I’ll be the first to say all this time spent social distancing has given me a new love for home. Slow walks around the neighborhood, lazy evenings out on our porch… it’s true what they say, home is where the heart is!
And while I’ve loved every second of soaking up this slower pace, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to traveling once again once this is all over! Who’s with me?
Now that Andrew and I live in Florida, we’re much closer, and within driving distance, to many of the beautiful destinations here in the South that were always just a bit too far from Texas. We want to really make the most of our time here, and our favorite topic is “where will we go next?”
Over the past few weeks, I’ve started a list of places we’d love to visit and thought it would be fun to share them with you today. From mountain hideaways to elegant beach clubs to small town gems, here are 10 southern destinations I can’t wait to visit!
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge
Amelia Island, Florida
This beautiful bed and breakfast, Elizabeth Point Lodge, is just a couple of hours from us on Amelia Island, and is one of the first places we hope to visit. I’ve heard amazing things about the town, and love how quaint and romantic this inn feels! My friends from Palm Beach Lately wrote an amazing travel guide to the spot here.
The Inn at Little Washington
Washington, Virginia
I so hope to head up north during this upcoming fall. While doing some research, I came across this stunning hotel, The Inn at Little Washington. The rooms are unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Check them out here.
The Willcox
Aiken, South Carolina
The Wilcox made it onto the South’s Best 2019 list from Southern Living and it’s easy to see why. Rocking chairs on a wrap-around porch, gorgeous dining, I want to move right in!
Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
I had the privilege of meeting Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm, this past January at the Southern Living Tastemakers convention. Hearing her speak with so much love and passion about this family-owned destination made me want to visit right away. Take a look at their gorgeous website to see for yourself just how magical this special place, tucked awy in the Tennessee Foothills, is!
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Oceanfront, riverfront, poolside, golf course… however you like to relax, Jekyll Island Club Resort looks like the perfect place to do it all. Not only is the property gorgeous, but the resort has done a fabulous job of communicating precautionary COVID-19 measures, which you can check out here. This spot is just about 3 hours from us, and I’m thinking a weekend beach trip is just what the doctor ordered.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South Carolina
I knew I’d found my dream destination when the words “A Classic Southern Escape” caught my eye on the homepage of Montage Palmetto Bluff. I’m dying to visit this dreamy spot in the South Carolina low country. Horseback riding, yachting, golfing, skeet shooting… the only question is, what to do first?!
The Cloister
Sea Island, Georgia
I don’t exactly remember how I first heard about Sea Island, but over the years it continues to pop up here and there. This five-star resort on the Georgia coast looks like something out of a movie, and don’t even get me started on the decor. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from friends who have visited The Cloister, and hope to experience all the gorgeous grandeur for myself soon!
Crescent Hotel and Spa
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
No, Eureka Springs may not be the first place you think of for a getaway, but let me tell you from experience that it is such a hidden gem! My family and I stopped for the night on the way back from summer camp one year, and I’ll never forget just how charming this magical little town was. Dying to go back! Word on the street is the Crescent Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in America!
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re craving somewhere cozy this fall, check out the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Caroline. If the gorgeous spa isn’t enough to reel you in, the stunning views most assuredly are!
Anchorage 1770
Beaufort, South Carolina
Combine the charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry with the old-world charm of this beautiful hotel, built in 1770 no less, and you’ve got a winning combination. This river-front boutique hotel, Anchorage 1770, offers 1500 square feet of front porches, and sounds like just the place I want to spend a balmy summer night!
Have you been to any of these spots? I’d love to hear about it, if so! And I’m always looking for new destinations to add to my list, so feel free to leave your favorites below!
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
This is a great list! I went to the Inn in Little Washington when I lived in Virginia. It is a real gem and the restaurant was very special. The small town was so authentic and tucked away and was very relaxing to walk around in. This is a real escape from the world, it felt like going back in time to historic Virginia. Perfect for autumn. I pray that you’ll get to visit all these places, starting soon. I sure would love to visit a few myself, especially Montage Palmetto Bluff in coastal South Carolina.
Love the suggestions! Thanks so much and hopefully we’ll all have a wonderfully fun summer!
Great list! My husband and I are from Aiken and we spent the night at The Wilcox after our wedding. It was so beautiful! If you go to Aiken, be sure to visit Laurens Street for some cute downtown shopping (and New Moon Cafe for breakfast or lunch and Malia’s for lunch or dinner) and go for a walk in Hitchcock Woods!
The Grand Hotel – Point Clear, Alabama
Southern relaxation at it’s finest!
I live about an hour/hour and a half away from Asheville! The Grove Park Inn is BEAUTIFUL!! They hold the National Gingerbread House compilation every year at Christmas time too! The Biltmore Estate is in Asheville and it’s a must see if you’re there! It’s amazing! Plus there’s tons of breweries and amazing restaurants in the Asheville area!
Love that you included somewhere in Arkansas! We’re often overlooked :) eureka springs is such a hidden gem! Local Flavor cafe is heavenly, as is Ermilios! The fall is especially perfect to see all of the Ozarks foliage 😍
My husband and I took our honeymoon to Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Amelia Island and it was magical. The island and downtown are so fun. We cannot wait to go back again!
Just love Blackberry. One of my dear friends runs the website and PR and she’s just a doll. We enjoyed dinner at Blackberry Mountain back in February and it was the best meal I’ve ever had. My boyfriend and I are still raving about it. And the Grove Park is so fun! We love going during the Gingerbread competition. Another dear friend won last year and it’s so fun to see what everyone comes up with. The Montage at Palmetto Bluff has been at my tippy top of the list, can’t wait to visit!
I’m dying to go to Kiawah Island in South Carolina! Family friends go often and the pictures are beautiful.
I’ve been to Jekyll Island, GA! It was the first trip my ex and I went on—- so gorgeous. My college boss recommended it to me. The food was horrific (I’m picky lol.) everywhere but it DID NOT MATTER- that was in 2012 mind you. His family has a beach house in Amelia Island- never visited there but always seemed quaint and gorgeous. My current bf isn’t super into travel but we’ve been to Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio, Boulder, CO and then weekend trips to Chicago for weddings. I wish he would do a proposal trip but that’s just not financially feasible for him right now.
If you are wanting any mountain spots: Boulder. It has the sweetest people. I really love Blowing Rock/Boone, NC as well. Really great food options too XD
You should check out Thomasville, GA! It is a quaint southern town about 2 hours from Gainesville, 25 miles from Tallahassee!! I really think you would enjoy the tourism, plantations, and the FOOD!
A visit to Charleston, SC is a must if you’re in the lowcountry if South Carolina.
You should visit Charlottesville, VA!
I also love Williamsburg, VA. Both are so pretty and have so many fun things to do!
xx,
Lindsey
http://www.lindseyemartin.com
These all look so dreamy! Any Texas recommendations? My husband and I were hoping to go to Italy for our anniversary this fall, but I’m starting to accept that won’t be happening and we should instead find something within driving distance of Dallas
Kate!!!! I think this is such a good list! If you’re up in Virginia, I have two more destinations to add to your list. Sperryville, VA is close to the Inn at Little Washington, and has a FABULOUS B&B, The Inn at Mount Vernon Farm. My husband and I had a mini-moon there after our wedding! Such a gorgeous property and close to hiking.
The other you have to check out is the Clifton, in Charlottesville. SO gorgeous and luxurious! Hope you get a chance soon to explore this great state!
Loved this post Kate! So many fun spots!! I highly recommend visiting Charlottesville and Richmond VA! I live in Cville, Richmond is just an hour away so it’s easy to do both. Both cities are full of charm, delicious restaurants, and fun things to do! And Charlottesville also has tons of wineries :)
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
These destinations look wonderful! My mom grew up in Sea Island, so I have visited several times. It is such a beautiful place.
http://alexagmarsh.blogspot.com/
This list is AMAZING. Asheville has been on my list forever.. I’m totally going as soon as I can. #antsy
Well I just added a lot of places to my bucket list!
You’ll love Amelia Island and Asheville!
Bald head, NC!
Hey Kate! I have stayed at the Grove Park Inn and LOVED it. You and Andrew will need to grab drinks in the lobby at sunset. It’s perfect! More importantly, Anchorage 1770 is where I got engaged and it was a DREAM. Gorgeous views, delicious food, and quintessentially southern. You can walk downtown or by the water…or you can use their complimentary bikes! It was the most perfect and quaint spot. You will love it.
Bookmarking this post for post-virus times! I have not been to any of these places, but now I am curious and want to go! The inn in Virginia was so cute, I love how it is a little step back in time :) I am loving all the old Southern charm on all of these! Happy wander dreaming!
Libby
http://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com/
Anchorage 1770 is absolutely darling! If you have a chance to visit Beaufort, make sure to check out “Scout Southern Market” and get a sweet tea float! You can walk to Scout from Anchorage :)