Water is a way of life in Guntersville. The one-of-a-kind compound includes 17 rentals that range from majestic treehouses to cozy cabins to themed glamping tents. Expect to catch plenty of largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, and catfish. Credit: Bob Blankenship Located on the banks of the Tennessee River,Lake Guntersville State Parkis one of them. In the summer months, boats carrying water skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers crisscross the water....

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. A tight-knit community of local businesses makes Thomasville one of the most welcoming towns anywhere. Wandering the streets paved with bricks laid by hand in 1907, I watch the town wake up. Credit:Robbie Caponetto The Shopping Browse a Beloved Local Bookstore This was my happy place. Every single detail in The Bookshelf extends a warm welcome. Its hard and worthwhile work to create a hospitable spirit both in person and online....

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. Virginia native Chef Travis Milton of Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards walks us through the ultimate winter itinerary. Those in Georgia will probably recommend day trips to Blue Ridge orDahlonega. Credit:Cavan Images/Getty Images Ready to plan your next mountain getaway? Another option for travelers is a newcomer to the scene:Fire Station One. The cocktail program there is phenomenal, he says. Credit:Virginia Tourism Corporation...

Here’s a step-by-step guide for first-time gardeners. Most vegetables require six to eight hours of sunlight to produce fruit. If you have poor soil, limited space, or need easier access, consider raised beds. Credit:Getty Images The bed frames can be purchased or constructed from wood, metal, or plastic. The bed sits on the ground and you fill it with nutrient-rich gardening soil. The beds are easy to weed and maintain....

Heres how to start vegetables and flowers from seeds. Its also a great way to stretch your gardening budget. Seed starting also allows you to get a jump on the season. Credit:Getty Images / Aleksandr Zubkov Some plants do better if seeded directly into the gardenwhen conditions are right. That includesbeans,carrots, radishes, turnips, and flowers such as nasturtiums andcosmos. But heat-loving crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, andeggplants, benefit from an early start indoors....

Steam your broccoli to a brilliant green using the cookware you already have in the kitchen. This process, used frequently to cook vegetables, eliminates the need for added oil or fat to cook. Yes, and it’s delicious. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Styling: Torie Cox We talked with two Southern chefs who shared how to steam broccoli using the cookware you have on hand. The secret, he says, is microwave safe containers. Frequently Asked Questions Steaming broccoli keeps the vegetable crisp enough to eat without getting soggy....

Learn the best ways to store your pie before and after baking. But how do you store apple pie? And for pies purchased at the storecan you leave them on the counter? Credit:ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: MISSIE NEVILLE CRAWFORD; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX So, what’s the best way to store apple pie? To get to the bottom of this pie predicament, we talked to two experts. Apple and other fruit pies are pretty flexible in terms of storage....

Asparagus makes a quick and timeless side dish. Plus, find out how long you’re free to expect asparagus stored in the fridge to last. Change the water when it becomes cloudy. Credit: Courtney West/Southern Living Asparagus should be crisp and firm. Place any leftover asparagus in an airtight container. Save for two to three days in the refrigerator. Credit: Courtney West/Southern Living Leftover asparagus is rarely as vibrant and crisp as freshly cooked asparagus, but it still tastes delicious....

Don’t let your banana bread go bad before you enjoy every slice. But once youve baked the perfect loaf, how exactly should you store this timeless treat? How Long Does Banana Bread Last? Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox About five daysif wrapped well and stored at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it should last a full week. How Long Does Frozen Banana Bread Last? Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox...

Storing beets properly starts with trimming the stems. It would make sense, then, to incorporate them into our diet as much as possible. But as with any fresh produce, your window for keeping them is brief. Credit:Getty Images If stored this way, beets should last up to 10 days. How To Cook With Beets Beets are very versatile and nutritious. They can beroasted, boiled, or eaten raw. Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer...

No more mushy sprouts. Learn how to pick the best Brussels sprouts and keep them green and delicious until you cook them. Avoid those with leaves that have holes or are shriveled, wrinkling, or withered. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Some dried or yellow outer leaves are okay, but the leaves should be tightly layered together. Smaller Brussels sprouts are more tender and sweeter than the larger ones, which can taste more like cabbage....

Keep your caramel apples fresh with this storage guide. They combine crisp, fresh apples with a gooey, sweet caramel coating. To enjoy this treat at its best, you have several options for storage methods and durations. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox This helps the caramel adhere to the apples and reduces stickiness once they’re chilled. For the best taste and texture, prepare or purchase them as close to serving as possible....

Who knew it was so simple? They were bruised and mushy days ago. Different fruits and vegetables call for different approaches to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Credit:Satakorn/Getty Images Just like you wouldn’t put apotato in the refrigerator(pantry only! ), you don’t necessarily treat herbs the same as berries or salad greens. Here are our tips for keeping carrots crisp long after you bring them home....