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People often have the wrong impression about Alabama. Of course, some Alabamians aren’t doing their state any favors with cut-off tees and lifted trucks.

But if you’ve been skipping Alabama’s coast in favor of Florida, you’ve been missing out on some truly beautiful vacation spots, whether it be Gulf Shores and its new(ish) airport, neighboring Orange Beach, or venturing north on a quick drive to Mobile Bay’s cluster of charming waterfront villages.

One such place caught our eyes here at Travel Off Path for its timeless aura, blissful bayside, soulful cuisine, and nostalgic stays at classic inns and bed and breakfasts.

Inviting visitors with mild winters perfect for perusing small town delights, enjoying a sunset cruise, or even hitting the links, the city of Fairhope is the South’s most underrated winter getaway.

A Hallmark Town Center

Fairhope is a proud town. That’s not to say locals aren’t welcoming. They just keep their beloved hometown well-preserved and independently owned rather than have chain stores and restaurants ruining the vibe.

Downtown Fairhope is the most walkable area, with the exception of strolls along the bay, including the scenic pier.

You’ll find storied storefronts, old-timey inns, artsy alleys, homey cafes cheaper than Starbucks, and great eats you’d expect to find in the South.

Experts at Midwest Living crossed streams on this one, highlighting their favorite activity as renting a bike from The Fairhope Store to explore downtown’s tree-lined streets and reaching the glistening waterfront if time allows.

The most unmissable spot, however, is Fairhope’s own storybook ‘French Quarter‘ — though a pint-sized courtyard enclave compared to New Orleans.

We recommend checking out Tamara’s for an epic breakfast of southern staples and a customizable Bloody Mary Bar starting at only $5 — what a steal!

Beat The Heat! Enjoy Wintertime Waterfront Wonders

The Fairhope Pier is practically the town’s North Star. This beloved landmark serves as a renowned fishing spot and a place to simply take in sweeping views of Mobile Bay, where you may occasionally spot dolphins bobbing in the distance.

As such, you can’t visit Fairhope without hopping aboard a boat in one form or another, whether it’s fishing excursions or scenic tours, without the beaming summer sun.

While we won’t fluff up Mobile Bay’s water quality (it’s not Gulf Shores), that’s where relaxing sunset cruises come into play.

Eastern Shore Charter is the way to go with their 90-minute journey across the bay — they even pick you up from the elegant Grand Hotel, the most sought-after stay in town.

If you really want to level up your game, you can explore numerous Gulf towns on the new American Symphony river cruise, stopping in nearby Mobile.

But if you want to truly feel like a local, make time to indulge in masterfully crafted seafood dishes ranging from France’s famous Bouillabaisse to freshly-caught Gulf Snapper at Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina.

Better yet, they collectively toast when the sun dips below the water, making for a unique golden-hour tradition.

No Better Place To Cozy Up At Historic Inns

The Grand Hotel is undoubtedly the most popular stay in town, but there’s an array of restored bed and breakfasts and inns that seem to fit the bill of this timeless town even more so than a luxe hotel perched along the marina.

We have covered Fairhope in the past and still stand by our top pick, plus Midwest Living has one in mind too:

Just know both come with a hefty price, upwards of $250 per night. Despite being a low-key town, Fairhope has become a trendy getaway, and prices tend to reflect that for accommodations, even in winter.

2 Ways To Fly In

There are multiple reasons why Fairhope has become more popular, and it’s not just because word has leaked out that famous faces like Morgan Freeman vacation here or where Philip Rivers coaches high school football after a very unexpected NFL comeback.

Fairhope is now easier to reach than ever. Formerly, the best way to get here was to fly into Mobile, which you still can, but more are opting to fly into Gulf Shores now that Allegiant Air offers flights here.

Mobile (MOB) is roughly 50 minutes away, while Gulf Shores (GUF) is only half an hour or so.

Yeehaw! Who is ready to venture deep into the South to discover the region’s top hidden gems?

Experts just revealed some the region’s top escapes and they’re all a far cry from what you’d expect.

You know — Florida’s typical beach locales or perhaps trendy up-and-comers lining the Atlantic.

Whatever you want to call The Gulf nowadays, experts say that’s the focal point this fall, showcasing a trio of little-known hideaways to soak up sun and enjoy sweeping coastal views without a crowd in sight.

For us at Travel Off Path, we say check, check, and check to all 3 of these delightful towns, each unique in its own right, ranging from hidden pockets of the Texas coast to Southwest Florida’s cluster of paradises.

Let’s start with the latter, shall we?

3) Port Richey, Florida

How about a different Florida experience for a change?

No smiley oversized rodents with screaming kids, no overly priced cocktails at one of South Beach’s posh bars, and ample parking away from the crowds of always-popular Siesta Key nearby.

Port Richey is teeming with waterfront charm, not just from the coast, but from the winding Pithlachascotee River (say that 5 times fast).

It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer not to waste away on Florida’s vibrant shores, sprawled out like a starfish, and get in on the action, like kayaking through scenic mangroves, for example.

While not super popular any time of year, this true hidden gem is even better to visit in the shoulder season.

Even locals don’t fill up barstools, and lodging rates tend to drop, not that Port Richey is expensive any time of year, however.

There are a handful of mid-tier chain hotels with affordable rates year-round. If you’re seeking luxury, you want to look elsewhere.

If you’re seeking crowd-free shores, tranquil waterways, and laid-back vibes where you’ll feel more like a local than another face in the crowd, Port Richey is just for you.

2) Pascagoula, Mississippi

Believe it or not, Jimmy Buffett’s hometown is one of the South’s trendiest coastal escapes right now — and no, it’s not because of a new Margaritaville resort here, which seems like a crime there’s not one, right?

While you can literally grab a ‘cheeseburger in paradise’ at Pascagoula’s popular Paradise Deli & Grill, it’s not the food scene garnering attention either — it’s the highly anticipated launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route, which is already adding more seats due to the instant popularity.

Needless to say, Pascagoula is one of the lesser-known stops in comparison to Mobile and New Orleans.

Travelers have been quite impressed with this town’s charming Flagship District, laden with shops, local eats, and buzzing bars, and of course, white-sand beaches too often overlooked in the shadow of nearby Biloxi.

Additionally, Pascagoula was named America’s ‘most affordable’ beach destination this year, where your highest expense would likely be a $100 room at the town’s trendiest hotel, Hotel Whiskey.

1) Port Lavaca, Texas

Say so long to Corpus Christi and hello to Port Lavaca, close by.

Texas may not always come to mind for a beach vacation, but there are numerous towns ranging from the Mexican border near Matamoros all the way to the Louisiana state line.

Corpus Christi, of course, is one of the most notable names with places like Mustang Island and Port Aransas offering surprisingly beautiful beaches for a Gulfside retreat.

What’s overlooked are bayside towns like Port Lavaca, where crowds are virtually nonexistent and the seafood couldn’t be any fresher — plus, the menu is a lot more affordable than any flashy resort you may have considered booking.

Just south of town lies what feels truly untouched — Indianola Beach. If you want the exact opposite of most popular beach towns lined with vacationers and posh hotels, this is just the place for you.

Visitors can camp up to 14 days. Grab a hammock, enjoy the breeze, and the sunny, vibrant shores even most born-and-raised Texans (like me) have been missing out on.

Best of all, Port Lavaca is easier to reach than ever, even if you don’t travel by RV. Corpus Christ recently welcomed their first new flights in decades.

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People who’ve only seen Texas through the lens of classic Westerns will be gobsmacked by how diverse the Lone Star State really is.

Whether you’re drawn to charming small towns where the aroma of pit-smoked barbecue infuses your clothes, culturally vibrant cities with deep Hispanic roots, or the unique blend of cowboy tradition and modern growth in cities like Fort Worth, there’s no shortage of wondrous destinations in Texas.

Of course, there are some places that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, either, as Austin has essentially become the new Dallas, and certain small towns definitely live up to let’s say, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.

But no need to worry when hopping aboard perhaps the South’s most underrated train ride, the Texas Eagle, which features some of Texas’s most delightful small towns and captivating cities all in one route.

As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio recently, reigniting my forgotten love for my home state.

In fact, I lived in 6 destinations on this route and never took the train (womp, womp).

Don’t be like me and regret not exploring Texas by rail. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle’s cushy air-conditioned cabins this summer and make sure to score a seat in the newly upgraded Sightseer Lounge!

Sorry Amarillo! The Texas Eagle Covers Texas’s Best Destinations

No offense to the armpit of Texas, but the Texas Eagle nails it by offering a mix of idyllic East Texas towns, sprawling metropolises, and anything in between.

Much of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s unsightly oil rigs, is skipped over, and if you’ve ever been, you surely understand there’s no reason for FOMO.

According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is part of the longest train route in the U.S. Despite the name, this route begins in Chicago, but for the sake of the article, we’ll be sticking to the Texas portion, which consists of 16 stops in the Lone Star State.

In order from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s beautiful and varied landscapes:

• Marshall
• Longview
• Mineola
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Cleburne
• McGregor
• Temple
• Taylor
• Austin
• San Marcos
• San Antonio
• Del Rio
• Sanderson
• Alpine
• El Paso

8 destinations are in bold – these are the ones I believe truly stand out. With personal experience living in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes each truly special.

3 Small Town Must-Visits

Mineola:

The first stop across the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. But it’s not Marshall or even Longview that should be your first stop-off; it’s Mineola.

From age 7 to 12, I called Mineola home. Believe me, not much has changed in 23 years, and that’s a good thing.

Mineola is a time capsule. The main drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a classic theater.

To fuel up for the rest of your journey, the town’s longstanding staple, East Texas Burger Co., alone is worth de-boarding.

Cleburne:

Cleburne itself is a laid-back little town and a growing hub for outdoorsmen with scenic lakes and nature trails, but I believe it’s the neighboring town of Glen Rose that’s more of a draw.

We all know Jurassic Park is a fantasy, but Dinosaur Valley State Park is as close as it gets. Well, let’s see about the mammoth resurrections making waves lately…

Until then, a visit to Glen Rose’s popular state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting nearby.

Not to be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World offers dozens of animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs — hold on to your butts!

San Marcos:

I went to college in San Marcos and didn’t graduate (woo! student loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a party town.

From the few brain cells I didn’t kill, I remember not only the all-night frat parties and anxiety-ridden report cards, but simply how pretty the vibrant blue San Marcos River is.

In fact, it’s 72 degrees all year long, perfect for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling since the waters are pristine.

Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality

Dallas-Fort Worth:

Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth seem like worlds apart. Dallas is (shamelessly) more flashy, with upscale restaurants and high-end shopping, while Fort Worth has maintained its quintessential Texas roots as the ‘Gateway to the West’.

If you find yourself in Dallas, spend some time in the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall shops and eats. The Stockyards are a must-visit for anyone ready to explore Fort Worth, with daily cattle drives and old-timey steakhouses.

Austin-San Antonio:

Austin and San Antonio are located about an hour apart with aforementioned San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Buc-ee’s in between.

While Austin has changed more than any other Texas city over the past decade, it’s still a blast to visit, with its world-famous 6th Street, too many barbecue restaurants to name, and surprisingly stunning nature, like beautiful Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.

San Antonio has changed a lot too, but the classics remain like The Alamo and community staples like Los Barrios, my favorite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and tell Diana I sent you!

There’s no city comparable to San Antonio, famously lined with the always buzzing River Walk, with the entire network of waterways winding 15 miles through the city.

Indianapolis and Monterrey have their own takes, but nothing will match San Antonio, especially with one of the most fun citywide festivals I’ve had the pleasure of attending, Fiesta.

El Paso:

Concluding my tour of Texas is El Paso, perhaps the state’s most underrated city. I lived in El Paso for a year and absolutely fell in love with the welcoming people, cheap sensational restaurants, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and some of the best hikes I’ve taken in recent memory.

If you find yourself in El Paso, my advice is to arrive hungry, leave happy. Check out local favorite L & J Cafe.

Tickets for The Texas Eagle are available online on Amtrak’s official website and app.

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Spring Break doesn’t always mean escaping to a Florida beach to shotgun beers and yell “woo!” every so often.

In fact, the South offers far more than Florida. There are some incredible cities to visit this spring with no beach anywhere in sight.

Texas is certainly one of those destinations despite having a sprawling coastline along the newly named Gulf of America.

But anyone who visits Galveston’s shores will surely wish they had opted for Florida, as blue water over brown water is always a win.

Albeit Texas beaches aren’t typically the main draw to the Lone Star State – it’s the food, vibrant cities, stunning lakes, and charming small towns oozing quintessential “southern hospitality” scattered around the mainland’s largest state.

While you could argue there’s no trendier city than Texas’ very own Austin, it’s actually fair to say another city that used to lie in Dallas’ shadow takes that title.

Now boasting grand hotels, timeless attractions, and authentic Texas charm as the “gateway to the West”, the numbers back up the claim Fort Worth is the South’s trendiest city this spring.

The South Has Risen Again With Fort Worth Leading The Way

The South has long had a ton of potential for tourism, but many travelers who aren’t familiar with the region just go with what they see, which is often portrayals of Rebel Flag-bearing, oversized truck-driving, tobacco-spittin’ hillbillies who have the IQ of a crawfish at a crab boil.

Well, as a born-and-raised Texan, I can say that’s fair in select areas. If it’s your first time in the South, just know southern hospitality holds true with friendly greetings of “how ya doin?” and farewells of “have a blessed day”.

Oh, the looks of furor if this were the norm in New York City…

Texas small towns are hit or miss with their less-than-desirable ‘redneck’ reputation, but every major city is welcoming and a blast to visit, even the very misunderstood El Paso.

There’s no better example of a Southern reform than Fort Worth. Long sitting in Dallas’ expansive shadow, those are big boots to fill.

Fort Worth used to be looked at as a buzzing college town or a day trip destination to grab a nice steak dinner in an old-timey saloon setting.

With the moniker of “gateway to the West”, their claim to fame were country dance halls to shake your honkey-tonk badonkadonk and immense cowboy culture unlike any other city.

In other words, it was easy to stereotype. Fort Worth has actually done a remarkable job rebranding as more travelers are now visiting their city over Dallas for a surprisingly luxurious getaway.

I mean, it is called the Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport after all…

Despite its rapid growth, Fort Worth still holds all the attractions locals have grown to love and are now sharing their beloved city with 11.5 million visitors, according to 2024 statistics.

A City On The Rise Where Old Meets New

Fort Worth is one of the South’s fastest-growing cities. Believe it or not, more people now live here than in Austin.

As such, North Texas’ new golden child has seen a rush of developments in recent years, such as towering condos for residents and lavish hotels for tourists, which have garnered the attention of travelers worldwide.

Travel + Leisure featured one of the city’s newest ritzy stays last year, but that’s just scratching the surface.

I personally think Hotel Drover is one of the best hotels in America. You simply can’t beat the location, which brings me to the next aspect of Fort Worth, the beloved Stockyards.

This timeless district is like walking through a time portal to the 1800s or, at the very least, an old Western movie.

Well, minus the Tesla chargers. Hey, I did say ‘old meets new’…

The Stockyards is famous for its historic picturesque charm, daily cattle drives taking over the street, thrilling rodeo, lively honky-tonks like world-famous Billy Bob’s and an endless row of steakhouses and divey saloons.

One look around, and you’ll instantly see why scenes from Yellowstone prequel 1883 were shot here.

Springtime In Fort Worth (Including A New State Park!)

Now that March has arrived expect splendid temperatures in the 70s and higher from here on out ’til fall.

Believe it or not, there are some truly brutal winter days in North Texas, but springtime is blissful, with the exception of a few rainy days.

While Fort Worth isn’t known for its nature per se, taking strolls or bike rides along the Trinity River is a great way to get to know the city or hop around downtown’s attractions like bar-laden Sundance Square or renowned museums like the Kimball Art Museum.

There are also some fun events on the docket this spring, such as:

• Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival (April 3 – 6)
• Fort Worth Arts Festival (April 10 – 13)
• Mayfest (May 1 – 4 )

Texas is known for its vast bluebonnet fields; it’s the official state flower, in fact. Expect Fort Worth and the surrounding countryside to illuminate with seemingly never-ending fields of fresh blooms.

They’re awesome for photo-ops, but just know they’re illegal to pick. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, Texas just designated a new state park slated to open in the near future.

Only 80 miles away from Fort Worth, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park offers a tranquil getaway steeped in nature with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and even stargazing away from DFW’s light pollution.

Stay tuned for an official opening date.

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While you’re chopping wood for the fireplace this winter, there’s usually one place everyone seems to daydream about for a sunny escape: Florida.

The ‘Sunshine State’ has always been one of the most reliable getaways with year-round summer vibes and Caribbean-esque beaches, but with that comes crowds at many of the top vacation spots.

It may sound like an oxymoron, but North Carolina is home to some of the most underrated coastlines in the South, or the nation, for that matter.

Netflix may have boosted tourism for the Outer Banks, but flying under the radar is one NC beach city that’s the ultimate place to unwind with great rates and fewer crowds.

Boasting down-harm charm and mild winters, explore multiple islands and the historic city center of Wilmington.

Caribbean Who?! No Passport Needed To Go Island-Hopping

Ever heard of Wilmington? Well, first let’s make sure you’re heading to the right state.

If you head to Wilmington, Delaware, where more flights have been launched as a Philly alternative, you may eat some epic cheesesteaks but you’ll be sorely disappointed with the murky Christina River as your “beach”.

Wilmington, North Carolina, on the other hand, is historic, charming, welcoming, and offers blissful beaches among numerous islands to choose from.

Better yet, you don’t have to take a long ferry ride to reach some faraway blip in the ocean; these islands are slightly off-shore and easy to get to.

The waters are various hues of blue and can be enjoyed year-round, with Wilmington’s mild winters and temperatures hovering in the 60s.

Among the most popular beaches locals rave about is Wrightsville, equal parts gorgeous and accessible as it’s only about 9 miles from downtown.

Named as one of the best stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) destinations by Outside, that’s just one of many popular activities here, along with buzzing waterfront restaurants and scenic cruises.

How far you go up the coast is up to you, but Wilmington is also home to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

The latter is home to the top-rated Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Roam The Pretty ‘River District’

If there really were a battle of the Wilmingtons, apologies to Delaware, but you’d lose this battle too.

The River District is a must-visit on your trip to North Carolina’s underrated gem, where you discover photo-worthy Victorian structures, laid-back bars, and scenic boardwalks along the Cape Fear River.

Take a self-guided tour and hop on a horse carriage and click-clack your way through Wilmington’s timeless National Register Historic District intermixed with the city’s more modern attractions like new breweries, trendy restaurants, and museums like Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts.

The River District and downtown go hand-in-hand spanning over 230 blocks, connecting to some other up-and-coming neighborhoods like Soda Pop District and Cargo District, where historic buildings have been given new life with rustic warehouse-style breweries and boutique shops.

The craft beer scene is all the rage here with popular hangout spots like Wilmington Brewing Company, but my personal favorite in the area is Dirt Bag Ales; well worth a day trip in Hope Mills.

How To Get Here And Where To Stay

While it’s been said Austria’s airports have help desks for passengers meaning to fly to Australia, that myth has been cracked.

But hey, with two mid-sized cities of the same name in the same country, it could happen!

Make sure you book your flight to Wilmington (ILM).

ILM has many flights to choose from, including new-to-the-party Avelo and Breeze for cheaper airfare along with the big dogs, American, Delta, and United.

Once you arrive, you can stay at some nice places downtown or head to the coast. Either place makes for a great base.

If it were me, I’d be whipping out my credit card now to book a room at ARRIVE Wilmington, a revamped chic hotel set in one of those historic buildings I was telling you about and less than a 5-minute walk from one of Wilmington’s quirkiest attractions, Museum of the Bizarre.

For a coastal stay, check out Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach around $150 per night with stunning ocean views.

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