Fun activity to do on a vacation OR staycation..

This was published in InStyle mag as an idea for a staycation.  But if you're traveling with a large group of friends, family, or just visiting friends, it's definitely a fun thing to do.

- Go on a scavenger hunt

A bike ride:  get at least 8 friends together, divide into teams, and give each group a list of photos they need to snap around town in order to win the hunt.  For example, a yard sale sign, an orange jellybean, a statue with a wig, etc.  End with a victory beer and a bbq or dinner at a local joint.

Unusual places to stay in the south by Southern Living Mag

- Riverboat in Chattanooga, TN

Stay at the boat for $99 and up.  Be sure to check out Rock City and Ruby Falls.


- Edisto River Treehouse, Canadys, SC

 For $125 per person, stay inside these rustic wooden tree houses overlooking the Edisto River.


- Beckham Creek Cave Haven, Parthenon, Arkansas

Imagine sleeping in a cave with 5 bedrooms, a waterfall, and a helipad.  It does come with a price, $1,000 a night, but it can accommodate up to 10 people.

Great Hikes by Southern Living Mag

Georgia

- Tenstate Gap to Neels Gap:  about 20 miles from Dahlonega off State 348 (exit for US 19).
- The hike:  walk sound over Cowrock and Levelland views of Yonah Mountain's sheer rock face.  It's rugged and takes a half-day.  Inquire at Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi (US 19 south of Vogel State Park) about rides to trailhead.

Tennessee

- Spence and Russell Fields Loop:  20 minutes east of Townsend, in Cades Cove Campground in Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
- The hike:  follow Anthony Creek Trail at Cades Cove up to the AT.  The mountaintop's two fields offer stunning vistas.  Great overnighter (register with the National Park service in Cades Cove).


Virginia

- Hawksbill Summit Trail:  start at Skyline Drive milepost 45.6 in Shenandoah National Park.
- The hike:  climb through a balsam and spruce forest that starts and ends at Skyline Drive and winds past a stonewalled overlook at the summit.  A moderate hike with a photo-op payoff.

More active vacation spots from Southern Living mag

- Rio Grande River
New Mexico

here the limestone canyon walls stretch more than 1,000 feet above the Rio Grande River.

- Virginia
Little Stony Man trail

- Pennsylvania
Tuscarora - Overall Run Trail Loop
It has everything - waterfalls, terrific views, and the remains of farms and buildings.

Best drives in the south by Southern Living

- Best Drive
New River Gorge, Fayette County

Enjoy rafting, mountain biking, and hiking in the more than 72,000 acre area in the New River Gorge National River.  Get a good map such as "National River Gorge Scenic Drives" at here.

- Best Drive
Missouri Wine Country

Stop 1 - Montelle Winery
Stop 2 - Mount Pleasant Winery
Stop 3 - Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery
Stop 4 - Adam Puchta Winery
Stop 5 - Herman Hill

Great Escapes as told by BHAG mag

Washington Island, WI

- located 7 miles off the tip of WI's Door County peninsula in Lake Michigan, Washington Island is a popular year-round destination for tourists looking to get away from the hustle of daily life.  Arrive by a ferry or plane and then continue your adventure on the more than 8- miles of paved road by either moped or bike.  Check it out at here.

Beaver Island, MI

- this island is accessible by boat or plane.  It's about 13 miles long and 6 miles wide, and it's known for unspoiled beaches, forests, and a recreational harbor.  Visit the island's website here.

Kelleys Island, OH

- if great beauty of the island and numerous things to do isn't enough, check out the Kelleys Island Wine Co, which features award winning wines made from the island's European hybrid grapes.  Kelleys Island Wine Co also offers a selection of handcrafted beer.  Check it out here.