The Best of the South
Vacations are built for memories in the making, and across the South, storied hotels, exciting attractions, and innovative food and drink are waiting to be explored. From “America’s Resort” in West Virginia to the “Queen of Southern Resorts” in Alabama, spend a long weekend at two storied historic properties. For a taste of adventure, visit Tennessee’s Anakeesta or Oklahoma’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
No matter your adventure, discover some of the South’s best attractions to visit this year.
The Greenbrier Hotel – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Known as “America’s Resort” since 1778, the Greenbrier was constructed in a valley at the base of the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The property has grown to be synonymous with Southern hospitality, offering a luxurious respite for guests visiting the region from around the world, including presidents and countless celebrities. With 710 guest rooms, plus signature suites, cottages, and an estate home, the 11,000-acre property, home to championship golf courses, tennis, an equestrian center, a renowned mineral spa, and even a private casino, offers all the joys of a vacation without venturing off property.
Also onsite sits 35 retail shops and 20 bars restaurants for perusing, each offering world-class cuisine and chef-driven menus with locally-inspired flavors from casual light options to a steakhouse, opulent lounge, and a magnificent primary dining room. The property is family-friendly, complete with an “Adventure Zone” for ages three through 12 with staff supervision, as well as carriage rides, falconry, bikes for rent, paintball, whitewater rafting, and other adventures waiting to be had. In addition, In-room babysitting services are available.
The Dalí Museum – St. Petersburg, Florida
In celebration of the life of renowned artist Salvador Dalí, The Dalí Museum places an expertly curated collection of his work within its walls. With more than 2,400 works in its permanent collection reflecting every moment and medium of his art, from oil paintings to book illustrations, prints, sculptures, photos, and manuscripts, the museum has drawn curious visitors since its opening in 1982. In addition to these collections, rotating exhibits are also ready to be explored, currently including an augmented reality experience and virtual reality experiences offering an innovative way to enjoy Dalí’s collection of work.
On warm days this winter, stroll the Avant-garden, a tranquil environment on the Tampa Bay waterfront inspired by Dalí’s fascination with duality, art, and nature. Explore the many storied sections throughout the garden – from the floral Grotto to the Fountain of Youth.
Plant Riverside District – Savannah, Georgia
What was once a 1912 power plant alongside Savannah, Georgia’s, iconic River Street has been revitalized into a booming destination. The Plant Riverside district, still landmarked by the plant’s twin smoke stacks, is a mixed-use space prominently featuring the JW Marriott and a variety of shops and restaurants. The lobby of the JW doubles as a cost-free museum, complete with a life-size, chrome-dipped dinosaur and towering geodes. Outside the lobby, elegant, European-inspired decor is weaved throughout creating a thought-provoking gallery at every turn.
The Plant Riverside district comes alive with rows of eclectic shops and dining at the northwest end of River Street. Enjoy the freestanding Riverside Biergarten, Riverside Sushi, or Starbuck for a rest before the adventure continues. As you explore, don’t forget to look up! Visit the secret rooftop haunt, Myrtle & Rose, a spot that should be on every Savannah itinerary. The rooftop garden is decorated with flowering plants serving as canopies for sweeping views of River Street and the Savannah River itself, complete with modern seating and activities like life-size chess.
The Grand Hotel & Resort – Fairhope, Alabama
There’s a reason the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, Alabama, has been dubbed the “Queen of Southern Resorts.” Located on Mobile Bay, the property features reimagined rooms, decadent dining experiences, and thoughtful amenities drawing travelers since 1847 – among which have been world leaders, movie stars, musicians, and generations of patriots.
Set on 550 acres, the property boasts not only 405 renovated rooms and suites, but also nine food and beverage outlets including three on-site restaurants. During the day, guests can choose their own adventure by playing a round at one of two 18-hole golf courses also onsite, or enjoying the 20,000-square-foot spa specializing in styling, nail services, and massages.
Fairhope, Alabama, is a destination all its own, as Southern Living recently crowned it one of the South’s Best Small Towns. The waterfront city features moss-covered oak trees, unique shops and restaurants, and breathtaking sunsets falling behind Mobile Bay.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The South meets the West in Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – an institution dedicated to Western history, art, and culture. The museum has a variety of exhibits displaying its collection of Western art and artifacts, while also providing educational programs spotlighting the American West. Discover contemporary art, including paintings and sculptures, as well as interactive exhibits. The exhibition wing of the museum houses a turn-of-the-century replica town, and hosts interactive history galleries spotlighting the American cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military, and Western performers. Current rotating exhibits include “Sombreros Texanas and Bosses of the Plains: Cowboy Hats from the Permanent Collection” and “Aliento a Tequila (The Spirit of Tequila).”
Anakeesta Theme Park – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Anakeesta, a theme park in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, touts a “magic in the mountains” experience, and they’re not wrong. The park is situated on a 70-acre mountain some 600 feet over the city of Gatlinburg, creating breathtaking mountain views. The adventure park includes scenic rides on the Chondola or Ridge Rambler, a quaint shopping and dining experience called Firefly village, a 14-bridge treetop skywalk, an observation tower and vast gardens. Debuting at the end of 2022, Anakeesta now features Astra Lumina – “An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars.” Part of the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk Series, the journey carries guests through an astral experience as the stars seemingly reach Earth before launching back into the sky. The celestial adventure that recently debuted at Anakeesta is the first-of-its-kind in the United States, and a must-visit for 2023.
Castle & Key Distillery – Frankfort, Kentucky
If there’s one thing Kentucky is known for, it’s bourbon and whiskey, and Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort is reimagining distilling. Drawing inspiration from European architecture, the site of the distillery features a castle, a classical springhouse, and a sunken garden, sparking the birthplace of bourbon tourism. Though the site fell to ruins during prohibition, it was purchased and restored in 2014. The property itself is a sight to behold, with restored structures and breathtaking grounds only half of the property’s allure – of course, the delicious spirits draw crowds all their own. From small batch bourbon to single barrel whiskey, warm up this winter with a visit to Castle & Key.
Put your resolutions to good use by incorporating new experiences into your 2023 itinerary. Whether opting for a stay at famed hotels, experience history restored at museums and distilleries, or stroll brand-new shopping and entertainment districts, any of these options are sure to make this year your best one yet.
https://www.greenbrier.com/
https://thedali.org/
https://www.plantriverside.com/
https://www.grand1847.com/
https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/
https://anakeesta.com/
https://castleandkey.com/
