As Southerners, we’re pretty lucky when it comes to incredible travel destinations. We have cities with world-class restaurants and top-of-the-line hotels, tiny mountain towns with picturesque Main Streets, and wide, white-sand beaches that boast some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country.
So while there are certainly reasons to travel beyond the Southeast, there are also dozens (if not hundreds) of amazing places worth exploring right here in our own backyard. To help inspire your next trip, we tapped seven travel experts and asked them just one thing: “What is your all-time favorite travel destination in the South?” Read on to discover their answers.
Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, North Carolina
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While Sara Ellis Snellings, a Greenville, South Carolina, resident and luxury travel advisor at Major Traveler, says her favorite destination in the South is “anywhere in the North Carolina mountains,” the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau comes to mind as one of her “favorite places on earth.”
“The historic charm… combined with cozy mountain living, is something that anyone can appreciate. The hiking and fishing are unmatched, but there is also an incredible food and wine scene to enjoy for those looking for a slower pace. The antiquing and shopping also have such a fun sense of place, but still a touch of luxury,” she says. With long histories as resort towns, both Highlands and Cashiers continue to deliver on the hospitality front—she recommends both Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlander Mountain House, and High Hampton, three properties beloved by Southerners across the region.
Palm Beach, Florida
“I’ve been traveling so much lately that sometimes, there’s no place like home. Palm Beach, Florida, keeps getting better and better, [with] new hotels, new restaurants… everything,” says Krista Nannery of Antidote Travel, a West Palm Beach-based agency. “One of my favorite new hotels is the beautifully pink Palm House… owned by the same firm that runs The Mayfair Townhouse in London… Palm House is a classic Florida property—low slung with a courtyard pool—but with subtly modern design.”
Whether you’re visiting for a couple’s trip, a group getaway, or a solo adventure, Palm Beach is rich in things to do, from biking down the waterfront paths to shopping on Worth Avenue and trying the coastal destination’s fabulous lineup of restaurants. “When I’m in town, I head straight to The Honor Bar in the Royal Poinciana Plaza for the delicious prime rib sandwich,” Nannery says.
Nashville, Tennessee
“My favorite all-time destination in the South is Nashville. The entertainment offerings will keep you busy every night of the week,” says Fora travel advisor Anna Dobrenski. While she says “no trip to Nashville is complete without a stop into some honkytonks for fun music, dancing, and laughs,” she notes that there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, as well as an “innovative” bar and restaurant scene to explore.
“There are creative chefs blending fusion and style, so there’s always something new to try. A few standout places to try include Noko and their adjoining restaurant Kase, Peninsula, Etch, and Assembly Food Hall for the best assortment of restaurants under one roof, including the OG of hot chicken: Prince’s Hot Chicken,” she says.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Gabriela Herman
“Charlottesville, Virginia, is one of my favorite easy Southern getaway spots. It has that cozy, small-town atmosphere with scenic mountain views and plenty to keep you busy,” says Kim Goldstein, president of Journeys Inc, a travel agency based in Richmond. “In the fall, I love heading up to Carter Mountain Orchard to pick apples and, of course, grab some incredible homemade apple cider doughnuts. The Bold Rock Taproom has a fantastic view while you’re sipping your favorite Bold Rock beverage.”
No matter what time of year you visit, Charlottesville still delivers. She suggests walking along the Downtown Mall, exploring Monticello, and visiting one of two vineyards. ”King Family Vineyards and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards are perfect places to soak up a beautiful fall day with some fantastic wine and gorgeous views,” she says. Travelers staying overnight in the area can check into Keswick Hall or Boar’s Head Resort, both of which she describes as “standouts.”
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Pristine beaches, miles of bike paths, and one of the South’s best resorts await on Kiawah Island, a travel expert-approved vacation spot in South Carolina. “One of my favorite destinations is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Since its opening in 2004, the resort has been the epitome of Southern hospitality. From their gorgeous lobby, a gathering place for family and friends, to their amazing restaurants—serving upscale Southern cuisine—you will be immersed in warmth and charm,” says Cathy Reavis, the president of World Travel Mates, Inc, a travel agency located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The Sanctuary enjoys a high repeat guest following, and they keep a good portfolio of guest requests—even what rooms they have stayed in, as many guests have favorite rooms they request over and over.”
Scenic Highway 30A, Florida
“30A has always been my favorite Southern beach spot because it combines great design, incredible food, and a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of style,” says Katie Shea, a Nashville-based luxury travel advisor at Major Traveler. “Each town has its own personality; Alys brings whitewashed architecture and a Mediterranean feeling, Rosemary has a lively scene of shops and rooftop bars, and Seaside offers colorful coastal charm.”
She even has a few suggestions on how to fill out your itinerary. “I love starting the day with something fresh from Raw & Juicy, spending the afternoon at the beach, and biking along 30A to pop between towns. Dinner at George’s in Alys is a staple, sunset from the rooftop at Pescado in Rosemary is hard to beat, and a beach bonfire is the perfect nightcap,” she says. Deciding where exactly to stay along the scenic Florida highway can be relatively tough, but Shea also has several pointers there. She suggests either renting a house in Alys Beach, booking a room at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary, or staying at Kaiya, which she says “is quickly becoming a standout for its fresh, modern look.”
New Orleans, Louisiana
Paul Broussard/NewOrleans.com
The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
Classics are classics for a reason, as evidenced by Fora travel advisor Kara Kassuba’s number one pick. “New Orleans is my favorite Southern travel destination and the U.S. city I return to most often,” she says. “The music, the food, the history, the culture, the art—and especially the people—make it endlessly vibrant. There is truly never a dull moment.”
In a city brimming with so many things to do, flavorful restaurants, and one-of-a-kind hotels, narrowing down your selection isn’t always the easiest, especially if it’s your first time in this vibrant metropolis… but Kassuba has a few pointers. “For a memorable dining experience, I recommend Mosquito Supper Club and Dakar. And for places to stay, I especially love the smaller, character-filled hotels like Maison de la Métier, Hotel Saint Vincent, and Hotel Peter & Paul,” she says.
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