Tag: weekend getaway

Vast longleaf pine forests dominate the landscape of Hattiesburg, which sits in the heart of South Mississippi’s Pine Belt region. In the late 1800s, as rail and logging industries began developing the area’s resources, the city emerged as an economic hub. Named for Harriet “Hattie” Hardy, the founder’s wife, it went on to become home to the University of Southern Mississippi and eventually a bustling city of 50,000 people.

James Beard–recognized chefs have put Raleigh’s dining scene on the national map, and Michelin’s inaugural American South guide arrived last November, cementing Raleigh as a culinary hotbed. Add world-class museums, transformative outdoor developments, and that unbeatable North Carolina hospitality, and you’ve got a city worthy of a weekend escape.

Today, Biloxi known for its towering casino resorts offering endless entertainment and round-the-clock gambling, but you needn’t be a high roller to enjoy this coastal community. Known as the Seafood Capital of the World in the early 1900s, the city is brimming with fresh-catch restaurants and eager to share its historic schooners and nautical instruments at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.

Hilton Head has little to prove as a first-rate beach destination. The 12-mile barrier island, nestled along South Carolina’s coast, stashes 26 championship golf courses, an impressive farm-to-table scene, and a 60-mile network of bike paths between its shorelines. Unlike other resort towns, however, Hilton Head feels folded into the landscape itself.

A decade ago, downtown Lynchburg was on the ropes. Empty storefronts lined the historic streets, and its 19th-century infrastructure had started to crumble. But after millions in investment, the city has a new vibe and swagger. Retail stores fill former warehouses, a restored grand hotel welcomes guests, and a network of riverside trails draws hikers, bikers, and picnickers.

Picture the quintessential Southern mountain town and the village of Cashiers may come to mind. This idyllic historic community, complete with a central Village Green, sits at the crossroads of NC Highway 107 and U.S. Route 64, zigzagging roads that part the surrounding Nantahala National Forest like a comb. Despite its rising profile, thanks to a bounty of pristine nature, superb shopping, and renowned lodging, Cashier’s pace remains blissfully unhurried.

Mobile is Alabama’s oldest city. Founded in 1702, the shipping port has been ruled by France, Great Britain, and Spain, creating a melting pot of people, architecture, and cuisine. With a rich history, bustling restaurant scene, and new boutique hotel, this Gulf Coast town beckons.

Outdoor adventure, boutique shopping, and an exciting restaurant scene draw visitors to this North Georgia mountain town.

Roanoke’s not quite on the national radar yet, which means it’s easier to snag dinner reservations and find a place to stay—at least for now. Here’s our guide to making the most of a weekend before the word gets out.

With ski slopes, stylish shops, and history walks, this four-season vacation town charms visitors at every turn.