Named after Abraham Lincoln, this state capital is a great place for children, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the observation tower of the 400-foot-high capitol building. The white stone Art Deco spire can be seen from miles around. Then take a tour of the building and its grounds, where you'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, DC. While you're on a history roll, visit the Governor's Mansion, whose Georgian Colonial exterior belies the varied architectural styles inside, and make sure and see the collection of dolls representing the state's first ladies dressed in their inaugural gowns. Kids will love the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they can circle the zoo in a miniature train and see over 300 animals living among spectacular gardens. For some outdoor fun, head to one of the city's beautiful parks, the largest of which is Wilderness Park. The hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails will keep you on the move for hours.

At the northern reaches of the Mississippi, Tunica is one of the South’s leading entertainment destinations. Just 20 minutes from Memphis, it’s home to nine casino resorts and three championship-level golf courses, as well as Tunica RiverPark, the Tunica Queen Riverboat and the soon-to-open Gateway to the Blues Museum. Tunica is a popular starting point for the Mississippi Blues Trail, a scenic highway that winds through Mississippi and takes you to historic blues markers and landmarks.