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If there’s one journey publication that is aware of the ins and outs of the South, it is gotta be Southern Living.
Recently compiling a list of 25 of the South’s greatest locations to go to in 2025, there have been some actual surprises intermixed with cultural icons, reminiscent of New Orleans.
Right now, given the chilly entrance spreading out a lot of the mainland, you would possibly suppose Florida can be the place to be, however there are tons of hidden gems and overshadowed cities ready to be found by mainstream vacationers.
Anyone who has traveled via the South is aware of that “southern hospitality” is an actual factor, the place you are greeted with “How ya’ doin’?” and left with “Have a blessed day”, not like different main cities the place you are simply one other face within the crowd.
If you are in search of laid-back getaways with pleasant locals, savory consolation meals, and affordable luxury, then look no additional than these 4 shocking U.S. cities named as the most effective Southern U.S. locations for 2025.
Montgomery: A Historic Capital Teeming With Riverfront Delights
With MLK Day across the nook, let’s begin off with considered one of America’s most traditionally vital cities.
Home to the Rosa Parks Museum, Montgomery Bus Boycott Memorial, and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church, Martin Luther King Jr. as soon as ministered, Montgomery checks off all of the packing containers for historical past buffs.
That being mentioned, Montgomery provides much more than intriguing museums showcasing America’s turning level right into a extra inclusive and simply society.
Montgomery boasts a picturesque downtown with rows of historic buildings, however the place to be is the Riverfront District.
Whether it is indulging in traditional soul meals staples, perusing boutique retailers, or hopping aboard the Harriott II Riverboat for a scenic journey alongside the Alabama River, you are certain to have a superb time.
Lexington: Kentucky’s Underrated City To Horse Around
Your first thought is likely to be Kentucky Derby or fried hen in relation to visiting the state that simply so occurs to resemble a hen leg, however there’s excess of meets the attention past Colonel Sanders’ in style quick meals chain and Louisville’s ‘most fun two minutes in sports activities’.
Lexington could not host the Kentucky Derby, however there’s nothing improper with second-best (until you are Ricky Bobby, in fact).
Lexington is called the ‘horse capital of the world’; the truth is, the place you possibly can take pleasure in thrilling races like Keeneland or go for a enjoyable horseback journey at Whispering Woods Riding Stables, welcome to all ages.
Better but, it is all the time a superb time to horse round together with your buddies, and what higher place to do than Lexington’s Distillery District?
Better but, Lexington luxurious inns are very reasonably priced, like Origin Hotel, for below $100 in late winter/early spring.
Richmond: Discover Historic Sites And Riverside Gems
Whether or not Richmond is really “the South” or not is one other query for an additional day, however there’s doubt Virginia’s capital metropolis is brimming with timeless attraction and riverside gems.
While many Virginia vacationers could go for Virginia Beach proper now searching for winter solar, do not sleep on Richmond, a really underrated metropolis beholding fascinating historic websites reminiscent of Richmond National Battlefield Park, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, and quite a few plantation tours.
Richmond sees freezing temps occasionally throughout winter, however a springtime go to to Richmond’s Belle Isle, house to the hidden gem of North Beach, a tranquil hideaway tucked away from the cityscape.
Also, try Richmond’s thriving beer scene, particularly top-rated Legend Brewing with skyline views.
Chattanooga: Scenic Train Rides And Down-Home Charm
Nashville could also be hogging middle stage in Tennessee, however Chattanooga will not disappoint with far much less crowds for bar-hopping Station Street, amongst different shocking delights to take pleasure in earlier than sunset.
Exploring downtown’s historic streets is a should, however what folks could not understand about this buzzing faculty city are the enjoyable sights even Nashville cannot match, such because the world-renowned Tennessee Aquarium and quite a few scenic practice rides (Southern Living highlights 7 of them here).
Chattanooga is so stepped in locomotive historical past that there is even a brand new, upscale train-themed resort, Hotel Chalet.
The greatest shock of Chattanooga could also be how lovely it’s with astounding nature like Lookout Mountain with postcard-worthy Ruby Falls.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
