Hipmunk Hotels: Affordable Southern Hotels in Durham, Gainesville, Ocean City and More
With important historical attractions and ample outdoor adventure, a vacation to America’s South is guaranteed to be memorable. Here are five of the more interesting cities to consider visiting.
Durham, NC
Home to Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, is also known for its Civil War history. Culture is alive and well in Durham, with a variety of interesting events held throughout the year, including jazz, dance, and film festivals. Look for interesting art exhibitions, plays, symphony concerts, and cultural events. If you plan to attend a Duke basketball game, you’ll need to plan ahead as tickets are often difficult to obtain, especially as game days approach. Some of Durham’s best attractions include the Museum of Life and Science, Duke’s Chapel, and Duke University Lemur Center. Duke Homestead will give visitors insight on life at a tobacco farm in the 1850’s, while Bennett Place is where Generals Joseph E. Johnston and William T. Sherman met to reach a final settlement on the Civil War.
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and the famous Florida Gators football team. While a lot of visitors to Gainesville are in town to catch a game, Gainesville is also a great family vacation destination. Enjoy the trails, wildlife, and boating on the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. There is even a wildlife viewing platform for those that don’t want to travel down into the prairie. Hotels in Gainesville are very reasonable; consider Americas Best Value Inn-University of Florida with rooms at just over $50 a night.
Ocean City, Maryland
If it’s a great waterfront and boardwalk destination you’re after, book a trip to Ocean City, Maryland. Ocean City can get pricey during the summer months, so plan for the shoulder season, just before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, to save some money. While you can enjoy the boardwalk during the frigid winter months, many stores are closed, so try to avoid Ocean City from December through February.
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, is the largest American city on the Mexican frontier. It lies at the western edge of the state, on the left bank of the Rio Grande. El Paso has a number of interesting historical attractions like Yselta Mission, one of the most important surviving Spanish missions, and the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. One of the most unique attractions you’ll find on your travels is located in El Paso — the National Border Patrol Museum. Check out patrol vehicles and exhibits with uniforms, badges, photos, and more. Be sure to visit the Chamizal National Memorial as well, a 55-acre site that pays homage to the settlement of disputes between the US and Mexico.
Newport News, Virginia
Up for some delicious seafood and great beaches? Head to Newport News, Virginia, on your holiday. Summer is obviously the peak time, but Newport News is still a great city to visit year-round. It’s less than an hour drive from Virginia Beach, and there are plenty of nearby attractions to keep you busy. Off season will see very reasonable room rates, even as low as $50 a night at properties like Days Inn Newport News.