Heading south: 6 options for spring vacations off the beaten path!

Post Date - Feb 24, 2023

At NTB, we pride ourselves on being unique in the transportation industry for offering CDL-A truck drivers a career that’s truly rewarding and a culture that’s genuinely supportive. With that in mind, we thought we’d make a few suggestions for a unique, affordable, off-the-beaten-path vacation for you and your loved ones this spring. Here are six that fit the bill!

Colonial Beach, Virginia

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in a charming small town, this East Coast destination is perfect for you. Colonial Beach is a quaint riverside resort town with the second-longest public beach in Virginia and is nestled on the Potomac River in the Northern Neck region. Surrounded by water on three sides, you can enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, swimming, and crabbing. Want to keep your feet firmly on land? Opt for rented bicycles, golf carts, or the town trolley service to get around. Incorporated in 1892, Colonial Beach has plenty of history too. It is the birthplace of President James Monroe, whose great-great-grandfather settled the town in 1650, and the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is minutes away.

Cedar Key (Florida)

Located in Northern Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Cedar Key may not be as well-known as some other beachfront towns, but it’s still well worth considering as a destination. Cedar Key offers all the usual perks of an island getaway such as dreamy sunsets, unique local shops, and art galleries but also offers some one-of-a-kind things to do. Head out to the islands that make up the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge or learn more about the town at Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum.

North Georgia/Southeast Tennessee

The mountains of North Georgia and nearby Tennessee offer up many beautiful waterfalls and a wide variety of hiking trails as well as rafting and canoeing adventures. Home to the Chattahoochee National Forest and other natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you don’t want to miss the suspension bridge in Tallulah Gorge State Park or the 729-foot Amicalola Falls, which cover seven cascades. Stay in your own private cabin in the mountains or check out Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge.

Greenville, South Carolina

For a mountain getaway that offers some city fun, take a look at Greenville, S.C. This is an ideal spot for families looking for a Southern-style spring break destination without crowds or high prices, but with lots of fun and good food. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts 200 sunny days a year. Attractions and activities for the family include a minor league baseball game, the Roper Mountain Science Center, Frankie’s Fun Park, or a live show at the Peace Park theater.

Florida’s Space Coast

Sun, sand, and space! Here’s a great option for getting off the beaten path and enjoying an out-of-this-world vacation! Florida's Space Coast on the Atlantic side of the state is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where visitors can have lunch with an astronaut, watch a rocket launch, and even experience what it would be like to live on Mars. You can enjoy beach time with a jaunt to Cocoa Beach, an ocean-side community with plenty of shopping, live music, and water to go surfing, parasailing, or fishing. Want to see something special? Head to one of the nearby lagoons for an excursion in a clear-bottomed kayak to see bioluminescent waterways.

Gulf Shores, AL

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is a great, family- and budget-friendly option for getting your warm weather vacation fix. There are many options for renting beach chairs, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards right near the water as well as a wide range of accommodations such as condos, camping, and hotels. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are also largely defined by many points of interest including the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and the national historic landmark Fort Morgan. When you’re ready to hit the water, the area offers dolphin-watching cruises, deep-sea fishing, and parasailing trips.

Think you might give one of these a try? We hope so. NTB wants our drivers – and all truck drivers – to get the time they need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate while also having some fun. If you’re looking for a career home where you can enjoy a variety of options, growth, and whole lot of respect, connect with us at NTB Trucking today!