More worthwhile summer sojourns within driving distance of Atlanta:

• Charleston, S.C.: Families will dig the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry's newest feature, the Children's Garden. It's actually seven gardens in one: Herb Garden, two Edible Gardens, Sensory Garden, Butterfly Garden, Dye Garden and Seed Garden. Kids ages 3-12 can explore a shrimp boat, make art projects in the Creative Castle, splash in WaterWise and build a Lego tower. 843-853-8962, http://www.explorecml.org, http://www.charlestoncvb.com.

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LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL Last-minute travel: Flexibility is the key  Know where to click when vacation bug bites  Experts say: Register for e-mail alerts, try alternative destinations  She who hesitates is out an additional $400  Food fests, fun with marine life just a short hop away  Hit the road for music, mirth, mischief

• Pigeon Forge, Tenn.: Get a rush from plush at Boyds Bear Country. You can have Breakfast With the Bears 9-11 a.m. daily except Sunday. Saturday through July 10, stop in for the Boyds Bear Country's Basket Fest, featuring demonstrations by artists from Longaberger and a chance to try basket making. 1-888-654-6215, http://www.boydsbearcountry.com.

• Highlands, N.C.: The Highlands Playhouse's 67th summer season opened with the musical revue "Too Marvelous for Words," the music of Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael and Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The show, playing through July 10, was written by Joseph Litsch and directed by Robert Ray, both Atlantans. Coming up: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (July 14-31), "Jerry's Girls" (Aug. 4-21) and "Driving Miss Daisy" (Aug. 25-Sept. 4). 828-526-2695, http://www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• Birmingham: Work up an appetite for the Alabama Food Festival and "official state dish" finals on July 16. Held at the Pepper Place Market, the event — a part of the "Year of Alabama Food" — includes music on three stages, chef demonstrations and cookbook signings, and the naming of the best-tasting Alabama tomato. Other food events include the Taste of Freedom barbecue cookoff, Albertville, Saturday; Watermelon Festival, Troy, Saturday and July 3; State Farmers Market Day, Montgomery, July 9; the Alabama Tomato Festival, Birmingham, July 30; and Sloss Furnaces "Stokin' the Fire" barbecue festival, Birmingham, Aug. 26-27. 1-800-252-2262, http://www.pepperplacemarket.com.

• Hendersonville, N.C.: They've been dancing in the streets in this charming mountain town for more than 80 years, and the tradition continues Monday nights July 11-Aug. 29. Listen to mountain heritage music or cut a rug. On Friday nights, the town turns out for the Music on Main Street concert series, continuing through Aug. 26. Both events are at the Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St. 1-800-828-4244. http://www.historichendersonville.org.

• Jekyll Island: Here's one for the history buffs. "Bridge to the Future" is a special tour offered weekdays through July 29. Visitors will see renovation efforts by Historic Preservation interns as they work to restore Hollybourne Cottage for reuse. One of the earliest Jekyll Island Club Cottages, Hollybourne was built in 1890 for Charles Stewart Maurice, an engineer and partner in the Union Bridge Co. The 45-minute tours are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No tours July Fourth. Admission is $5; free for children under 6. 912-635-4036, http://www.jekyllisland.com.

• Panama City Beach, Fla.: Gulf World Marine Park ups the ick factor with the new show "Creepy Critters Can Be Cool!" during which host Mike "Reptile" Roberts shows off arachnids, reptiles and other less-than-cuddly creatures. Four babies are making their debut: two bottlenose dolphins and two harbor seals. "The Bart Rockett Show," a new production that includes illusions, magic, comedy, ventriloquism, music and dancers, is Tuesday and Friday nights in the Tropical Garden Theatre. Take advantage of programs such as Swim With a Dolphin, Trainer for a Day and Dolphin Day Camp for ages 8-13. 850-234-5271, http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com.

• Philadelphia, Miss.: "Mississippi's Giant House Party," July 22-29, is a fair like no other. Established in 1889, the Neshoba County Fair — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — has been the home of the state's only licensed horse track since 1922. And it's the nation's largest campground fair. Families who return year after year can stay in a choice of more than 600 cabins and more than 200 RV campers. There are hotels and RV campgrounds to accommodate everybody else. The concert lineup includes Jeff Bates, Deanna Carter, Trick Pony and Joe Nichols. There'll be political speeches, harness racing, livestock shows, a flea market and a carnival midway. 601-656-8480, http://www.neshobacountyfair.org.

— Paula Crouch Thrasher