Looking for a quick trip? Here are some regional attractions and events to consider.

Arkansas

Through July 28: U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships -- The U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships U14-U19 will be at the Burns Park Soccer Complex. Free. Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock; (501) 758-1424, usyouthsoccer.org or arkansassoccer.org.

Thursday through July 27: 29th Annual Ding Dong Days Festival -- Events include the volunteer appreciation barbecue, crowning of Ding Dong Days Daddy and Mamma, 5K Run, a car show, and a Ding Dong Eating Contest for children and adults and a bass tournament. In Dumas. $8; (870) 382-5447, dumasar.org.

Missouri

Through Sept. 28: Flight City: St. Louis Takes to the Air -- A thrilling and comprehensive exploration of the history of flight in our region. Photos, personal stories, gallery activities and treasures chronicle St. Louis' relationship with aviation. Flight City evokes the past while challenging you to imagine the future. At the Missouri History Museum at 5700 Lindell Blvd., in Forest Park. Free. (314) 746-4599; mohistory.org.

Tennessee

Saturday: Civil War Living History -- Discover the challenges that faced Civil War soldiers in East Tennessee as they camp on the grounds of President Andrew Johnson's home in Greeneville. Join the soldiers for camp demonstrations, military drill and discussion of period politics during the 200th yearlong celebration of the birth of our 17th president; (423) 639-3711

Mississippi

Through Thursday: Annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference -- Six days of lectures and discussions by scholars and dramatic readings from the works of William Faulkner. Celebrate at Rowan Oak. The University of Mississippi campus in Oxford. (662) 915-5993

Through Sept. 1: Civil War Living History -- Confederate and Union soldiers camp on the grounds of historic McRaven Tour Home. Events include period demonstrations in textiles, cooking, fashions, music and battle skirmishes. Free. 1445 Harrison Street, Vicksburg. (601) 636-1663; mcraventourhome.com.

From the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events

Aug. 1-31: Celebrate Freedom -- Pigeon Forge salutes active and retired men and women who preserve our freedom with month-long discount savings offered by county-wide businesses. Show your military ID and don't forget to print Web coupons. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., (865) 453-8574, mypigeonforge.com.

Aug. 8-9: Sixth annual StringTime in the Smokies -- Gather in Patriot Park for bluegrass concerts with musicians like Doc Watson and David Grisman. Bring lawn chairs and instruments for Jammin' at the Old Mill. Free. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; (865) 453-1390; mypidgeonforge.com.

Sources: escapetothesoutheast.com, arkansas.com, visitmississippi.org, tnvacation.com, visitmo.com. Send event info to travel@commercialapeal.com.