2023 Best Southern Destinations
A getaway to the South is not only needed, but necessary; where else can you experience some of the best that this country has to offer in the way of arts and culture, outdoors adventures, history, or accommodations? Start the year off right with a trip to one (or more) of these incredible destinations.
Best of Arts and Culture
The variety of the Southern states, as well as its rich history, makes for a delightful buffet of arts and culture experiences from which to indulge. Sample the fine arts scene of Auburn, or the puppetry genius of Atlanta.
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
At Auburn University, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts is the cultural heart of Alabama’s most prestigious public research institution. The museum's wide ranging visual arts collection spans centuries, genres, and materials, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century American and European art. With the collection including mid-20th century American modernism, modern Mexican printmaking, works on paper, ceramics, and pottery from all over the southeastern United States, the Jules Collins Smith Museum welcomes all to explore, experience, and engage with the visual arts of Alabama and the nation.
jcsm.auburn.edu
Center for Puppetry Art
Atlanta, Georgia
Take your imagination to a whole new level at the Center for Puppetry Arts in the heart of Atlanta. Featuring two galleries, The Worlds of Puppetry Museum highlights the fundamentals of puppetry and its use around the globe, while the Jim Henson Gallery showcases the brilliant mind and art of one of America’s greatest creative treasures. Wind through Europe, Africa, and Asia in the Global Collectin Gallery and learn about the world's most important puppetry traditions. In the Jim Henson Collection Gallery view the inventor, filmmaker, and puppeteer's most iconic creations like Muppets from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and many more. Home to the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson puppets, props, and costumes – the Center is a magical place for kids of all ages.
puppet.org
Best of the Outdoors
This is one of the best times of year to head to the South and explore the delightful and refreshing outdoor experiences here. Travel below the earth to see captivating caves, or drive one of the most scenic highways in America.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Edmonson County, Kentucky
A truly unique experience, a Kentucky cave adventure is a great option any time of the year. And Mammoth Cave National Park is a cave not to be missed. The world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave offers fascinating corridors to explore and geological formations to marvel at. And the breathtaking sights and amazing adventures aren't just found below ground. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and rock climbing, plus canoeing and kayaking on the Green and Nolin rivers, which flow straight through the park. With more than 400 miles of vast chambers and winding rock tunnels, descend into the earth and discover the rare beauty and mystery of the cave for yourself. From guided tours ranging from 30 minutes to five hours, everyone can experience the excitement of exploring Mammoth Cave National Park – the greatest natural attraction in the state.
nps.gov/maca
Big Bend National Park
Brewster County, Texas
Named for the vast curve of the Rio Grande, Big Bend is a wild beautiful region in remote southwest Texas. Over one million acres of public land, Big Bend is home to a complex and fascinating history in one of the most striking natural areas in the state. At Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, visitors enjoy hiking, camping, river running, horse riding, mountain bicycling, birding, jeep touring, and abundant sightseeing opportunities on paved and improved roads. With accommodations ranging from convenient and comfortable to resort luxury, Big Bend is a diverse region with endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Be amazed at the hundreds of bird species that take refuge in the mountain range. A magical place, Big Bend showcases a gorgeous swath of the Chihuahuan Desert, full of deep canyons, yucca plants, and the occasional oasis, plus all of the Chisos Mountains, which have peaks of up to 8,000 feet. With the lush Rio Grande carving a green stripe through the desert, Big Bend is a dramatic, stunning, and unforgettable destination for natural wonders and outdoor adventure.
visitbigbend.com
nps.gov/bibe
Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Located in the center of historic Berkeley Springs, Berkeley Springs State Park is home to a mineral spa that has been in use since colonial times. Known for its warm spring water, Berkeley Springs State Pak flows at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. The park’s Old Roman and Main bathhouses offer a wide selection of spa services, including massages, saunas, baths, and showers – a perfect way to end a West Virginian vacation.
wvstateparks.com/park/berkeley-springs-state-park
Adventure Pisgah
Pisgah, North Carolina
Encompassing the popular Sliding Rock Recreation Area, as well as eight campgrounds in Western North Carolina, Adventure Pisgah provides exceptional visitor services in the great outdoors, while protecting this beautiful natural landscape. At Sliding Rock, a 60-foot mountain water slide that ends in an 8-foot-deep pool of water, nearly 11,000 gallons of water per minute power this natural wonder. the site is staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is open seven days a week. Providing hours of good clean fun, the water's temperature stays 50 degrees Fahrenheit – the perfect temperature to quickly cool down on a hot summer's day. With two observation platforms, visitors can partake in the fun without braving the chilly water. Adults and children alike slip and slide down this favorite natural mountain waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. Located near Brevard and Asheville, Adventure Pisgah is a great place to escape into nature in North Carolina.
adventurepisgah.com
Big Thicket National Preserve
Kountze, Texas
Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket. This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats converge in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress lined bayous. It is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature. The Big Thicket region is a comprehensive introduction to some of the most compelling aspects of the Piney Woods’ natural world – a timeless woodland where canopies unravel in fragrant blooms or collapse in draping moss while paths, boardwalks and bridges elevate you above a landscape ruled by carnivorous plants, amphibious creatures and a past primordial power.
nps.gov/bith
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia and South Carolina
The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway winds 115 miles from the Georgia state line along the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the North Carolina state line. The views are some of the most scenic of the state's rolling hills. There are plenty of apple orchards, lakes, rivers and streams, but the road is chock full of historic sites. Cowpens National Battlefield, The Bob Campbell Geology Museum, and the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum are just a few of the can’t-miss highlights along the Highway.
scenic11.com
Best of History
What speaks to your soul? Experiences of the past can teach us innumerable lessons about the future - discover how history speaks to you at these museum sites.
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
Montgomery, Alabama
Located in the historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery, the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is the former home of the iconic American couple. The only museum in the world dedicated to the lives of F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, this Alabama treasure transports visitors to the golden age of yesteryear. Dark wood floors, large brightly lit rooms, and gorgeous antique furniture showcase the style and taste of Zelda, a Montgomery native. Discover where the renowned couple wrote portions of their respective novels, Save Me The Waltz and Tender Is The Night.
thefitzgeraldmuseum.org
Shaker Village
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is an awe-inspiring place to discover the spirit, ingenuity, and adventure of the Kentucky Shakers. Located on 3,000 acres, the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill was the third largest Shaker community in the nation from 1805 to 1910. Delight in seasonal seed to table dining at the Trustee’s Table. With 72 rooms spread across 13 buildings, a night spent at the Inn is a relaxing evening of warm and welcoming hospitality and comfortably appointed rooms. Featuring jams and jellies, Shaker reproduction furniture, and many other unique items, discover the perfect present at the Village’s multiple gift shops. With 34 original structures, the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest national landmark in Kentucky and is the country’s largest private collection of original 19th-century buildings. Offering hiking trails, horseback riding, and riverboat rides, embark on a new adventure at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
shakervillageky.org
Best of Accommodations
There is no end to the array of accommodations available in the South, each perfectly suited to meet your needs for ultimate relaxation; do you need a swanky hotel? We’ve got that. Need to play at a casino? Got that. Want to rejuvenate at a resort? Okay, you’ve got the idea.
Higgins Hotel and Conference Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
Revelry meets reverence at Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, New Orleans’ newest luxury hotel. Directly across the street from The National WWII Museum, the Higgins Hotel is replete with era-inspired guest rooms and suites, exceptional dining, and state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces. Conveniently located in the heart of the Arts & Warehouse District, the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center reflects the contributions of the extraordinary entrepreneur, Andrew Higgins, who designed and built over 20,000 boats in New Orleans that were used in every major amphibious assault of World War II. With premium amenities, a full-service restaurant, lounge, and a rooftop bar, the Higgins Hotel is your home away from home in the Crescent City. Celebrate history, heroes, and heartfelt hospitality at the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center.
higginshotelnola.com
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Home of the $1 million Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort has been one of the premiere Thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or it’s your first time at the tracks, at Oaklawn placing a wager is as easy as one, two, three. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the newly expanded and state of the art casino offers live craps, live blackjack, popular slot games, live music, and award-winning dining at Silks Bar & Grill. Watch and wager on sports of all kinds at Oaklawn. If the casino floor isn’t on your vacation list, begin on the path to wellbeing at Astral Spa. One of Arkansas's premier spas, Astral Spa features single or couples’ massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and many more services to let you relax. From trackside hotel suites to deluxe rooms away from the action, a trip to Oaklawn is pure Arkansas fun.
oaklawn.com
The Dewberry Hotel
Charleston, South Carolina
Celebrating Charleston’s quintessential style, The Dewberry delivers luxury, warmth, and sincere Southern hospitality. A midcentury landmark in the heart of the Holy City, The Dewberry’s decorative hand crafted metalworks, period furnishings, and thought provoking art reflect a tight-knit collaboration between preservationists, designers, architects, artists, and artisans over eight years. Head up to the whimsical rooftop cocktail lounge, Citrus Club, or grab a bite to eat at the Living Room, inspired by true Southern living. A nod to old Charleston, enjoy the timeless style and old world sophistication at The Dewberry; Southern reimagined.
thedewberrycharleston.com
The Omni Homestead Resort
Hot Springs, Virginia
Experience the southern hospitality and elegant charm of the Omni Homestead Resort’s more than 2,000 acres of scenic Virginia landscape. A premier destination for 23 U.S. presidents, the Omni Homestead features timeless comforts and access to an array of exciting activities all year long. From the full service spa featuring the same mineral waters that President Thomas Jefferson experienced in 1818, to two of the best golf courses in Virginia, the Omni Homestead offers guests an experience unlike any other. Home to the Sepp Kober Ski School, The Omni Homestead maintains an experienced team of ski and snowboard instructors who offer private lessons for all levels. Recognized as one of the top beginner friendly and family friendly ski resorts in the Southeast. Swim year 'round in the outdoor at the Serenity Garden Pool. The naturally warm, spring fed spa pool will melt away any tension, all while surrounded by drifts of pristine freshly fallen snow.
omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
The Vendue
Charleston, South Carolina
Steps from Waterfront Park, The Vendue hotel houses some of Charleston's most impressive artwork. With wide plank floors and brightly painted walls, it's easy to feel the history of the town in each room. Grab a courtesy glass of bubbly when you checkin and peruse the grounds while your luggage is taken to your room.
thevendue.com
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Jekyll Island, Georgia
A storied past with prominent American names calling this their favorite resort makes this low country resort a historic haven. Snuggled in the wonderful sandy beaches on the east side of this charming island, it is undoubtedly paradise. Continuing to bring elegance and top notch service to those staying, the newly opened boutique hotel offers suites for those wishing for the utmost in amenities. Oceanfront and riverfront dining awaits resort members. Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the island on bicycles available for all abilities or by any number of pools.
jekyllclub.com
White Oak Manor B&B
Jefferson, Texas
Built in the Greek Revival style that was popular in the early 1900s, the five-room White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast sits right in the Historic District of Jefferson, one of the Piney Woods’ most charming towns. This is the kind of place where you wile away a morning on the front porch, sipping tea and watching cardinals flit from tree to tree. Whenever you feel the urge to stretch your legs, Jefferson’s shops and cafes are mere steps away.
bedandbreakfastjeffersontx.com
