Best of the South
From the finest lodgings to new takes on Southern classics, the South has some of the most impressive establishments in the nation. Historic adventures, opulent amenities, and abundant outdoor recreation capture the iconic Southern spirit and style.
Swing Away in Louisville
At the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, knock the ball out of the park. From tree to bat, discover the life and legacy behind every Louisville Slugger at the factory tour. Check out the Big Bat located in front of the museum – weighing in at about 68,000 pounds, the bat is 120-feet long and its hollow interior has a capacity of 30,000 gallons. Swing Mickey Mantle’s 35” long bat and imagine the roaring crowd of Yankee stadium cheering you on. Create your own piece of history with a personalized Louisville Slugger bat. Pick your choice of bat from the extensive and hand-crafted selection and then hit your message home with four lines of text. And remember, a personalized bat is a great gift for any birthday, wedding, or holiday. And for those die-hard fans, it even makes the perfect birth announcement.
sluggermuseum.com
A Museum that Matters
An extraordinary, one of a kind museum, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis reawakens the heart, soul, and spirit of the American people. Expounding on the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the Black American throughout history and modern culture, the National Civil Rights Museum guides visitors through five centuries of history while examining civil and human rights issues that still affect people to this day. With more than 260 artifacts and over 40 films and interactive media, the Museum’s updated and modern design encourage guests and people around the world to stand up for equality.
civilrightsmuseum.org
Charleston’s City Market
With its columned exterior to its lofty ceilings, the Historic Charleston City Market has brightening the lives of South Carolinians since 1841. The green scroll ironwork and gleaming glass doors of the Market’s Great Hall is home to over 300 entrepreneurs. The open-air sheds of the market offer a daily selection of eclectic and exciting items that keep natives and travelers coming back time and time again. Purchase a Charleston crafted sweetgrass basket – a true Charleston treasure, these baskets are the perfect souvenir to take home and remind you of the grand time in one of America’s oldest cities.
charlestoncitymarket.com
Better at Beau Rivage
Wine, dine, and savor your stay at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Take an exhilarating spin at the slot machines or try your hand at a table game. Indulge in a decadent feast at one of Beau Rivage’s plentiful restaurants, offering everything from prime steaks to rustic Italian dishes to Pan Asian fare. After a morning round of golf at Fallen Oak’s 18-hole course, spend the afternoon being pampered at the hotel’s spa and salon. The refined and tastefully appointed rooms make it easy for guests to stay well with a great night’s sleep and waking up to the inspiring and breath-taking views of the Mississippi Sound.
beaurivage.mgmresorts.com
The Only Acre in Auburn
A vibrant part of the Auburn community, Acre is the perfect neighborhood eatery. Using repurposed architectural elements, the rustic farmhouse-style stone exterior, and the bright lofty interior welcome guests from near and far. Take in the view from the front porch’s rocking chairs with a pre-dinner aperitif. Located in the heart of historic downtown Auburn, Acre creates delicious, innovative, and modern cuisine utilizing the purest ingredients. Recipient of the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine for the last two years, sit in front of the custom hearth-style fireplace and enjoy a bottle of wine from Acre’s extensive Reserve Wine List. From the onsite vegetable gardens and orchards to the local artisanal cheeses and the responsibly raised beef, the bounty of the Blackbelt Region can be enjoyed at Acre.
acreauburn.com
Austin-style Opulence
The Commodore Perry Estate is an idyllic oasis in the middle of Austin. Minutes away from the University of Texas’s famed Forty Acres, the Mediterranean inspired villa is bright, charming, and elegant. The vaulted ceilings, white plaster walls, and warm wood flooring give a relaxed feel, while the eclectic antiques, evocative décor, and meticulously landscaped terraces hearken back to the golden age of yesteryear. With 54 suites and rooms available to rent, hand-crafted details and historic Texas charm, the sprawling Mansion, situated on ten acres of beautifully tended gardens, is a magical and much coveted venue for any special event.
aubergeresorts.com/commodoreperry
The Timeless Sazerac
Originally created in the 1850s, the Sazerac is delicious blend of rye, bitters, and absinthe, and is the official cocktail of New Orleans. And at the Sazerac House, visitors learn the full history of the cocktail, and the customs and traditions of the great city of New Orleans. Tour the gorgeously renovated three story building and discover the art of distillation and how to hand craft bitters. With complimentary tours and samples, the Sazerac House is a wonderful way to embrace the character and charm of the Crescent City.
sazerachouse.com
Fun Under the Flags
Atlanta’s largest theme park, Six Flags Over Georgia, is action-packed family fun all day long. From sky-high roller coasters to engaging live entertainment, Six Flags Over Georgia has over 45 thrilling rides, shows, and attractions that will astound even the youngest of park-goers. If high-speed twists and turns aren’t for you, enjoy the Sky Bucket cable cars, taking guests through the treetops for a completely different view of the park. Hop on a train at the Rabun Gap Railroad Station and relax on a classic locomotive while appreciating the sights and sounds of the park. Whatever you desire from a stay in The Big Peach, everyone will enjoy a day of fun under the six flags.
sixflags.com/overgeorgia
Winning Over the West
Founded in 1955, Oklahoma’s National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is America’s top museum for Western artifacts, memorabilia, and dioramas. The internationally recognized collection explores the West’s wildlife and its cowboy culture, as well as the underrepresented trailblazers of the American Frontier, like women wranglers, caballeros, and vaqueros. With sweeping vistas, sublime sunsets, and dazzling dawns, the West has long inspired independence, fortitude, and unshakeable strength. Recognize, and remember, the enduring legacy and long history of native peoples, rugged cowboys, and the American West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
nationalcowboymuseum.org
Suddenly Snowshoe
At the premier resort destination of West Virginia, the mountain is always calling. The Resort at Snowshoe Mountain is the perfect place to discover winter. The fresh powder, challenging steeps and plenty of wide open runs make Snowshoe Mountain a favorite winter vacation spot. With a variety of unique lodging options, delectable culinary creations, and shopping opportunities galore, everyone will have a grand time on the mountain, without even hitting the slopes.
snowshoemtn.com
Wondrous Williamsburg
Open a world of possibilities at Colonial Williamsburg. Explore the stories, practices, businesses of tradespeople and historic figures who founded the nation with costumed re-enactors. Discover the colorful and playful folk art of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the gorgeous and useful artifacts in the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride through Williamsburg’s Historic District and browse the shops for 18th century style jewelry made by the historic tradespeople. Keep the whole family inspired and engaged in Colonial Williamsburg – where history lives on.
colonialwilliamsburg.org
Underground Cosmos
One of the most beautiful places in the Natural State, Cosmic Caverns has been delighting guests since the 1920s. The cave’s cool 64 degrees is a year-round constant – making it the perfect temperature whenever you choose to visit. Full of beautiful and unique rock and cave formations, including two bottomless underground lakes like “Silent Splendor” – Cosmos Cavern is a must-see attraction in Arkansas.
cosmiccavern.com
Discover Science
Step into wonder at Discovery Place Science. Learn about the human anatomy with the all new “Being Me” exhibit. Enjoy a guided tour through the underwater world of the Aquarium and get up close and personal at the hands-on biodiversity lab. In the Thinker Space, design, create and innovate with state of the art technology like 3-D printers. Experiment with the laws of physics and chemistry and discover the wonder and magic of science at Discovery Place Science.
science.discoveryplace.org
Whether seeking art, culture, casinos, or a whole lot of the great outdoors, these Southern establishments prove time and time again that they are the best of the South.
