Discover the Southeast: Top 13 Must-Know Fun Facts for Adventurous Explorers
1. Florida's Beefy History
Moo-ve over, sunshine state oranges! There's a beefy history waiting to be herd in Florida: The state's cattle industry dates back centuries, playing a crucial role during the Seminole, Civil, and Spanish American Wars, with cows even being exported to Cuba for trade—helping lift Florida from its Reconstruction-era depression, and now providing a fantastic boost to its economy by preserving natural landscapes, protecting water resources, and supporting wildlife and recreational areas.
Source => floridamemory.com
2. Florida's Pint-sized Peak
If you ever find yourself in a mountain range in Florida, you've sorely lost your way: the highest point in the state is none other than plucky Britton Hill, standing at a staggering elevation of 345 feet above sea level. But fear not, flat-top aficionados: this pint-sized peak boasts the lovely Lakewood Park, as well as three nature trails, picnic spots, and the almighty Frisbee—ensuring there'll be plenty to do while you catch your breath after that grueling ascent.
Source => visitflorida.com
Did you know Native American tribes in the Eastern Woodlands had clever methods to control their environment, even turning forests into scarce firewood areas? Discover their fascinating fire routines and how it affected Europeans!
=> Fun Facts about The-Eastern-Woodlands
3. Tampa's Posh Promenade
Ahoy, pedestrians and bikers seeking a posh promenade: Prepare to feast your eyes on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida - a 4.5-mile sidewalk along Tampa Bay that boasts stunning views of Old Hyde Park's National Historic Register homes! No need to pinch yourself, the dreamy three-mile on-road bike lane along the north-bound lane between Rome Avenue and Gandy Boulevard is also part of this oh-so-delightful package. And don't fret, my lovelies - Federal SAFETEA-LU Transportation Enhancement funding is pampering this trail further with more sidewalks and enhanced pedestrian accessibility. A strolling paradise, indeed!
Source => tampa.gov
4. Georgia's Nutty Victory
Pecan you believe it? Georgia's nuts are back in the lead: After briefly surrendering their title to New Mexico, Georgia proudly reclaimed the position as the biggest pecan producer in the US by harvesting a nutty 142 million pounds in 2020—a 95% increase from 2019. Despite facing the nut-cracking aftermath of Hurricane Michael, Georgia's growers have managed to keep their acreage sturdy and supply China with over 70% of their in-shell pecan needs. How pecan-tastic!
Source => specialtycropindustry.com
5. Mississippi's Mega Monsoon
Whoever said "April showers bring May flowers" must have forgotten about the 1927 Mississippi River Flood: this mega monsoon drowned seven states, sent a million folks paddling for safety, and caused billions of dollars in property damage, all while probably not sprouting a single rose.
Source => smithsonianmag.com
6. Missouri River's Mammoth Length
If Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn decided to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, even they'd break a sweat traversing this mammoth: The mighty Missouri River, reigning at 2,341 miles long, is the longest river in the United States, meandering through ten states, two Canadian provinces, and connecting the dots between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
7. The Swamp's Roaring Volume
When fans in the Southeast get a little too "amped up," they don't just raise a ruckus; they create a Ben Hill Griffin-sized roar: The Swamp, home of the Florida Gators, is considered one of the loudest stadiums in college football, with an extraordinary 117 decibel peak reached during an LSU-Auburn game – a sound level that can put some rock concerts to shame!
Source => gainesville.com
8. Georgia's Blueberry Surprise
Don't be fooled by the peaches: Georgia's true fruity MVP has a case of the blues! In a surprising turn of events, these southern folks have their dessert plates tangled in an unexpected fruit salad: Georgia may be known as the Peach State, but its most valuable fruit crop is actually blueberries! Who would've thought that the state with battle-proven peaches and colossal cobblers would have its fruit tree loyalty shaken by these tiny, juicy gems? So next time you visit Georgia, don't forget to give those azure delights the appreciation they deserve.
Source => roundaboutatlanta.com
9. Charleston's Southern Charm
If southern charm had a theme park, Charleston would be its Disneyland: Charleston, South Carolina holds the prestigious title of being the second friendliest city in the United States, as declared by Condé Nast Traveler's "Readers' Choice Awards". Its hospitality game is strong, attracting visitors with historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and The Citadel, a taste-bud-tantalizing culinary scene, and beach havens like Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms.
Source => counton2.com
10. Cajun English: A Linguistic Love Child
When life gives you lemons, speak Cajun: The Cajun English dialect, an unexpected blend of French and English, still thrives in Southern Louisiana, a linguistic love child born from the Acadian communities of French and English speakers who were booted from Nova Scotia in 1755.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
11. Red Wolves Hide-and-Seek Champions
In the game of "Hide and Seek: Great Smoky Mountains Edition," a bunch of endangered red wolves sneaked in, hid down in Tennessee, and not only survived but thrived to the point of becoming hide-and-seek champions: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park played a pivotal role in the conservation of red wolves when, in 1991, two mated pairs were relocated from North Carolina's Alligator River Wildlife Refuge, resulting in a successful production of eight offspring and a promising future for the species.
Source => greensboro.com
12. Celebrity Chefs in the Southeast
If you've ever fantasized about having your taste buds tickled by the tantalizing culinary creations of superstar chefs, then boy, is the Southeast region your buffet of dreams: Celebrity-owned restaurants pepper the region, including Emeril Lagasse's Emeril's Coastal Italian in Miramar Beach, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at Destin Commons, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Harborwalk Village, Lulu's on the bay, and an array of mouthwatering establishments by local luminary Jim Shirley.
Source => oceanreefresorts.com
13. Mouthwatering Southern Cuisine
If Scarlett O'Hara and Colonel Sanders had a lovechild, it would probably be a mouth-watering dish, y'all: The Southeast region is a gastronomic heaven, boasting an array of delicious Southern cuisine like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and cornbread that will have you swooning like a Southern belle with each flavorful bite.
Source => travelphotodiscovery.com
