/slideshows/16-days-of-summer-in-the-south
- Southern summers are defined by their simple, timeless joys, such as taking a dip in a crystal-clear swimming hole like the Blue Hole in Texas' Wimberley or spending an evening stargazing in Ocracoke, North Carolina's Outer Banks.
- Embrace the laid-back fun of Southern summers by paddling through scenic waterways on a canoe or kayak, like bayou St. John in New Orleans or Juniper Springs in Florida's Ocala National Forest.
- Discover the charm of Southern culture and lifestyle by visiting family-run amusement parks, like Lake Winnepesaukah near Chattanooga or Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
- Indulge in the culinary delights of the South with a hand-scooped ice cream cone from a local parlor, such as Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, or Area 51 Ice Cream in Hernando, Mississippi.
- For a unique outdoor recreation experience, enjoy a day of berry picking at Deep Spring Farm in Florida or Carrigan Farms in North Carolina, or try your luck at fishing from a dock in Cherry Grove Pier in South Carolina's North Myrtle Beach or Lake Moomaw in Virginia's mountains.
- During holidays and special occasions, immerse yourself in the Southern lifestyle by taking a relaxing train journey along the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad or Tennessee Valley Railroad, or experiencing the nostalgia of a drive-in theater like Park Place Drive-In in Marion, Virginia, or Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre in North Carolina.
- Complete your Southern summer by exploring the home-and-garden scenes with a visit to charming towns and their historical sites, and savor the flavors of Southern food-and-drink offerings along the way.
