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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 finest locations to go to in 2025, there have been some actual surprises intermixed with cultural icons, similar to New Orleans.
Right now, given the chilly entrance spreading out a lot of the mainland, you would possibly assume 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 by way of 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”, in contrast to 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 one of the best 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 stated, 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 basic soul meals staples, perusing boutique retailers, or hopping aboard the Harriott II Riverboat for a scenic trip alongside the Alabama River, you are certain to have a very good time.
Lexington: Kentucky’s Underrated City To Horse Around
Your first thought is likely to be Kentucky Derby or fried rooster in terms of visiting the state that simply so occurs to resemble a rooster leg, however there’s way over meets the attention past Colonel Sanders’ widespread quick meals chain and Louisville’s ‘most fun two minutes in sports activities’.
Lexington might not host the Kentucky Derby, however there’s nothing improper with second-best (until you are Ricky Bobby, in fact).
Lexington is named the ‘horse capital of the world’; the truth is, the place you may take pleasure in thrilling races like Keeneland or go for a enjoyable horseback trip at Whispering Woods Riding Stables, welcome to all ages.
Better but, it is at all times a very good time to horse round along with your buddies, and what higher place to do than Lexington’s Distillery District?
Better but, Lexington luxurious motels are very reasonably priced, like Origin Hotel, for underneath $100 in late winter/early spring.
Richmond: Discover Historic Sites And Riverside Gems
Whether or not Richmond is actually “the South” or not is one other query for one more day, however there’s doubt Virginia’s capital metropolis is brimming with timeless appeal and riverside gems.
While many Virginia vacationers might go for Virginia Beach proper now in the hunt for winter solar, do not sleep on Richmond, a really underrated metropolis beholding fascinating historic websites similar to Richmond National Battlefield Park, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, and quite a few plantation tours.
Richmond sees freezing temps once in a while throughout winter, however a springtime go to to Richmond’s Belle Isle, residence 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 might not understand about this buzzing faculty city are the enjoyable points of interest even Nashville cannot match, such because the world-renowned Tennessee Aquarium and quite a few scenic prepare 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 lodge, Hotel Chalet.
The greatest shock of Chattanooga could also be how stunning 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, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.