Lafayette is part college town, part natural landscape and part lively urban center. Across the Wabash River in West Lafayette, Purdue University draws a diverse young student population to the city. A walking tour of downtown Lafayette reveals a historic core of Victorian architecture, unique shops and public art. Nature abounds in the city and area parks, including Columbian Park, the Celery Bog wetlands, the Jerry E. Clegg Botanical Garden along Wildcat Creek and Wolf Park in Battle Ground.

Tupelo, Mississippi, the early home of the King of Rock and Roll, is a city dedicated to the legend of Elvis Presley. Visit the Elvis Birthplace Museum and see the very house where Elvis was born or the church where he first sang gospel. Every year, the town hosts the Elvis Presley Festival, with live music, a parade, and a tribute artist competition. For visitors uninterested in blue suede shoes, the city offers up the Tupelo Automobile Museum, featuring over 100 antique and classic cars.

Home to the University of Florida, the largest and oldest university in the state, as well as the Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville is a hub of education and culture. Perhaps due to its strong student population, the city is also at the heart of independent music in Florida, having produced numerous musical acts from a variety of genres. The natural surroundings, including parks, lakes and the adjacent Paynes Prairie State Reserve provide a green getaway from the bustle of city life.