As I sit here at my computer in these cold winter months, I think back on my vacation that I took with my husband last year. Ah yes, some place warm with water and sand. My husband and I like to road trip so we packed up our truck and headed for the South. My favorite states while heading to South Carolina, are Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.

The first time I saw the Smoky Mountains I was in total awe. I couldn't get enough! The beauty is so surreal. While in the mountains there is much to do, camping, hiking, tours, water rafting, the list goes on and on. A must see for those who have never been.

Our next stop was Charleston, South Carolina. The enchantment of the downtown area is picturebook. The feel of history is all around you. Must sees in Charleston are Rainbow Row, The Battery, Fort Sumter and the City Public Market. There are many, many tours to choose from, so choose carefully, it does get pricey.

If going to the beach is your thing to do, there are several surrounding beaches to go to as well. Lay on the sand, watch the seagulls fly by, the fisherman casting their rods off the pier, yes, I would like to be there right now!

My favorite stop in Charleston was the Magnolia Plantation. There are several tours there to choose from, but my favorites are the Garden and Swamp tour. Each tour is a walking tour so you can take it at your own pace. Plan on these tours to last several hours, the trails are long, the history is all around and the beauty is undescribable.

Along your garden tour you will see various wildlife creatures going about their day to day business, as if you are not even there. The garden was created by Rev. John Drayton, as a tribute to his wife Julia. Remarkable History of Magnolia Plantation

The swamp holds many secrets as well, alligators, slave cabins and a small slave cemetary tucked away into the trees as if forgotten there. A perfect place to visit for the beauty and the history.

The South has a lot to offer, in history, beauty, and food. It is definately somewhere you will want to go back to over and over again.