Vacations are amazing, and spending time with your spouse or family is always fun and exciting. Planning your vacation is easier than you think; focusing on old-school vacations can mean fewer crowds. Stick with our list of the best old-school vacations, and you can save money and have a great time.
The Lost Sea
Tennessee is known for its incredible attractions, and The Lost Sea is one you’ve got to try. It’s the largest underground lake in the entire country, and the caverns are breathtaking. You can take a boat tour and even spend the night. Keep an eye out for the cave flowers, anthodites, and colorful fish.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Over 130 years ago, gold was discovered here. The town’s boom lasted only a few years, but it got a second wind in the early 1900s. If you want to see it today, you can take an underground mine tour, pan for gold, experience ghost tours, and so much more. For the truly brave, try ziplining. There’s also a national forest nearby to explore.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg has everything you could ever want. It can get costly depending on what you want to do and how long you stay. However, there are plenty of activities you can do on a budget. They’ve got everything from ski lifts, museums, escape rooms, and more. It’s a great place to have an amazing time!
St. Augustine
Florida is a great place for vacation. The place you need to see, though, is St. Augustine. It’s considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. People from all over the world used to come here to drink from the Fountain of Youth. Today, you can still drink from it, see historic architecture, learn about the history, and visit the gator farm!
Blue Ridge Parkway
When you think of an old-school vacation, you probably imagine Nana and Papa driving a van, all the kids in the back eating snacks and falling asleep, and stopping to see all the pretty sights. If that’s the case, check out the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a 500-mile road that goes through Virginia all the way to North Carolina and connects two national parks. It’s an incredible drive and well worth checking out.
Pawleys Island
While this location gets less attention than more famous tourist spots, this island deserves notice. You can relax here with the whole family for a week; it’s not crowded, and it has amazing beach houses. There is so much to see here, and you can stay at the Sea View Inn, which offers guests two home-cooked meals a day.
Ocracoke Island
If you know the area, you’ll recognize that this is a secluded and beautiful place. The island is laid-back, and there are no resorts here. Instead, be flexible and you’ll find something better. You can walk along the beaches and through the village, enjoy fish that is mouthwateringly fresh, and hang out with the locals. This island can only be reached by plane, ferry, or boat.
Weeki Wachee Springs
If you love mermaids, this is the place for you. This location is attractive because it offers a high-energy dancing and swimming show. Now, you can also swim, take a boat tour, and rent a kayak. It’s a great vacation for families or couples, but it’s not as crowded as other areas, thanks to parks like Disney.
Bemidji
The first city on the river has welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. It’s great if you love the outdoors because more than 400 lakes surround the town, and you have dozens of activities at your fingertips, including boating, paddling, hiking, golfing, and more. It’s a wonderful place to go if you need some time away from the everyday hustle of life.
Silver Springs
You might recognize this area from early 1950s and 1960s television. It was once one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions, but now it has been neglected by the public. It has also faced issues with pollution and overuse of its water. However, restoration efforts have made this area worth visiting again. The wildlife has returned, too!
Thousand Islands
Scattered throughout New York and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of things to see and do. British tea rooms and historic tours are among the popular options, but you can also shop, dine, and take a boat out. We recommend checking out the museums or going scuba diving for the daring and adventurous.
Wisconsin Dells
Those who have visited know how fantastic this area is. With its natural beauty and plenty of water attractions, this is the place for nature lovers. You have gorges, canyons, cliffs, and crisp, sparkling water all around you. If you feel romantic, you can take a horse-drawn carriage or a boat tour. There’s even a drive-in theater and horseback riding.
Easton
If you have little ones, they’ll love this destination. Easton, Pennsylvania, is home to Crayola. The vibe is totally family-friendly, and it’s a great chance to learn about the factory that produces these amazing crayons. You can also shop, hike, explore the historic sites, and dine on some fabulous food.
Florida Keys
If you want that beachy, old-timey, affluent experience, the Keys are what you need. Many associate the Keys with old money, and there are wonderful sites. You have islands and beach towns, and each one has its own flair. If you’re a book lover or a writer, be sure to check out Ernest Hemingway’s home.
Olympic National Park
Located in Washington, this park features mountains, coastal ecosystems, and forests. It’s beloved by scientists and students alike. Because it’s been designated an international biosphere reserve as well as a World Heritage site, it’s a great place for families to explore and learn. Hike, bike, and immerse yourself in nature.
Explore The Country
When exploring, you’ll find anything you want to see on this list. You’ll experience ghost towns, beautiful water areas, and relieve the stress of daily life. Honestly, we bet you won’t want to leave. Have fun and make memories with your family. You’re sure to have a great time no matter which place you choose!
