simply journey bound

South Region

Georgia

Andersonville National Historic Site

Journeybound Hot Take
Prepare to experience emotion when you step onto this prison camp, where over 13,000 men were held captive. This site is not only a national historic landmark but also a Prisoner of War Museum. Make sure if you have kids to do the Junior Ranger Program you will fully immerse yourself in the experience by putting yourself in the shoes of a prisoner of war. Depending on the choices you make, you may or may not make it out safely.  Our daughter was deeply moved by the reality of the inhumane treatment of prisoners here, and you will too.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

Journeybound Hot Take
It's been some time since we visited, a memory of the park was the excitement of the kids as they bolted towards The Wilder Brigade Monument, eager to climb to the top, and we did! We took a tour of the park, taking in many other impressive monuments along the way. With so much to see and explore, we barely scratched the surface of what this vast park has to offer.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Journeybound Hot Take
It's hard to know where to begin when describing this place, other than to say that you simply must experience it for yourself. From the beauty of The Ruins, to the sight of the wild feral horses roaming free, and the beach covered in a stunning array of seashells and shark teeth, this place is like something out of a dream. Our next visit will definitely include an overnight stay in the campground, so we can fully immerse ourselves in this magical place.

Fort Frederica National Monument

Journeybound Hot Take
We could be fort enthusiasts, we've visited many impressive sites, each with its own unique story. This particular fort may not be the largest, but it offers a peaceful and calming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to stop for lunch. The rangers on site were exceptionally welcoming, sharing fascinating historical insights and stories, which made the visit all the more memorable.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Journeybound Hot Take
Our visit to this fort remains a favorite topic when talking about Savannah. With so much to see and do, it's easy to spend an entire day here, hiking the trails, exploring the fort, and imagining the strategic planning and cannon fire that took place on it's outer walls. This site offers a fantastic opportunity for children to witness a realistic depiction of a fort attack, bringing history to life right before their eyes.

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Journeybound Hot Take
Fun fact: Did you know that Jimmy Carter still lives in the town where he grew up? It's not often that a former president maintains such a strong connection to their childhood town. During our visit, we had the chance to explore Carter's boyhood home and farm, as well as his neighbor's house whom played a significant role in shaping his character. It was an incredible experience to drive past the house where he currently resides. The visitor center, housed in his old high school, was a fascinating glimpse into his formative years. We also had the opportunity to explore the Train Depot and the historic district of the town.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Journeybound Hot Take
Although time was limited, we managed to squeeze in a visit to this bustling park. While there are plenty of other attractions to explore, we opted for the scenic drive to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain. However, we didn't miss out entirely as we also took the time to explore the historic battle sites of Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Journeybound Hot Take
COVID sucks right? The park was closed, but, we were still able to explore the surrounding grounds and take in some of the key attractions, such as the Behold Monument, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home (which we even took a family photo in front of), the King's Center, and the historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church. If we get the guts again, we will venture into the city to explore all that this Park has to offer.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Journeybound Hot Take
Have you ever had the chance to explore the impressive mounds built by indigenous peoples to honor their elite? We were blown away by the sheer size and complexity of these structures. In addition to the mounds, we also had the opportunity to explore an Earth lodge and view some fascinating archaeological finds. One of the highlights of our visit was the Heritage Trail, which offered a fantastic way to experience the park with our two young children.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Kentucky

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Journeybound Hot Take
Like many places, this park was impacted by COVID, but fortunately, a lot of the park's attractions are located outdoors, which allowed us to see quite a bit during our visit. We did have the opportunity to explore the Memorial, which holds the cabin. We were particularly struck by the beauty and significance of Sinking Spring, where a young Lincoln would have come to quench his thirst. Despite the pandemic, the National Park Service has done a wonderful job of maintaining this site and bringing Lincoln's legacy to life. We highly recommend a visit!

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Camp Nelson National Monument

Journeybound Hot Take
This National Historical Site is relatively new, having opened in 2018. It played a crucial role during the Civil War as a major recruitment center for African Americans. In addition, the site provided refuge to fleeing enslaved individuals, offering a safe haven during a tumultuous time in American history.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Mammoth Cave National Park

Journeybound Hot Take
Describing this place is a challenge - it's one of those locations that you simply have to experience for yourself. During our visit, COVID prevented guided tours, but we were still able to explore certain sections of the cave on a self-guided tour. The sheer scale of the cave left us in awe, with its vast size not only in length but also in height. The history of the cave was fascinating, as was the abundance of bats residing within. It was fantastic

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

North Carolina

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Blue Ridge Parkway

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Care Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Journeybound Hot Take
The Smoky Mountains are a vast and stunning area, taking up to three hours to cross from one side to the other. One must-see attraction within this majestic landscape is the Cherokee Village. I highly recommend taking their village tour, which offers a valuable glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people. Moreover, purchasing something from their gift shop supports the skilled workers in the village and directly benefits their community.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

Moores Creek National Battlefield

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Wright Brothers National Memorial

South Carolina

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Congaree National Park

Journeybound Hot Take
According to archaeological finds, it's believed that nomadic tribes were the first inhabitants of this area. The plentiful growth of cypress trees made it an ideal refuge. Unfortunately, the arrival of loggers resulted in the depletion of many of these massive trees. It's now known that the nutrient-rich soil in this region fosters the growth of large trees, and as such, the area is now a protected zone. Although not vast, this park is certainly intriguing, and worth a visit.

Cowpens National Battlefield

Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Journeybound Hot Take
This park holds a special place in the hearts of Revolutionary War enthusiasts, as it commemorates the crucial Battle of Kings Mountain. While one could easily spend days exploring this historic site, we particularly enjoyed the Battlefield Trail. This immersive experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the perspectives of those who fought on the battlefield, with numerous memorials and grave sites along the way.

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Tennessee

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Journeybound Hot Take
This park offers an abundance of activities and attractions, even with a full weekend, it could be challenging to do all you'd like. Nonetheless, if you're in need of a brief respite after a long car ride (like us), the Twin Arches Upper Loop trail is an excellent option. Although locating the trail head was a bit of a challenge, we found the stunning scenery and invigorating hike to be well worth the effort.

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

Journeybound Hot Take
It's been some time since we visited, a memory of the park was the excitement of the kids as they bolted towards The Wilder Brigade Monument, eager to climb to the top, and we did! We took a tour of the park, taking in many other impressive monuments along the way. With so much to see and explore, we barely scratched the surface of what this vast park has to offer.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Journeybound Hot Take
As the most visited National Park in the USA, this destination is truly a must-see. We've been fortunate enough to visit this park three times, and each trip reveals new wonders to discover. From the Cherokee Village to the captivating natural beauty of Cades Cove, Alum Cave, Mt LeConte, and Grotto Falls, this park boasts an endless array of experiences to explore. For a unique and entertaining evening, we highly recommend checking out the Pirate's Voyage dinner show, as well as the one-of-a-kind Hillbilly Golf and the thrilling mountain coaster at Goats on the Roof. Keep your eyes peele for wildlife, as we've spotted multiple black bears on each of our visits.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park

Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

Obed Wild & Scenic River

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Shiloh National Military Park

Stones River National Battlefield

Journeybound Hot Take
If you're traveling with kids, or just looking for an engaging educational activity, be sure to check out the park's Junior Ranger Program. This program allows young visitors, and even adults, to examine the cemetery and uncover fascinating details about the lives of those buried there. Additionally, the park offers a variety of walking tours and hikes, as well as a short but informative auto tour that's definitely worth checking out. Among our favorite spots were The Slaughter Pen and the Cemetery, both of which provided a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into the region's rich history.

Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail