Hidden Vacation Gems

My sisters-in-law and one of my oldest friends Shea are planning a girl trip in July. We're all in desperate need of a few days away, but we'd also love to visit somewhere we've never been.

This morning on Madison and Shepherd, we decided to open the phone for suggestions for vacation honey holes that most people may not be aware of. Below are a few of those places, in no particular order, that you might be interested in trying out yourself.

Navarre Beach- Touted as Florida's playground, Navarre appears to offer everything. Seclusion, delicious food and lots of history. In nearby Milton, historic homes and storefronts lead the way to the Blackwater River water front where you can shop for antiques or visit a wildflower bog.

Tybee Island- Located in Georgia, Tybee Island combines the old and the new, along with a beautiful view of the Atlantic shoreline and natural marshes. After your dinner of seafood, take a stroll on the cobblestone streets and enjoy some shopping.

Biloxi, Mississippi -Visitors to Biloxi enjoy sandy beaches, calm waters and deep-sea fishing.  After the damage suffered from Hurricane Katrina, the casinos and resorts are back in action, offering championship golf and live entertainment. The city has also restored many historic sites, including Beauvoir, the home of Confederate president, Jefferson Davis.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida- Declared one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Visitors are treated to sugar white beaches, turquoise waters and easy access to Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve.

Secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge, Gadsden, Alabama- The website claims these accommodations are Alabama's best kept secret and indeed it was. I'd never heard of it until longtime listener Bobbeh made the suggestion. Perched atop Lookout Mountain, visitors can enjoy a 180 degree panoramic view of Weiss Lake as well as beautiful foothills and valleys below.

Leave your suggestions in the comments below and we'll add them to our list!