Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path
- S1E177
- 35:17
- May 9th 2025
🎧 Episode 177: Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path
Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway without the airport hassle or a sky-high price tag? This week on The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci welcome Lesli Peterson, founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, to uncover the best underrated destinations across the Southern U.S. perfect for families seeking flexibility, fun, and meaningful travel experiences.
From hiking Georgia’s hidden canyons to exploring the unexpected charm of Huntsville, Alabama, Lesli shares her favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel tips for every age, and why you don’t have to leave the South—or spend a fortune—to have a memorable vacation. Plus, she reflects on her own family’s epic year-long RV adventure and the power of traveling with your kids while they still want to hang out with you.
🎒 In this episode:
- Why traveling with kids when they’re young matters more than you think
- Favorite lesser-known destinations like Martin County, FL and Henry County, GA
- The surprising magic of places like Columbus, GA and Huntsville, AL
- Family-friendly festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, even Dragon Con!)
- Top tips for planning budget vacations using state parks
- How to stay flexible and intentional when travel plans go sideways
- The real reward of travel writing: helping families make memories
🧭 Mentioned in this episode:
- 365 Atlanta Traveler – 365atlantatraveler.com
- Little St. Simons Island
- Okefenokee Swamp and Georgia State Parks
- Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival (Alpharetta, GA)
- Dragon Con Parade (Atlanta, GA)
- Hot Air Balloon Festival (Helen, GA)
- Martin County, FL
- Columbus, GA dining + outdoor rec scene
- RV travel tips and national park highlights
👤 Guest:
Lesli Peterson is a mom, writer, and founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, a leading site for family-friendly travel inspiration across Georgia and the Southeast. Her mission is to help families make the most of their time together through meaningful, flexible, and affordable adventures.
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🎒 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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