The sprawling Appalachian Mountains run throughout the southeastern United States and include sub-ranges such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, among others. There are many mountain towns nestled within these ranges that are popular group travel destinations because of their rich history, dramatic natural scenery, accessibility to outdoor activities, and strong sense of community.
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, Eureka Springs’ downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features unique architecture, from Queen Anne to Victorian. Main Street is a little over a mile long and has art galleries, restaurants, vintage hotels, and unique shops. Eureka Springs Tram Tours are a fun way to explore with guides who narrate the area’s history while highlighting local landmarks. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum houses exhibits in a restored 1889 building that explore the town’s past, including its healing mineral springs once used by Native Americans. One of the area’s most visited attractions is the 67-foot Christ of the Ozarks Statue, which overlooks Eureka Springs. Surrounded by three lakes and two rivers, the town also provides plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
“Eureka Springs offers a wide range of activities and accommodations suitable for various group sizes and interests, from outdoor adventures to historical tours and lively entertainment,” says Jana Olhausen Kaylor, group tourism manager for Eureka Springs. “The town welcomes group tours and is motorcoach-friendly, providing motorcoach parking downtown, step-on guide assistance, and accommodations throughout the historic district and downtown.”
Known as the ski capital of the South, Boone, North Carolina, presents easy access to three ski resorts—Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Sugar Mountain Resort—making it an ideal getaway for fans of winter sports. Other outdoor adventures include hiking and mountain biking through Grandfather Mountain’s numerous trails, whitewater rafting on High Country rapids, and tubing down the New River, one of the world’s oldest rivers. Enjoy some of the best mountain views from the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, which is thousands of feet above the Carolina Piedmont. Attend a college football game and root for the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium, also known as “The Rock.” Partake in Boone’s craft beer scene at local spots, including Beech Mountain Brewing Co. and Booneshine Brewing Co.
Credit: Alpine Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Helen, Georgia, was once a logging town and became an Alpine village in the 1960s. Now, this Bavarian-themed mountain town is known for its German architecture and cuisine, and hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration each fall. There are numerous breweries, tasting rooms, and wineries to visit, including family-owned Habersham Winery, among the state’s largest and oldest wineries. Bring out your creative side with a paint session at Abstract Studio or a pottery class at Hickory Flat Pottery. Hike through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to see Anna Ruby Falls, a rare double waterfall that is formed by two creeks. Learn about native plants and animals while walking along the 1-mile Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail, which follows the Chattahoochee River.
“Helen’s downtown is easily walkable and offers over 25 restaurants and 150 shops to make planning a breeze,” says Jerry Brown, executive director of the Alpine Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The surrounding historical area has wineries, museums, arts, and heritage tours. We also offer many events throughout the year and are Georgia’s official outdoor adventure destination.”
Charlottesville, Virginia, is home to world-renowned historic sites, including homes that belonged to three of the country’s founding fathers and former presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. Learn about the national Black American experience by booking a guided tour at Jefferson School African American Heritage Center or choose from a selection of guided walking tours focused on the history of Charlottesville offered by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. The Monticello Wine Trail showcases more than 40 wineries, all within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville and with guided wine tours available. Pick apples and peaches at Carter Mountain Orchard, which overlooks the valley and groves below. Take horseback riding classes and barn lessons in grooming horses at Calberry Farms, open to riders of all ages and abilities. For the ultimate sightseeing experience, fly over Albemarle County and the countryside in a hot air balloon with Thomas Jefferson Hot Air Ballooning, which will take digital pictures of your flight from the ground and serve a toast at the flight’s conclusion.
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, Greenville provides access to some of the Southeast’s best natural attractions, including Paris Mountain State Park, which has an 8-acre lake for swimming and fishing, and 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Jocassee Lake Tours takes groups on sunset and full-moon excursions around Lake Jocassee, which has 90 miles of protected scenic shoreline and 75,000 acres of wildlife, rivers, and waterfalls. Get an adrenaline rush with a Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour, billed as the steepest and fastest zip line canopy tour in the country, as you soar through old-growth forest and treetops while taking in views of Green River Gorge. Take a tour of Table Rock Tea Plantation in Table Rock State Park, one of only 60 tea farms in the country, then unwind at a “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass jam session at Table Rock Lodge.
“Whether on a guided tour or exploring at your own pace—Greenville offers a variety of experiences that appeal to every group’s interests,” says Heath Dillard, president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC.
By Kamala Kirk
Main Image: Grandfather Mountain, Boone, North Carolina; Credit: Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
