Best of the South
No list can ever be all-encompassing and quite frankly there are so many categories and places to choose from it almost seems unfair to even have lists. Luckily with some parameters, we can start narrowing it down or not! A shortlist of places you won't be disappointed you visited; they might even be the best (wink).
Grand Old Opry - Nashville, Tennessee
The Grand Old Opry, or The Opry, began as a regular radio broadcast in 1925 and has become the live radio and show music experience. Each set has multiple artists performing short 2 or 3 songs and sometimes they reappear later for a duet! The magic is with the Emcee, with small random information and heart-warming anecdotes you barely notice the set changes. Only the very best make it to the Opry stage. And even now, the whole show is broadcast live on the radio. The best part is that there are frequently surprise appearances, guests, and on-goings that make each night special.
Grandoldoprynashville.com
Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas also pertains to its amusement parks, Six Flags Over Texas is a 212-acre amusement park, between Fort Worth and Dallas. It is the first park in the Six Flags family having opened in 1961. There are family rides, thrill rides, kids rides, live shows, multiple restaurants, and snack shops. Home to the famous Batman Ride there is a whole section of the park named for Gotham City, perfect for any DC Comic fan.
Sixflags.com
National Horse Show - Lexington, Kentucky
The National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park is the oldest indoor horse show in the country. Started in 1886 and lasting for one week, horse jumpers of all backgrounds and pedigrees competing for prizes. Horses show off with displays of agility and grace. The park is not just for shows but has camping, the Parade of Breeds, Hall of Champions, and the Derby Winner Nightcap along with live shows and rides.
kyhorsepark.com
Hank Williams Museum – Montgomery Alabama
With its Southern charm, you will be immersed in the magic that was Hank Williams. The museum is a step back into the life of Hank Williams. With his music playing overhead, you can see the 1952 Baby Blue Cadillac. In the almost 6000 square foot museum, aside from his Cadillac where he took his final ride to Alabama, there are suits, boots, hats, ties, awards, furniture, portraits, and records. Hank did a lot of living in his twenty-nine years. A good time for Hank fans or music fans in general with the ample and unique items.
Hankwilliamsmuseum.net
Wiseacre Brewing Company– Memphis, Tennessee
Set in the perfect industrial spot for a brewery Wiseacre is really not far from anything in downtown Memphis. The giant building is open, airy, pristine, and probably one of the brightest vibes you have ever seen in a brewery. With whites and bright colors, the entire facility is a perfect nod to their beer and seemingly the 90s. Well- thought out down to the crazy bathrooms there is no skimping on space inside or out. With 15+ beers on tap it's hard to choose, one or even three. A flight is the best option because you will want to try at least 5. Come for the amazing beer and stay for the food. Flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches dominate their small but delicious menu- don't forget to try the jalapeno patty melt. After you’ve had your fill of beer don’t forget to check out their awesome apparel.
Wiseacrebrew.com
Don CeSar - St. Pete Beach, Florida
Even if its name is a mystery, its pink persona is not, known in urban lore circles as the Pink Palace it’s one of the most masterfully colored historic buildings on Florida’s west coast. Part of its appeal to some is its celebrated and alleged haunting heartbreak – that the original owner Thomas Rowe still haunts the hotel to this day in search of his love, Lucinda. Built-in the roaring 1920s the formerly prestigious hotel took a turn in the 1940s when it was sold to the US Government and turned into a hospital specifically prescribed for rest and relaxation for traumatized air force pilots because of its outstanding oceanside location. It wasn't until the 1970s when a real estate mogul bought the property that the palatial hotel was back to its original grandeur and opulence. Placed on the National Historic Register the hotel’s pink color has been a marker for sailors since it can be seen from both the east and west. The color is not only part of its history – though there were times it was not pink – the pink hue is now protected by law as a mariner's guide. The guest list from the hotel boasts an impressive list and reads like a dinner party one can only imagine – Dr. Walter Mayo of the Mayo Clinic, one of the Bloomingdale brothers, and F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Doncesar.com
The Hub – Inlet Beach, Florida
Rarely is there a location where it feels like a one-stop shop and in the best way possible. Enter The Hub. Coined as an entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, bars, live music, events, and open space to just chill. Home to six restaurants of all food types, and 2 bars the whole place is wound around a lawn area with -all the things- for a great night set in the outdoors. Seating options are limitless with outdoor and indoor options, covered outdoors options, table options, or more home comforts like couches and coffee tables. The biggest attraction is the main screen, jumbotron for family movie nights, or any currently hot sport. Searching for a backyard comfort feel and all amenities at your beck and call, The Hub certainly delivers.
Thehub30a.com
Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
She’s the non-disputed queen of country music and well, everything else, but Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is the best the south has to offer in entertainment. With award-winning shows and events, the rides almost seem secondary. Each season of the year is kicked off with an amazing festival. During the warmer months, there are extended park hours and fireworks while the fall brings pumpkins, gospel music, and the Harvest Festival. And who can forget a Smokey Mountain Christmas that occurs each November-January with more than five million lights. A theme park in its own right with rides that will knock your socks off, Dollywood is perfect for everyone, ages 0-101.
Dollywood.com
Acme Oyster House – New Orleans, Louisiana
A mainstay in the French Quarter for over 100 years, Acme has been the place to satisfy the pickiest of people. Acme is quality, fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters. And they'll serve them any way you want - ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled in garlic butter, or fried to golden perfection. Acme oysters are the best you'll ever have especially when piled high on one of their famous Po Boys. Don't care for oysters, they have classics like red beans and rice, gumbo, and jambalaya. Well worth any wait you may have…they don’t have a slow time.
Acmeoyster.com
The best places aren’t really those that come from a list but those that make memories and keep you smiling each time you remember them. Sometimes it's a place for a special occasion and sometimes it's a place that makes a regular occasion special.
