13 Quick trips

Southern Living, Aug 2000 by Stith, Mark G

summer's winding down. The children will soon return to school, and it will be back to the daily grind for everyone. Quick-while there's still time-get away for one last fling before fall arrives and you're too busy to even think "vacation."

Alabama: Little River Canyon in the northeast corner can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than anywhere else in the state. Stay in one of the refurbished cabins near Mentone at DeSoto State Park, and take in a cool evening sitting on the porch. Call 1-800-252-7275.

Arkansas: Head to the River Market area in downtown Little Rock. There's plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Among our favorite places to stay is the Capital Hotel; call (501) 374-- 7474 or 1-800-766-7666.

Florida: It's hard to beat Panama City Beach for bargains and fun things to do. Both the Panama City Beach-- Days Inn ([850] 233-3333), with its giant waterfall pool, and the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort ([850] 234-1111) are close to all the action.

Georgia: In a word, Atlanta. There's so much to do, from catching a Braves game to upscale shopping at such places as Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall. We like the $99 special weekend rate offered by the Wyndham Atlanta Downtown; call (404)688-8600.

Kentucky: Spend a fun-filled weekend at one of Kentucky's first-- rate state parks, such as Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley, or Lake Cumberland. Most of them have lodges and cabins and lots of water to make one last splash with the family for the summer. Call 1-800-255-7275.

Maryland: Frederick is a good base for drives over to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Catoctin Mountain. Or you could slip up to enjoy the late summer gardens at Winterthur, a few miles north of Wilmington, Delaware; call (302) 888-4600 or 1-800-448-3883.

Mississippi: Head for the Gulf Coast and its many resorts. Beau Rivage in Biloxi gets top marks from us, and there are plenty of things to do in and around Biloxi, Bay Saint Louis, and Ocean Springs. Call toll free 1-888-567-6667.

North Carolina: It's cooler in Carolina, especially where the Blue Ridge Parkway curls. Favorite stops include Asheville's downtown and the Folk Art Center (near Asheville on the Parkway). The Grove Park Inn Resort is a great place to stay; call 1-800-438-5800.

South Carolina: Have a splurge weekend in Charleston. One of our favorite places is the Governor's House Inn, with a wonderful porch where you can enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea under the ceiling fan; call 1-800-720-9812.

Tennessee: Choose Chattanooga. Hang out at the RiverPark area, ride the carousel at Coolidge Park, and visit the Tennessee Aquarium. Call the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-322-3344. Or rent a cabin in the Smokies from Cove Mountain Realty and Cabin Rentals; call 1-800-245-2683.

Texas: The new Westin La Camera Resort, with a golf course and a fabulous pool-or rather, five of them-sits on a bluff overlooking Six Flags Fiesta Texas in northwest San Antonio; call (210) 558-6500.

Virginia: Charlottesville is a top choice this time of year; there are crisp, cool mornings when it's wonderful to go for a soothing drive in the country. Be sure to visit Monticello, tour downtown or the University of Virginia campus, or stop in at one of the area wineries.

West Virginia: Take a tour of the covered bridges near Lewisburg, one of the prettiest little towns in the state. Downtown beckons with neat shops and good restaurants. For lodging (and dining), try The General Lewis Inn; call 1-800-628-4454. Mark G. Stith