Soon it will be summer —- officially, June 21 —- and for many people, time for their annual vacations.

Where to go? Miami? Boston? Washington? We have another idea: This year, why not take in the beauty and history of the Southeast's small towns?

Here are six towns, all with something special to offer no matter what your interests. And most are less than 300 miles from Atlanta.

Ashland, Va.

(population 6,600)

Fifteen miles north of Richmond, and originally planned by the RF&P (Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac) Railroad as a mineral springs resort for Richmonders, today Ashland in Hanover County offers a rich assortment of historic sites.

Hanover County was the birthplace of Henry Clay (1777-1852), one-time speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Ashland was named after Clay's Kentucky plantation home to which he moved in 1785.

Hanover County's other famous son was Virginia's first governor, Patrick Henry, whose home, Scotchtown, still stands. It is from this plantation house that Henry rode to Richmond's St. John's Church to deliver his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death . . . " speech in 1775 (although some question whether he used this exact wording in his speech).

How far: 590 miles. Because of Ashland's reputation as a railroad town, you might consider traveling via Amtrak. $626 round trip; 1-800-872-7245; amtrak.com. Check for rates.

Where to stay

> Henry Clay Inn. $95-$195 double occupancy; $15 each additional guest. Original building was destroyed by fire in 1946; present inn opened 1992. Offers 14 guest rooms, restaurant, art/gift gallery, parlor and drawing room. 114 N. Railroad Ave. 1-800-343-4565, 804-798-3100; henryclayinn.com.

> Days Inn of Ashland. $65. Renovated in 2005. Less expensive and a good choice if you can't leave Fido at home (pets, $10 per day). 806 England St. 804-798-4262, daysinn.com.

> Hampton Inn Ashland. $139-$159. More expensive, but offers a Kings Dominion package (see What to do). 705 England St. 1-800-426-7866, 804-752-8444; hamptoninn.com.

Where to shop

> Dresser Drawer. Sells Kincaid and Hickory Hill furniture, accessories and "upscale" consignments. 203 England St. 804-752-1815, thedresserdraweronline.com.

> Antique Village Shopping complex houses 50 dealers with central checkout area. 10203 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville. 804-746-8914, antiquevillageva.com.

> Ashland Farmers Market. Local growers hawk their vegetables and fruits; also flowers. Open every Saturday through Oct. 25. Duncan Street, behind Town Hall, 101 Thompson St. 804-798-9219, town.ashland.va.us.

What to do

Ashland is celebrating its 150th birthday in 2008, with many events planned. (See list of events at ashland150.com.)

> Take a one-mile self-guided walking tour to view historic homes and churches. Pick up a brochure/map at Ashland/Hanover Visitors Center, a renovated 1920s railroad depot. 112 N. Railroad Ave. 804-752-6766, 1-800-897-1479; town.ashland.va.us.

> Tour Scotchtown, home of Patrick Henry. Built circa 1719. Henry resided here from 1771 to 1777. 16120 Chiswell Lane, Beaverdam. 804-227-3500, apva.org/scotchtown.

> Tour Historic Hanover Tavern. In 1763, Patrick Henry lived at the tavern, owned by his father-in-law, John Shelton. Although the original building was destroyed, the existing structure was built in 1791. 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road. 804-537-5050, hanovertavern.org.

> Ride 14 roller coasters at Kings Dominion, a 400-acre theme and water park with more than 60 rides, slides, shows and attractions. Eight miles north of Ashland. I-95 north, Exit 98. 804-876-5000, kingsdominion.com.

> Taste Hanover County wines at James River Cellars Winery. 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen. 804-550-7516, jamesrivercellars.com.

Upcoming events

> Annual Hanover Tomato Festival & Heritage Fair. Artisans, craftsmen, entertainment, food and tomato contests. July 5, Mechanicsville. 804-779-7948, hanovertomatofestival.com.

> Ashland Street Parties. Live entertainment by local bands. July 19 and Sept. 20. 804-752-7944, ashlandstreetparties.com.

More information

> Ashland/Hanover Visitors Center, 112 N. Railroad Ave. 804-752-6766, 1-800-897-1479; town.ashland.va.us.

Bainbridge

(population 12,000)

You don't have to leave Georgia to reach Bainbridge, in the state's southwest corner. Bainbridge's residents are proud of their city and enjoy the simple life: A walk or a picnic is just fine with them.

The Flint River runs through town, and many activities are centered on the water, such as the Largest Fireworks Show in Southwest Georgia, held at the Earle May Boat Basin Park on July Fourth. And there are plenty of other activities at the park's new marina.

Named for William Bainbridge, a commodore in the Navy during the War of 1812, the town became known for its lucrative lumber industry after fortune hunters flocked to the area in the early 20th century.

How far: 242 miles

Where to stay

> Commodore Bed & Breakfast. $95-$115. Antebellum, Georgian-style mansion built in 1840; oldest home in the district. Restored/remodeled in 2002. Four guest rooms. No pets; limitations on children. Deposit required. 320 Washington St. 229-248-0081, bedandbreakfast.com/georgia-bainbridge-thecommodorebb.html.

> Jameson Inn. $90. 59 one-bedroom units; Internet, exercise room and complimentary breakfast.1403 Tallahassee Highway. 229-243-7000, jamesoninns.com.

> Days Inn Bainbridge. $65. Complimentary continental breakfast daily. Pets allowed. 1407 Tallahassee Highway. 229-248-6300, daysinn.com.

Where to shop

> Book Nook. New and used books. 110 E. Broughton St. 229-248-0955, bainbridgebooknook.com.

> Curious Collectibles Carries inventory of 300,000 comic books; also card games, sports cards. 110 S. Broad St. 229-246-0700.

> Sharon House Antiques. Sells furniture, gifts, custom floral arrangements, rugs and art. 113 E. Water St. 229-246-8999.

What to do

> Take the Heritage Tour of Homes. Driving tour of more than 50 houses, churches and sites built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pick up a brochure at the Chamber of Commerce. 100 Boat Basin Circle. 229-246-4774, 1-800-243-4774; bainbridgega chamber.com.

> Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery at Willis Park downtown. Built in 1987, with a gazebo for musical events and a statue of an unnamed Confederate soldier.

> Tour the Firehouse Center & Gallery. Built in 1914, the structure was commissioned in Mission style and originally housed the city's fire and police departments and city hall. 119 W. Water St. 229-243-1010.

> Attend a play at Bainbridge Little Theatre. The group is in its 34th season. Summer performances use teen and youth actors. 220 E. Troupe St. 229-246-8345, bainbridgelittletheater.com.

Upcoming events

> Largest Fireworks Show in Southwest Georgia. Fourth of July on the banks of the Flint River. Concerts, food, refreshments and fireworks. Earle May Boat Basin Park, 229-248-2000.

> Bainbridge BikeFest 2008. Motorcycle rally benefiting national children's charities. Entertainment, vendors, bike shows and field events. Sept. 17-21; different venues. 229-248-0505, bainbridge-bikefest.com.

> 10th annual Georgia Literary Festival. Readings, book signings, children's activities and poetry workshop. Scheduled authors include novelist Mary Kay Andrews (aka Kathy Hogan Trocheck of Avondale Estates; "Itty Bitty Lies," "Savannah Blues") and Jay Barbree (NBC news correspondent and author of "Live From Cape Canaveral: Covering the Space Race, From Sputnik to Today"). Oct. 24-25. 229-248-2590, georgialiteraryfestival.com.

More information

>Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce. 100 Boat Basin Circle. 229-246-4774, 1-800-243-4774; bainbridgegachamber.com.

Lynchburg, Tenn.

(population 5,740)

Most people know Lynchburg as the home of Jack Daniel's Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the United States. Except during Prohibition, the distillery has been making sour mash, charcoal-brewed whiskey since 1866.

Lynchburg, 75 miles south of Nashville, prides itself on the fact that it's a "tiny town in a tiny county," ranking 94th out of 95 counties in population in the state.

If you're truly looking for a small town, head to Lynchburg. But beware: There's no upscale dining, no superstores, no large malls, no high-rises.

What they do have is an appreciation for the Tennessee walking horse and Jack Daniel's.

How far: 203 miles

Where to stay

> Maplewood Bed & Breakfast. $95 double occupancy; $85, staying three-plus nights; $20 each additional guest. 1858 antebellum home listed on the National Register of Historic Places offers full Southern breakfast served daily. Pets, smoking and children not allowed. Cash or check only. 686 Motlow Barns Road. 931-759-7010, maplewoodatlynchburg.com.

> Dream Fields Country Inn. Two rooms, $100-$105; and Romance Cottage, $120. This 1860s farmhouse was once owned by Wiley Daniel, eldest brother of Jack. Includes full country breakfast; see special packages on Web site. 9 Backstreet, Mulberry. 931-632-0336, bbonline.com/tn/dreamfields.

> Lynchburg Bed & Breakfast. $68-$78. One of the oldest homes in historic Lynchburg; within walking distance of Jack Daniel's Distillery. Children welcome. 107 Mechanic St. N. 931-759-7158, bbonline.com/tn/lynchburg.

Where to shop

> Lost & Found Relics. Sells Civil War artifacts (e.g., buttons, bullets) and Jack Daniel's memorabilia. 211 Main St. 931-759-6949, lostandfoundrelics.com.

> Lynchburg Pottery & Gift Gallery. Retails wares made by proprietor and local potter Frank Inman; also prints and decorative accessories. 26 Short St. 931-759-5205.

> Lynchburg Hardware & General Store. 5,000-square-foot specialty store carries Jack Daniel's licensed items including cookbooks, bar ware and kitchenware. 160 Craig St. 931-759-4200, 1-888-221-5225; jackdaniels.com.

> B&B Soap Shoppe. Organic soaps, toiletries. 365 Motlow College Road. 931-581-3034, bbsoapshoppe.

What to do

> Tour Jack Daniel's Distillery. One-hour guided tour in which visitors view the production of the famous whiskey. Tours begin every 25 minutes. Reservations not required. 182 Lynchburg Highway. 931-759-6357, jackdaniels.com.

> Take a buggy tour. C&R Buggy & Carriage has one-hour guided tours; includes history of Jack Daniel's Distillery and Jack Daniel's grave site. 8 Old Lynchburg Highway. 931-433-8461, blythehousebedandbreakfast.com.

> Tour the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum. Only gallery in the country dedicated to the history, awards and exhibits of the breed. On Public Square. 931-759-5747.

> Tour the Moore County Jail. Operated continuously from 1893 to 1990. Exhibits include handcuffs, guns, keys and vintage clothing. 231 Main St. 931-993-1791, lynchburgtn.com.

> Taste muscadine and berry wines at Tri-Star Vineyards & Winery. Free tours and tastings. 168 Scales Road. 931-294-3062, tristarwinery.com.

Upcoming events

> Lynchburg Motorcycle Rally. Bike show, music, vendors, Poker Run and prizes. Friday-June 22. 931-759-5544, lynchburgtn.com/motorcycle_rally.html).

> Frontier Days. Three nights of festivities including a rodeo, street dance, flea market, food and music. June 26-28. 931-759-4111, lynchburgtn.com/frontier_days.html.

> 70th annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. See the world championship show of the elegant Tennessee walking horse. Also features trade fair, barbecue cookout, dog show and equine clinics. Aug. 20-30. Shelbyville, Tenn.; 931-684-5915, twhnc.com.

> Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational BBQ. Entrants compete with recipes for pork ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket and chicken. Over $25,000 in cash and awards. Oct. 25. Jack Daniel's Distillery. 931-759-6144, jackdaniels.com.

More information

> Metropolitan Lynchburg-Moore County Chamber of Commerce, 10 S. Mechanic St. 931-759-4111, lynchburgtn.com.

Mexico Beach, Fla.

(population 1,200)

If it's salt and sand you crave, but not a fast-paced, glittery hot spot such as Myrtle Beach, this is the place.

Mexico Beach in Bay County is a quiet beach community on Florida's Panhandle, an area often referred to as the state's "Forgotten Coast."

The pace here is slooow. There are no traffic lights in Mexico Beach; you'll find a three-mile beach.

The town can trace its roots to 1900, when Felix DuPont purchased land to produce turpentine. In 1946, several men formed the Mexico Beach Corp., purchased the land for $65,000 and began developing the beach. The town was finally incorporated in 1966.

How far: 311 miles

Where to stay

> El Governor Motel. $50-$250. 120 beachfront rooms and RV park; also poolside bar. 1701 U.S. 98. 1-888-648-5757, 850-648-5757; mexicobeach.com/elgovnor.

> Driftwood Inn. From April to September, $140-$155 double-occupancy rooms Sundays-Thursdays; $155-$170 Fridays-Saturdays or weekly rate of $980-$1,085; add $10 per night for each additional guest; $15 per night per pet; rates lower in fall and winter. Located on the beach, it has rooms and Victorian cottages for rent. Children must be at least 3 years old. 2105 U.S. 98. 850-648-5126, driftwoodinn.com.

> Motel Buena Vista. May 25-Labor Day $125, plus tax. Four newly renovated units facing the ocean. Small pets allowed; nonsmoking. Note: Local law prohibits pets on the beach. 903 U.S. 98. 850-648-5323. motelbuenavista.com.

Where to shop

> Prickly Pears Gourmet Gallery. Retails gourmet foods, local art, chocolates, cheeses, wines, microbrewed beers, cigars and jewelry. Espresso bar. Offers cooking classes, wine tastings and monthly art events. 101 S. 36th St. 850-648-1115, pricklypears.net.

> The Port Fine Wine & Spirits. Offers beer, wine, liquor and cigars. 202 U.S. 98, Port St. Joe. 850-229-2977, theportfinewine.com.

> Beachwalk Clothing and Gifts. Also carries wine inventory. 3102 U.S. 98, Port St. Joe. 850-648-4200.

> Frost's Pottery Garden. Sells candles, wineglasses, birdhouses, knickknacks, and, of course, pottery. 2950 U.S. 98, Port St. Joe. 850-229-1221, frostpotterygarden.com.

What to do

> Eat ice cream. Scoops Up! Ice Cream Cafe. Also hot dogs, chili dogs, barbecue. Free Internet access. 2802-A U.S. 98. 850-648-5118.

> Go scuba diving or snorkeling. For information and a list of artificial reefs, see mbara.org, the Web site of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the area's artificial reef, or call 850-648-4354.

> Go sport fishing. Charter a boat from Miss Mary's Charters and hook a line for Spanish mackerel, sharks and other fish. A little pricey, but how often can you say you went shark fishing in the Gulf of Mexico? Prices depend on trip length. An example: Four hours of shark fishing is $500. Also offers sightseeing tours for $75 an hour. 850-527-6272, charterboat-missmary.com. Anglers preferring to go it alone can fish on Mexico Beach's public fishing pier on 37th Street.

> Enjoy a specialty frozen drink on the beachside patio at Toucan's Restaurant and Bar. Also offers lunch and dinner menus. 812 U.S. 98. 850-648-8207, toucansmexicobeach.com.

> Attend free concerts in the park every Thursday in September. Bring a chair and picnic and enjoy the weekly concert. Music varies. Sunset Park, beside El Governor Motel.

Upcoming events

> 12th annual Scallop Festival. Features cooked and frozen scallops, arts and crafts, entertainment, kids' zone, food court. Aug. 2-3. 850-227-1223, gulfchamber.org.

> 12th annual Kingfisher Tournament. Largest fishing tournament in the area; king mackerel top prize is $4,000. Entry fee: $150 per boat. Aug. 23. 850-648-4354, mbara.org.

> 10th annual Art & Wine Festival. Wine tasting and silent art auction. Artists and photographers display their wares. Oct. 18. Driftwood Inn, 1701 U.S. 98. 850-648-5126, driftwoodinn.com.

More information

> Welcome Center, 102 Canal Parkway. 1-888-723-2546, mexicobeach.com.

Southport, N.C.

(population 2,350)

At the mouth of the Cape Fear River on the Intracoastal Waterway, Southport, in Brunswick County, is another fishermen's paradise, with saltwater and freshwater options.

Bring your boat and cast off for deep-sea fishing at the Southport Marina. Or charter a boat locally.

The first Spanish explorers arrived in Brunswick County in 1521, but Southport wasn't founded until 1792. Originally named Smithville, the town changed its name to Southport in 1887.

Hollywood finds this picturesque little village an ideal one for moviemaking. Taped here were scenes from the films "Crimes of the Heart" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and television shows "Dawson's Creek" and "Matlock."

How far: 413 miles

Where to stay

> Lois Jane's Riverview Inn. Summer rates: $126.50-$143 double occupancy, $25 each additional guest. Five-room Victorian inn overlooking Cape Fear River offers full breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres; two-night minimum; no pets. 106 W. Bay St. 1-800-457-1152, 910-457-6701; loisjanes.com.

> Comfort Suites. $139-$179; $20 per night/per pet. 70 one-bedroom units; smoke-free; continental breakfast and Internet access; pets allowed. 4963 Southport-Supply Road. 910-454-7444, comfort suites.com/hotel/nc351.

> Brunswick Inn Bed & Breakfast. $199 double occupancy, $99 each additional guest in Garden Room. Circa-1896 Federal-style mansion, with private baths, working fireplaces and queen-size beds; home-cooked breakfast; no pets. Credit cards not accepted. 301 E. Bay St. 910-457-5278, brunswickinn.com.

Where to shop

> Lantana's Gallery & Gifts. Features local art and gifts. In summer and fall, attend an art gallery walk 5-7 p.m. the first Friday of each month. 110 E. Nash St. 910-457-0957, lantanasgallery.com.

> Ricky Evans Gallery. Features local self-taught artist Evans, who specializes in painting seashores and lighthouses. 211 N. Howe St. 910-457-1129, rickyevansgallery.com.

> Christmas House. House built in 1885; sells ornaments, decorations, flowers and gifts. 104 W. Moore St. 910-457-5166.

> Cat on a Whisk. Sells gourmet goods and kitchenware. 600C N. Howe St. 910-454-4451, catonawhisk.com.

What to do

> Go deep-sea fishing. Southport Marina, C-Dock, 606 W. West St. 910-457-9900, southport-marina.com.

> Take a downtown walking tour on the Southport Trail. One-mile tour includes 23 historic houses, churches and other sites. Pick up a brochure at the Visitors Center. 113 W. Moore St. 1-800-388-9635, 910-457-7927; cityofsouthport.com.

> Go to the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport. Self-guided tour. Highlights maritime history of the Cape Fear River and southeast North Carolina. Includes popular exhibit on hurricane tracking. 116 N. Howe St. 910-457-0003, www.ncmaritime.org.

> Explore Fort Fisher. Remains of fort that kept Cape Fear River and port of Wilmington open to Confederate blockade runners until it fell on Jan. 15, 1865. Includes museum. 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd., Kure Beach. 910-458-5538, nchistoricsites.org/fisher.

> Climb to the top of "Old Baldy." North Carolina's oldest lighthouse (1817) sits across the river from Southport on Bald Head Island. Ferry across. 101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island. 910-457-7481, oldbaldy.org.

Upcoming events

> North Carolina Fourth of July Festival. Includes arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, parade and fireworks. July 1-4. 910-457-6964, nc4thofjuly.com.

> Children's Crab Derby. Kids ages 16 and younger go "crabbing" in the water. Sept. 1. 910-457-7945.

> U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. Cash prizes, including $25,000 grand prize for largest king mackerel. Attracts about 500 boats each year. Oct. 2-4. 1-800-457-6964, usopenkmt.com.

More information

> Southport Visitors Center, 113 W. Moore St. 910-457-7927, 1-800-388-9635; cityofsouthport.com.

Waycross

(population 15,000)

Waycross, in Ware County, in Georgia's southeast corner, is on the northern tip of the 425,000-acre Okefenokee Swamp.

The town was founded in 1872 as a center for rail traffic, which it remains today. It's the second-largest computerized yard for CSX in the United States (CSX is the largest railroad in the eastern United States).

It got the name "Waycross" because people referred to the town as "the way of the cross" because of the large number of churches being built in the area at the time.

Waycross' links to famous people include actors Burt Reynolds (birthplace) and Pernell Roberts, Ossie Davis and musician Gram Parsons, whose childhood homes were here.

How far: 239 miles

Where to stay

> Pond View Fine Dining & Inn. $95 plus tax, double occupancy, $10 each additional guest. Four inn rooms; self-serve continental breakfast; Internet access; no pets. 311 Pendleton St. 1-866-582-5149, 912-283-9300; pondviewinn.com.

> Best Western Bradbury Inn & Suites. $85-$95. Remodeled in 2005; no pets. 2570 Memorial Drive. 912-284-0095, bestwestern.com.

> Jameson Inn. $70-$95. 62 one-bedroom units; Internet access, fitness center. 950 City Blvd. 912-283-3800, jamesoninns.com.

Where to shop

> Whistle Stop Pottery. Sells miscellaneous home furnishings; in historic downtown. 420 Elizabeth St. 912-287-1333.

> Lovejoy Kreations. Sells women's clothing and accessories, home accents, consignments. 412 Mary St. 912-287-5680.

> Bennett Book Gift & Card Shop. Offers books, gifts, souvenirs. 2215 Memorial Drive. 912-285-7675.

What to do

> Take a walking tour of the Historic Downtown District. Includes 26 historic houses, churches and sites. Pick up a brochure at the Waycross Visitors Center, housed in a 1900s rail depot. 315-A Plant Ave. 912-283-3744, swampgeorgia.com.

> Explore the Okefenokee Swamp Park. See local swamp wildlife; part of a National Wildlife Refuge. Hiking and boat tours. 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road. 912-283-0583, okeswamp.com.

> Tour the Okefenokee Heritage Center, which highlights the history and art of the Okefenokee area, and the Southern Forest World Museum, dedicated to the history of the area's timber industry. Okefenokee Heritage Center, 1460 N. Augusta Ave. 912-285-4260. Southern Forest World Museum (entrance through Okefenokee Heritage Center building), 912-285-4056.

> Play golf at the Lakes of Laura S. Walker. Steve Burns-designed 18-hole public golf course that sits around a 120-acre lake. 5500 Laura Walker Road. 1-800-434-0982; pro shop 912-285-6154, 1-877-591-5578.

Upcoming events

> Jaycees Fourth of July. Music, food, fireworks. Also parachute team demonstration. July Fourth. 912-283-3714.

> Twin Oaks Bluegrass Convention. Bluegrass music festival. No alcoholic beverages; pets must be on a leash. Sept. 4-6. Twin Oaks Bluegrass Park, Route 1, Hoboken. 912-458-2365, twinoakspark.com.

> Annual Fall Festival. Games, hayrides and refreshments at the park. Oct. 18. Laura S. Walker State Park, 5653 Laura Walker Road. 912-287-4900.

More information

> Waycross Tourism Bureau and Visitors Center, 315-A Plant Ave. 912-283-3744, swampgeorgia.com.

 SHANNON PEAVY / Staff
Map of southeastern U.S. locates Mexico Beach, Fla., Bainbridge, Ga., Waycross, Ga., Lynchburg, Tenn., Southport, N.C., and Ashland, Va., relative to Atlanta.