ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA
If you’re looking for small-town charm in a place with big Southern spirit, venture thirty minutes from Atlanta to Alpharetta. Satisfy your shopping cravings with over 250 shops, indulge in culinary delights showcasing global cuisines, and groove to live music throughout the year at indoor and outdoor venues. You can also immerse yourself in captivating art displays or unleash your creativity through various art-centered activities.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Asheville is a mountain playground filled with outdoor adventures juxtaposed with a historic city. Since its beginning, it has been upending the idea of the conventional escape. Experience the energetic atmosphere of locally owned boutiques, vibrant
art galleries, innovative dining establishments, and thrilling entertainment venues for peak summer fun.
BARNSLEY RESORT, GEORGIA
Outdoor enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a better adventure haven near Cartersville, in Bartow County, than Barnsley Resort. Just an hour north of Atlanta, you can spend days shooting clays, throwing axes, horseback riding, and playing golf on a picture-perfect landscape with spacious cottages with firepits and porches ideal for large groups. Head into Cartersville to experience shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
BRASLETON, GEORGIA
Experience Braselton your way: through thrilling races at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, leisurely strolls through the historic downtown, or luxurious spa days at Chateau Elan. With Southern hospitality and a touch of French elegance, Braselton offers scenic beauty and charm, just an hour from Atlanta in northern Georgia. Say “oui” to your dream getaway closer to home.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Discover the charm of one of the most historic cities in the South. In the Charleston area, authentic Lowcountry culture awaits, from its cobblestoned streets to landmark mansion museums. Dive into guided tours, embrace the beaches, indulge your palate, or unwind at a serene spa oasis. In the Charleston area, hospitality knows no bounds—it’s an endless welcome.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia, a vital river city with a rich past, is much more than the state’s capital. It’s the beating heart of South Carolina, keeper of traditions and pioneer of fresh perspectives. Whether you prefer to take all of that in from a tube floating down the Saluda River or at a bar at one of the city’s craft cocktail emporiums, you’ll find an authentic welcome at every corner.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
Fort Myers has something for every traveler. Immerse yourself in nature, unwind on pristine shores, journey through history at iconic sites, indulge in the flavors of the sea at charming waterfront eateries, or partake in all these delights and more. Family-friendly and easily accessible, the destination has everything you need to craft your own unforgettable Fort Myers journey.
FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND
Home to the Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, Catoctin Mountain Park, and three beautifully maintained covered bridges, Frederick County is a wonderland of nostalgic beauty. Spend an afternoon touring the stunning landmarks, then find more wineries, breweries, and distilleries than anywhere else in Maryland. Browse handmade jewelry, trendy clothing, gourmet teas, and artisanal chocolate in downtown Frederick.
GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA
The laid-back Southern beach feeling is strong in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, with thirty-two miles of sun-kissed shoreline to enjoy. This is the place to let your worries melt away as you take in waterfront golfing, birding, dining, and wildlife encounters in the Gulf ’s favorite getaway
HIGH HAMPTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Since 1922, this rustic luxury inn has dazzled visitors looking for a storybook getaway on a unique property. Surrounded by 1,400 acres of breathtaking views, the recently renovated Cashiers property overlooks Rock Mountain. Amid this magical mountain landscape, guests have every amenity imaginable—golf, pickleball, tennis, croquet, lake activities, pool time, and world-class dining at the inn.
LAKE OCONEE, GEORGIA
Lake life is a Southern summer tradition, and halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia’s Lake Oconee offers the opportunity to experience it at its finest and rest and recharge in a luxury club environment. Whether you’re interested in staying for a weekend or a lifetime, you’ll find many waterfront best-in-class amenities, like boating, fine dining, a Ritz-Carlton resort, and a golf course to play every day of the week.
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Lexington is nestled within Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, offering picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and fence-lined farms in every direction. It’s easy to see why it is referred to as the Horse Capital of the World. Ideal for bourbon appreciators, the area holds eighteen distilleries, complemented by top-notch cocktail bars and skilled mixologists. The city’s dynamic creative scene, featuring eclectic art galleries, festivals, live music, and theaters, makes it a haven for food, spirits, and culture enthusiasts alike.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Discover the allure of Louisville, where a bourbon renaissance, iconic attractions, lavish hotels, and an acclaimed culinary scene beckon. Start your adventure with a taste of America’s native spirit at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, then meander through distilleries and tasting rooms along historic Whiskey Row. With over 120 attractions, including Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
MISSISSIPPI
There’s a reason Mississippi proudly proclaims, “Wanderers Welcome.” This is the kind of state that piques curiosity at every turn. You might be surprised to find scenic Appalachian foothills, pristine forests, and uninhabited Gulf Coast islands along with charming cities and towns. Not to mention the home of music legends in the cradle of the Delta blues and the significant military history that shaped the nation. In Mississippi, wanderlust is encouraged.
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Nothing says summer quite like spending time by the ocean—and that’s just the beginning of what you’ll find in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Grab a table at one of over two thousand restaurants serving Southern classics, modern fusion, fresh seafood, and everything in between. From nightly live music to endless attractions to the sixty miles of shoreline on the Grand Strand, there’s a good reason people just call it The Beach.
NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND & THE EVERGLADES, FLORIDA
It’s not called Florida’s Paradise Coast for nothing. This destination has one of the country’s most important wetland ecosystems and a globally inspired arts and culture scene. Here, you can attend live theater, opera, and philharmonic events and explore a vast wilderness. Shop the finest designer boutiques, then end the day with craft cocktails and distinctive fresh-off-the-boat Gulf Coast specialties for a Florida vacation unlike any other.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA
What if you could start the day listening to the ocean waves crest outside your door and then close it at a gallery opening? With a vibrant arts scene and miles of world-class shoreline, New Smyrna Beach is your answer to both. Its charming walkable downtown, cutting-edge cuisine, and rich creative community make a traditional beach vacation a cultural getaway. Swim, sun, and see what makes this Florida destination unique.
OAKLAWN HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Oaklawn Hot Springs is the ultimate luxury casino resort. Stay, play, and get away—in Hot Springs National Park, the first designated national park in the country and the site of historic Bathhouse Row, built in the late 1800s. Take the thermal waters or visit Arkansas’s only Forbes four-star Astral Spa, then try your luck at the tables in the smoke-free casino, which is open twenty-four hours a day.
OLD EDWARDS INN AND SPA, NORTH CAROLINA
The Blue Ridge Mountains town of Highlands, North Carolina, draws comparisons to European villages. Adding to the image is Old Edwards Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property, an expansive downtown resort evoking an English country estate. With luxury guest rooms, suites, cottages, vacation homes, premium leisure amenities, farm-to-table restaurants, and a world-class spa, it’s the ultimate immersive mountain experience.
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI
As summer arrives and the students of Ole Miss depart, Oxford exhales, embracing the stillness. But there’s still plenty to do. Oxford’s famed tailgating site, the Grove, transforms into a summer concert venue. Bring a blanket or chair and relish free live music under the stars. Oxford’s culinary scene thrives year-round, featuring eateries like Good Day Cafe and Tico’s Steak House. Indulge in the vibrant nightlife on the Square, including Nightbird, a chic speakeasy nestled in the Oliver Hotel.
PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA
Where else can you find almost forty golf courses within a fifteen-mile radius? Anchored by the renowned Pinehurst Resort and featuring quaint, walkable downtowns and over seven hundred local farms, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area offers a timeless charm with plenty of outdoor recreation. Off the links, enjoy five breweries and the BHAWK distillery. Or make time for Moore County’s packed annual event schedule, including Peach Week and the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival.
PUERTO RICO
World-class beaches, flavorful cuisine, picturesque natural wonders, and a rich history and culture are all packed into one island paradise: Puerto Rico. Only a short flight from the mainland, this U.S. territory features all the appeal of an international getaway. Explore bioluminescent waters, hike through a tropical rainforest, snorkel in turquoise seas, and experience the warmth of the Caribbean sun and the island’s welcoming people, all without needing a passport if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Imagine biking along perfectly landscaped Southern squares, toasting on rooftops overlooking some of the most beautiful architecture in the Southeast, dining alfresco, and then driving to the beach for a pre-dusk swim. All of this can be yours in Savannah. Summer in the historic Georgia city means festivals in the park, feel-good porch cocktails, and silly nights at the ballpark cheering on the beloved Savannah Bananas.
SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE
Experience an unforgettable Great Smoky Mountains retreat in Sevierville, the hometown of iconic country singer Dolly Parton. Amid the revitalized historic district, discover chef-driven eateries and boutique hotels, where you can choose from various accommodations with indoor water parks and luxury cabins. Enjoy high-end outlet shopping, outdoor adventures, and family fun, and then snap a photo of Parton’s statue downtown.
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Are you looking for an outdoor paradise? Discover Vicksburg, a destination with canoeing, fishing, bird-watching, cycling, pickleball, and tennis opportunities. Immerse yourself in local events like the weekly farmers’ market, July Fourth fireworks show, Second Saturday festivities, and live music. Savor the culinary delights at Vicksburg’s top spots, including the Tomato Place, Walnut Hills, and Blues Le Roux. Then eat like a local on the Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail.
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
One of the most unexpected gems in the heart of the South, this bustling city was founded in 1772 by Moravian farmers in search of freedom. That independent spirit remains on full display in the art-filled city center, complete with dozens of murals, hundreds of local shops, and miles of lovingly preserved heirloom gardens. Add a stop at one of nine walkable craft breweries and you’ve got a taste of why Winston-Salem has been attracting a crowd for more than two hundred years.
