It’s no surprise that walking is good for you, on a variety of levels. For one thing, it burns calories and helps to maintain a healthy weight. It gets your heart rate up, lowers your blood pressure, decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease and strengthens your body. Beyond the purely physical benefits, walking is a great stress relief; it provides you with time to reflect and meditate, away from the concerns of daily life. Then there are the benefits to your pocketbook: unlike gym memberships or yoga classes, walking is free. All you need is a good pair of sneakers, a sidewalk or a trail, and you’re off. And, of course, walking is a “green” choice—by putting your feet on the sidewalk rather than the rubber to the road, you’re doing your bit to protect the environment. Here’s your guide to some stellar pedestrian Southern cities—places where the weather will permit winding your way on foot.

Strolling Your Way through the Tarheel State

With its vibrant downtown, public art scene and the largest transit system between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA, the Queen City is a great place for pedestrians to explore. Charlotte, NC is also home to North Carolina’s highest percentage of parks per square mile, making it as attractive as it is exciting. Stroll the streets of Center City, where the Bank of America Corporate Center and Wachovia Atrium are just two places you’ll find amazing art. The NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Mint Museum of Craft and Design, McColl Center for Visual Art and Spirit Square Center for Arts and Education are all within walking distance as well—a testament to how seriously this city takes its cultural scene. You won’t want to miss Seventh Street Station, which houses a parking garage, restaurants and a supermarket—touch this building’s panels in the correct order and you’ll witness an incredible sound-and-lights show.

Restaurant News Magazine named Charlotte one of the “Top 50 Cities that Sizzle,” so while you’re making the rounds, don’t miss out on some fantastic eats. After you’re done checking out everything that Center City has to offer, stop in to Zink American Kitchen or Cosmos Café—then round out your evening with a gallery crawl just a short trolley ride away, in the historic South End. Then take a leisurely walk back to your hotel… and do it all over again tomorrow.

Wilmington, NC’s charming historic downtown, chockablock with restaurants, art galleries and beautiful
homes, is the perfect place for pedestrians to explore. With one of the largest historic districts in the Southeast, this town by the river won’t disappoint hard-core architecture buffs. Stroll along the Riverwalk and stop in at one of the fantastic restaurants. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, try Deluxe; if seafood on the riverfront is more your speed, savor oysters and margaritas on the outdoor deck at Elijah’s; or, for some healthy home cookin’, pull up a chair at the Dixie Grill. Get your groove on at one of the many music venues, or see a top-notch performance at historic Thalian Hall, all within walking distance—then go on back to one of the many bed-and-breakfasts to get a good night’s sleep, because the next day it will be time for yet another long walk… this one along the pristine, shell-studded shores of Wrightsville Beach.

Traversing Greenville and Charleston, SC on Foot

Most of us are familiar with Charleston’s easy Southern charm, where shaded sidewalks abut jazz clubs, boutiques, dining establishments and more. The historic downtown district is accessible on foot, as well as via horse-drawn carriage rides. Get into the spirit of things with one of the city’s many ghost tours, or shop to your heart’s content on King Street, where everything from antiques to clothing to one-of-a-kind works of art can be found. You’ll also want to check out the wares at Old City Market, a fabulous place to find the area’s traditional sweet-grass baskets.

On historic Broad Street, take a step back in time—every building here has a story to tell, and when you’ve had your fill of days gone by, you can duck into one of the street’s fabulous eateries for a quick bite. Don’t let this be your only taste of what Charleston has to offer, though—the renowned Low Country cuisine here is too good to miss (she-crab soup and fried green tomatoes are particular favorites). Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to sample it. After the sun goes down, savor the breeze in Waterfront Park, then decide what kind of music you’re in the mood to hear, lace up your walking shoes, and set off in search of it. Even before you hit the dance floor, you’ll have met your exercise quota for the day.

Thanks to its wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly roads and high park-to-land ratio, Greenville, SC, is another fabulous walkers’ choice. The city has eight miles of walking trails, and is in the process of completing a one-mile Rail-to-Trail system that will link multiple landmarks and tourist destinations. Downtown Greenville has some eye-catching spots to visit, including “Mice on Main,” a series of sculptures based on the book Goodnight Moon, and installed over a nine-block stretch of Main Street.

Heritage Green, on College Street, is home to the Greenville County Art Museum, which boasts the finest collection of Andrew Wyeth’s artwork to be found around the globe. There are some beautiful historic homes, churches and monuments downtown, as well as Peace Center for the Performing Arts, on the corner of Broad and Main.

Bring a picnic and settle in for a lovely afternoon at Falls Park at S. Main and Augusta Streets. With beautiful public gardens, a café, a walking promenade, trails, amphitheatres and a 355-foot-long, curved suspension bridge spanning the falls that give the park its name, this semi-urban oasis is not to be missed.

Experience Why They Call Savannah ‘The Hostess City of the South’

One state further south, Savannah’s famous squares and walkways connecting pedestrians to cultural, epicurean and retail establishments make the Hostess City of the South an appealing place for pedestrian travelers. With the largest landmark historic district in the country, there’s no shortage of things to see—and the city’s picturesque location on the Savannah River makes it a romantic place to take a vacation for two. Savor some delectable Southern fare at City Market, then walk off your meal by investigating some of the city’s renowned squares. The historic district and River Street are both full of art galleries, antique shops and boutiques, so don’t miss the chance to pick up the perfect gift or keepsake. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for one of the city’s many hidden gardens—or even one of the ghosts for which Savannah is well known (think Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil). Or get your fill of greenery at 20-acre Forsyth Park, which borders the historic district and is home to the Fragrant Garden for the Blind.

You Won’t be Singing the Blues in Knoxville

Knox County has experienced more growth in tourism dollars than any other county in Tennessee, and after you’ve paid a visit, it’s easy to see why. There are several neighborhoods that are a lot of fun to explore on foot, starting with the historic Old City. The former trading center, located at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Central Street, has been transformed into a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. No visit to Knoxville is complete without a journey to the 19th-century brick warehouses that characterize this historic corner of town.

If antiques and collectibles pique your interest, be sure to take a walk through the 5100–5400 blocks of Kingston Pike in Homberg, where Southern Market features over 40 shops filled with Southern-inspired, contemporary-infused designs.

Then there’s the Market Square District, home to unique shops and boutiques—and shining with the creative spirit that makes Knoxville so special. Don’t miss Art Market Gallery, located on Gay Street downtown—it showcases the work of more than 60 Knoxville artists and artisans. Then try one of the many restaurants that make this area such a great place to indulge your palate—like Shonos in City, if Japanese food’s your thing, or locals’ favorite Tomato Head. Downtown has 16 areas of connected greenways and trails, so rent a bike from River Sports Outfitters at Volunteer Landing ($10 for two hours), pick up a free map and be on your way.

From Bald Eagles to Edgar Allan Poe, Richmond Has It All

If your visits to Richmond have been limited to I-95 drive-bys, you’ve been missing out. For instance, you may not have known that Richmond is the only state capital that has bald eagles nesting within its city limits—and that’s not the only secret this Southern metropolis has been keeping. The city is home to a wide range of walking, running and hiking trails—visit http://richmondgoodlife.com/richmond_trail.htm for a comprehensive look, complete with an editor’s choice of best local hikes. Take time to smell the roses at Richmond’s 40-acre botanical gardens, complete with the mid-Atlantic region’s only classical, domed conservatory that’s open to the public. Downtown Richmond is full of fantastic places to explore, including Shockoe Slip, the oldest mercantile district in the city and a great place for everything from historical sightseeing to shopping. Just east of the Slip is the neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom, full of restaurants, nightspots and little treasures like the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. While you’re downtown, get some fresh air on Canal Walk, an educational experience and an outdoor adventure all in one. Feel like shopping? Hoof it around Carytown, and be sure to pay a visit to the gorgeous Byrd Theatre, which dates back to the early 20th century and is still equipped with a Wurlitzer organ that actually gets some air time on Saturday evenings. If historic architecture gets your motor running, head on over to the Fan District, home to exquisite townhomes with surprising features—from gargoyles to stained glass. Then chow down to your heart’s content at the Strawberry Street Café, pull out your guidebook, and figure out just to what fantastic place your walking shoes should take you next.

New Orleans: Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

When many of us think of New Orleans, the city’s motto—Let the Good Times Roll—comes to mind. And don’t get us wrong, if you’re looking for a party, you’ll always find one here. But there’s much more to this sultry, funky city than drinking the night away. New Orleans is a place where your mood can define the destination… and once you’ve arrived, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave. There’s the French Quarter, known as Vieux Carré or simply The Quarter to locals. This is the city’s cultural hub, and it’s also a place that writers from Mark Twain to Anne Rice have made their home. The phenomenal architecture here is a blend of the French, Spanish and Creole influences that create New Orleans’ unique atmosphere. Grab a Muffaletta sandwich at Central Grocery, check out the art galleries and museums, or just wander around and take in the sights. Downriver from the Quarter, you’ll find Faubourg Marigny, with its restored cottages, incredible music, independent shops, and capacious riverfront warehouses filled with artists’ studios. The Marigny Triangle has some of the best restaurants and jazz clubs in the city… minus the chaos of the Bourbon Street Crowd.

Need some green? Escape to the Garden District, where striking Greek Revival mansions are rivaled only by the beauty of the parks, fountains and canals. Venture downtown and enjoy a free concert in Lafayette Square, or hear the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at The Orpheum. Explore the revitalized Arts District, formerly known as the Warehouse District and now referred to by many as the SoHo of the South. It’s all about letting the good times roll… and letting the magnolia-scented, Southern breeze blow you where it will.

So the next time you go on vacation, avoid the hassle and forget the cost of renting a car. Choose a destination known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, get yourself a map, and start walking. You’ll be glad you did.