Fill your Southern gardens with stunning blooms. You’ve probably heard it’s too hot in the South to grow peonies. You’ve heard wrong. Credit: Gap Photos Theseprestigious perennialscan thrive here as long as you know how to care for them properly. People love peonies because they bear huge, glorious spring and early summer flowers in various colors and forms. They make excellent cut flowers, and many are fragrant. Credit: Gap Photos...

From butter to bacon grease, these shortening substitutes will store your weekend baking project. It’s the secret ingredient that makes ourpie crustextra flaky and ourdinner rollsultra-tender. Shortening has been a pantry staple for decades for a reason. Credit:Getty Images What are the best substitutes for shortening? We’re here to help you troubleshootand keep your weekend baking project on track. Getty Images What Is Shortening? That makes shortening a great choice for vegan baking....

Make family memories that will last forever. There are a few secrets to planning a greatfamily reunion, but the first one revolves around the destination. You have to pick a place that everyone in the group will enjoy. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Chattanooga, Tennessee For families who thrive on vacations with packed schedules, theres Chattanooga. Bring the whole family back together aboard theSouthern Belle Riverboatfor a final farewell dinner. Who can say no to long days on one of thebest beaches in South Carolina?...

Its high time you added this Lowcountry destination to your beach bucket list. Here, nature reigns supreme. Here are eight things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Credit: Christopher Shane The family-friendly event is held on major holidays and on Monday nights throughout the summer. It feels like a hidden gem thanks to its wide, unspoiled expanses of sand. you might reserve them through the resort or bring your own....

This Texas town’s population might be small, but its music scene is legendary. Nestled deep within the very heart of the TexasHill Countryin Gillespie County is the tiny community of Luckenbach. The residential population might be small within the town’s border, but don’t let that fool you. Credit: Robert Alexander/Getty Images After settling into the town, the Luckenbach family ensured it felt like home. The post office closed in 1971 and the towns ZIP code was retired....

How this small farming town is slowly becoming a cultural epicenter. These days, Wilson is known for its historic town square, arts and culture, and music. Here are the best things to do in Wilson to get away for a day trip or aweekend stay. Credit: Brian Chilson/Arkansas Times Nowadays, visitors can step inside for more than necessities. A self-guided tulip walking tour takes an hour to complete. Stop in White’s Mercantile or The Grange to bring some blooms home with you....

This barrier island is a sanctuary to behold, including historic ruins and wild horses. Today, Cumberland Island is mostly protected land under the classification of National Seashore. Marshland merges into wide sandy beaches. Credit: Wynn Myers Important to remember: As elegant as they are, do not approach or try and pet the horses. Here’s what to know about Cumberland Island, and what to do once you get there. Where Is Cumberland Island?...

Plan a quick getaway to these Southern destinations. At these Southern destinations, you’re free to pack a whole lot of fun into 24 hours. Even better, these trips are budget-friendly too. Credit:Robbie Caponetto Enjoy the town square, chat up some locals, and enjoy the mountain scenery. Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik Bardstown, KY Credit: Robbie Caponetto Credit: Robbie Caponetto Credit: Sean Pavone/Getty Images Credit: Robbie Caponetto Credit:Getty Images/DenisTangneyJr Credit: Bob Blankenship Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images...

Recognizing the cause is the first step to solving this common problem. Tomatoesare among the most popular backyard garden cropsand with good reason. Butgrowing tomatoesis not without its challenges. Credit: Getty Images One problem growers commonly encounter is twisted or curling tomato leaves. This is because of a variety of factors, some more serious than others. Several factors can cause tomato leaves to curl, and some are more serious than others....

Towns so charming, you won’t want to leave. Make a day trip to thesesmall Kentucky towns, and prepare to be charmed. There is something for everyone in these one-of-a-kindsmall towns, from hiking trails to antiquing. Credit: Robbie Caponetto Plan whatever strikes your fancy. Steeped in tradition, towns nearLouisvillesplendidly represent Kentucky’s cultural authenticity. Here are eightsmall townsnear Louisville to add to your itinerary. Bardstown Bardstownhas long been a favorite destination because it’s the first stop on theKentucky Bourbon Trail....

However, some commoncleaning habitsmight actually be damaging your favorite dining table or cozy sofa without you realizing it. Keep reading to discover their tips for keeping your furniture in top shape. “If its wood, well, the finish can be damaged,” leading to swelling and warping. Credit:Getty Images / Gilaxia Using Too Much Cleaning Product Another good thing there can be too much of? To avoid this, rotate and flip your cushions monthly....

Additionally, we asked her for her best advice on how to properly clean wood furniture. Meet the Expert Taylor Matthews is the Owner ofSparkling Queensin Savannah, Georgia. Not all finishes are created equalraw wood tends to be drier and more susceptible to staining. Credit:Getty Images Never spray cleaning solution directly on wood furniture. Always spray wood cleaner on amicrofiber clothbefore wiping down furniture. Always dry dust with a microfiber cloth before cleaning wood furniture....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. These are game-changers for any home chef. Amazon is a gold mine for such gadgets and frequently has items on sale, too. Credit:Southern Living / Amazon Here are eight items youll want to add to your cartand your kitchen drawerASAP. Its a slightly more versatile spatula, andthis particular spurtleis made of BPA-free teak wood. OneAmazon shoppernoted, It’s easy to clean and is holding up well....