There’s nothing quite like summer in the South.

For many, it’s a time to get out, explore and perhaps even try new things in familiar destinations.

If you’re looking to try something different, here’s five ideas you might want to consider.

• Up, up and away: Ziplines have taken over the South. It seems like nearly anywhere you go, there’s a zipline canopy tour. Whether you’re visiting Lula, Ga., Asheville, N.C., or at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tenn., you can gain a new perspective of the area and appreciate it even more from new heights.


• Glide around: Segway are cools, and Segway tour are even cooler. Test your balance as you zoom around on two wheels in such places as Dallas, Texas, Celebration, Fla., or Anna Maria Island, Fla., while learning about the destination.


• Embrace the Parks: State Parks are filled with various activities, events, adventure and much more. Whether you are spending a day or a weekend, you won’t be at a lost of things to do. For example, you can hike the trails at Lake Guntersville (Ala.) State Park, take to the water when you rent a pontoon boat at Lake Cumberland State Park in Jamestown, Ky., or explore the past on the grounds of Colonial Dorchester Historic Site in Summerville, S.C.


• Head Down a Trail: Whether you like sampling regional fare or learning about a city’s culture, heading down a trail is the best way to do so.  Answer the age old question of exactly who has the best bbq as you explore either the Texas BBQ Trail or the NC BBQ Society Historic Barbecue Trail. Learn about an area’s heritage when you venture onto the Creole Nature Trail in Louisiana, or  cultural history as with the Mississippi Blues Trail.


• Discover Unique Experiences: Take the entire family scalloping in Steinhatchee, Fla., or horse surfing in Bradenton, Fla. Learn about freshwater pearls from the Tennessee River in Camden. Relax while indulging yourself at one of the warm spring spas in Bath County, Va.

photo credit: Sunglasses, flickr, ashley_brown