Why Travelers Are Flocking To These 3 Vibrant Southern Cities In Record Numbers

Yeehaw! The South is booming! There are some hugely surprising destinations seeing record-breaking tourism numbers right now.

While some parts of the South need a PR company to tweak their often misunderstood reputation, many cities in the region are safe, welcoming, affordable, and boast a beautiful countryside — not to mention some of the most mouth-watering cuisine in the nation.

We at Travel Off Path have reported on numerous Southern hotspots as of late, ranging from the sprawling metropolis of Houston to the gleaming white-sand shores of Mississippi finally getting its due, rivaling Gulf Shores and Florida’s top escapes.

Now it’s a trio of vibrant cities’ turn in the limelight that will soon be fun-filled fall getaways, even if you can only squeeze in a weekend.

Lexington, KY: Horse Around In Kentucky’s Most Underrated City

In a recent report, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said was quoted as saying, “Kentucky’s tourism industry is experiencing the biggest historic winning streak we’ve ever seen”.

Your first thought might be that Louisville is solely the driving force behind this push — wrong.

It’s okay, I was surprised too.

One such revelation was the newfound popularity of Lake Cumberland, the state’s new summer hotspot for aquatic fun in the sun and lakefront homes to kick back and recharge.

But perhaps an even bigger surprise is Lexington’s rise to prominence. Largely overshadowed by Louisville, or maybe it’s just the brim of massive hats at the Derby, Lexington is not only one of Kentucky’s most underrated cities, but the South in general.

The city is having its third consecutive year of record numbers, largely backed by an array of outdoor adventures, especially since it’s known as the “Horse Capital Of The World” with beautiful horse farms to tour.

Locals are very friendly here; always happy to show off their beloved hometown. Dare we say they’re awesome…neigh-bors? 🐴

Whether it be horseback riding, the thrilling Breeders Cup, the highly-acclaimed ‘Bourbon Trail‘, or simply perusing the timeless streets for a sense of Southern charm, you’ll easily see why Lexington was crowned the best city in the South.

North Carolina’s New Hotspot: Travelers Raleigh Love This City!

North Carolina is an oxymoron being a Southern state, but that’s not stopping travelers from visiting the jumbo shrimp of the South, not in the least, actually.

With Asheville’s ongoing comeback, hidden gems being revealed left and right, Outer Banks’ Netflix fame, and now Raleigh’s record-breaking year, North Carolina is having a moment.

Raleigh might be a name we all know, but what’s there to do here, you might wonder…

Lots!

First and foremost, NC is the undisputed king of barbecue. Even vegans might switch teams and claim to be in “vacation mode” just for a nibble.

Raleigh is a key reason why. According to Visit Raleigh, their city is known for ‘chopped pork, ribs, brisket, and classic Carolina sides’. Umm, sold.

Food aside, there’s much more to experience, especially come fall. Raleigh has an extensive greenway system, but it’s far from green 2-3 months from now.

Explore over 180 miles of nature trails through lush parks, illuminating fall’s finest colors. In Raleigh’s vibrant urban districts, you’ll find numerous historical attractions and museums, such as the North Carolina Museum of History and the State Capitol.

You can also catch a ‘Canes game 🏒 this fall — they’re a blast! Though one really surprising aspect of Raleigh’s tourism surge isn’t Raleigh at all — it’s the town next door.

Last year, we reported on Cary as North Carolina’s new hotspot. With fun, family-friendly events held throughout the year, such as the upcoming Harvest Fest, don’t skimp out on the charm and affordability of Cary.

Everyone Is Flocking To Nashville

Is there any surprise Nashville is soaring to new heights? Unlikely.

Nashville took a page out of Austin’s book, inarguably becoming the South’s new go-to city.

Not only are travelers flocking here in record numbers, but real estate is through the roof, too!

While Nashville has largely been known for buzzing bars and country music icons anchored by the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, it’s not just the neon lights of Broadway that draw a crowd.

The latest tourism report claims nearly 25 million people visited Nashville during the last fiscal year.

While it’s true that a majority will step foot into one of the many honky-tonks, just like Raleigh, the food scene is unmatched, especially as Nashville becomes more of a melting pot and celebrities slap their name on restaurant facades.

But there are some fantastic surprises too. The city is also teeming with history, from a full-scale replica of the Parthenon and insightful plantation tours.

The downside is that large flocks of travelers and new residents have driven up prices, but Visit Nashville has provided budget tips to pinch pennies on your next trip.