Giddy up cowboys, you’re in for a wild ride! From a Nascar racing in South Carolina to horseback riding and rodeos in Texas, there are some adventures for everyone in Southern USA.
1. Ride with cowboys
Head to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of Texas, if you want an authentic cowboy experience. With rodeos, working dude ranches and horseback riding you can mix with real cowboys and learn about their culture, which is still strong today. On Saturday afternoons catch the Bandera Cattle Company’s gunfighter reenactments at City Plaza across from the Bandera County Court House then kick back at one of the friendly local bars or honky-tonks where you’ll find cold beer and live music.
2. Get river wild
Navigate through a landscape of forests, fields and canyons along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. Nicknamed ‘The Natural State’, Arkansas is one of America’s most scenic places and the Buffalo river is the best way to take in the towering limestone cliffs, hickory forests and wild landscape. Whether on a half-day trip or leisurely 10-day exploration, canoeing along the river is the ultimate way to get close to nature – look out for minks, beavers, bobcats and you may even spot an elk or black bear too. The Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca tailors adventures to suit all levels or opt for the more luxurious option and enjoy a hot-air balloon trip high above the river.
3. Need for speed
Rev up your engines for a spine-tingling ride around the world’s premiere super speedway in a real NASCAR race car. At NASCAR Racing Experience in South Carolina you can get behind the wheel of the iconic cars and race around the track like a real NASCAR star. The fleet consists of the actual race cars that have been driven by current NASCAR drivers including five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. On your marks, get set, go!
4. Camp under the stars
Rough River Lake in Kentucky is packed with heaps of recreational activities for campers. Aside from hiking and biking along the scenic trails, I’d recommend exploring the Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system in the world. Take one of the guided cave tours where you’ll discover vast chambers and complex labyrinths. If you prefer coastal camping, Orracoke Campground let’s you camp on sand dunes, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a bay on the other. Located on one of North Carolina’s barrier islands, family-friendly activities include fishing, swimming, surfing or simply playing on the beach. Enjoy dinner at the charming coastal town or if you’re lucky, cook your catch over the campfire at night.
5. Go swamping
See the splendour of the unique Louisiana swamp plant life and uncover the distinct waterways on an exciting eco adventure. On a covered or uncovered boat see gnarled cypress trees, spot alligators and encounter hundreds of different species of birds. Honey Island Swamp Tours, Cajun Encounters and Pearl River Eco Tours offer trips offer highly-recommended, professional guided tours.
6. Stay on a ranch
With ‘Home on the range’ as the official state song of Kansas, visitors can expect a home away from home at one of the many authentic working cattle ranches. From rustic to luxurious options around the state, you’ll wake up to enjoy a hearty breakfast before you set to work rounding up the cattle and enjoying horseback riding or hayrides. Head back to the homestay where you’ll be rewarded with a cowboy style dinner of bison and beer. Plan your ranch adventure here.