If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. Eat at a Michelin-starredrestaurantor sit down to a plate of no-frills, slow-smokedbarbecue. Go on a long hike in the woods or explore a contemporary artmuseum. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Engage in a little retail therapy or buy tickets to a live show. When it comes to the South’s Best Cities, the options are endless. One thing they all have in common: a hearty helping of Southern hospitality....

The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents. More than just a destination for barbecue, its home to award-winning restaurants and cuisines from around the world. And the citys dining scene continues to attract national praise. Credit:PETER FRANK EDWARDS This area is especially beautiful and festive in the fall, but theres never a bad time to visit. Its no wonder this place is rising in popularity....

Storied establishments that have stood the test of time and defined Southern hospitality. Robbie Caponetto What does it take to become a classic? These are the South’s Best Classic Hotels, as voted on by our readers. Credit:Robbie Caponetto The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents. francismarionhotel.com, 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 9. brownhotel.com, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202 8. To really see it shine, comeduring the holidayswhen the Beaux Arts building dresses to impress....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. A hotel can make or break your vacation. Discover a great one, and you’ll never want to leave. Credit: Courtesy of The Roosevelt Might as well stay home. (Hint: Think Vanderbilt.) But can you pick the others in the top 10? Credit: Robbie Caponetto (Not true but who cares? You have to see the lobby. The Roosevelt New Orleans If you want to see over-the-top Christmas in NOLA, this is the place....

Let it lead you to fishing and hiking spots around southwest Virginia. The forest offers miles of trails and room to roam in this picturesque region of the Bluegrass State. It’s the perfect spot for viewing leaves in the fall and rhododendrons in spring. Credit: Andy Anderson The wilderness areawith 500,000 acres to exploreis known for its peaks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. After enjoying the vistas in Shenandoah National Park, take yourself to the breweries along theShenandoah Beerwerks Trail....

From Houston to Henrico, these innovative places are making the South proud. Peter Frank Edwards The world of Southern barbecue may move slowly, but it moves forward nonetheless. First, some definitions. Credit:Peter Frank Edwards What do we mean by a new joint? That can be a relative term in a region withiconic restaurantsdating back a century or more. It needs to be a truly new restaurant, too. Credit:Atlas Branding Plenty of successful restaurateurs have opened new locations in recent years, and some are building sprawling multi-state empires....

Our region is more popular than ever, and more visitors means more cool places to stay. War Eagle Supper Club has rooftop views of campus, which is steps away. The coffee shop, Bo Jacksons Beans (pictured), pays tribute to another local legend. Credit:Robbie Caponetto The elegant 1920s-era building was carefully restored to preserve many of its original elements. Enjoy the coastal Italian-inspired dishes and drinks at restaurants Saint Bibiana and Bar Bibi....

Mountain retreats, seaside escapes, and more dreamy getaways. Cameron Reynolds Resorts are the ultimate get-away-from-it-all vacation. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents. Credit:Cameron Reynolds greenbrier.com, 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 9. Located between the Kiawah River and the Atlantic Ocean, the island is also a nature lovers paradise. Most of The Sanctuarys well-appointed rooms have balconies that seamlessly bring the beauty of the outdoors in....

From fried shrimp to fresh oysters, enjoy the best of the coast at these flip-flop-friendly spots. If you’re near the water, seafood is 100% the move. Our readers, who are more than familiar with their local stretches of coastline, certainly agree. Credit:Robbie Caponetto These are the South’s Best Seafood Dives of 2025 as voted on by our readers. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents....

These Southern convenience stores offer everything from barbecue and biscuits to friendly service and family-run charm. Firstly, to get gas. Secondly, to go to the bathroom. Credit: Wynn Myers Lastly, because youre bored and want a snack. Moreover, many of these convenience stores started as a family business decades ago, and remain so today. The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents....

So simple, yet oh so delicious. That happens when you putseasoned saltinesin the oven and pull out the snazzyFire Crackersa few minutes later. What Are Fire Crackers? Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Fire Crackers, sometimes called Alabama Fire Crackers, are soeasy that the recipebarely qualifies as baking. The crackers will look too saturated initially, but they crisp up like champs during the bake. They are a robust side tosoups,chilis, salads, and sandwichesbroken bits can pass for croutons....

We’d love to take a campus tour at each and every one of these schools! Southern colleges are as diverse as the region they reside in. Often in thesecollege-town communities, students drive the economy and make up a significant portion of the population. Main Street (formerly Church Street) in Annapolis, Maryland, USA.Credit: Photo © Hisham Ibrahim / Getty Images Here are 20 small towns that are home to greatSouthern colleges....

In most Southern households there is always room fordessert. They’re the treats our grandparents gave us after church or dentists gave us before cleaning our teeth. In short, they offer a taste of a Southern childhood. Credit: Iain Bagwell Swing bySouthern Candymakersthe next time you’re in New Orleans to try their classic take on the treat. Why would you put mashed potatoes in your candy? Bourbon Balls We can thankRuth Booefor blending two vicescandy and liquorinto one delectable, bite-sized treat....