Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.

Greenville, South Carolina, is anchored by what Forbes Magazine calls one of America's Best Downtowns. Featuring a one-of-a-kind "floating" suspension bridge and set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts a thriving arts scene, hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques, popular annual festivals, numerous historic sites and museums housing significant art collections. Excellent interstate service and a user-friendly international airport make access easy.

Gatlinburg, at the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an ideal base for a family looking to explore the park's numerous offerings. After you've gone hiking, fishing, rafting or horseback riding, ride an elevator 342 feet to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning views of the Smokies. There's also an amusement center next door with nifty rides and games.

Set against the misty blue backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a gateway to 500 thousand acres of Appalachian wilderness. If hiking over 800 miles of mountain trails and camping in dense ancient forests isn't your thing, head over to Dollywood for a different sort of fun. Founded by country queen, Dolly Parton, Dollywood combines rollercoasters, waterslides, and live bluegrass and gospel concerts, with a down home country fair.

Sevierville Tennessee is located on the eastern edge of the state, the town sits in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, about ten miles north of the park. There are plenty of outdoor activities such as horseback riding and the Forbidden Caverns for the kids. Additionally, this quaint and quiet town's claim to fame is as the birthplace of Dolly Parton as well as being home to outlet malls and restaurants out on the highway.   

Named "the only place in the world where snow falls upside down" by Ripley's-Believe-It-Or-Not, the legendary Blowing Rock geological formation has been attracting visitors to its corner of North Carolina since 1933. The accompanying mountain village of Blowing Rock sits 4,000 feet above sea level along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The winter brings enough snow to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain peaks that it is possible to ski the south, staying over at one of Blowing Rocks charming B&Bs.

Named for legendary explorer, Daniel Boone, Boone, North Carolina retains the pioneer spirit, despite having grown into a busy college town, the home of Appalachian State University. The surrounding area is one of the country's best destinations for outdoor adventures. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge to Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or grab your bike and head to Pisgah National Forest, featuring over 200 miles of exciting trails.

Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.

With live music to be heard all across town, 24/7, 365 days a year, Music City lives up to its name. From honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to songwriters in the round at the Bluebird Cafe and country music legends rocking the Grand Ole Opry, you never know who you might see. The creative spirit from Nashville's music landscape flows into the area's myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.

Branson has limitless possibilities for a memorable vacation. While visiting you can: attend star-studded performances at Branson’s many live shows; enjoy Silver Dollar City, one of the world's top theme parks; take in the beauty and adventure of the Ozark Mountains and three pristine lakes; play some of the best golf in the Midwest; visit museums highlighting the area’s rich history and culture; relax at spas and resorts; and shop at Branson’s many boutiques, galleries and outlets.

Miami is hot hot hot! And it’s not just the sultry weather. Here, the nightlife is scorching, thanks to a strong Latin influence and spicy salsa culture. Dance the noche away in a nightclub, or indulge in a fancy meal at one of the city’s celebrity-owned restaurants. By day, hit the beach of course, or have yourself a walkabout, taking in Miami’s colorful art deco architecture. Grab a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana, then ride the vintage carousel at Virginia Key Beach Park.

You may have all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, Dallas does its best to fulfill that promise. You'll find several museums with vast art collections and fascinating specialty museums like The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, which, though small in size, offers an immense amount of information about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And of course, visit a local steakhouse for a terrific (and enormous) meal.

Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Center Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.

Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.

Whether you’re a high roller or a low-key lounger, Las Vegas has something to suit your vacation taste. Sample fare from top chefs and cornucopian buffets, try your luck at one of the world’s premier casinos, or take in a spectacular show. Just wandering the Strip is enough to get your heart pumping. Once you’ve had enough of the razzle-dazzle, wave hello to the toothy sea life at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef, hike Red Rock Canyon, or visit the Neon Museum, where old signs take on new life.

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.