text:
South Central Nebraska

South Central Nebraska is in Nebraska.

Cities

 * - where the Nebraska State Fair is held
 * - home of Kool-aid
 * - the sandhill crane capital of the world
 * - home of the Bailey Yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world
 * - home of the Bailey Yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world
 * - home of the Bailey Yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world

Other destinations

 * - an open air museum with a visitor's center designed by architect Edward Durell Stone.
 * - artificial lake created by the construction of a river dam.
 * - observation tower overlooking the Bailey Yard, the largest rail yard in the world.
 * - a museum spanning Interstate 80.

Understand
This region is where Nebraska gets most of its stereotypes from in terms of landscape. Flat and featureless. The Platte river spends most of its time in this area while traveling through Nebraska. The shallow waters and reoccurring flooding give the landscape its flat appearance. Most of the landscape is farmland growing cash crops such as soy beans and cattle corn. A majority of the population follows the I-80 interstate route.

By car
The main route through this region is Interstate 80. The major towns and cities in the area are going to be concentrated around this route. State highways like US-6, US-30, and US-34 provide access to the smaller towns and are viewed and scenic routes. US-83 and US-183 provide the primary north-south routes.

By plane
There are several regional airports in the area, with one located near Grand Island, Kearney, and North Platte. These smaller airports are primarily used for cargo. Passengers are able to take advantage of the airports but they are very limited in the number of destinations.

By train
Amtrak provides a route coming from Lincoln going through Hastings, Holdrege, and McCook before continuing on to Fort Morgan.

By bus
Bus routes through the region follow I-80 and rarely deviate from that. Stops are located in Grand Island, Kearney, and North Platte.

title: South Central Nebraska


text:
South Chungcheong

South Chungcheong (충청 남도, 忠清南道 Chungcheongnam-do) is a province of South Korea.

Cities

 * - Korea's oldest hot spring resort
 * - known for its mud, and since 1997, Korea's mud festival
 * - one of the ancient capitals of the Baekje Dynasty
 * - site of the Independence Hall, South Korea's largest museum
 * - one of Korea's fastest growing cities, engulfing the hot-spring town of Yuseong
 * - small mountain city backing onto a national park, original capital of the Baekje Dynasty
 * - South Korea's new administrative city
 * - South Korea's new administrative city
 * - South Korea's new administrative city

Other destinations

 * county

Understand
South Chungcheong is one of the richest provinces in South Korea, situated directly south of the capital Seoul on the Yellow Sea.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: South Chungcheong


text:
SouthCoast

SouthCoast is a region of Eastern Massachusetts. Commonly stylized as Southcoast or South Coast, it follows the coastline from the eastern border of Rhode Island to the Cape Cod Canal. The area has a history of whaling and fishing, agriculture, and, in the cities, a collapsed textile industry. Its many harbors, offshore islands, and features make it a good recreational fishing area, particularly in autumn.

Cities

 * - "The Spindle City", home of Battleship Cove and Lizzie Borden.
 * - "The Whaling City" inspired Moby-Dick and houses a Whaling Museum.
 * - "The Gateway to Cape Cod."

Towns

 * - Home to UMass Dartmouth and Padanaram Village.
 * - A residential coastal community.
 * - Visit Freetown State Forest, Assonet Village, and the Assonet River.
 * - Home of Tabor Academy.
 * - Classic coastal small town.
 * - A "Right to Farm" community.
 * - Small town with river views of Fall River.
 * - Quiet residential town and former home of the Swansea Mall.
 * - Seaside with dramatic Horseneck Beach.

Understand
This diverse and beautiful region runs between Rhode Island on the west and Cape Cod on the east and covers the spectrum from blue collar to wealthy towns. The SouthCoast region is anchored by its two harbor cities of New Bedford and Fall River, both of which have deep roots in fishing and whaling. Fishing brought a large population of Portuguese and Azoreans to the area in the late 19th century, making that a distinctive feature of the area.

Get in
Interstate 195 runs between Providence, Rhode Island and Cape Cod and services most of the SouthCoast towns.

Major airports are in Boston and Warwick (Rhode Island). New Bedford has a regional airport.

Boats can harbor in many of the towns, including Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett and Marion.

Get around
Though there is public transportation, a car is the best way to see the area.

Itineraries

 * A nice scenic trip in the eastern end of the SouthCoast area can be had by just following Route 6 along the coast through Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett and Fairhaven while watching for points of interest and making the occasional side trip toward the shore.
 * At the western end of the SouthCoast see Padanaram village in Dartmouth (Route 6 to Tucker Rd to Gulf Rd). Then travel west to Russells Mills village at Russells Mills Rd and Rock O'Dundee Rd. From there head to Hix Bridge Rd across the Wesport River to Westport and Little Compton and Tiverton, Rhode Island. These towns are largely rural, with the attractions being mostly scenery.

Events

 * Feast of the Blessed Sacrament — First weekend in August, New Bedford. Munch on beef skewers and sweet malassadas, grab a cup of specially imported Madeira wine, and take in a traditional Fado performance during the largest celebration of Madeiran Portuguese culture in the world.

Eat
The region has direct access to fresh seafood and the local chefs know what to do with it. Also try some of the Portuguese specialties such as "cacoila", a marinated pork, often served in a sandwich. Visit a Portuguese bakery -- if only to try the subtle "sweet bread".

Go next

 * Bristol-Norfolk — A collection of forests, rural communities and bedroom suburbs on the way to Providence, Rhode Island.
 * South Shore (Massachusetts) — Stretching south to the Cape, it's here where you'll find the "Irish Riviera"; a handful of beach communities nestled along the Atlantic.
 * Cape Cod and the Islands — Featuring miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries, antiquing opportunities, and many options for fine dining.
 * Bristol County (Rhode Island) — Visit the land Massachusetts lost during the great border compromise of 1746.
 * Newport County — Comprised of Aquidneck, Conanicut, and Prudence islands; Newport dominates the county.

title: SouthCoast


text:
South Coast

There's more than one place called South Coast:

Australia

 * South Coast (New South Wales)

East Timor

 * Timorese South Coast

Greenland

 * Southern Greenland, also called the South Coast

India

 * Tamil Nadu South Coast

South Africa

 * South Coast (KwaZulu-Natal) — part of the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, in eastern South Africa

United States of America

 * SouthCoast — a region in Massachusetts

United Kingdom

 * A region of the British coast, from the West Country to South East England.

title: South Coast


text:
South Coast (KwaZulu-Natal)

The South Coast, also known as the Hibiscus Coast, is in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Cities

 * — famous for its delicious cuisines, this area is a popular destination for tourists
 * — its warm climate and numerous beaches makes it a popular tourist destination, particularly with surfers
 * — the country's third-largest city was named the greenest city in the world in 2020 because of its many parks
 * — this seaside resort is one of the most visited tourist destinations in South Africa
 * — a coastal city that is popular with beach-goers and surfers

Other destinations

 * — erosion by a river has carved out spectacular kloofs and crags, and left a valley covered with dense forest
 * — a beach resort 20 km north of Margate
 * — a rapidly growing district of many villages
 * — a rapidly growing district of many villages

title: South Coast (KwaZulu-Natal)


text:
Eurobodalla

The Eurobodalla region of the South Coast in Southeastern New South Wales has an interesting rural/tourist mix. The area is rich in rural charm, having a strong dairy industry. Most of the coastal areas are popular tourist destinations, especially with weekend visitors from Sydney and Canberra.

Towns

 * – the regional centre
 * – a small town famed for its zoo centred on exotic species
 * - picturesque village with boutiques
 * - picturesque village with boutiques
 * - picturesque village with boutiques
 * - picturesque village with boutiques

Other destinations

 * – contains many pinkwood forests.
 * – a large colony of fur seals and penguins.
 * – a large colony of fur seals and penguins.

Understand
Historically, the Eurobodalla region of NSW's South Coast has been an area of primary production, with fishing, timber, dairy and other farming contributing to the wealth of the area. Service towns were built, and steamers connected many of the coastal towns to Sydney and to export markets.

It's also a choice for sea-changes and tree-changers. The first wave of retirees are now being followed by hobby farmers and telecommuters.

With unspoiled beaches and national parks in equal measure, Eurobodalla is a premier holiday destination. In peak holiday season (summer school holidays) the population swells to more than three times the number of long-term residents. It's ideal for road touring or a beach or bush vacation while taking in local food and wines.

80% of the Eurobodalla shire is national park or state forest with extensive stands of spotted gum forest.

The coastal region has a reputation for locals who are easygoing and friendly, environmentally conscious and are even mix between politically liberal and conservative.

Get in
You can get to the South Coast by car. Parts are also accessible by train and bus.

By car
If travelling from the Illawarra or Sydney, travel to Wollongong and join the Princes Highway. It will get you to any part of the South Coast or even deposit you in Melbourne if you go far enough.

Traffic can be very slow around Kiama, south of Wollongong, at the start and end of long weekends or school holidays.

If travelling from Canberra, take the Kings Highway from Queanbeyan to Batemans Bay via Braidwood. The Kings Highway connects to the Princes Highway for access to areas north and south of Batemans Bay.

By bus
The Premier bus does the Princes Highway route a few times a day, stopping in most major towns en route. Murrays also runs a single daily coach service from Canberra to Narooma via Batemans Bay, with brief stops at the towns along the route. The Premier and Murrays services connect at Batemans Bay.

By plane
There are regular scheduled flights to Moruya Airport, or Bega Airport. The latter is in the Sapphire Coast but close to Eurobodalla.

Get around
The best way to get around is to drive. The Princes Highway travels the length of the South Coast and most places aren't far from it.

See

 * Before you drive down Mount Ousley pass, stop to look out over Wollongong and the ocean from the top of the Escarpment
 * Hanging Rock lookout in Nowra
 * Bega Valley Lookout
 * Stanwell Tops

Do

 * Swim at one of the region's many beaches
 * Canoeing in Kangaroo Valley
 * Art galleries in Berry
 * Dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay
 * Jambaroo Recreation Park (The largest theme park in the state)
 * Bega Cheese Factory
 * Mogo Zoo
 * Feed the birds at Green Patch
 * Minamurra Rainforest
 * Visit the Beecroft Peninsula (extensive bushwalking and many pristine beaches)

Drives

 * Kangaroo Valley

Stay safe
Like virtually all of Australia, this is a safe area. However, in the larger towns, you certainly don't escape a level of alcohol-fueled violence at night. Don't let your guard down entirely.

Also, in the locale of Nowra, visitors should stay away from the areas of Junction Court and Nowra East due to higher-than-average cases of pickpocketing, muggings etc.

Beaches are usually patrolled by lifesavers, but ask locals about dangerous surf and bluebottles (aka Indo-Pacific Man o'War). Sunburn is also a risk unless you take steps to protect your skin.

Roads are busy during summer; often people will walk to beaches along the road. Caution is advised during peak periods.

title: Eurobodalla


text:
South Pacific Costa Rica

South Pacific Costa Rica is likely the greenest part of the country, and contains a number of national parks, such as the Chirripo National Park.

Cities

 * – The capital and largest city of Pérez Zeledon canton. It is also the entrance city to the region if coming from San José through the Cerro de la Muerte mountain pass.

 * – A surfing destination with a small town and good nightlife scene in the north end of the South Pacific, but pricier than Uvita.
 * – A bay that is often regarded as a town. The village in Drake Bay is called Agutijas. The bay is named after Sir Francis Drake, the British pirate who, as the story goes, buried treasure on its beaches in 1579. Besides Agutijas, Drake Bay holds beautiful beaches and birds, along with expensive resorts and lodges.
 * – The gateway to Pavones for surfers, a destination for sport fishermen all year round, and for eco-lodges.
 * — a border town between Costa Rica and Panama
 * – A town known for its big, heavy waves at its famous point break, but also lighter waves for beginners.
 * – The name says it all, but also home to the Playa Hermosa Reserva Biologica, a conservation project up in the steep hills and home to ancient tropical trees of over 1,000 years old.
 * (PJ) – A funky old gold mine town, main town on the tip of the peninsula, and the only small town with restaurants, bank, ATM, gas station, shops, internet cafés, airstrip, car rentals, grocery stores and crazy night life. It offers easy access to the beach villages of Carate and Cabo Matapalo. You can also shop and see the local culture, and if you are lucky, you just might catch one of their many festivals. People here are friendly and helpful.
 * – Entry gate to the Corcovado National Park.
 * – A small but rapidly growing village in the heart of the Ballena Marine National Park, popular for its whale tours and snorkelling.

Other destinations

 * — A small village 30 km south of Pérez Zeledón which offers rural community tourism. It is a refugee project founded in 1979. Nowadays 400 families live in the community, growing mainly coffee and sugar cane besides the food they consume on their own. Tourism is still a supplementary income here and money goes straight into the families you stay with.

Golfito

 * – Rainforests and beach areas of the Golfo Dulce. The area provides habitat for almost 300 bird species, 100 mammal species and a host of other plants and animals.

Osa Peninsula

 * – Possibly the most biodiverse place on earth, with not a few gorgeous tropical white sand beaches on the periphery. Reservations are necessary no more than 36 hr in advance and there is a daily limit of 50 people.

All towns south of Puerto Jiménez (PJ) are on a bumpy, unpaved road with no bridges over rivers. Many rivers become unpassable during heavy rains. There are only a handful of places to stay north of Puerto Jimenez - mostly rental homes, on the grid, and easy to get to from town. There are lots of fun eco tours near Puerto Jimenez, zip lines, kayaking, quiet beaches, horse-back riding, swimming with dolphins, and chocolate tours. Between May and November, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended because of the road conditions.

Wildlife and rainforest is the attraction of the Osa and you are in for a surprise. Corcovado National Park headquarters is in PJ. The park is not the only place to see wildlife. There is lots of wildlife in the rainforest of the towns of Bambu, Sandalo, Agujas, Canaza — all about 10 min from Puerto Jiménez. There are easy 2-hr hikes up the rivers (take a guide) into Corcovado where most tourists never see - these areas are remote, pristine & teeming with wildlife. If you have a week or less on the Osa Peninsula consider staying at lodges or vacation home rentals north of PJ about 10–15 min, in towns such as Bambu, Sandalo, Agujas, Canaza.

While all beaches on the Osa are uncrowded, those north of town have no eco lodges, motel style or cabinas directly on the beach and so are completely private. You can easily take a day trip to surf Matapalo or go see real isolation in Carate.

 * – Great for surfers: it gets three amazing surf breaks. Waves are inconsistent but big when swells hit. Pristine beaches. Secluded, yet close to Corcovado National Park and Isla del Caño.
 * – It has a local airport with regular flights to San José. Surrounded by tropical rain forest on east end of Corcovado National Park. Nice accommodations. Largely unknown to tourists.

Pérez Zeledon

 * – Near San Isidro and Rivas, offers some serious, Nepal-like feel and adventure if you are a keen hiker, with the highest mountain in Costa Rica.
 * – A natural region of montane grassland and shrubland.
 * – A family-owned estate (Spanish: finca) dedicated to providing a family friendly and open recreational area with a typical campestre (country or rural) atmosphere.

Further interesting towns and villages include:
 * – A village significant for its archaeological findings and hot springs.

Understand
South Pacific Costa Rica is made up of two cantons. First there is the Osa Peninsula, a wondrous, magical, and untouched place for nature-lovers and adventurers. It’s a 5-hr drive from San José vs. the usual trek over the mountains and through raging rivers. Navigating pot holes the size of Hollywood swimming pools are now cherished memories. The days are over when you just abandoned your rental car along the side of the pothole-riddled road and hitchhiked your way to Puerto Jimenez. New asphalt, bridges, painted yellow lines, passing lanes, guard rails and bus stops in each town. You could certainly sneak under the radar and land a small plane just like the old days. Puerto Jimenez was a dusty old gold mine town in its heyday, built completely in support of eager and persistent gold miners.

Dirt roads came to the Osa when Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias was President of Costa Rica in the early 1980s and he signed a deal with Ronald Reagan. The Roads for Peace project was born and the US Army Corps of Engineers began building roads, bridges and schools. USA could keep a close eye on all of the Ollie North and Noriega activity in the mountains high above the city of David, Panama. Costa Rica and Taiwan were the only two countries that benefited from the short-lived Roads for Peace program. Also, PJ is starting to catch up with the rest of the world. With the new road and improved infrastructure, Osa could be ready to join the ranks of Tamarindo and Jacó.

And there is the Pérez Zeledón canton, which covers an area of 1,905 km² (736 sq mi), the seventh largest of the 81 cantons in the country. It has a population of about 135,000 (2011). In the middle of the canton, the Río General, from which the canton's capital city takes its name, runs north to south through a beautiful valley. It is very oriented toward tourism, with a sizeable selection of hotels, restaurants, stores, and other activities, like tours. The city is generally considered a stop-over destination for tourists heading toward Costa Rica's deep south or to the South Pacific coast, or to the nation's highest mountain, Chirripó.

The Osa Peninsula is separated from mainland Costa Rica by the Golfo Dulce, which is unique as one of only four tropical fjords in the world.

By plane
You can fly to Puerto Jiménez or cross the Golfo Dulce from Golfito in a launch (ferryboat) to reach the Osa Peninsula. Golfito is directly across from Puerto Jiménez, the main city near the tip of the Osa Peninsula. You will need a passport and money, but no vaccinations are required.

Aerobell Airlines, Sansa and Skyway Airlines offer daily flights to Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay from San Jose International Airport. Flight time to both destinations is about 40 minutes and the tickets start at US$46 per person per way.

Get around
The "Costanera Sur" (a southern coastal road) is paved all the way from border to border. Coming from the Central Valley, you can choose between the coastal route and the Panamerican Highway (which passes Pérez Zeledón and goes into Cartago).

On the main roads between Pérez Zeledón and Paso Canoas, TRACOPA runs several buses which also connect to San José and the Central Valley.

Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park can be reached by charter planes from Pavas and San José. A boat trip with a duration of 1½ hr from the Sierpe River is another possible method of reaching these destinations. In Puerto Jiménez, taxis are readily available, and you can also rent a car there. To reach Cabo Matapalo, fly to Puerto Jiménez and drive (45 min) to the village. Bumpy travel by bus is possible throughout the peninsula.

Osa Peninsula, where you will find Costa Rica’s jewel of the National Park System, Corcovado National Park. Osa continues to provide adventure travellers with great photos of monkeys, tapirs, cats, dolphins, whales and exotic birds. On Route 245, it’s a 5-hr drive from San José.

Osa Peninsula
Osa Peninsula, where you will find Costa Rica’s jewel of the National Park System, Corcovado National Park. Osa continues to provide adventure travelers with great photos of monkeys, tapirs, cats, dolphins, whales and exotic birds.

Pérez Zeledón
Besides the highest mountain in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó, the canton offers hot springs (Rivas), caves, wonderful waterfalls and rivers, bird watching.

 * Stone Spheres are mysterious stone spheres in pre-Columbian chiefdom settlements made by unknown people have been discovered in the Valle de Diquis area around Sierpe. The settlements with the spheres are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 * Gold nuggets were discovered on Isla Violin of the Sierpe River. Go to see where a gold rush began.

Do

 * Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary near San Isidro de El General, is the home of Alexander Skutch, the famous birder, botanist and naturalist. The region offers many more such birding opportunities.
 * Mountain hiking: the mountains near San Isidro de General are probably the most alpine mountains all over Costa Rica. If you are a keen hiker interested in a Nepal-like feel, head here for some serious adventure. Check out Chirripo National Park for more information.

There are plenty of things to do on the Osa Peninsula, from birdwatching to horseback rides through the jungle. The sea, of course, offers various activities such as snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and fishing.

The Osa Peninsula is partly covered by the Corcovado National Park, which offers an exciting day-trip for travelers. The land of the peninsula is covered in white sand beaches and virgin tropical rain forest. With four species of monkeys, exotic birds, and countless amphibians and reptiles, the Osa Peninsula is also an ideal place for nature-watching, Rappelling, (waterfall or otherwise), mountain biking, surfing, hiking, and kayaking.

Events and holidays
These fun and religious holidays are celebrated uniquely in Costa Rica and should be watched for in this region.

 * Fiesta de Los Diablitos
 * Festival/Carnival del Mar
 * Fiesta Palmares
 * Fiesta Santa Cruz
 * Día de Santo Cristo de Esquipulas
 * Dia de los Boyeros
 * Dia de San Jose
 * Semana Santa
 * Dia de Juan Santamaria
 * Dia de los Trabajadores
 * Fiestas Patronales Trinidad de Moravia, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Leon Cortes, and San Jeronimo
 * Fiesta San Juan de Tibas

Wild nature
Animals are the main thing to see. The Osa Peninsula is home to at least half of all of the species that live in Costa Rica. Costa Rican wildlife includes: Scarlet Macaws, Tayras, Peccaries, monkeys, Blue Morpho butterflies, frogs, snakes, anteaters, armadillos, bats, wild cats, crocodiles, deer, manatees, fish, exotic squirrels, exotic raccoons, Agoutis, Coatis, Sloths, Tapirs, and exotic weasels.

Eat
There lots of sodas (small food places, normally owned and run by local families

Sleep
There are many eco-lodges around the coast, and budget options in Puerto Jiménez. See the local city articles for listings.

Most of the lodges and eco-resorts on the Osa Peninsula are off the grid, so adequate power, hot water and the 5-star amenities our civilization has grown to expect are a hit and miss.

Stay healthy
It may seem obvious, but many people forget: wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin cancer! Make sure that has a high SPF (Sun Protectant Factor) and blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Many want to stay on the beach when visiting Southern Costa Rica, but what they don’t know about Costa Rica, is that beaches are unbelievably hot, full of purajas (sand fleas) black sand and open to the public, so you don’t get the privacy you deserve while you're on vacation.

Stay safe
The South Pac Coast is a relatively safe area, and Costa Rica is much more stable than the surrounding Central American countries. However, it is recommended that you watch your pockets to make sure your wallet and passport do not get picked out. Also, lock your valuables in a hotel safe or lockable closet if possible. Do not wear flashy jewelry or fancy clothes, as they attract attention and may allow criminals to target you as a wealthy tourist. No matter who you are, do not travel alone at night—it is dangerous.

Do not allow small children to swim in the ocean alone, as always.

Cope
Most people visiting the Osa Peninsula usually plan a week or two vacation, and that can get expensive while staying at beach lodges and resorts, especially if you are traveling as a family.

title: South Pacific Costa Rica


text:
South County

There is more than one place called South County:

United States of America

 * South County (Massachusetts) - A region of Worcester County in Massachusetts.
 * South County (Rhode Island) - The usual name for Washington County in Rhode Island.

title: South County


text:
South County (Massachusetts)

South County is in Central Massachusetts. It is in the southwest corner of Worcester County and is home to roughly 80,000 people. This region consists of rolling hills peppered with milltowns and semi-rural suburbs.

Cities

 * & Oxford- Charlton is a sprawling exurb whose primary attraction is the famous Tree House Brewing Company. Neighboring Oxford is the birth place of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton
 * -The Eye of the Commonwealth is still a center of optical manufacturing.
 * - Small town filled with antique shops, restaurants, and Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum.
 * & Dudley- Webster is a mill town undergoing a downtown revitalization, has the largest natural lake in Central Massachusetts, and the Indian Ranch concert venue. Neighboring Dudley is more rural, but contains some spillover from Webster's downtown and Nichols College.

Understand
South County is the name sometimes used to refer to the area of Central Massachusetts southwest of Worcester. The name does not refer to, as it might seem, the southern half of Worcester County. This would include Worcester and the entire Blackstone Valley. The region is not quite rural, not quite suburban. Former mill towns are surrounded by farms and very low density housing development. Sturbridge, despite being the smallest of the towns in South County, is home to most of the attractions because of the build-up of tourist oriented businesses surrounding Old Sturbridge Village.

By Car
Nearly all visitors to South County will arrive by car. The area is bounded on three sides by major highways. To the north, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) runs east-west with exits in Sturbridge and Auburn that can be used to reach South County. I-84 runs through Sturbridge from Hartford, CT, connecting with the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). This is the most likely route for travelers coming from all points southwest. I-395 runs north-south along the eastern edge of the region with exits in Webster and Oxford before intersecting with the Massachusetts Turnpike and becoming I-290. I-395 provides access from Eastern Connecticut to the south and via I-290, all points north and northeast. Traffic at the intersection of the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-84 can be quite bad during summer weekends.

By Plane
Although you will still need a car to reach South County, travelers from further afield could fly into Boston or Hartford, both of which are about an hour away. There is also a small airport in Worcester located 15-30 minutes from most places in the region.

By Car
You will need a car to explore South County. It is a sprawling region without a center. Traffic on local roads is usually not an issue. Neither is traffic on I-395. However, traffic on I-90 and I-84 can back up for miles radiating out from their intersection in Sturbridge. This is not due to local traffic, but the fact that most traffic between Boston and New York City passes through the region. U.S. Route 20 parallels I-90 and is more useful for intra-regional travel since it intersects with more roads.

See
South County's scenery consists of gently rolling, forested hills dotted with farms. Southbridge and Webster are both classic New England mill towns and much of their industrial heritage is still on display, if not used for its original purpose. Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum, is the most popular attraction in the region and allows visitors to experience life as it would have been in early 19th century New England.

Do
See a concert at Indian Ranch in Webster, one of the largest venues in Central Massachusetts or take a paddle on Webster Lake. While there are no mountains or strenuous hiking opportunities in South County, there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries where visitors can take a quick stroll.

Buy
South County has many antique shops, with the largest concentration in Sturbridge. There are no major shopping malls in the region, but Sturbridge and Oxford have several Big Box retailers if something is needed in a pinch.

Eat
South County is a bit of a locally relevant dining destination due mostly to Sturbridge, whose location at the intersection of busy I-84 and the Massachusetts Turnpike as well as its proximity to the Brimfield Antiques Fair have generated more quality restaurants than would usually be expected for a town of its size. Most towns have a reliable diner and at least one Greek pizza place.

Drink
There isn't much nightlife in South County, but there are bars in most towns. Sturbridge has fancier restaurants that can make a solid cocktail or pour a decent glass of wine. There are several breweries in the region, by far the most famous of which is Tree House Brewing Company, a nationally renowned craft brewery with an expansive facility in Charlton.

Sleep
Most hotels in South County are located in Sturbridge, which has both national chains and locally owned hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Many additional hotels can be found in nearby Worcester and Auburn.

Stay safe
South County is a relatively safe area. The main hazards are from winter weather, which can make the roads quite dangerous, and from other motorists. Route 20 in particular is used as a way to avoid traffic on the Massachusetts Turnpike for drivers between Connecticut and Boston. The road is not divided for significant stretches, has poor sightlines in spots, and drivers frequently travel 20+ MPH over the posted speed limit. Accidents are unfortunately common, however the Commonwealth has plans to improve the safety of the Route 20 by 2030.

Go next
Visit the Heart of the Commonwealth in Worcester

Head west to the Pioneer Valley

Explore America's industrial heritage in the Blackstone Valley

title: South County (Massachusetts)


text:
South County (Rhode Island)

If you are trying to find South County on a map, then you might have a problem. South County doesn’t really exist! “South County” is the name that the locals have given to the southern part of Rhode Island (officially Washington County). South County is a coastal region, centered around the mostly seasonal vacation communities along the Rhode Island Sound.

Cities and towns

 * , including the villages of Kingston and West Kingston
 * , including the villages of Matunuck and East Matunuck
 * , including the villages of Bradford and Watch Hill
 * , including the village of Hope Valley.
 * including the village of Wyoming.
 * , including the villages of Bradford and Watch Hill
 * , including the village of Hope Valley.
 * including the village of Wyoming.
 * including the village of Wyoming.
 * including the village of Wyoming.

Other destinations

 * (New Shoreham)
 * (New Shoreham)

By train
Rhode Island has three AMTRAK train stations - South Kingstown (close to the beaches of Narragansett and Charlestown), Providence (in downtown Providence), and Westerly (close to the RI/CT border). Amtrak trains often run late, so do not rely on them for time-sensitive trips.

The MBTA Commuter Rail serves Providence, T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, and Wickford Junction in North Kingstown.

By car
South County, Rhode Island is accessed most easily by Interstate 95. From South (New York/Connecticut Area): Head north on I-95N into Rhode Island. Take exit 3A for RI-138 E/S Kingstown and merge onto RI-138 E/Kingstown Rd. Head straight on RI-138 until you enter South Kingstown

From North (Providence/Boston): Head south on I-95S into Rhode Island. Take exit 9 onto RI-4 towards South County. Head straight on RI-4 and continue onto RI-1 towards Kingston and Wakefield.

By plane
South County is accessible by plane via TF Green Airport. Once at TF Green, one can follow the directions to South County by traveling south on I=95 (as seen above).

By boat
Galilee in the town of Narragansett is accessible from Block Island and Newport by using the Block Island Ferry. You can purchase tickets online or by calling +1 401-783-7996. Block Island Ferry offers the Hi-Speed Ferry and the Traditional Ferry. The Hi-Speed Ferry arrives in approximately 30 minutes and the Traditional Ferry arrives in approximately 60 minutes.

Get around
Traveling by car is the most common way to get around in South County, but public transit lines and taxi cabs are available.

By car

 * Routes 1 & 1A are the primary means of travel north/south through South County. Route 1A runs along the local beaches and is extremely busy during the summer season.
 * Route 138 is the dominant east/west route and travels through South Kingstown and by the University of Rhode Island.
 * Route 108 is the state route that travels westward through Narragansett and South Kingstown that intersects Route 1A and US Route 1.

By bus

 * South County is served by RIPTA Bus, (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), Phone: +1 401-781-9400. M-F 6:30AM-9PM, Sa 8AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6:30PM. A single ride on RIPTA costs $1.50.

By taxi

 * Wakefield Cab CO Incorporated, Wakefield +1 401-783-0007
 * Wrights Taxi, Saunderstown and Westerly +1 401-789-0400
 * Eagle Taxi, Narragansett +1 401-783-2970

Beaches

South County's main attraction during the warmer months is its many miles of coastline and public beaches. This can attract very large crowds, especially on weekends or holidays. Daily passes are available for residents, non-residents and seniors, and range from $5 to $14. Season passes are also available and range from $20 to $60. All beaches are free (but unguarded) before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Beach phone numbers may be seasonal.

Foliage

 * South County enjoys a brief period of fall colors. The main roads throughout the region, such as Route 1, Route 138, Route 108, Route 2 and Ministerial Road (Route 110) make for enjoyable drives during the autumn season.

Points of interest
Sights to see throughout the year include:

 * Wilcox Park, Westerly. A beautiful Victorian-era walking park.
 * Arcadia Wildlife Management Park, Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter. Over 13,800 acres of fishing and hiking for family.

Art galleries

 * Fine Arts Center Galleries at URI, Upper College Road, Kingston. Tu-F Noon-4PM, and weekends 1PM-4PM. The University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center boasts three fully staffed galleries, including one devoted specifically to photography. The galleries exhibit contemporary artists from across the nation and around the globe year-round. Free. Unfortunately, URI is closing the galleries due to budget cuts.
 * South County Art Association's Helme House Gallery, South Kingstown.

Recreational activities

 * Camping: Burlingame State Park, Charlestown, +1 401-322-7337. The park has 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. The entrance to the park headquarters and camping area is off U.S. Route 1.
 * Nature trails: Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary, Charlestown, +1 401-949-5454. A 29-acre property located on the southern shore of Watchaug Pond. The land abuts Burlingame State Park and trails lead from the refuge to the state land.
 * Biking: South County Bike Path +1 401-783-8886 is used by walkers, runners, bikers. It extends 8 miles in length passing through South Kingstown and Narragansett.

Theaters and cinemas

 * URI Theatre, Upper College Rd (Fine Arts Center), Kingston. +1 401-874-2627 Live theatre productions, Concert Choir and University Chorus performances, and occasional non-URI performances.

The Ryan Center and Boss Arena

 * The Boss Arena, Lincoln Almond Plaza. Offers ice-skating to the public at designated times.
 * The Boss Arena, Lincoln Almond Plaza. Offers ice-skating to the public at designated times.

Buy
For the shopping enthusiast, South County provides a multitude of options. Although you won't find many chain stores, South County has many boutiques, used book stores, and souvenir shops. Wickford, Wakefield, and Westerly all have historic downtowns that contain many interesting shops.

title: South County (Rhode Island)


text:
South Dakota

South Dakota is a state in the Great Plains region of the United States. South Dakota is a popular family vacation destination and there are a great number of tourist opportunities in this state. In addition to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, other popular stops are Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, the World’s Only Corn Palace, Badlands National Park, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, Wall Drug and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. In De Smet, visitors can still tour the childhood homestead of beloved Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Pierre’s Cultural Heritage Center houses the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, which preserves the history of the State of South Dakota and Dakota Territory.

Cities

 * (Lakota: Čhúŋkaške) — in the capital of the state, on the Missouri river, you can visit the state Capitol building and several museums, or go fishing at the Oahe Dam lake
 * (Lakota: Ablíla) — the third largest city and a college town, being the home of several universities and colleges
 * — home to South Dakota State University, the state's largest institute of higher educatio
 * — the oldest town established by Europeans in the Black Hills
 * (Lakota: Owáyasuta) — a historic city that served as the main hub during the Black Hills Gold Rush in the 1870s. Has well-preserved Gold Rush-era architecture
 * – home of the world's only "corn palace" and home to the Dakota Discovery Museum
 * (Lakota: Mni Lúzahaŋ Otȟúŋwahe) - the second largest city in the state, located at the base of the Black Hills. Home to numerous attractions, including the world famous Mount Rushmore
 * (Lakota: Íŋyaŋ Okábleča Otȟúŋwahe) — the largest city in the state, named after the falls of the Big Sioux River
 * (Lakota: Makȟóšiča Aglágla Otȟuŋwahe) — a gateway to the Badlands and one of the smallest cities in the United States

Other destinations

 * – a mountain which is to be the worlds largest statue. Decades-long, generations-long project near Custer
 * – Lewis and Clark passed through the state along the Missouri River in their now legendary journey to the Pacific Northwest
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions
 * – Lewis and Clark passed through the state along the Missouri River in their now legendary journey to the Pacific Northwest
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions
 * – a park is named for its sacred cave whose air which is either sucked in or blown out, depending on atmospheric conditions

Understand
South Dakota is in the north central United States. The state is a "gateway" to the Great Plains region. It is a sparsely populated state, having about 910,000 residents in 2021. The state capital is Pierre (pronounced “peer”), which is located almost exactly in the center of the state.

South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. In 1927, sculptor Gutzon Borglum came to the Black Hills to carve his masterpiece into the side of a granite mountain. Today, visitors from all over the world come to western South Dakota to see the 60-foot faces of four American presidents.

South Dakota has a rich history going back to the days of the dinosaurs. One of the most complete T. Rex skeletons was found in South Dakota and the largest collection of Columbian Wooly Mammoth fossils are still being unearthed at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs in the southern Black Hills. Visitors to Badlands National Park can learn about what is considered to be one of the richest fossil beds in the country.

South Dakota is home to the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota-speaking people of the Great Sioux Nation. Several museums and cultural centers across the state depict the history and traditions of these people as well as display ancient artifacts and modern artwork. Across the state, visitors can explore the Native American Scenic Byway, attend a traditional powwow and experience Native American culture.

The Black Hills, called “Paha Sapa” by the Native Americans, is considered sacred ground to many tribes across the country. The Lakota Nation believes all life comes from “Paha Sapa,” and they fought fiercely to protect it during the Indian Wars of the 1800s. One of the most sacred places is Bear Butte in the northern Black Hills. This formation of magma never erupted and looks like a giant sleeping bear. Now a state park, Bear Butte is still used as a place of worship for more than 60 Native American tribes. More than 62,000 Native Americans live in South Dakota.

In 1874, an expedition led by General Custer discovered gold for the first time in the Black Hills and incited a gold rush. The largest find was near the town of present day Lead. In 2002, after yielding gold for more than 120 years, the Homestake Gold Mine shut down mining operations, but the location has been named the proposed site for the National Science Foundation’s Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). The Sanford Laboratory at Homestake is conducting experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the site for DUSEL.

Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of South Dakota’s economy. Eastern South Dakota supports a variety of crops, while cattle and sheep ranching are prevalent on the drier, western plains. South Dakota is a leading producer of honey, oats, rye, sunflowers, spring wheat, soybeans, corn, beef cattle, hogs, buffalo and sheep.

Interstate 90 runs east to west across South Dakota, while Interstate 29 runs north to south near the eastern border. Interstate Information Centers are staffed in the summer months and offer a variety of travel and tourism information. The state has two major airports located in Rapid City in the west and Sioux Falls in the east. Rapid City is on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, approximately 25 miles (40 km) from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Sioux Falls is at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90. Aberdeen, Pierre and Watertown also have airports with limited service by major carriers.

History
South Dakota’s history is filled with rich heritage and colorful characters that include the likes of Lewis and Clark, Sitting Bull, Wild Bill Hickok, Crazy Horse and Laura Ingalls Wilder. The land is the home of several Plains Indian tribes, including the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota-speaking people of the Great Sioux Nation.

By the early 1700s, French fur traders had extended their interests into the Upper Mississippi River basin. French Canadian explorers, Louis Joseph and Francois la Verendrye, were the first known non-Indians in what we call South Dakota. They left a lead plate in 1743 on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in present day Fort Pierre claiming the region for France. This land was transferred to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1804, American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met with the Teton band of the Lakota people in the same vicinity. In 1831, Pierre Chouteau, Jr. founded an American Fur Trading post in the area known as Fort Pierre. Today, the cities of Fort Pierre and Pierre (the state capital), take their names from this fort.

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 helped fuel a population boom in the last half of the 19th century. The largest find was near the town of present day Lead, a claim that would yield gold for more than 120 years. Deadwood was perhaps the wildest gold camp to spring from the rush; the town’s sordid early days inspired an HBO television series. Deadwood was home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, both of whom were laid to rest in Mount Moriah Cemetery, along with Sheriff Seth Bullock.

Fighting over the mineral-rich and culturally-sacred land raged between native Sioux tribes and settlers in the late 1800s. The final major conflict during the Plains Indian Wars occurred on December 29, 1890, at the Massacre of Wounded Knee, in southwest South Dakota.

During this time, pioneers and homesteaders were beginning to form South Dakota’s strong agricultural base, still prevalent in the state economy today. Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder documented the pioneer spirit in her beloved books about growing up on the prairie. Four of her six books were written about her family’s adventures in De Smet. Today, you can tour her childhood homestead and see places that inspired her classic books and a television series.

South Dakota also played a key role in the Cold War. In the 1960s, America began installing Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles beneath western prairies. The 44th Missile Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota operated 150 missile silos and 15 launch control facilities in the western part of the state. Two of these sites, the Delta One Launch Control Facility and the Delta Nine Launch Facility, have been preserved as a National Historic Site to provide visitors with a unique Cold War history lesson.

Climate
South Dakota has four distinct seasons of weather, ranging from cold winters to hot summers. Temperatures can reach over 100 °F (almost 40 °C) in the summer and average below freezing in the winter. Average humidity across the state ranges from semi-arid in the northwest to semi-humid in the southeast. Summers can bring severe weather in the form of thunderstorms, but most days are clear and sunny.

Summer (late May to early September) is optimal for visiting many of the attractions in the state. However, weather can be mild in both the spring and fall months, and visiting outside of the summer season offers less traffic and opportunities for seeing spring’s first blossoms or fall’s brilliant foliage. Very cold winter weather alternates with milder spells, and snowfall can be prevalent. December through early March is the best time to take advantage of several downhill ski areas, more than 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of snowmobiling trails, ice fishing and other winter sports and activities.

During the summer months, South Dakota experiences approximately 15-16 hours of daylight each day. During the winter months, it averages to 9-10 hours of daylight. South Dakota observes two different time zones: Central Time in most areas of the state east of the Missouri River, and Mountain Time in areas west of the Missouri River.

Tourist information

 * Travel South Dakota website

By car
Two major interstates cross the state. Interstate 90 run east-west from Seattle, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts. Interstate 29 runs north-south from Kansas City, Missouri north to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Additionally, federal highways running east-west include 12, 212, 14, and 18; north-south highways 85, 385, 83, 183, 281 and 81 also traverse the state.

By plane
South Dakota is served by two major airports, Sioux Falls Regional Airport, in the southeast, and Rapid City Regional Airport , in the west. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is served by United, Delta and Allegiant airlines. Rapid City Regional is served by United, Delta and Allegiant airlines. Aberdeen, Watertown and Pierre also have scheduled commercial air service.

By train
South Dakota is one in only 3 states (the others being Hawaii and Wyoming) not served by any intercity passenger rail.

By bus
Jefferson Lines has frequent affordable connections along the state's two interstates, most frequent to Minneapolis, but also daily through the West River part of the state to Wyoming.

By public transit
Information on South Dakota Transit can be found here.

See

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, near Keystone, is known as America’s “Shrine of Democracy.” In 1927, sculptor Gutzon Borglum came to the Black Hills to carve his sculpture into the side of a granite mountain. Today, visitors from all over the world come to the Black Hills of South Dakota to see the four faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Crazy Horse Memorial, near Custer, is the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. The memorial is a way to honor the culture and traditions of North American Indians. Visitors to Crazy Horse Memorial can see the progress of the mountain carving as well as tour a Native American Museum and art center on the campus of the Memorial.

Badlands National Park, in southwestern South Dakota, features 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes and jagged spires that create a moon-like surface. Thousands of fossils of prehistoric creatures have been uncovered in the park. Archaeological and paleontological digs continue today, with some open to public participation.

Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, both in the southern Black Hills, take visitors deep beneath the surface. Wind Cave is considered one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. Its thin calcite fins and honeycomb rock structures stand in contrast to the 28,295 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forest and roaming buffalo above ground. Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 217 miles (350 km). Its colorful calcite crystals create jewel-like formations giving the cave its name. The official length of Jewel Cave is continually growing as explorers find new passageways. In January 2008, 476 feet (145 meters) of new passageways were discovered.

Custer State Park, in the southern Black Hills, is a popular family vacation spot. With nearly 1,500 free-roaming buffalo and numerous prairie dogs, deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns and burros, visitors can experience wildlife in a natural setting. The park also offers mountain lakes for swimming and fishing, dozens of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as several lodges and campsites. For visitors looking to take a scenic drive, Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road offer spectacular views, unique rock tunnels and winding pigtail bridges.

The Black Hills National Forest is 1.2 million acres of pine and spruce forest, granite peaks and outdoor adventure. An area of granite spires, known as the Needles, provides challenging rock climbing opportunities. The 114-mile (183-km) George S. Mickelson Trail, part of the state park system, has gentle slopes and converted railroad bridges that take bikers and hikers from Deadwood in the northern Black Hills to Edgemont in the south. Harney Peak, in the Black Elk Wilderness Area, at an elevation of 7,242 feet (2,207 meters) is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains.

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is near Badlands National Park. The Delta One Launch Control Facility and the Delta Nine Launch Facility were ideal for long-term preservation because they were among the nation’s oldest – with technology dating back to the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960s. Only minor modifications have been made to the deactivated sites, and much of the original mechanical equipment and historic furnishings remain intact.

The Missouri River cuts through the center of South Dakota, dividing it roughly into eastern and western halves, and then forms some of the border between South Dakota and Nebraska. The Missouri National Recreational River protects two stretches of the river in the southeastern part of the state; 39 miles (63 km) from Fort Randall Dam to Running Water and 59 miles (95 km) from Gavins Point Dam to Nebraska’s Ponca State Park. These sections of the river are the least affected by the four dams in South Dakota, and offer unique landscapes and ecosystems. The entire Missouri River provides countless opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can also camp, bird watch and hike along the river.

There are nearly 60 state parks and recreation areas in South Dakota. They offer numerous opportunities to experience the state, from an outdoor and recreational perspective to a historic one. Among them, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, in the northeast corner, was a frontier army outpost in 1864 and is still home to 14 of the original buildings. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, near Yankton, and Farm Island Recreation Area, near Pierre, are two of numerous state parks located on the shores of the Missouri River and offer many camping, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking opportunities.

Events

 * Sturgis, a.k.a. "Motorcycle City, USA," is home of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every summer.
 * Jazzfest is a music festival that occurs in Sioux Falls every July. Average attendance has exceeded 100,000.

Tornadoes
Part of the state lies in the country's "tornado alley", and its geographical location makes it prone to very violent thunderstorms during the spring and summer seasons. These thunderstorms, most often, will produce hail squalls and damaging winds. On occasion, they have also been known to spawn small scale tornadoes. Despite this being a rarity, and their small scale, they can still cause significant damage and endanger an unprepared traveler.

Travelers to and through the state, particularly its southern-most regions, during the spring/summer seasons should pay attention to weather conditions because they have the tendency to change very rapidly.

Refer to the Tornado safety page for more information.

Winter storms
South Dakota is infamous for its brutal winter storms. Blizzards and freak snow squalls are not uncommon in either of the Dakotas during the winter months. As with any severe weather situation, keep yourself up to date on the latest weather conditions if you are planning to travel to or through the state during the winter season.

Wildlife
Wild animals are called that for a reason, and South Dakota residents all know at least one story of a person being attacked because they ignored repeated warnings about getting too close. While centered mostly around the southwest part of the state, Bison are best viewed from the car or from a distance — do not approach them. They look slow, but they can cover a good distance in short time.

Prairie dogs may be cute and fun to watch, but don't let your kids try to pet them. They will bite.

Also, mosquitoes in South Dakota are simply out of control. They bite through clothes and mark their territory on skin, a few inches of diameter at a time. Mosquito bites acquired in South Dakota remain red and swollen for a few days. It is crucial, although practically impossible, that you refrain from scratching them. If you feel you absolutely must do so, however, opt for alcohol on a piece of cotton applied to your war wounds before giving in to temptation, as doing so might alleviate the agitation and leave you with a somewhat cool sensation on your skin. Do not take a walk in the park without having sprayed some kind of mosquito repellent, or you will regret it as much as you'd regret feeding your cat red jelly-beans on its third day straight of diarrhea.

Go next

 * North Dakota - South Dakota's sibling to the north is America's least visited state, but its isolation provides opportunities for uncrowded visits to the state's hills and lakes, badlands, plains, and old frontier forts.
 * Minnesota - Known for cold winters and its ten thousand lakes, South Dakota's eastern neighbor is an ideal destination for wilderness enthusiasts and shoppers destined for the Twin Cities and Mall of America.
 * Iowa - Rural Iowa is South Dakota's southeastern neighbor and provides the opportunity to explore America's agricultural heartland.
 * Nebraska - South Dakota's southern neighbor has a rich agricultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into America's heartland.
 * Wyoming - West of South Dakota, Wyoming is home to most of the landmass of Yellowstone National Park and provides an excellent opportunity to experience America's cowboy heritage.
 * Montana - South Dakota's northwestern neighbor is often called Big Sky Country for its famed big, blue skies, but the amazing natural landscape varies from the flat regions to the East and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the West.

title: South Dakota


text:
South Downs

The South Downs is a national park in South East England. The park comprises an area of chalk upland which stretches from Winchester in Hampshire, through West Sussex to Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The energetic can walk the entire length using the South Downs Way. The eastern end finishes at the sea from east of Brighton Marina to Eastbourne. The section of cliffs from Brighton to Seaford is largely built on, although the cliffs west of Newhaven (River Ouse) are noteworthy for being overlaid by Tertiary sand.

Regions
The South Downs passes through the counties of East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire. The downs are more open, bare and rounded east of the River Adur at Shoreham, and more wooded west of the Adur. Into Hampshire, the downs lose the steep north-facing escarpment characteristic of the downs in Sussex. Each part has its own beauty.

Towns and cities
East to west:
 * Eastbourne
 * Seaford
 * Newhaven
 * Lewes
 * Brighton
 * Steyning
 * Worthing
 * Arundel
 * Chichester
 * Petersfield
 * Winchester

What is a "down"?
"Down" is a southern English term for low to medium-sized hills. Downland is one of the characteristic landscapes of southern England, and is usually composed of chalk, but can also be sandy. The landscape is generally softly rolling, with many ridges and some steeper escarpments, though the peaks rarely exceed 200 metres in height. Apart from the South Downs, downland can also be found in the Chilterns (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire), the North Downs (East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex) and the North Wessex Downs (Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire).

Geology
The South Downs are the remnants of the former Wealden Anticline, which stretched across Sussex, The chalk was laid down between 100 and 65 million years ago, on top of the weaker Greensand and Sandstone which makes up much of the Weald, the beds were then folded from 30 to 1 million years ago, the top of the chalk was then eroded, leaving two nearly parallel ridges, which is why the Downs form a long ridge. They are mirrored in the north by the North Downs.

History
The Downs have undergoing inhabitation since the Stone Age, with Britain's earliest human remains dating from 500,000 years ago found at Boxgrove. The South Downs are home to some of Britain's earliest mines, numerous camps, barrows, hill forts and figures on the hills. There are remains dating from the Bronze Age to the Second World War; the Battle of Lewes was fought on the Downs and in the Elizabethan times their height was used for beacons (this is preserved within names, such as Firle Beacon).

Geography
The South Downs extend about 70 miles (100 km) through East Sussex, West Sussex, and part of Hampshire. The South Downs Way is a bridleway that follows the South Downs. The Downs are penetrated by several rivers, such as the Cuckmere (its lower reaches form the famous meanders), the Ouse, the Adur, the Arun (passing through Arundel). The Views from the Downs take in some of the most beautiful countryside in the South East of England.

Visitor information

 * Visit South Downs
 * South Downs National Park

Get in
There are main line trains and long distance coaches to Winchester, Eastbourne, and several places in between. Allow around 60 – 90 minutes from London. Ferries to Newhaven and Portsmouth, and the London airports (especially Gatwick) are handy for overseas visitors. Trains from London stop at these places close to the Downs.
 * Winchester (England): mainline services to and from Southampton (South West Trains)
 * Petersfield: train services from London (Waterloo) and Portsmouth (South West Trains)
 * Amberley (West Sussex) : from London (Victoria) towards Arundel and Littlehampton. (Southern Trains)
 * Hassocks: from London (Victoria) towards Brighton and Lewes (Southern Trains and First Capital Connect - From Blackfriars)
 * Lewes: from London (Victoria) Towards Lewes and Newhaven (Southern Trains)
 * Eastbourne: from London (Victoria) via Lewes or from Ashford. (Southern Trains)

There are also Services that run to the South of the Downs along the South Coast, Linking Portsmouth, Chichester, and Brighton

Cyclists: at some periods of the day and on some operators bikes are not allowed on the trains. also most of the more modern trains only have space for 3-4 bikes, thus large groups may have to book ahead or travel in smaller groups. Southern for example requests that 'limited number' of cycles are carried free on all services except on trains due to arrive into London or Brighton between 7AM and 10AM, or due to depart from London stations or Brighton between 4PM and 7PM on Mondays to Fridays. Reservations for cycles are not required.

Car parks Car parking is normally good, although in towns and villages be expected to have to search and pay for parking spaces. Car parks are usually free from crime, but normal precuations must be taken. Narrow lanes are common, as are steep hills, trying to take a caravan around the South Downs is not recommended.

Get around
No bus routes run the complete length of the path, although there are coastal and inland routes, the park is serviced by routes passing through it, and has a fairly decent train service. Check out Traveline South East for full transport routes.

If you want to travel by car (advised) the A27 runs parrel to the South Downs, with various roads passing through the area (A23, A284, A24 and more).

A popular way is by foot, bike or horse, there is a route through the park (South Downs Way) which will take you over some of the best scenery in the UK (and you're not really affected by traffic).

See and do

 * Plenty of chalk cliffs the most famous are the Seven Sisters (Country Park) and Beachy Head, west of Eastbourne. Could be combined with the Cuckmere River valley below Alfriston and Cuckmere Haven.
 * Beautiful vistas from Firle Beacon, Ditchling Beacon, Devil's Dyke and Telscombe village (not to be confused with the nearby coastal Telscombe Cliffs).
 * Quick trip to Brighton, Eastbourne or the historic city of Winchester.
 * Take a bus or drive up to Devils Dyke, this V-shaped valley was formed during the last glaciation and offers many folklore stories about its formation.
 * Visit the windmills on Clayton Hill. Jill Mill is a fully restored post mill which grinds corn at certain times of year. Volunteer guides will take you up inside the mill and explain the workings. There's a tea shop with home made cakes in the base. Normally open on Sunday afternoons 2-5PM from May to September. The mill is signposted from the A273 near Pyecombe and there's a car park adjacent to it. Other opening times and info at
 * The Chattri is the war memorial to the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. About a mile south of the South Downs Way near to Pyecombe golf club. Over a million and a half Indian soldiers fought alongside British troops, and many wounded were treated at hospitals in Brighton.
 * Cissbury Ring near Worthing is one of Britain's largest and most magnificent Iron Age hill forts. It's over a mile to walk around its ramparts.  Extensive views over the Downs and sea as far as the Isle of Wight.  Car parks off the A24 at Findon Valley, or walk from the Broadwater area of Worthing.

Devils Dyke
The Devil's Dyke is the largest chalkland dry combe (a big waterless valley) in Britain and home to many associated plants and butterflies. From the summit there are dramatic views north towards the Weald and south over the sea. the area became a popular visiting spot during the 19th century, due to its proximity to Brighton.

Get in

 * Car parks at Devil’s Dyke and Summer Down Road
 * Buses to Devil's Dyke:
 * Number 77 service: winter – Sundays and Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day); spring/autumn - weekends and Bank Holidays; summer – everyday
 * Number 17 Stagecoach service to Poynings (20 min walk to Devil's Dyke)
 * A classic open-top bus runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays. A bus leaflet called 'Breeze up to the Dyke' is available

Further information

 * Seasonal information officer with mobile trailer from Easter to October (mainly weekends)
 * Discover Devil’s Dyke with self-guided family activities (similar to Tracker Packs) £2. Available during summer
 * Further information and educational or group bookings from the Head Warden or Education Warden on +44 1273 857712
 * the land is owned by the National Trust

Go next

 * Back Down to Hove, Brighton
 * Take a walk up on the Downs, along the South Downs Way

Itineraries
South Downs Way a long distance bridleway From Eastbourne to Heathfield (in the heart of the Weald) there is the Cuckoo Trail a cycle and walking path along a disused railway line.

Eat and drink
Most villages have their own pub, each with its own character. You can expect good quality food in many of these and a wide variety of beers (often the local beer, Harveys, brewed in Lewes) and lagers. The nearest pubs to the hills are in villages which means you have to walk down, and then back up. Some of the closest places to the Downs to eat are:

 * The Shepherd & Dog, Fulking (near Devil's Dyke)
 * The Royal Oak, Poynings
 * The Plough, Pyecombe (more a restaurant than a pub)
 * The Jack & Jill, Clayton
 * The White Horse, Ditchling
 * The Half Moon, Plumpton

If you want to try some of the lamb produced on the Downs visit a local butcher or see if it is a special at a pub. You won't be disappointed!

Ditchling Beacon Car Park normally has a couple of ice cream vans floating about.

Sleep
Accommodation is plentiful; camping sites, barns, hotels, pubs, cottages, YHA Bed and Breakfasts are all available. Consult the city and town articles for specific listings. Often smaller villages will have perhaps a restaurant and a small hotel, but not anything else for a traveller.

Wild camping is legal; however landowner's permission is needed and for now it is difficult to cover the whole route by backpacking. The Sussex section has more opportunities to wild camp than the Hampshire section.

Stay safe
Although the Downs are far from remote people have died on them, therefore ensure you have good quality footwear and a map. The South Downs Way is as safe as anywhere and much safer than any city – you need have no security concerns about going alone by day, however it is probably best to ensure you are not alone at night, the area is commonly used as a social gathering area for teenagers. The route often has sections with steep sides.

If you are planning some serious activity, especially alone remember the area as a whole is not suitable for people who are frail and due to its nature is not specially surfaced for wheelchairs and so can be rough and/or steep in places.

If you want to take young children on the downs, since it can be very hilly it is probably best to bring a pushchair.

If you are older you’ll need a suitable electric cross-country buggy such as a Tramper. Contact the Trail Officer for detailed information about the path surfaces, slopes, and useful contacts.

A basic kit should be as follows:
 * First aid kit; for any scrapes or falls
 * Mobile phone; just for peace of mind, most of the route has reception
 * Water; it can get pretty windy up there and especially in summer you can get quite thirsty.
 * In the winter warm clothing is recommended.

Take warm clothing, e.g. a jumper or fleece, as even if it's sunny the wind speed can be high up on the downs. In autumn and winter, wind on the top of a down can be a major challenge.

Go next
The Isle of Wight is a short journey south west of the National Park, and on the way you could visit the cities of Portsmouth or Southampton. You could also always head north to the capital city of London. Or you could head south to Newhaven and catch a ferry to Dieppe in France.

title: South Downs


text:
South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is in southeast England.

Understand

The 160-kilometre South Downs Way follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, passing over some of the most beautiful and calming scenery in southern Britain. It is used as a National Trail and a local path. Historical sites varying from the Neolithic to World War 2 are present on the route.

Prepare
The Trail as a whole is not suitable for people who are frail: it is not specially surfaced for wheelchairs and so can be rough and/or steep in places. If you want to take young children on the route, since it can be very hilly it is probably best to bring a pushchair. If you are older you’ll need a suitable electric cross-country buggy such as a Tramper. Contact the Trail Officer for detailed information about the path surfaces, slopes, and useful contacts.

A basic kit should be as follows:
 * First aid kit for any scrapes or falls
 * Mobile phone: just for peace of mind; most of the route has reception
 * Water; it can get pretty windy up there and especially in summer you can get quite thirsty.
 * In the winter warm clothing is recommended.

Luggage movement
For those who may not want to carry all the things they need for 3 days on their backs there are luggage movement services.

By train
There are mainline trains and long-distance coaches to both Winchester and Eastbourne as well as several places in between. Allow around 60–90 minutes from London. There are ferries to Newhaven and Portsmouth, and the London Airports (especially Gatwick) are handy for overseas visitors. Trains from London stop at these places close to the route:

 * Winchester: Mainline services to and From Southampton (South West Trains)
 * Petersfield: Train services from London (Waterloo) and Portsmouth (South West Trains)
 * Amberley: From London (Victoria) towards Arundel and Littlehampton (Southern Trains)
 * Hassocks: From London (Victoria) towards Brighton and Lewes (Southern Trains and First Capital Connect - from Blackfriars)
 * Lewes: From London (Victoria) towards Lewes and Newhaven (Southern Trains)
 * Eastbourne: From London (Victoria) via Lewes or from Ashford (Southern Trains)
 * Brighton: From London (Victoria, London Bridge, Kensington Olympia, Watford Junction) served by Southern Trains (inc. Gatwick Express) Blackfriars, Thameslink, Bedford, Kings Cross and First Capital Connect) West (Bristol, Gloucester, Westbury, Cardiff served by First Great Western) and East (Ashford, Hastings, Eastbourne served by Southern)

Cyclists: Please note that at some periods of the day and on some operators bikes are not allowed on the trains. also most of the more modern trains only have space for 3-4 bikes, thus large groups may have to book ahead or travel in smaller groups. Southern for example requests that 'limited number' of cycles are carried free on all services except on trains due to arrive into London or Brighton between 07.00 and 10.00, or due to depart from London stations or Brighton between 1600 and 1900 on Mondays to Fridays. Reservations for cycles are not required.

By car
You may not of course wish to walk the entire length of the path, and parts of it can be incorporated into circular walks or one could walk one way and get the bus back. Car parking is normally good, although in towns and villages expect to have to search and pay for parking spaces. Car parks are usually free from crime, but normal precautions must be taken.

Walk

Walking, cycling and horse riding are the main activities, although within a drive (or a bus/train ride) are some other sites:

 * Eastbourne
 * Lewes
 * Brighton (England) and the south Coast (beaches etc)
 * Midhurst
 * Petersfield
 * Portsmouth
 * Winchester (England)

Sleep
Camping sites, barns, hotels, pubs, cottages, youth hostels and bed and breakfasts are the main accommodations.

'Wild' camping is legal with the landowner's permission; for now it is difficult to cover the whole route by backpacking. The Sussex section has more opportunities to 'wild' camp than the Hampshire section.

Stay safe
Ensure you have good-quality footwear and a map; The South Downs Way is as safe as anywhere and much safer than any city—you need have no security concerns about going alone. However, it is probably best to ensure you stop before night; the route often has sections with steep sides.

Take warm clothing–e.g. a jumper or fleece–as even if its sunny the wind speed can be high up on the downs. A phone wouldn't go amiss.

Go next
You can always escape from the path and see more of the counties which are on the route (Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex). Thankfully the route has decent transport links within about 10 miles of any spot.

title: South Downs Way


text:
Southeast (Botswana)

Southeast Botswana is a region of that country. It is home to the capital, Gaborone, and most of the country's population.

Get in
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

title: Southeast (Botswana)


text:
Southeast (Brazil)

Southeast Brazil is the cultural and economic hub of the country, and contains three of the four largest cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte. It is the richest region of the country and it leads the country in population, urban population, population density, industries, universities, airports, ports, highways, hospitals, schools, houses and many other areas. It also has a lot to see outside of the cities, with national parks such as Itatiaia and Serra da Canastra and a long and beautiful coastline with popular destinations like Paraty, Caraguatatuba, and Guarapari.

Cities

 * - Third largest city in the country, and capital of Minas Gerais.
 * - The city across the Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro. There are beautiful beaches and mountains you can go to the top of them and view all the beauty of Rio. A visit to Itacoatiara beach is recommended.
 * - Most beautiful colonial town in Brazil, has a large collection of Baroque art of the 16th and 17th centuries, the golden age in the country. Monumental churches, museums and urban tracks are now protected as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
 * - Quaint coastal colonial town with cobblestone streets, hiking options, and access to hundreds of small islands in the Bay of Ilha Grande
 * - Brazil's "marvelous city", with famous beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema
 * - Largest city in South America, a sprawling metropolis with a vast array of cultural, culinary, and shopping options.
 * - An important port city in São Paulo state, home of the football club for which Pelé played most of his career.
 * - A well preserved historic town in the state of Minas Gerais.
 * - The capital of the state of Espírito Santo. It is famous for its beautiful bay, the alongside Convento da Penha (a hilltop Franciscan convent dating from the 16th century), its beaches and nightlife.

Other destinations

 * — the main attraction of this 12 square meters park is its 1909 meters high peak, Pedra Azul, which got its name due to the blue tonality reflected on the rock at some moments of the day
 * — the main attraction of this 12 square meters park is its 1909 meters high peak, Pedra Azul, which got its name due to the blue tonality reflected on the rock at some moments of the day
 * — the main attraction of this 12 square meters park is its 1909 meters high peak, Pedra Azul, which got its name due to the blue tonality reflected on the rock at some moments of the day
 * — the main attraction of this 12 square meters park is its 1909 meters high peak, Pedra Azul, which got its name due to the blue tonality reflected on the rock at some moments of the day

Understand
Since the 18th century, Brazil’s Southeast has been the heart of the country’s economy. Firstly, with the intense gold and diamond mining in the state of Minas Gerais, which gave birth to several colonial towns - many of them still well-preserved, as well as the transfer of the country’s capital from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro in 1763. When the mining activities declined, the coffee produced in the region took its place as the country’s main export, followed by Brazil’s industrialization, which helped develop the region from the 1930s on. Today, the Southeast is still the most populous and economically powerful of the country’s regions, besides being the epicenter of the Brazil’s cultural industries. Nevertheless, it is still to overcome problems that plague the rest of the country, such as the extreme contrast between the rich and the poor, and the lack of security in the metropolises. In spite of that, São Paulo and Rio are the main gateways to Brazil, both for business and leisure travelers, and the region offers countless attractions to all its visitors.

Climate
The diverse landscapes of the southeast can have very different climates altogether – check the state articles for details. As a general rule, areas along the coastline can be hot and humid year-round – less so in winter. Northern Minas Gerais is also hot, but drier. In higher altitude areas (such as São Paulo (city), southern Minas Gerais and the mountains of Rio state) winters are usually cool. Summer is the wettest season whereas winters are generally drier.

Talk
English is normally spoken only at the tourism businesses (hotels and a few more tourist-oriented restaurants), and by the well-educated upper classes. Do not assume everyone speaks Spanish. Brazilians do not like to be mistaken for Spanish-speakers and some can find it rude to be approached in Spanish. Portuguese is spoken with variations in accent and a few tweaks in vocabulary. Some of them may be interesting for the traveller to know:
 * Semáforo (traffic lights): Sinal (in Minas and Rio), farol (in São Paulo)

By plane
São Paulo has the country's largest number of international links. Note that some connections to domestic flights may require a change between airports, from Guarulhos International to Congonhas, which is a busy national hub.

Rio de Janeiro also receives international flights, including the only direct flight to Angola. Rio's other airport serves only domestic destinations.

Other cities with international connections are Belo Horizonte (from Portugal) and Cabo Frio, in the Buzios region, with flights to and from Buenos Aires.

See

 * Colonial heritage is preserved in many small towns such as Paraty, Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, and Diamantina. Old churches in Brazilian baroque style, courthouses, manors, and town halls recall the stories of early immigration, the Inconfidência Mineira against the Portuguese crown, and the gold and diamond rushes for which Minas Gerais is named.

Do

 * Bonete Jungle Trail (Trilha do Bonete) – A beautiful 2-day jungle trail on Ilhabela island with picturesque waterfalls, refreshing river pools, beautiful beaches, and flora and fauna of the Atlantic rain forest.
 * Estrada Real – Cutting through the States of Minas Gerais and São Paulo to the port cities of Paraty and Rio de Janeiro, the Royal Road is one of the oldest roads in the Americas. It thrived during the diamond and gold-digging ages, linking many of the most important historic towns in the region.

Drink
One may enjoy a delicious caipirinha. This drink is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (pronounced [kaˈʃasɐ]), sugar and lemon. Cachaça is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage. While both rum and cachaça are made from sugarcane-derived products, most rum is made from molasses. Specifically with cachaça, the alcohol results from the fermentation of sugarcane juice that is afterwards distilled.

title: Southeast (Brazil)


text:
Eastern Angola

Eastern Angola encompasses the eastern portion of Angola.

Get in
The railway line Caminho de Ferro de Benguela passes through the central parts of Eastern Angola, continuing to the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. Passenger services are sporadic, with 1-2 trains per week in each direction bet ween Kuito and Luao, the border station. The largest city along the line is Luena.

See

 * Dala Waterfalls
 * Dilolo Lake
 * Muembeje River Falls

Stay safe
Dangerous minefields are a legacy of the 1980s war in Cuito Cuanavale; it is the most-mined town in Angola. Among many others in the area, where tens of thousands of mines were laid, is one designated by the HALO Trust as "one of the largest and most complicated minefields in the world", with an overall length of 18 to 20 km (11 to 12 mi).

title: Eastern Angola


text:
Southeast Arizona

Southeast Arizona is a sparsely-populated, scenic region of the Sonoran desert with a number of historic sights and remote wilderness areas.

Cities

 * – a historic rail town and convenient base.
 * – an old mining town, now an artist colony.
 * – a border town with some early 20th-century architecture.
 * – the region's largest town, with a historic military fort.
 * – an iconic Wild West town most famous for the conflict between Wyatt Earp and the Clanton.
 * – a historic town and gateway to Chiricahua National Monument.

Other destinations

 * – one of the National Park Service's more remote units, with a unique landscape of stone hoodoos.

Understand
Travelers speeding by on I-10 between western New Mexico and Tucson could be forgiven for assuming there's not much to see in this remote corner of Arizona. The only real clue is the Texas Canyon rest stop on I-10; there's little else to suggest that there's more here than tumbleweeds and rocks. Leave the interstate, however, and soon you find yourself in storied cowboy and Indian country: the land of Wyatt Earp and the Clanton brothers, and of Geronimo's last stand. There's much more than that here, though, as the oldest documented evidence of human inhabitants anywhere on North America is in this region. To really experience all of this the traveler should leave the highway, and, ideally, the pavement.

Culturally there is a long history of human activity here, beginning with the Clovis culture approximately 9000 BCE, and continuing through the pre-Columbian and early Spanish periods. Besides scattered petroglyphs and pictographs and adobe ruins, however, there's little from this early history for the traveler to easily appreciate. In contrast, the region's more recent Apache, Mexican, and American history is inescapable. With the exception of the Chiricahua Apaches, who were sadly forcibly removed in the 19th century, the influence of this cultural melange continues to the present day.

Geographically the region is characterized by basin and range topography punctuated by Madrean Sky Islands, a landscape which is unique to southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora, Mexico. The desert valleys are hot and arid, while the mountain ranges are covered by cool pine and oak forests, with corresponding cooler temperatures.

Read

 * Richard Shelton, Going Back to Bisbee. In this engaging memoir and travelogue, the Tucson-based poet describes a day trip taken from Tucson to Bisbee while recounting his earlier experiences in the region, beginning with his posting as a soldier in Fort Huachuca in 1956. Interspersed are numerous and entertaining observations of the ecology and regional history.

Talk
English is the primary language spoken here, although Spanish is widely understood and spoken, particularly along the Mexican border.

By plane
Tucson International Airport ,

By train
Benson is the only city with an Amtrak station at 105 E 4th St. It is served by two routes: the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle.

By car
Interstate 10 (I-10) is the main thoroughfare, with access from the northwest from Tucson and from the east from New Mexico.

Get around
A car is essential as there is no public transportation. To access some of the more remote off-road areas, a four-wheel drive is recommended.

Ghost Town Trail

 * Begin in Tombstone on Gleeson Rd, which becomes a graded dirt road. The will be on your left, a short distance before the townsite. Remains of  include a saloon, schoolhouse, hospital, and newly restored jail.
 * Head north to on N Gleeson-Pearce Rd, aka Ghost Town Trail, which has just a couple of ruined structures remaining.
 * Go further on to with two structures on the National Register of Historic Places: the Old Pearce General Store and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.
 * From here continue on Hwy 191 to see Cochise and the historic.

Sleep
Accommodation options listed below are outside of major population centers. For locations with more urban amenities, see town and city listings above.

Eat
As this is ranching country steakhouses are easy to find, and much food is heavily influenced by Sonoran cuisine. Mexican food is widely available.

Aside from in the population centers, restaurants in this sparsely-populated region are few and far between. For provisions, the towns of Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Willcox, Benson, and Douglas all have good-sized grocery stores, with Sierra Vista having the best selection.

Outdoors
As with any outdoor activity in the desert southwest, the standard precautions should be taken here, especially in more remote areas.

Drug and human trafficking
Southeast Arizona is a corridor for traffickers, although in the 2010s, the problem has abated somewhat as smuggling routes have shifted to the east and west. Still, it may be inadvisable to camp in some areas as smugglers travel most often at night; day hiking however in the same areas may be safe. Inquire locally about current conditions, or contact the nearest Border Patrol office for guidelines.

The Border Patrol maintains two checkpoints monitoring all north-bound traffic heading toward Interstate 10: the north of Huachuca City, and the  north of Tombstone. Drivers passing through should lower their windows; agents may ask limited questions regarding residency or immigration status of any driver or passenger, although frequently they will simply wave cars through. You do have the right to refuse to answer such questions, but this could result in detention while your immigration status is verified.

Go next
Tucson is within an hour's drive, as is neighboring southwest New Mexico. Visit Mexico for the day (via Douglas or Nogales), or visit nearby Tumacácori Mission and Tubac in South Central Arizona. Or head north towards the Mogollon Rim for more green and cooler temperatures (with snow in the winter).

title: Southeast Arizona