The Best of the South
By Kellie Walton Benz
From breweries to historic sites, aquariums to luxury hotels, the South is a dynamic region with exciting discoveries waiting to be found in every state, through every town, and down every side street.
While determining the “Best of the South” may be an impossible feat, we’ve rounded up a collection of destinations uniquely poised to attract every type of visitor. Whether looking for a getaway rooted in education, an off-the-beaten-path small town, or a luxurious resort, here are eight of the “best” destinations to visit across the South this Spring.
Space Center Houston | Houston, Texas
With the recent launch of NASA’s Artemis 1, the return to the moon may be on the horizon. For an immersive and educational space experience, a trip to Houston is the perfect place to start. The Space Center Houston, operated by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, offers extensive science education programs alongside its space museum. With accolades including one of Houston’s top attractions, the area’s no. 1 destination for international visitors, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian Affiliate, it’s no wonder the Space Center earns a spot on this spring’s best of list.
Hosting nearly 1.25 million annual visitors, the museum features more than 400 space artifacts amongst its permanent and traveling exhibits, experiences related to America’s history in human space-flight, the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view, and much more. The Center is internationally known as the home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control and astronaut training, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of space travel. Space Center Houston is open daily at varying times.
spacecenter.org
George Washington’s Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, Virginia
Often called the “Father of His Country,” George Washington holds an infamous place in American history, and his former home is located in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The property is one of the nation’s most visited historic sites, housing the mansion plus more than a dozen historic outbuildings including a blacksmith shop, stables, and more. With four separate gardens, Mount Vernon is especially beautiful in the spring: the first being a formal garden with a rich variety of plants, the second housing fruits and vegetables, the third a small botanical garden with various flowers and plants, and the final serving as a fruit garden and nursery (originally meant to be a vineyard). In addition, George and Martha Washington are laid to rest on the property.
mountvernon.org
Mississippi Aquarium | Gulfport, Mississippi
A destination beloved by children and adults alike, the Mississippi Aquarium along the coastal city of Gulfport tells the story of Mississippi’s marine life from the Delta to the coastline. Placing a dedicated focus on the warm waters of the bordering Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi River, and the various marshes, wetlands, and bayous found throughout the state, the aquarium sheds a special light on the marine life that call Mississippi home. The aquarium operates on three pillars: reaching the hearts and minds of guests through education, a focused effort on conservation, and fostering community stewardship.
The indoor/outdoor campus features 12 fresh and saltwater habitats and more than 200 species of aquatic animals. Among them are bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, sharks, and stingrays.
msaquarium.org
Anheuser-Busch Brewery | St. Louis, Missouri
There’s nothing quite like a crisp, cold beer, and Anheuser-Busch is the undisputed leader of the U.S. beer industry with a roster of brands including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, ShockTop, and more.
Located in St. Louis, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery provides a unique experience filled with rich traditions. With a variety of tour options geared toward a multitude of interests, brewery tours can bring guests across the beautiful campus, offer a look at the brand’s iconic Clydesdales, or allow beer tastings straight from the finishing cellars. Following a tour, pay a visit to the onsite biergarten for German-inspired bites and a brew portfolio found only within the Anheuser-Busch grounds.
anheuser-busch.com
Georgia’s Wine Country | Dahlonega, Georgia
One of Georgia’s most charming Appalachian mountain towns is located about an hour away from bustling Atlanta. Dahlonega is the official wine country of Georgia, embracing its historic properties and storied past in gold mining. Savor award-winning wines right here in the South across a variety of wineries ranging from Italianate hillside mansions to craftsman-style lodges. Each August, wine enthusiasts flock to the area for the annual Dahlonega Wine Trail Weekend, offering a weekend of sipping and sampling at each participating outpost.
With eight wineries and 12 tasting rooms in total, there is no shortage of tours, tastings, and of course, scenic mountain views waiting to be discovered, glass in hand.
dahlonega.org
Gaylord Palms | Kissimmee, Florida
Gaylord Resorts are known for creating truly unforgettable experiences in their outposts in Maryland, Tennessee, and Florida. Rivaling the incredible properties found throughout the state of Florida from its beaches to theme parks, the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee is a sight to behold. Whether inside or out, the Gaylord Palms creates an immersive tropical experience with four-and-a-half acres of indoor garden atriums, nine onsite restaurants, a world-class spa, and more than 500,000 square feet of meeting and event space among its 1,700 guest rooms.
Discover some of the freshest seafood in Kissimmee at the onsite MOOR, catch the big game at Wreckers Sports Bar, escape to coastal Europe at Villa de Flora, or get your chops at Old Hickory Steakhouse, all without stepping foot off property.
While located in close proximity to Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort™, and other Orlando theme parks and attractions, the resort also boasts the onsite Cypress Springs Water Park, complete with the exhilarating Crystal River Rapids, FlowRider Surfing Experience, a water playground and water slides. If relaxation is in store, grab a tropical cocktail and lounge at the South Beach-inspired pool.
marriott.com
Houmas House & Gardens | Darrow, Louisiana
Dating back to 1829, the Houmas mansion has witnessed more than 240 years of delicate American history. Today, the restored property brings visitors throughout its past, highlighting the property’s complicated multi-century history, its architectural evolution, and collections of rare artwork and artifacts. The property also encompasses an expansive, 38-acre garden onsite offering a panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life. In the spring, the gardens come alive with color and fragrance, making the season an excellent time to visit.
Following a tour through the home and gardens, visitors can enjoy a meal at a number of onsite restaurants offering both casual and fine dining, or opt to stay overnight at the state’s most elegant bed and breakfast.
houmashouse.com
Battleship Memorial Park | Mobile, Alabama
Pay homage to the USS Alabama, a battleship with a remarkable military career. First launched in 1943, the ship journeyed to the North Atlantic during World War II before moving to the South Pacific seas a year later. With a crew of 2,500, the ship led the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay in September 1945, earning nine battle stars for meritorious service as the “Heroine of the Pacific.” Now, the iconic ship is stationed and welcoming visitors in Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park.
Drawing more than 15 million visitors, the park explores more than 175 years of history. Visitors can go below in a World War II submarine, view cockpits of combat aircraft, get up close to tanks, a Vietnam river patrol boat, and a plane similar to one flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. For military and American history aficionados, a visit to Battleship Memorial Park is a must.
ussalabama.com