Lake Guntersville, Alabama

This sleepy hamlet wraps itself around one of Alabama's prettiest patches of fresh water―Lake Guntersville. But the small city holds a few shopping and dining surprises that could have easily been plucked from much more urban areas such as Birmingham (65 miles southwest) and Huntsville (45 miles northwest). You're here for the lake, though, and its calming qualities will ease you through this relaxing weekend.

For more information: Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.marshallcountycvb.com, or Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce, www.lakeguntersville.org.