Ah, summer. For many, the word alone evokes waves of nostalgia, conjuring up memories like cold lemonade, slightly melted ice cream, swimming holes, pools and oceans, the aroma of grilled meats, and porch swings at twilight. Yes, there's nothing quite like summertime in the South. The longer days also beckon you to step out of your comfort zone and do something different, such as going to a new festival, attraction, or destination, exploring the outdoors, or all the above. Wh

"Get Up Augusta" Mural by artist Jason Craig Whether you are looking for an authentic cultural, outdoors, history or (everyone's favorite) culinary experience, look no further than Augusta, Georgia. While the city is best known as home to Augusta National, the site of the Masters Golf Tournament, the destination offers a variety of adventures for every interest that'll leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning traveler.

You go local for dining while traveling, so it also makes perfect sense to go local when shopping. And in the South, there are authentic retail experiences nearly everywhere you visit. Soothe your soul with some serious retail therapy while supporting local businesses in these destinations. Shopping at the Silos at Magnolia photo personal collection You can't be

Macon (Ga.) Christmas Light Extravaganza photo personal collection (2021) Destinations throughout the South understood the assignment, without a doubt. Nothing better defines the holiday season than grand displays of twinkles and shimmers. Whether they are strung high in the trees or wrapped around ground-level props - white and colored - a special feeling comes ov

Biltmore Estate During the Holiday Season photo courtesy of Explore Asheville Whether it's enjoying Christmas at Biltmore ( through Jan. 4, 2026 ) during the day or at night with the Candlelight Christmas Evenings ( through Jan. 3, 2026 ) at America's largest home, admiring the creative creations at the National Gingerbread House Competition ( Nov. 18 - Jan. 4, 202

Who wants to go on a road trip - Disney-style? Wait, let's rephrase that: do you want to take a road trip with Disney characters, or maybe you know someone who does? If you're nodding along, keep reading. Join the gang on an action-packed adventure photo courtesy of Disney On Ice/ Feld Entertainment® This Friday and Saturday (November 1–2), " Disney On Ice R

The Hotel Monroe photo courtesy of The Hotel Monroe Some hotels are new builds, but The Hotel Monroe is more of a comeback story — where two historic buildings, old souls with stories to tell, are reborn as Monroe, Louisiana’s newest boutique stay. It all began a decade ago when Michael and Christie Echols pu

With two haunted attractions, four mini escape rooms, food trucks, midway carnival games, fire and sideshow performers, and more, owner Sarah Linginfelter says they want first-time guests to feel overwhelmed from the moment they pull up in the parking lot at Dead Man's Farm Haunted Attraction in Philadelphia, Tennessee. Fire Ball Express Fire Performance and Side Show at Deadman's Farm; photo courtesy of Deadman's Farm "We want them to feel the excitement when they see all th

The Hunter Museum of American Art, the original mansion completed in 1905 for a wealthy insurance broker and later purchased by the widow...

Hauntings don't end on Halloween at any of these 21 accommodations.

Table for two ... maybe Muriel's New...

'Debby' resting at the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Miss., personal photo “We don’t know much about ‘Debby,’” says Michael Walker, the tour guide at McRaven House in Vicksburg, Miss., about the corn husk doll lying innocently in a wooden cradle. “We don’t know where she came from, how old she is, or who owned her last. All we do know is that she likes moving around by herself.” He continues, “We’ll come in here and find she’s moved around the room when there’s no one up here t

Don't shed a tear because summer is over; smile because fall is here. Hello, fall! photo, personal collection Undoubtedly, there's something special about the fall in the South. Perhaps it's the clear days with the promise of cooler weather, the colorful foliage seen on long, lazy drives on the weekends, the excitement of cheering on your favorite college football on Saturdays, or the wealth of fall-friendly activities that put smiles on the faces of all ages. Maybe it's som

Best known for having a vibrant Latino community and as the birthplace of Tex-Mex, many are surprised to learn that San Antonio, Texas ,...

With their fresh air and charming atmosphere, mountain towns and cities often have a lasting impact on travelers. From outdoor adventures...

Puffy taco at Henry's Puffy Taco Cantina in San Antonio photo personal collection No doubt it: the South loves its food, whether it's regional specialties or well-known favorites perfected Southern-style. Not only are there annual festivals devoted to specific delicacies, but also food trails that you can partake in year-round. On your next getaway, tantalize your taste buds as yo

The Blue Room, circa 1930s, at the NuWray Hotel ...

While the days continue to get longer, temperatures grow warmer, and pollen (thankfully) decreases in May, the events and festivals...

"When I was a little girl in the 1960s, my father took my two brothers and me out into the flatwoods to grunt for worms," comments Mary...

Spring blooms at Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem, N.C. photo personal collection (Apr. 2022) April brings...