There are a handful of resorts around the South that are both high-end and down home. We’ve rounded up the five best resorts in the South where pastoral beauty and quaint charm meet pure opulence.
As I finish my second year writing Two-Sided Southern, I am still having such an incredible time. I adore telling stories about the South and its people. The kind of people who embrace being both high-brow and down home as shown in these top 10 blogs of 2022.
I took my young family to Memphis on a road trip. Find out why Memphis is one of the Best Family Getaways in the South.
I don’t know about you, but new hotels get me excited about exploration and experiencing new things. Across the South, new hotels are booming. Here are five that recently opened and a couple on the horizon. All of these new hotels give me hope for a post-pandemic travel extravaganza. There’s something about the southland in the springtime… amirite? In other words, let me know in the comments which one of these five new hotels you want to book first.
Cashiers, NC
The Adirondack chairs still overlook a sprawling lake, hiking trails and a granite-sided mountain. The floor boards, the creaky front desk, the grand four-sided fireplace, some of the cabins and the layout are all pretty much the same too. But that’s about all regulars will recognize at the century-old High Hampton Resort in Cashiers. The team behind Blackberry Farm in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains rehabbed the old beauty and reopened doors in April 2021. In fact, it’s coming up on its one-year anniversary this spring.
Moreover, cottages were all redone in lovely leather, pops of red and plaid. Therefore, the inn’s guest rooms have doubled in sized and expanded to add exquisite marble bathrooms and claw foot tubs. Handwritten hotel registries framed in the hallways recall olden days, while the quaint spa upstairs in an attic space is the utmost luxurious indulgence. This foodie is most excited about the Winter Culinary Experiences and The Sip Series they have on the docket right now. Much looks different at High Hampton, but the hospitality and coziness is still paramount. Oh and the signature red rocking chairs are still perfect for happy hour on the porch.
Rooms from $595 off-peak, highhampton.com
Atlanta, GA
In December 2021, a new 201-room property opened in tony Buckhead near Atlanta. It’s mere steps from some of the city’s best shopping, dining and nightlife, but it’s the Southern modern vibe of its decor that everyone is loving the most. That, and the rooftop pool. Above all, grab reservations at Dirty Rascal, chef Todd Ginsberg’s newest Italian hot spot. Locally owned by The Loudermilk Co., Southern charm exudes from every corner. The private membership club knowns as Tesserae is an exclusive lounge that everyone is trying to get into right now.
Rooms from $306 to $550, https://loudermilkco.com/portfolio-item/thompson-buckhead-hotel/
Greensboro, NC
I’m beyond excited about this unique opening in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. The BYB property is female-owned—owner Natalie Miller is a Carolina native with deep roots in the area—and opened the doors in January 2022. The luxe interiors are colorful, happy and bright. The historic hotel famously hosted African American guests and celebrities (think James Brown, Ray Charles, Tina Turner and Gladys Knight) and is one of only four original Green Book sites still in existence in the state. Furthermore, the mid-century modern decor of the four gorgeous guest rooms could be found in any luxury interiors magazine. It’s a small boutique hotel with an adorable on-site restaurant and beloved Sunday brunch. But above all, it’s truly a living piece of history.
Rooms from $220 to $305, thehistoricmagnoliahouse.org
Nashville, TN
After staying at SoHo House 40 Greek Street in London and Soho Farmhouse out in Oxfordshire, I became a die hard SoHo House fan for any overnight stays out of town. All the properties have a boho chic vibe and the coolest decor. Therefore, I’m thrilled to see what kind of local vibes they will capture in this new Music City property. Opening in February 2022, SoHo House Nashville has 47 bedrooms all with furnishings made my local artisans and peppered with vintage accoutrement. Formerly a May Hosiery factory, the building was where workers made the socks that astronauts wore to the moon.
Only bookable by members and friends of members, $200-$655, sohohouse.com
Franklin, TN
Speaking of Soho Farmhouse, if you’re looking for something similar, but Stateside, Southall is going to be as close as you can get. Surrounded by nature on 325 acres, the property is about wellness and connection to the land. Sixty-two guest rooms and 16 cottages will dot the rolling hills of Tennessee outside of Nashville. The spa promises to be exquisite with treatments based on natural elements. After all, a restaurant led by chef Tyler Brown will incorporate ingredients grown, raised and foraged on Southall’s surrounding land. We can’t wait for this stunning property to open doors in June 2022.
No room rates posted yet, southallfarms.com
If you want to check out some of my other favorite hotels that feel Two-Sided Southern, see Old Edwards Inn, Grand Hyatt Nashville and Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Georgia is as pretty as any plot in Napa Valley or the Loire Valley. It’s arguably the best Georgia winery. The octagonal tasting room (the only one I’ve ever seen), sprawling patios and event venues are luxurious. Yet the staff is still down home and friendly. I think that comes from top down.
High above The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is one of the best Colorado family vacations I’ve ever taken. There are only seven guest rooms, 11 cabins and one Fire Tower Suite on the property.
It’s time to get outside and enjoy some incredible 2021 events again and these five are too good to miss. From art to outdoor concerts (hello, Robert Earl Keen!) from Charleston to Atlanta and from the shores of Florida to the hills of Tennessee, 2021 events are back, baby!
I took a road trip to Nashville and stayed in a hotel suite that had never been stayed in before.The Grand Hyatt Nashville debuted in October 2020, and my husband and I arrived only 10 days after the luxurious 591-room hotel opened its doors.
I would argue that it’s this juxtaposition of country charm coupled with exquisite lodgings, white glove service and gourmet culinary offerings (Madison’s is a must-try), that is a significant reason Old Edwards Inn (OEI) has been so successful. It’s also the kind of place I personally love—where you can have the most opulent of experiences and yet no one is uppity, everyone is friendly and the millionaire standing next to you may be wearing flip flops or hiking boots.
