Here are all the exciting and exciting updates out of the south 

 By Kellie Walton 

 

The south is timeless, rooted in tradition, charm, and hospitality. It’s easy to make a list of southern cities that are time-honored classics, from the preserved streets of Charleston to the charming communities that line Florida’s coast, and the history-packed small towns found all along the way. But, we’re spotlighting all things new and noteworthy as we look toward the new year – what hotels should be on your must visit list? What can’t-miss attractions are opening throughout the year? Where’s the hidden hotspot you should book now?  

 

Fear not, we’ve gathered a collection of uncovered secrets you should know about as you plan your getaways for the next year.  

 

The Wayback | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 

Pigeon Forge tops the list of noteworthy southern destinations, and now the city is touting a brand-new upscale boutique hotel opening late 2023. The Wayback is an adult-forward property (an anomaly considering the city’s family-friendly vibe) that will offer elevated accommodations, a swim club with private cabanas, an onsite signature restaurant with playful menu items, and more. The resort is modeled after a “chilled-out” Palm Springs vibe that merges the tropics with the region’s unmistakable southern hospitality. The property will feature retro decor that emulates roadside hotels of yesteryear, complete with furniture and decor inspired by coastal colorways. The onsite Swim Club will also include a vintage Airstream bar.  

 

The hotel is steps away from Pigeon Forge’s top attractions, so make plans to explore off-property hotspots like Dollywood, The Island amusement park, and neighboring Gatlinburg. 
waybackhotel.com/  

 

JSX | Regional 

Have you ever wanted to fly on a private jet? Well, a handful of airports across the south are offering a brand-new service that isn’t far off. Offering flights in southern cities like Nashville, Destin, Orlando, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, JSX is a hop-on jet service that offers all the perks of flying private at a shockingly low price point: flights start at only $300 each way. Your flight also includes complimentary snacks, beer, wine, and spirits, as well as free onboard WiFi.  

 

With JSX, travelers can skip the hassle of navigating major airports and arrive at a private hangar mere minutes before takeoff, then board the super sleek 30-passenger jet and be up, up and away in no time. The brand is rapidly expanding and adding new cities to its route map, so make sure you keep checking back for services offered in the city closest to you (I’m rooting for a route between Nashville and Charleston!). Flights can be booked online at jsx.com.  

 

Southall | Leipers Fork, Tennessee 

Wellness getaways are anticipated to continue to trend into 2024. While Southall Farm and Inn may have opened in late 2022, the sprawling farm resort remains a must-visit destination. Situated on 325 acres of lush, rolling Tennessee hills, the property boasts 62 guest rooms and suites, plus 16 standalone cottages, a spa offering transformative treatments and mindful rituals, a working farm, an onsite culinary program, and tons of adventure-filled activities to keep you busy.  

 

With nature at the forefront, guests have access to the entire working farm, with add-ons like educational experiences with farmers and beekeepers. You can also book unique experiences like an aerial adventure course, archery and axe throwing, mountain biking, fishing, guided hikes, and even a falconry experience (where the majestic bird actually swoops down to your gloved hand). For those that prefer relaxation, the spa and onsite pool are stunning options for lounging, and the luxury accommodations found in each guest room are perfect for an even more exclusive retreat.  

 

Southall takes farm to table to the next level, sourcing most of their ingredients from the surrounding land. This freshness comes through the all-day restaurant, Sojourner, in-room dining, pool bar, and outdoor cookout experience where guests can dine under the stars.  
southalltn.com/  

 

TV Tourism | Regional 

One major trend that will continue into 2024 is the idea of TV tourism, or “set-jetting.” Have you ever watched a show and fallen so in love with the set, you simply MUST visit to become your own main character? Same. While major hits like White Lotus and Game of Thrones may require a trip across the pond to achieve your goals, there are a number of southern cities that have served as the inspiration (and sometimes even the set) for some recent hits and timeless classics. Atlanta is a hotspot for filming, with favorites like the Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and the Vampire Diaries having been filmed across the city. Embark on a film tour to see all the noteworthy filming sites.  

 

For those looking for a truly southern experience you might see on screen, two Carolina towns top the list. Visit New Bern, North Carolina, which is the hometown of Nicholas Sparks and the setting for many of his classic romance novels-turned-feature films. Embark on the A Walk to Remember Tour which routes fans through hits like The Wedding, A Bend in the Road, The Notebook, and more. Then, head south to Sumter, South Carolina, a charming southern town that served as the inspiration behind the beloved Netflix series, Sweet Magnolias.  
visitnewbern.com/  
sumtersc.gov/ 

 

Montrose Boutique Hotels | Houston, Texas  

This eclectic neighborhood in Houston, Montrose, recently welcomed three new boutique hotels that are perfect to book for your next visit. Combined, the three hotels will add 300 rooms to the area. Visit Bunkhouse, a 71-room property near the Menil Collection campus that will be completed in late 2024 and will feature an event space, restaurant, and bar onsite. Or, opt for the smaller 52-room Hyde Park. The property will aim to complement the whimsical neighborhood and is currently under construction. Lastly, the Thompson will add to its portfolio with the Thompson Houston, a 172-room, all-glass property that will overlook Buffalo Bayou. This Hyatt portfolio property will offer unparalleled 360-degree city views, a huge pool, and a full-service spa.  
bunkhousehotels.com/  
hydeparkhou.com/ 
hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/en-US/iahth-thompson-houston 

 

Passport Springs and Spa | Forsyth County, Georgia 

Slated to open in 2024, metro Atlanta’s Forsyth County will debut the largest hot springs and spa venue in the United States. Visitors to Passport Springs and Spa will be transported from the metropolitan area to a tropical jungle, complete with soaking pools (including North America’s largest Dead Sea pool). Guests can also recline in a Roman courtyard or sip sake under a pagoda in this experience that draws inspiration from numerous cultures. The architecture and landscapes are stunning in their own right, complete with a remarkably relaxing experience taking place under themed pavilions.  
passportsprings.com/  

 

International African American Museum  

Charleston debuted a brand new museum devoted to telling the untold stories of the African American experience across generations in the summer of 2023, and remains a must-visit attraction. While the International African American Museum does explore the history of African Americans in Charleston, it broadens the scope to explore the history across the United States and the world. There are nine galleries in the museum that spotlight how those both enslaved and free shaped economic, political, and cultural development throughout history through art, objects, artifacts, multimedia, and a memorial garden.  

 

Welcoming the whole family, the museum hosts a number of events and educational opportunities for kids and adults.  
iaamuseum.org/