Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a superb place to hide from the intense heat of the Caribbean sun. Stop here on your way to Crown Mountain and explore the work of Patsy, the garden's owner. She has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to assemble a vast collection of orchids, bromeliads, palms, succulents and air plants. Kids will surely love the petting zoo with a peacock and parrot, while "plant parents" can buy some gorgeous flowering plants to bring home.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies houses 10,000 sea creatures spanning over 350 species. Among the attractions in store are the tropical rainforest, shark lagoon, gallery of the seas, penguin playhouse, coral reef, touch-a-ray bay, ocean realm, stingray bay, systems control, and the discovery center. Underwater tunnels give visitors the feeling of truly being in the water with the fascinating creatures, and dive and feeding shows are equally as interactive.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, named for its cascading mountain streams, offers a scenic 6-mile loop through the Great Smoky Mountains. Discover historic sites along the route, including old grist mills, preserved log cabins, and other charming structures. The trail's highlights include picturesque mountain streams, the majestic Rainbow Falls, and a vibrant display of wildflowers.

With a very self-explanatory name for a diving festival, Dive Fest delivers exactly what it says on the packet. Surrounded by a crystal clear tropical ocean, Saint Lucia is the ideal place for scuba diving enthusiasts. Get your gear on and be prepared for what the Caribbean Sea has to reveal. You will see the most colourful and majestic of marine wildlife effortlessly gliding past you in the tranquil waters at one of the island's more than 22 world-class diving sites. Take part in the events organised around the theme of scuba diving and join in with the fun.