Top Eco-Adventures in the Southern States

As an LA local, I know we consider ourselves pioneers in environmental sensibility. Organic materials acquiesce themselves perfectly to our airy beach clothes, natural foods are just another factor in our booming body-beautifying markets, and, to top it off, we are pretty liberal, so we’re out on the streets with signs any time a favorite hiking trail is going to be pummeled down by a new shopping center. But I wanted to turn our attention to the environmental efforts of a region that may not necessarily come to mind when we think eco-tourism—the South. Home to some of the most historical natural landmarks in this country, eco-tourism actually has a very special place in Southern hearts.

Kentucky: An Environmental Event To Remember
Kentucky boasts one of the largest caves in America, Hidden River Cave. Today tourists can crawl, climb and explore the underground river for hours on guided tours, but for approximately 50 years visitors to this Southern town were not so lucky. In 1940 pollution cut off the river’s drinking water supply to the town and made the cave a danger-zone. It’s restoration in 1993 is one of the most notable environmental successes in America’s land-loving, tree-hugging history.

Photo: Danijel Micka

Keeping with the blast from the past theme, lay your head down at Country Girl At Heart Farm Bed & Breakfast, a re-furbished working farm on a 140-acre sustainable property. Book your stay ahead of time because this quaint B&B only offers 5 rooms, each uniquely decorated with historical artifacts and antiques. All meals are made from seasonal, local, organic and natural ingredients, many of them hand picked on the property. If you really want the Southern experience, don’t just sit pretty at the dining room table waiting for your meal—step outside and partake in the farm’s processes by canning, drying and freezing the produce with the staff.

Arkansas: The Dude Ranch
Many of our associations with a Dude Ranch may come from the popular Nickelodeon show from the 90’s, but the modus operandi of Horseshoe Dude Ranch in Jasper, Arkansas is to preserve it’s natural surroundings. As long as you’re horseback riding through the giant sandstone rock formations, cars aren’t spitting out fumes through them. Visitors an also canoe and kayak on the famous Buffalo River, or take a nature hike to the nearby quiet pools and cascading streams. The Ranch is minutes away from the Buffalo National River, with waters clear enough for turtle watching and fishing. The property kitchen is happy to pack you a lunch for your hike.

Photo: Nelson Hale

Texas: From Roof To Table
The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas Texas swapped out the rooftop bar for a rooftop garden where the restaurant gets all of its herbs and produce. The hotel also rewards visitors for being conscious of their carbon footprint en route to the property. All guests who use the DART public transportation system receive a discount, and VIP guests will be picked up in a Lexus Hybrid Sedan.

Virginia: Where Thomas Jefferson Had His Spa Days
The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia has been pampering spa-lovers since before the American Revolution with their healing mineral water Jacuzzis. Thomas Jefferson spent three weeks at this luxury location in 1818, soaking in the tubs daily. If you have energy to expend after spa treatments, you can fly fish on the private waters of the Cascade Stream. A carriage driver is ready to take you on a ride in an antique buckboard carriage along a secluded wooden trail. And it wouldn’t be a trip to the South without a tractor-driven hayride.

Georgia: The Alternative To Horseback
Atlanta, Georgia is home to the world’s largest fish tank. If the movie Jaws didn’t shake you up, take a swim with a 40-foot whale shark. Other adventures in Georgia include the world’s longest zip line tour. Located at Historic Banning Mills Lodge, the zip line runs 300 ft high, cruising along up to 60 miles an hour on preserved woodlands overlooking Snake Creek Gorge.

Photo: Lars Christensen

What makes Atlanta an eco-destination that truly deserves attention of eco-enthusiasts is this: Atlanta proudly launched the first Zero Waste Zone in 2009, diverting 2052 tons of residuals from landfills. That’s the equivalent of 310 cars off the road for an entire year.