Category: Around the Region

  • September Events and Fall Festivals Across the South

    September Events and Fall Festivals Across the South

    Featured Image: Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

    As summer gives way to crisp fall days across the South, September brings a fresh lineup of festivals, fairs, and celebrations worth adding to your calendar. From apple harvests and bourbon tastings to horse parades and home shows, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the changing season. These September events offer plenty of excuses to get out, explore, and savor the start of fall.

    apples in basket
    Image: Betül Batmaz on Pexels.com

    South Carolina Apple Festival | Westminster, SC

    September 10-12, 2026

    South Carolina Apple Festival turns Westminster, SC’s favorite fruit into a weekend of sweet Southern fun. Sample fresh-picked apples from local growers, watch bakers put their best recipes to the test, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. Whether you come for the apple treats or stay for the small-town charm, this festival is one delicious way to welcome fall.

    Atlanta Food & Wine Festival | Atlanta, GA

    September 10-13, 2026

    Get ready for four days of flavor at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, where the region’s culinary traditions take center stage. Sip your way through wines, spirits, and cocktails, dig into chef tastings, and dive into memorable immersive food experiences. With plenty to sample and discover, this Atlanta, GA staple is a must for anyone who plans their days out around a good meal.

    photo of acoustic guitar
    Image: Matheus Ferrero on Pexels.com

    Best of the Bluegrass – Festival of the Horse | Georgetown, KY

    September 11-13, 2026

    Saddle up for a weekend of Kentucky pride at Best of the Bluegrass – Festival of the Horse, where bluegrass and equestrian heritage come together in Georgetown, KY. Browse handmade crafts, listen to live music, and grab a bite or a cold drink from the food and beer garden before the Grand Parade of Horses makes its way through town. The fun starts the night before with the Fireman’s Chili Cook-Off, where local cooks compete for bragging rights and chili-lovers gather to cheer them on.

    Nashville Home Show | Nashville, TN

    September 11-13, 2026

    Give your home a fresh start at the Nashville Home Show, where design inspiration, renovation ideas, and the latest home products fill Music City Center for three days in Nashville, TN . Meet home improvement experts, browse show specials and new products, and pick up clever ideas for everything from interiors to outdoor spaces. Don’t miss appearances from bestselling author Virginia Chamlee, plus the chance to Visit, Stamp, & Win prizes worth up to $250.

    The Arts in the Heart Festival | Augusta, GA

    September 18-20, 2026

    Let your creative side run wild at the Arts in the Heart Festival, where three days of art, music, food, and cultural experiences take over downtown Augusta, GA. Browse work from talented artists and makers, sample international dishes, and take in performances while the Family Area keeps younger festival-goers entertained. This colorful celebration offers a little something for every kind of art lover, with inspiration around every turn.

    Alabama State Fair | Birmingham, AL

    September 18-27, 2026

    Get ready for ten days of classic fair fun at the Alabama State Fair, returning to Birmingham, AL with a lineup of wild attractions and family-friendly entertainment. Watch the Rastelli Circus, get up close with animals at the petting zoo and Tails of the Tropics, or test your nerves with helicopter rides and A Grizzly Experience. And, of course, save plenty of room for the deep-fried favorites and sweet treats that make a trip to the fair complete.

    More state fairs around the South this September:

    The North Georgia State Fair

    The State Fair of Virginia

    Highland Jazz & Blues Festival | Shreveport, LA

    September 19, 2026

    Turn up the tunes at the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival, where Shreveport, LA’s Highland neighborhood fills with music spanning generations and genres. Bring the whole crew, including your four-legged friends, for an afternoon of live performances, local art, food vendors, and plenty of “funky party in the park” vibes. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easygoing way to spend a fall Saturday in the South.

    Bourbon & Beyond | Louisville, KY

    September 24-27, 2026

    Bourbon and live music collide at Bourbon & Beyond, bringing four days of big-name performances, theme park rides, and Kentucky pours to Louisville, KY. Catch an eclectic lineup of artists across multiple stages, then explore bourbon-focused experiences like the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar, The Hunter’s Club, and hands-on tastings with bourbon experts. Come for your favorite artists, stay for the whiskey, and leave with a whole new appreciation for the signature spirit.

    Banana Ball World Tour | Biloxi, MS

    September 25-26, 2026

    America’s oldest pastime gets a bananas makeover when the Banana Ball World Tour rolls into Biloxi, MS for two nights at Keesler Federal Park. The Firefighters and Loco Beach Coconuts will face off in this fast-paced reimagining of baseball, with unconventional rules, nonstop entertainment, and plenty of surprises packed into every game. Created by the Savannah Bananas, Banana Ball brings a whole new kind of ballgame to the field.

    Elvis ‘56: Elvis Homecoming Concert | Tupelo, MS

    September 26, 2026

    Celebrate the King’s return to Tupelo, MS at Elvis ‘56: Elvis Homecoming Concert. The concert recreates the excitement of 1956, when a young Elvis came back to his hometown as a rising star, with live music, period-inspired performances, and plenty of rock ’n’ roll nostalgia. For fans, it’s a chance to step back into the year that changed music history forever!

    For more life in the South, click here.

  • How to Live Like “Theo of Golden” in the Southern Town that Inspired It

    How to Live Like “Theo of Golden” in the Southern Town that Inspired It

    Featured Image: Pineapple Public Relations

    As someone who devours books and is usually reading at least three at once — one via paperback, one on my Kindle, and one audiobook (duh) — I have found great joy in little ways to connect with the books I’m reading on a deeper level. Whether it’s whipping up a mentioned drink, trying to match my environment to the setting, or simply reflecting on how the book mirrors my own life, there are always ways I find to immerse myself in the stories I’m reading. 

    “Theo of Golden” is a fictional story about a man named Theo who comes to a small, Southern town, leaving small acts of kindness in his wake. Purchasing 92 hand-drawn sketches, each of a different resident of the town, he travels around to give each resident their sketch and asks to hear about their personal stories. This book is a powerful narrative about human connection, generosity, the power of attention, and one that everyone should read. Thankfully, when the time comes that you do delve into its pages, you can immerse yourself in the story in Columbus, Georgia, the very town that author Allen Levi grew up in and drew inspiration from. 

    Image: Pineapple Public Relations

    Fountain City Coffee & The Portrait Wall

    This quaint shop located in the heart of downtown Columbus served as the real-life inspiration for “The Chalice,” the very coffee shop in the novel where Theo purchases the portraits he gives to the residents of Golden, Georgia. Much like the book, Fountain City Coffee’s walls are lined with framed charcoal portraits by artist Garry Pound, and it’s one of the most photographed locations for fans of the book. While you’re there, you can even purchase a bag of their Golden Hour blend, which was crafted in honor of the book. 

    Broadway & 10th Street

    If you were to partake in Columbus’ self-guided “Theo of Golden” Tour, you would begin your journey at Broadway and 10th Street. This area is thought to be the real-life muse for “Promenade,” a beautifully described, scenic pedestrian median with canopying trees, walking areas, and the fountain which serves as the meeting spot for Theo’s portrait exchanges. 

    Image: Pineapple Public Relations

    Chattahoochee Riverwalk and Benches

    The Oxbow River runs through the center of Golden and is where Theo chooses to reside during his stay in the town. In Columbus, you can visit the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, the real-life location that inspired it. Here, you can walk along its picturesque walking paths and enjoy the peaceful scenes that inspired Allen Levi. 

    While you’re strolling and taking in the scenery, you’ll also notice several benches lining the property. In the book, it is noted that Theo has a favorite bench along the Oxbow River, and there’s no doubt one of these served as direct inspiration for his preferred sitting spot. 

    Historic Fountains 

    Around Columbus, you’ll spot several historic fountains, especially when walking along Broadway. These fountains inspired “The Fedder,” a picturesque fountain located in the center of the Promenade where Theo connects with the people of Golden, listening to their stories. Take a penny, sit on one of their edges, and make a wish while you enjoy the sound of the trickling water. 

    Image: Pineapple Public Relations

    RiverCenter for the Performing Arts 

    Simone, a friend of Theo and a prominent character in the novel, studies and performs recitals at the “School of Music,” located at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. You can visit the real-life location along the Chattahoochee River and even catch a show while you’re at it. 

    Garry Pound’s Art Studio

    If you want an even deeper look into the artist whose portraits line Fountain City Coffee and drive the main plot of the novel, you can visit Garry Pound’s Art Studio. Here, you can peruse his work and take a piece of inspiration home with you in true Theo fashion. 

    Image: Pineapple Public Relations

    The Columbus Historic District

    This part of Columbus played a large role in crafting the charming, distinctly Southern, and quaint town of Golden. You can walk around sightseeing the well-preserved historic architecture, river views, and other famous landmarks. This area is the best place for a well-rounded immersion into the story, thanks to its central location near many real-life book stops, including Gary Pound’s Art Studio and Fountain City Coffee. 

    Hungry for more of our favorite reads? Check out the Modern South Library. 

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here. 

  • The Log Cabin Steakhouse That’s Been Feeding Ridgeland Since 1989

    The Log Cabin Steakhouse That’s Been Feeding Ridgeland Since 1989

    Featured Image: Modern South

    If you’ve ever found yourself in Ridgeland—often called the steakhouse capital of Mississippi—chances are you’ve heard of Tico’s Steakhouse. Opened in 1989 by its namesake, Tico Hoffman, the longtime local favorite delivers the kind of classic steakhouse experience that leaves you reaching for a post-meal peppermint and toothpick. 

    Housed in a rustic log cabin, the restaurant is filled with warm wood paneling, crisp white tablecloths, and the unmistakable smoky aroma that has defined old-school steakhouses for generations. From the moment you step inside, it’s easy to see why Tico’s has remained a fixture in the community for more than three decades. The atmosphere is refined without feeling stuffy, and the menu is timeless without sacrificing flavor—an intentional balance that Hoffman has embraced since opening the restaurant. 

    “[When it comes to running a restaurant] you want to treat people as if you’re entertaining at your house. You don’t want them to have to ask for anything and have really good service and high-quality food,” Hoffman said.

    This philosophy has served Hoffman well, helping Tico’s stand out in Ridgeland’s celebrated steakhouse scene for more than 37 years. But a career in the restaurant industry wasn’t always part of the plan. In fact, Hoffman says he found his way into the business almost by accident. During his final year at LSU, a golfing partner who had recently opened a steakhouse invited him to spend some time at the restaurant to see if he enjoyed the work. As it turned out, he did.

    “It fit me because we played golf during the day and worked at the restaurant at night, and that rhythm just worked,” he said. 

    About a decade later, Hoffman decided to put his years of restaurant experience to the test by opening Tico’s Steakhouse in Ridgeland. He remembers opening day as a mix of excitement, nerves, and gratitude. Owning a restaurant had long been a dream, but he knew it was a gamble. His father even warned him that whatever he thought it would cost to open, he should double it. He took the advice, and on the day of the restaurant’s debut, he simply opened the doors, laid out heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and watched as a couple hundred friends and curious locals streamed through. Their support carried him into the next day and on for the next 37 years. As he puts it, the rest is history.

    Today, Tico’s remains a pillar of Ridgeland’s celebrated steakhouse tradition, serving generations of loyal diners while its legacy continues through Hoffman’s son, who opened a second Tico’s in Oxford in 2024. If you ask Tico what keeps people coming back after all these years, he’ll tell you it starts long before the dish ever hits the table.

    “We cook our steaks under overhead gas broilers and serve them on hot plates—as the old saying goes, don’t sell the steak, sell the sizzle,” he said. “When people walk in and smell a hot steak on a buttered plate, it just makes them hungry.”

    Planning a trip to Tico’s soon? Order like the man behind the restaurant with Hoffman’s go-to menu picks: 

    New York Strip

    There is a reason this steak has earned Hoffman’s stamp of approval. Cut from the short loin, it offers a bold, beefy flavor and a tender yet pleasantly firm texture that he says sets it apart from the rest.

    Filet

    Hoffman ranks this cut just behind the New York strip among his personal favorites. Exceptionally juicy and buttery, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it’s a standout for anyone craving a classic steakhouse experience.

    Potato Au Gratin 

    Cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent, these potatoes are the perfect side dish for any entree at Tico’s, whether it’s steak, seafood, or poultry. 

    New York Cheesecake

    Tico’s homemade cheesecake is lighter than a traditional New York slice, whipped with plenty of Cool Whip and set on a brown sugar–pecan crust that Hoffman says is the star of the dish.

    Hungry for more? Click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Canton Mississippi’s History Told by Those Who Lived it

    Canton Mississippi’s History Told by Those Who Lived it

    Featured Image: Caroline Flint/Modern South

    At the center of Canton, Mississippi, the stately Madison County Courthouse stands as the jewel crowning the charming town square that has long served as the town’s gathering place. If these streets could talk, they’d tell tales of welcoming soldiers home, celebrations and markets, Hollywood productions, and some truly consequential moments in history. 

    But for many longtime residents, those stories live safely in their memories and not just in history books. 

    “There’s so much rich history,” says Mamie Chinn, a longtime Canton resident and former judge. But she notes that there’s a lot of learning to still be done outside of textbooks. “Talk to people that really were involved. Get the firsthand experience while it’s here, while we are existing.”

    That firsthand history is especially powerful in Canton’s place in the Civil Rights Movement – a period of time not too long ago.

    Image: Caroline Flint/Modern South

    The Canton Freedom House served as an important headquarters for the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE, during the fight for voting rights and racial equality. Glen Cotton, who has worked to preserve the house as a museum, says organizer George Raymond struggled to find anyone willing to provide space for a voter registration office. Each time property owners discovered how the building would be used, they backed out. Cotton’s grandparents finally agreed to open their property to the movement despite pressure from local officials to reconsider.

    But it was not without consequence – Cotton recalls vendors being pressured to stop supplying his grandparents’ grocery store, and members of the community stepped in to help them keep the business running.

    The Freedom House would soon become a gathering place for some of the Civil Rights Movement’s best-known leaders.

    “Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael, Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine – all these people met in this house and went in and out the doors of this house,” Cotton says.

    Billy Joe Wells remembers those years from another perspective: as a child growing up in Canton.

    His mother did not want him participating in the demonstrations, but Wells and his siblings went anyway. He remembers guardsmen positioned around the area, tear gas being thrown as marchers gathered and one extraordinary moment that has stayed with him ever since.

    “I was standing right beside Martin Luther King,” Wells says. “I marched with him up this street.”

    Image: Caroline Flint/Modern South

    During one march, Mamie Chinn recalls a white woman driving up, getting out of her car and knocking her hat from her head while a nearby police officer did nothing.

    “Even to picket was dangerous to be out there marching,” she says.

    The difference between the Canton of Chinn’s youth and the city she knows now can be shown clearly by this very interview.

    “When I was very young, I would have had to go to the back door to come into this building,” she says. “Now we’re sitting here, black and white, and my car is parked at the front door, and I walk through that front door uninhibited.”

    She is quick to note that progress should not erase the struggle that made it possible.

    “We fought hard to get where we are today,” Chinn says. “We fought hard for me to sit here and talk with you.”

    When Cotton considered demolishing the vacant Freedom House years later, former Civil Rights volunteers urged him not to.

    “They said, ‘No, you can’t tear it down. You got to preserve this house. You know, it’s a lot of history here,’” Cotton recalls. He ultimately transformed the building into a museum filled with photographs, artifacts and stories from people who participated in the movement.

    “Behind every picture there is a story,” he says.

    Sister Thea Bowman was an educator, missionary disciple and nationally recognized advocate who called Canton home.

    “She was an evangelist. She was electric. She was a motivator. She was a teacher and a songwriter,” Wells says. “I call her angel. She had the spirit of an angel, and she met no strangers.”

    Before her death from cancer, Bowman summarized a message that defined much of her life’s work: “We unite ourselves with Christ’s redemptive work when we reconcile, when we make peace … when we reflect to our brothers and sisters God’s healing, God’s forgiveness, God’s unconditional love.”

    Her legacy now stretches far beyond Mississippi, with schools, educational foundations, housing and health organizations bearing her name.

    Alice Scott, who served as mayor from 1994 to 2002, recalls encountering people in city government who said they could not work for a Black woman.

    Image: Caroline Flint/Modern South

    “When one door closed, another door opened,” Scott says. “All we were doing is making steps forward.”

    Those same historic streets would go on to attract attention in the form of the big screen. Canton today is known as the Movie Capital of Mississippi. 

    When A Time to Kill prepared to film in Canton, some residents feared scenes depicting the Ku Klux Klan could inflame racial tensions. But Scott believed the community could handle it, so she met with ministers and other local leaders before filming began.

    “People were leery because they thought that would start a riot,” Scott recalls. “And I said, I think we can handle it.” The production went forward without incident.

    More productions followed, including My Dog Skip and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, drawing cinephiles from all over to walk the streets they’ve come to know on the big screen. 

    For Wells, the films “put Canton on the map.”

    Image: Caroline Flint/Modern South

    And when they come to see their favorite filming locations, Wells helps visitors discover the real-life stories from the community he has known all his life. “I start telling them about this little small town,” he says, including “the history of Canton … where we’ve come from and what we’re trying to pull together in Canton now.”

    Chinn echoes.

    “There’s so much wonderful history here in Canton that we need to pass on to our young people accurately,” she says, “not sterilized or cleaned up, but accurately.”

    And so does Scott:

    “Just remember the legacy of Canton and what we did, what was done, what is still being done and what it’s going to do,” she says. “Just remember the history of Canton. Keep up with it and don’t forget it. It’s important.”

    For more stories on life in the South, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Scalloping into Summer on Florida’s Gulf Coast: Here’s How to Snorkel for Your Supper

    Scalloping into Summer on Florida’s Gulf Coast: Here’s How to Snorkel for Your Supper

    Featured Image: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge

    “I found one!” I shriek through my snorkel. I hold my breath to dive down and grab the scallop, tucking it safely into my neon green mesh bag. 

    I checked off this bucket list Florida adventure in Crystal River, just a 90-minute drive from the theme park mecca of Orlando. 

    Every summer, locals and tourists flock to the shallow grassy waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast to harvest bay scallops. This culinary treasure hunt lures families of all ages to grab a mask and snorkel and hunt for the tasty shellfish. 

    The season runs until late September, so there’s still time for a last-minute summer fling to experience part of “Real Florida,” where abundant wildlife and tranquil waters await.

    Image: Paddletail Waterfront Adventures

    Foraging the Ocean Floor

    “You know that Shell gasoline symbol? That’s what you’re looking for. Look in the seagrass or the sandy patches nearby,” Captain Jake from Paddletail Waterfront Adventures instructs. My husband and I were on their 5-hour scallop tour, heading out from King’s Bay through Crystal River into the warm Gulf waters. 

    I adjust my snorkel and slide off the boat into the clear 4-foot-deep water. I swim for a few minutes to get comfortable, then search for scallop-shaped shells with tiny, bright blue eyes that line the perimeter of their shells.

    Many people compare scallop diving to an underwater Easter egg hunt, but I thought gently combing the dense seagrass with my fingers and scrutinizing the sand felt more like panning for gold. This seems impossible, I thought, beginning to feel discouraged. Then suddenly, I see a speckled clump in the sand. 

    After the first one, they become easier to spot, although a few get away before I can reach them. I’m hooked, wanting to fill my bag, and imagine a feast of succulent seafood for lunch. But our fun is cut short when Captain Jake sounds the airhorn, calling us out of the water as he spots lightning on the horizon. We speed back to shore, passing a dolphin on the way. The herons, osprey, and egrets have taken cover, and the incoming storm obscures the triple rainbow we saw earlier.

    Image: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge

    Sustainable Scalloping

    Commercial harvesting of bay scallops was discontinued in Florida in 1994 due to a declining population. Changing climate conditions, over-harvesting, and the mollusk’s short life span all threaten a flourishing population. You can do your part to preserve the future of scalloping by choosing a charter company certified as eco-compliant through Discover Crystal River. 

    Be sure to follow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scallop harvesting regulations, including harvesting areas and daily catch limits. Recreational scallopers need a fishing license, and may only use their hands or a dip net. 

    After you shuck your catch, don’t toss the scallop shells back into shallow water where they can damage seagrass habitats or injure swimmers. Dispose of them in the garbage, or better yet, take them home for miniature serving dishes or souvenirs. 

    Image: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge

    Plan Your Adventure

    The recreational scallop diving season runs from July to the end of September, with exact dates varying for the five zones along the Gulf coast, spanning from Port St. Joe in the north to New Port Richey in the south. 

    Gear up with a swimsuit, water bottle, and plenty of sunscreen. Crystal River has one of the longest seasons, and dozens of scallop charters to choose from. Florida’s summer weather is unpredictable, so it’s not a bad idea to plan to spend a few days.

    Our scallop diving tour was cancelled the first morning due to weather, but we had an unforgettable swim with the manatees instead. There’s also kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and plenty of restaurants to explore in Crystal River.

    Image: Kirsten Harrington

    Preparing Your Catch

    The 18 or so scallops we caught were some of the sweetest shellfish I’d ever tasted. The crew shucked them for us, and the Tiki bar at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge served up our lightly blackened catch with fries and coleslaw for an unforgettable ocean-to-table seafood lunch we caught ourselves.

    Several restaurants will cook your catch for a small fee, or you can bring a cooler and keep your catch on ice until you get home. Most charters will offer to shuck your scallops for you – or you can ask them to teach you how. 

    Here are a few tips for preparing fresh Florida bay scallops. Remember, these sweet little morsels need just a few minutes – don’t overcook!

    • Wrap scallops, cream cheese, and candied jalapeño slices in bacon and bake until bacon is cooked.
    • Place cleaned scallops back in their shell and add a dash of white wine and your favorite seasoning. Cook them on the grill until tender. 
    • Steam and serve with clarified butter.
    • Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.
    • Bread scallops in panko and quickly deep fry.
    • Sear in a hot pan with butter then toss with your favorite blackening seasoning.

    Scallop recipe ideas courtesy of Paddletail Waterfront Adventures.

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

  • Panama City Murals to Add Flare to Your Next Trip

    Panama City Murals to Add Flare to Your Next Trip

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City

    When a city has so many murals that it warrants a dedicated trail with nearly three dozen stops, you can bet it’s worth a visit. Led by the nonprofit organization the Bay Arts Alliance, they’ve literally painted the town of Panama City in vibrant color over the years. From art-covered restaurants to painted columns, building facades, and colorful nooks and crannies, their goal of art around every corner has just about been met. 

    Here’s your ultimate guide to traveling along the Panama City Mural Trail. 

    Image: Destination Panama City

    Bringing Art to Every Corner 

    Believing art to be an essential part of their community, the Bay Arts Alliance has been an active non-profit organization since 1978. Headquartered in Panama City, the Alliance has served its community in more ways than just artistic beautification: they have integrated national touring performances into the area, provided local schools with art education programs, and even given kids the opportunity to see performances at no cost. 

    In addition, the Bay Arts Alliance also helmed the Bay Arts Mural Project, under which the Panama City Mural Trail was born. This initiative aimed to bring art to every corner, and through hard work securing funding, commissioning artists, and rallying support, the Bay Arts Alliance did just that. Curious about what’s waiting for you on every corner? We’ve rounded them all up for you below. 

    Image: Destination Panama City

    Historic Downtown Murals 

    To wander the collection of murals in Downtown Panama City, start at the “Welcome Wall.” Showcasing a collection of multiple pieces by multiple artists, it’s the perfect way to get your mind right for the rest of your trip. Another stop with lots of bang for your buck would be “Love PC Mini Masterpieces,” a cornucopia of murals all by Christence Taylor adorning the pillars underneath the Destination Panama City Visitor Center. 

    If you’re itching to show the other Instagrammers where you are, go to “Greetings from Panama City” by Morgan Summers, a large postage-stamp-style piece perfect for capturing on camera. Head to Summers’ “Downtown Breezeway” next, a beautiful double-sided rainbow wall to get you from Harrison Avenue to Grave Avenue. 

    As a good reminder to keep on keeping on, George F. Baker III painted “Keep Dancing” in just three days, and has a popping color scheme sure to give you a serotonin boost. Encouragement to persist can be found in Heather Clement’s “Still We Rise,” a tribute she notes signifies their “community planting the seeds of trees whose shade we know we shall never sit in.” In a similar fashion, “Growing the Seeds of Change” by Jen Honeycutt is a sweet reminder of the beauty in leaving a positive community impact and striving for betterment. 

    If you’re a fellow lover of nature and animals, the Panama City Mural Trail has plenty of stops for you. See our favorite pollinators in “Honey Bee” by Heather Parker, and spot another beloved flying insect in “Flutter By,” a mural adorning the Panama City Center for the Arts by Cameron Moberg. The piece features a beautiful sunset orange-and-pink color palette of butterflies. If that’s not enough pink, and there’s never enough, see “FlaminGLOW,” created by Sara Griffith and Lauren McCluskey.

    If you’re ready to dive into the water, see “A New Wave,” JD Justice’s modern pop art mural showing off a few rays dancing in the waves. In Joyful Enriquez’s “Sea Turtle,” the art pays pays tribute to the gentle swimmers the name suggests. Finally, with one more sea creature on the list of stops, you can see our misunderstood friends up close and personal at “Hammer Head” by Jessie Jennings while enjoying a crisp beverage at History Class Brewing Company. Not at all ocean related, but while you’re here, you might as well grab another beer and check out “Small Town Big Heart,” too. 

    Back on land, “Old Florida” by Heather Parker shows off the diverse beauty of Florida’s coastal landscape, featuring a little bit of everything from lily pads to palm trees and a variety of birds. With a similar vibe but a stronger nod to the past, the “115 Harrison Ave Mural” was painted in the 1950s and shows off another Florida landscape view. The “Mary Ola Reynolds Miller Palm Preserve,” designed and painted by Jane Tannehill Perry, was created to remind onlookers of the importance of preserving the natural beauty and creatures native to Panama City. 

    Nothing says funky-fresh like a taco restaurant covered from ceiling to floor in the workings of 12 different artists. So, if you’re craving a taco with a side of art, head to El Weirdo. If your eyes and stomach are still hungry for more, head to Tom’s Hot Dogs right next door to the Panama City Center for the Arts, where you can catch a glimpse of the restored 1940s “Coca-Cola” mural. It’s a beautiful tribute to the past even if you prefer your Coke diet. 

    Image: Destination Panama City

    St. Andrews Murals 

    The St. Andrews neighborhood has become known for its waterfront charm, walkability, and now, mural scene. Starting at Heather Parker’s “Day at the Creek,” you can see yet another fabulous representation of Panama City’s wildlife and sunny days. Stay salty at “St. Andrews Small Walls,” a picture-perfect stop to remember your trip to their neck of the woods. 

    If that wasn’t salty enough for you, you can try again at “MS Salty” by Heather Clements. Representing the spirit of  St. Andrews, this beautiful work tributes its flourishing flora and fauna. The same artists also painted “Taproom,” a tribute to loved ones lost, each represented by a different component of the painting. 

    With a certain yin and yang component, “Darkside” and “Lightside,” by a collection of several artists, blueprint one of Panama City’s largest artistic collaborations. Facing one another, the works show an elaborate collection of creatures so intricate, you won’t know where to look. With one more look under the sea, “Captain’s Catch” at Captain’s Table Fish House displays a collection of colored fish by J.D. Justice. Back on land, you can see a beautiful rendition of colorful birds and leaves at “Alice’s on Bayview” before stopping in to grab a bite. 

    Image: Destination Panama City

    Bonus Stops 

    You wouldn’t be able to call Panama City such a prominent artistic location without its water tower also being covered in color, right? With the work of artist Paul Brent, the local water tower was transformed into the city’s first-ever mural and beautifully captures many of the things that make Panama City, Panama City. 

    Finally, at Watson Landings Marina, you can see the 2,000-square-foot painting by Heather Clements called “Octavia Clementine,” the perfect name for a purple octopus, if you ask me. Better yet, you’re already acquainted with Octavia’s sister if you stopped by the “MS Salty” mural. 

    Hungry for more travel inspiration? Click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • This Mississippi Craft Center is Home to the Work of More than 300 Artists

    This Mississippi Craft Center is Home to the Work of More than 300 Artists

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    It’s no secret that Mississippi is a treasure trove of artistic talent. From giving birth to the Delta blues to launching the career of Elvis Presley, the state has left an undeniable mark on American culture. But tucked among the towering trees along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway is a state-of-the-art center celebrating another side of Mississippi’s creative legacy. This Ridgeland institution turns the spotlight from Mississippi’s iconic music scene to its equally rich tradition of handcrafted art. 

    At the William Lowe “Bill” Waller Craft Center, generations of artisans keep the state’s rich heritage alive through pottery, basketry, quilting, woodcarving, and other time-honored crafts that are every bit as essential to Mississippi’s cultural identity.

    Housed in a striking contemporary building, the center serves as a gallery, retail shop, classrooms, working studios, event venue, visitor center, and the headquarters of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, an organization representing more than 300 artisans.

    “[The purpose of the center] is to showcase the talent in our state. All of the members of the Craftsmen’s Guild in Mississippi are adjudicated, and they have to renew that every couple of years. So that way, we make sure we’ve got the highest quality crafts by very talented craftsmen and artisans,” says Susan Marquez, board member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. 

    With more than 20,000 square feet of galleries, studios, and retail space—and the work of hundreds of Mississippi artisans to discover—the Waller Craft Center offers no shortage of things to see and do. If you’re wondering where to begin, start with these can’t-miss experiences.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Attend a Live Demonstration or Workshop

    The Bill Waller Craft Center is an immersive experience designed to spark creativity. Throughout the year, artisans from the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi bring traditional crafts to life through live demonstrations, showcasing everything from blacksmithing and glassblowing to pottery and basket weaving. Feeling inspired? Visitors can also sign up for hands-on classes and workshops for all ages, offering the chance to learn from skilled artisans and create a handmade piece of their own.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Check out the Center’s Permanent Art Collection

    While much of the center is ever-changing—from its rotating workshops to the handcrafted pieces available in the gift shop—one feature remains constant. According to Marquez, the permanent collection is a must-see.

    “At the entrance of our meeting room upstairs, there is a display case that goes floor to ceiling, and it’s huge. It soars maybe two stories high, and it’s beautiful things. But just stop and take a look because those are the things that are in our permanent collection,” Marquez said.

    The collection showcases both traditional folk crafts and contemporary works, including quilts, baskets, wood carvings, metal sculptures, glass art, handcrafted jewelry, and fiber art. Together, these pieces reflect Mississippi’s history of craftsmanship while celebrating the creativity and innovation that continue to inspire its artists today.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Buy a Friend (or Yourself) a Gift

    The center also features an expansive retail space where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind creations made by members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

    “[The gallery] has the most unique gifts, and they’re one of a kind because they’re all handmade,” Marquez said.

    Whether you’re searching for a memorable gift for a loved one or looking to take home a piece of Mississippi’s creative heritage, the gallery offers a chance to bring home something truly special—an original work of art crafted by a local artisan.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Plan Your Visit Around One of the Center’s Exciting Events

    In addition to hands-on workshops and live demonstrations, the Waller Craft Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year that celebrate Mississippi’s artistry, culture, and natural wonders.

    Typically in May, the center hosts Snappy Sync, a unique event celebrating the rare synchronous fireflies that inhabit the woods surrounding the center. However, this year the event was replaced with a fun new initiative called the Summer Porch Party Series due to their absence. The first Porch Party invited the community to learn about the fireflies’ biology, the challenges facing their population, how to protect them during their breeding season, and about why they were not present during this year’s season. The Porch Party Series was a fabulous opportunity to help shift the focus to helping protect the firefly population for the future, be informed, and work together to conserve one of Ridgeland’s most unique natural resources. 

    In November, the center transforms for the 50th Chimneyville Annual Arts Festival, a holiday market where visitors can shop handcrafted works from local artisans while meeting the makers behind each piece. During the summer months, the center also hosts its Porch Party series on the outdoor terrace, where guests can enjoy live music, food, and drinks in a relaxed setting surrounded by Mississippi craftsmanship.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Take a Scenic Stroll

    After spending the day exploring Mississippi’s creative traditions, visitors can step outside and experience the landscape that has inspired generations of artisans. A scenic boardwalk behind the center winds through the woods and connects to the Natchez Trace Parkway, offering a peaceful place to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty of the area.

    Beyond the center, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore. Visitors can continue along the Natchez Trace Parkway before stopping at nearby shops and local restaurants.

    “There are some cool restaurants that are on the water, and there’s great shopping just across the interstate… there are just a lot of things to do, and the craft center is right in the middle of it all,” Marquez said.

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • What Is Eurofest, and Why Does It Happen in Mississippi?

    What Is Eurofest, and Why Does It Happen in Mississippi?

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Every October, something happens in Ridgeland that turns heads: Ferraris pull up alongside vintage Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces that cost more than some houses. They descend upon Renaissance at Colony Park, one of Mississippi’s premier shopping centers, drawing thousands of spectators to gawk and snap and admire.  

    USA Today voted it #4 in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about Eurofest and why this annual phenomenon takes place in small-town Mississippi. 

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    What Is Eurofest? 

    Renaissance Eurofest is in its 19th year, taking place October 2nd and 3rd in 2026. The European auto and motorcycle show brings collectors and car owners from across the country —we’re talking over 150 entries— for one rumbling October weekend. 

    The cars run the gamut from pre-2001 European classics (those are the rules… cars must be 25 years or older), plus a handful of newer rare and limited-production vehicles they throw in for good measure. The lineup usually includes Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Volkswagen, motorcycles like Norton, Ducati, Royal Enfield, BMW. The list goes on. 

    And the best part? Spectators can walk the show for free and even bring their pooches along.  

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Why Ridgeland? 

    The better question is, why not? Ridgeland may not be known for European sports cars, but it is known for being convenient and beautiful. The event’s setting is pretty enough to warrant its annual four-wheeled guests: Renaissance at Colony Park is known for its Euro Circle gathering space, pedestrian friendly streets, classical architecture, and, of course, the open air with plenty of room to wander. 

    Collectors travel from all over because, over its 19 years, the event has earned a reputation as one of the best.

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    The Event at a Glance

    Friday kicks off with a police-escorted road rally from the Hyatt at Renaissance down to downtown Jackson, with cars parked in front of the Governor’s Mansion from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then back to Renaissance for the pickup party that evening at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.

    Saturday is the main event. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can stroll through restored Ferraris, vintage Bentleys, rare motorcycles, and the works. In addition to the cars, there are food trucks, an Italian ice cart, and live music. 

    Ridgeland also has everything you need nearby—hotels within walking distance, great shopping, steakhouses galore, spas, Topgolf, waterfront dining, and a perfect location right off the Natchez Trace Parkway, which is at its prettiest in October. If you need help planning your trip, we’ve got you covered. 

    | This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Walk With an English Major Through Ripley, Mississippi’s Literary History

    Walk With an English Major Through Ripley, Mississippi’s Literary History

    Featured Image: Visit Ripley Mississippi

    Most travelers are out to see the big sites: famous landmarks, wonders of the world, and other tourist hotspots. But, for some travelers, there exists an enticing pilgrimage that is quieter and more nuanced. Enter: literary tourism. As the name suggests, literary tourism involves a manner of travel centered around authors, books, and storytelling in general. It allows bibliophiles to see where authors lived and wrote, locations that inspired famous works, and even experience the fictional milieu found in favorite stories. 

    If you feel inspired to make your own bookish quest around the South, let this English major get you started with a literary adventure in Ripley, Mississippi through the eyes of William Faulkner and John Grisham. Literature lovers, this one’s for you. 

    The First Falkner  

    William Clark “The Old Colonel” Falkner was a prominent figure in Ripley’s history. Moving to the small-town in the mid nineteenth century at the age of 14, Falkner became the ultimate jack of all trades. He was known for his heroism during the Civil War, later holding a strong career as a lawyer, and even building the first railroad in Ripley, making him a very important dignitary in industry as a whole. Despite his strong knack for business dealings and hard labor, Falkner was also known for his creative side, authoring a few poems and even a well-received murder-mystery novel, The White Rose of Memphis, which became one of the best-selling novels of its time. Unfortunately, as the result of a long-standing grudge, Falkner was shot and killed by his former law partner Richard Jackson Thurmond in 1889. 

    Image: Visit Ripley Mississippi

    The Father of Southern Gothic Literature 

    Famously saying “I want to be a writer like my great-grandaddy,” William Faulkner did just that and is a household name to this day. Highly decorated as an author, Faulkner won the Nobel Prize in Literature, two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction, and two National Book Awards. He spent many of his childhood years in Ripley where he drew inspiration for many of his themes, motifs, characters, and settings, however, most of his regard came from his The Old Colonel. Wanting to honor his legacy and admiration for the man, Faulkner modeled the character John Sartoris after the enigmatic life he lived as well as the creation of Yoknapatawpha County, the fictional universe where many of his stories take place. 

    The Master of Southern Courtroom Drama 

    Contemporary author John Grisham’s connection to Ripley was established during his childhood, as he attended Ripley Elementary School and Ripley Junior High School. During these formative years, Grisham drew inspiration for Clanton, Mississippi, the fictional county where he sets many of his celebrated legal thrillers such as A Time to Kill, The Last Juror, and The Reckoning. As he grew up understanding the dynamic of small-town legal structures and general cultures thanks to his time in Ripley, these themes became trademark features of his fiction. The real-life downtown square in Ripley also influenced his decision to craft Clanton’s historic courthouse square, a key setting amongst several of his class novels.

    Image: Visit Ripley Mississippi

    Stops on the Literary Trail Today 

    You have the history, now comes the actual spots you can stop and experience a slice of literary history. 

    Ripley Courthouse Square 

    It was in this historic square that Faulkner’s great-grandfather, Colonel William Clark Falkner was shot and killed by his former law partner in 1889. His legacy and death greatly inspired Faulkner, making this place of major significance for the author, and even inspired the fictional Jefferson Courthouse and Square, a central location in the Yoknapatawpha County universe. 

    Tippah County Courthouse 

    Located on the northeast corner of the Ripley Square, this courthouse offers a more tactile example of inspiration both Faulkner and Grisham drew for their novels. This courthouse galvanized the repeat setting of Ford County Courthouse in Grisham’s novels and, of course, is near the general shooting location of Colonel William Clark Falkner. 

    Ripley Cemetery

    Commissioned before his death, you can find a twenty-foot marble statue honoring Colonel William Clark Falkner. The monument depicts Colonel Falkner standing with his right arm extended and his left hand secured in his pocket, behind him is a stack of books, a nod to his literary legacy. 

    Did You Know: The reason Falkner’s left hand remains hidden in his pocket is because during his time serving in the Civil War, his left hand was shot and severely injured along with his left foot, ultimately resulting in an honorable medical discharge. 

    Tippah County Historical Museum 

    If you’re interested in a more well rounded historical overview of Ripley and Tippah County as a whole, the museum is a must-stop spot. The museum offers a deeper look into the Falkner/Faulkner family and displays local historic artifacts. 

    Ripley Public Library

    This library contains a bountiful collection of information and artifacts from the Falkner/Faulkner family. You can find first edition books, historic photographs on the family, and more information on how to take your own Faulkner/Falkner-centered Ripley tour. 

    Faulkner Heritage Festival 

    Typically taking place in early November, literary history buffs can come to Ripley and experience the Faulkner Heritage Festival, a local event that honors the city’s rich history and familial roots that produced two incredibly prolific American authors. 

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Visit Ripley Mississippi, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Rock City’s Barns: America’s Original Expert Marketer

    Rock City’s Barns: America’s Original Expert Marketer

    Featured Image: Rock City Enterprises

    These days, “marketing” feels a bit like a buzzword in and of itself. What does it mean, exactly? Mailers, billboards, commercials, digital advertising… all of these things combine to create position brands in front of their target audiences. 

    But before there were Meta ads and media buys, there was an expert marketer making the most of what they had an abundance of in the South: Barns. 

    Learn how Rock City pioneered marketing and continues to do so today.

    | Planning your trip? Here’s everything you need to know about Rock City. 

    Image: Rock City Enterprises

    The Birth of an Idea

    Rock City opened to the public on May 21, 1932, and almost immediately ran into a problem that was sparked by the very thing that set the attraction apart: it was perched on the top of Lookout Mountain, which gave it that spectacular geographical interest, but also meant that nobody was driving past it by accident. 

    Founder Garnet Carter needed a way to put Rock City in front of travelers so they knew when, how, and why to detour. He hired a young sign painter named Clark Byers and sent him out onto the nation’s highways with a deal: paint a farmer’s barn, free of charge, in exchange for three words on the roof: See Rock City. 

    Byers spent the next three decades on that job. He painted through lightning storms, dodged bulls in pastures, and worked on rooftops slick with morning dew, eventually covering some 900 barns across 19 states, as far north as Michigan and as far west as Texas.

    Most of the barn owners were happy for the free paint job, some also procuring a stack of Rock City passes and a box of promotional thermometers. Anyone who didn’t need a thermometer could ask for cash instead, a modest three dollars.

    Considering I’m sitting here writing this in 2026 and Rock City is as popular as ever, it’s no surprise the innovative marketing worked. 

    Image: Rock City Enterprises

    Marketing Wasn’t the Only Thing Rock City Pioneered

    Garnet and Freida Carter weren’t just marketing gurus; they also invented a game that, today, we consider a beloved pastime. 

    Carter grew up in the Tennessee hills himself, born in Sweetwater in 1883 and raised near Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain from age 11. In 1924, he launched a residential community on the mountaintop called Fairyland, named for his wife Frieda’s lifelong fascination with European folklore. The plan included a golf course, but construction dragged on far longer than residents were willing to wait. Carter solved the problem by building a scaled-down course of his own, and Freida had the bright idea to incorporate statuary and obstacles to up the ante on the competition. It became the country’s first miniature golf course, which was franchised nationwide under the name Tom Thumb Golf. 

    Image: Rock City Enterprises

    Rock City Today

    Byers’ successors still climb barn roofs today, drawing droves of visitors to, well, see Rock City. The attraction has grown beyond the original gardens to include whimsical additions like Fairyland Caverns, a swinging bridge, dining spaces and event pavilions, and scattered gnomes. 

    Doug Chapin, Garnet and Frieda’s fourth-generation descendant, now leads the attraction under a mission to enrich lives through wonder and connection. It’s a fitting legacy for a place built by opportunistic entrepreneurs who turned a rocky garden into a worldwide wonder, a delayed project into a timeless game, and a beaten-down barn into the cheapest and most effective marketing campaign, possibly, ever.

    In 2026, in conjunction with America 250, Rock City is honoring its birdhouse legacy in a big way. Throughout the summer, 14 barn and birdhouse installations created by 10 local artists will be displayed across the Chattanooga area as part of the “Barns2Birdhouses” campaign. You can set out on a mini road trip to see them all and learn more about this piece of American history. 

    | This article is presented in partnership with Rock City Enterprises, a Modern South Founding Partner.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Calling All Cinephiles: Your Must-Visit Movie Capital of Mississippi

    Calling All Cinephiles: Your Must-Visit Movie Capital of Mississippi

    Featured Image: Canton Tourism

    Forget the catfish and college football for just a moment and picture this: In a quaint town square where the courthouse has been on camera more times than we can count, Canton, Mississippi, has become a tried-and-true director-favorite filming destination. 

    Without the traffic of Hollywood and with the beauty of 19th-century Southern architecture, what’s not to love about Canton? If you’re a cinephile looking for a hobby trip a little closer to home, here’s a list of the top films and their locations. 

    Image: Canton Tourism

    The Claims To Fame 

    A Time to Kill | 1996 

    Calling all Matthew McConaughey fans: Based on John Grisham’s best-selling novel, A Time to Kill was filmed almost entirely at the Madison County Courthouse, located in the center of Canton’s historic square. While in Canton, you can walk the square, tour the courthouse, and even visit the building that housed the iconic scene where we see Matthew and Sandra Bullock’s characters arguing at a local diner.

    Today, that very building and set are home to the Canton Movie Museum’s exhibit on the film, a must-visit to experience the set in real life, along with many props, outfits, and more used in A Time to Kill.

    My Dog Skip | 2000

    Dogs really are man’s best friend, and My Dog Skip is one of the best portrayals of how animals can truly shape human lives. The movie follows the story of a quirky young boy (Frankie Muniz) whose mother gets him a dog that changes his life, relationships, and confidence for the better. 

    The movie had several filming locations around downtown Canton, including the iconic courthouse, the boy’s childhood home located just a few blocks from the square, and Union Street. As a bonafide doggy lover and enthusiast, I feel I must prepare you for the true ending of the film–so please come equipped with tissues and comfort snacks.

    O Brother, Where Art Thou? | 2000

    Satire meets drama meets comedy in O Brother, Where Art Thou? Set in rural Mississippi during the great depression, this flick follows the story of three convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson) who have escaped from prison and are searching for a hidden treasure whilst being chased by local law enforcement. 

    Plenty of laughs are to be had when watching this film, and you’ll spy several scenes with the Madison County Courthouse, downtown square, and even the Canton Tourism and Welcome Center, which served as the local restaurant. 

    The Minute You Wake Up Dead | 2022

    Small-town mystery movie The Minute You Wake Up Dead is about a stockbroker named Russ (Cole Hauser) who makes a bad call with a client’s money and ends up ostracized from the life he knows. Escaping, he returns to the small Mississippi town he grew up in and gets involved with a local waitress (Jaimie Alexander). 

    I won’t spoil the rest for you, but just know you’re in for lots of treats and thrills: murder, deception, even Morgan Freeman, who plays the local sheriff. Canton provided the perfect small-town Mississippi setting for this film, and locations included the historic post office in town, the Will Banks Building, and, of course, the historic downtown square featuring the Madison County Courthouse. 

    The Girl in the River | Coming Soon 

    If you have your thoughts on the future, keep a watchful eye out for The Girl in the River, a thriller set in a rural American town following the story of a psychologist and criminologist duo investigating the murder and disappearance of young twin girls. Not much is known about the film just yet, but we do know that filming wrapped up in 2025, with much of it featuring the historic downtown square and courthouse. 

    Image: Canton Tourism

    Other Ways to Experience 

    The Movie Museums

    Canton has a way for you to immerse yourself in their rich history with the cinematics via the Canton Movie Museums. You can experience different recreated sets from films such as A Time to Kill, My Dog Skip, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and more. Tickets are a steal at only $5 per person and are well worth the treat of seeing props, costumes, and more from some of America’s most cherished movies. 

    Canton Young Filmmaker’s Workshop 

    For 24 years, the Canton Young Filmmakers Workshop has been thriving, pouring knowledge into kids ages eight to 18 on how to direct, create, film, and even write scripts. Students are invited to engage their creativity, collaborate with other students on projects, and learn what it means to be in the movie business. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • 7 Southern Museums You Must Visit for America 250

    7 Southern Museums You Must Visit for America 250

    Featured Image: Explore Boone

    As many prepare to celebrate America 250, it’s important to pair all of those quintessential Americanisms we love, like cherry pie, fireworks, and sweet tea, with an honest look at American history. As you’re roadtripping this summer, between small town shopping and mom and pop dining, we encourage you to hit a museum or two that has a different story to tell. 

    From women’s history to Civil Rights and the World Wars, these seven museums are a worthy destination or detour, offering you a deeper look at the past 250 years.

    Image: Booth Western Art Museum

    Booth Western Art Museum | Cartersville, Georgia

    A Western art museum in north Georgia may feel like a head-scratcher at first, but would you believe it holds the largest collection of Western art in the country? Past the cowboys and landscapes, the Carolyn & James Millar Presidential Gallery houses authenticated letters and memorabilia from every U.S. president, displayed up close and personal. 

    Image: Visit Jackson

    Two Mississippi Museums | Jackson, Mississippi

    The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum sit side by side in Jackson, and together they cover everything from the Mississippi regiments who fought in 1815 to the marches and mugshots of the civil rights era. This March, the museums opened Mississippi Made, an exhibit pulling together 250 artifacts that trace the state’s impact on the rest of the country, from logging camps to rocket labs, Olympic athletes to music legends.

    Image: Arkansas Tourism

    The Esse Purse Museum | Little Rock, Arkansas

    Tucked into Little Rock’s super cool SoMa district, the Esse Purse Museum was founded by Anita Davis, who started with 250 purses from her own collection. Today, the museum holds more than 500 bags, tracing a full century of American womanhood (1900 to 1999) through the lipsticks, checkbooks, and car keys women carried close to their bodies decade by decade. 

    Image: Explore Boone

    Hickory Ridge History Museum | Boone, North Carolina

    2026 is a double anniversary for Hickory Ridge: the nation’s 250th and the 75th year of Horn in the West, the country’s oldest Revolutionary War outdoor drama, which is performed right on the museum grounds every summer. Beyond the show, this is a working living-history village complete with eighteenth-century cabins, blacksmithing demos, hearthside cooking, and more.

    Image: Visit Mobile

    Clotilda: The Exhibition | Mobile, Alabama

    In the summer of 1860, the Clotilda slipped into Mobile Bay carrying 110 enslaved Africans, the last known slave ship to reach American shores. It arrived 52 years after the international slave trade had been outlawed. The people aboard survived enslavement and went on to found Africatown, and in 2019, the wreck of the ship itself was discovered at the bottom of the Mobile River. The Clotilda exhibition carries visitors through the powerful full story.

    Image: Visit Baton Rouge

    Capitol Park Museum | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    Capitol Park Museum is a combination of two permanent exhibits, Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation and The Louisiana Experience: Discovering the Soul of America. Each traces how Indigenous nations, European colonists, enslaved Africans, and Acadians (the folks that eventually became Cajuns) shaped the state. Artifacts onsite range from a Civil War submarine to a bugle once owned by Louis Armstrong and the actual door from the Fairview Plantation jail for enslaved people.

    Image: The National WWII Museum

    The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, Louisiana

    Consistently ranked among the best museums in the country, the National WWII Museum tells the war through the people who lived it, service members and civilians alike. With so few WWII veterans left to share their stories firsthand, the museum’s role as keeper of that generation’s legacy only grows more important as the country marks 250 years of service and sacrifice.

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

  • From Trail to Table: How to Spend a Feel-Good Day in Ridgeland

    From Trail to Table: How to Spend a Feel-Good Day in Ridgeland

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Traveling both internationally and domestically–along with the many new cuisines, eateries, and cocktails that come along with it–is a beautiful thing we get to plan and experience as human beings. However, with all its pomp and circumstance, there is nothing quite like the bodily backlash that comes along with such indulgences. 

    If the travel bug has bitten you but you’re weary of another trip with a three-day recovery period,  planning a wellness-centered trip is the perfect solution, and Ridgeland, Mississippi is the perfect place to do it. 

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Nourish Yourself  

    Local 463

    The upscale American fare found at Local 463 is hard to beat, especially when it comes to their knack for sourcing local ingredients. Down to the edible flowers found on their cocktails and plate presentations, this spot is known for their fresh eats–and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But, if you need a push, the tamales from the “first bites” portion of their menu are fantastic. 

    Whirl Smoothie Bar 

    Nothing says health like hiding your vegetables in a smoothie, right? Whirl Smoothie Bar is the perfect one stop shop for anything blended, juiced, or brewed. Whether you are in need of a thick acai bowl to keep you full, a juice to help you feel rejuvenated, or a coffee to wake you up, you’ll be set here. In honor of the king himself, get the “Skinny Elvis,” a smoothie featuring banana, milk, peanut butter, hemp hearts, vanilla, and honey. 

    Aplo’s Simple Mediterranean 

    It’s hard to go wrong at fusion restaurants, and Aplo’s Simple Mediterranean blends Mediterranean, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavors to deliver the best possible experience. Whether you want something fresh and veggie-forward like one of their classic bowls, or something more filling like one of their Neopolitan pizzas, Aplo’s has every appetite and craving covered. 

    Zea Rotisserie & Bar 

    Rotisserie cooking, as in the world-famous Costco chicken, is a method that involves slow roasting, allowing proteins to drip excess fat and leaving behind tender, juicy meats. Zea Rotisserie & Bar is a master of the craft, offering both poultry and red meat options. You can also find delicious, fresh starters on the menu, such as Mediterranean hummus and Kung Pao cauliflower. 

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Move Yourself  

    Whether you need an energy boost, want to soak in the sunshine, or enjoy exploring new places in the wild, Ridgeland is home to some of the South’s most beautiful trails and views, making it the perfect place to move your body. Old Trace Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the view. Located on the banks of the Barnett Reservoir, you can walk the shores or take part in other recreational activities on the premises.

    The Chisha Foka Trail, located along the renowned Natchez Trace Parkway, is a 10-mile stretch that offers trail-goers opportunities to walk, bike, jog, and more. It’s the perfect place to push yourself or take a leisurely stroll, depending on your activity level and vibe. 

    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Treat Yourself  

    J. Olive Co. 

    Good quality olive oil, as you would find at J. Olive Co., is packed with healthy fats, improves heart health, and fights overall inflammation in the body. Whether you want a bottle for yourself, for your kitchen, or as a gift, you’ll find plenty of flavors, blends, and varieties here. You can also shop for boutique-curated gifts, such as candles and kitchen accessories, here. 

    CW Organics Apothicaire & Tea Room

    If you’re looking to nourish body, mind, and soul, look no further than CW Organics Apothicaire & Tea Room. You can enjoy their traditional tea service, which offers brewed loose-leaf teas and accompanying refreshments, and stay after to shop their organic skincare line–you’ll definitely leave feeling tranquil and refreshed. 

    | One of our favorite crowd-pleasing recipes comes from our friends at CW Organics. Find it here.

    Boxwood Shoppe

    Shopping for your home and garden is a wellness practice, right? At Boxwood Shoppe, you can find all kinds of goodies to adorn your porch, garden, and around your home. Items are hand-selected before being sold in the store, so you know you are shopping for quality no matter what you are shopping for. Good health starts with a cozy, comforting atmosphere after all. 

    Fischer Galleries 

    Time to unwind and tear your mind away from screens is a very important part of wellness. Fischer Galleries curates artwork from local and regional artists alike in a variety of mediums including paintings, photography, sculptures, and more. Walk through the space and enjoy the beautiful examples of contemporary art. 

    P.S. Check the schedule for Roux Pilates, which meets inside the gallery, allowing you to take mat classes amongst the artwork–a true mind-body-connection experience if there ever was one!

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • A Small Town Where Every Wall Tells a Story

    A Small Town Where Every Wall Tells a Story

    Featured Image: Modern South

    In Ripley, Mississippi, you don’t have to walk into a museum to learn the town’s history… you just have to walk down the street.

    Over the past several years, this little downtown district has been given a glow-up thanks to local artists, students, and a few digital designers who turned the brick walls of downtown Ripley into an open-air archive. Today, there are more than 20 murals around town that nod to the town’s agricultural roots, its musical legacy, its literary ties, even its Chickasaw history.

    Can you find them all? Here’s your itinerary.

    Image: Modern South

    Greetings from Ripley by Khyla Shumpert

    100 N Main St

    A 24-year-old from Booneville, Mississippi, transformed Ripley’s square with a postcard-style greeting in 2024. The piece was commissioned by Ripley Main Street Association as part of their ongoing beautification efforts of Historic Downtown Ripley. 

    Image: Modern South

    Welcome to Historic Ripley by Ripley High School Art Students

    100 N Main St

    Art here is as local as it gets – a group of talented Ripley High School students banded together to beautify Main Street with an iconic “welcome” mural. 

    Image: Modern South

    A Tale of Two Fa(u)lkners by Anna Frances Ballard

    108 S Commerce St

    This mural celebrates Ripley’s connection to two remarkable members of the Fa(u)lkner family. Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner spent part of his early childhood in Ripley, while his great-grandfather, Col. William Clark Falkner, lived there for much of his life and became one of Tippah County’s most influential historical figures. The mural features a young William with the words, “When I grow up, I want to be a writer like my Great Granddaddy,” reflecting the literary legacy passed from one generation to the next. Commissioned by Ripley Main Street through a grant from the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.  

    Image: Modern South

    Dancing Shoes Mural by Annie Simpson Rivers

    101 W Walnut Street

    This whimsical mural on Walnut Street features folks dancing surrounded by colorful shapes.

    Image: Modern South

    Hill Country Blues Alley by Sam Ryan Ingram (Kenny Brown mural by Annie Simpson Rivers)

    140 W Walnut Street

    Blues Alley pays tribute to 10 of the most significant names in Hill Country Blues, including Jessie Mae Hemphill, Junior Kimbrough, and R.L. Burnside. The multitude of murals in the alley are painted by Sam Ryan Ingram, with the Kenny Brown piece by Annie Simpson Rivers. Commissioned by Ripley Main Street through a grant from the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.  

    Image: Modern South

    Mural Wall: Stripes, Disco, and Inspiring Florals by Annie Simpson Rivers

    141 W Walnut Street

    The painting party continues just beside Blues Alley with a collection of art from Annie Simpson Rivers lining the wall along West Walnut Street: colorful stripes, a disco piece, and a floral installation. 

    Image: Modern South

    Ripley Main Street by Holly Thurmond Pataki

    116 S Main St

    Pretty enough for a postcard, this welcome sign by Holly Thurmond Pataki is in beautiful shades of blue inspired by the spirit of downtown Ripley. Created as part of Holly’s Girl Scout Gold Award, the project reflects her commitment to community service while adding another colorful landmark to Main Street. 

    Image: Modern South

    Nice to See You by Annie Simpson Rivers

    298 S Main St

    Nothing like a warm welcome to usher you into a small town! Rivers’ massive mural on Main Street states, “It’s just so nice to see you all, welcome back!” and “Shop local, all the cool kids are doing it!”  

    Image: Modern South

    The Chickasaw Murals and Floral Mural by Annie Simpson Rivers

    204 S Commerce St

    Ripley Main Street debuted the Cut Off in fall 2025, offering a neat destination for locals and visitors to grab a taco, listen to some music, shop a little, and take a load off. The destination is surrounded by murals: a collection of Chickasaw prints and a floral wall were completed by Annie Simpson Rivers. Commissioned by Ripley Main Street through a grant from the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.  

    The Ripley Mural, digitally created by Carolyn Perkins

    204 S Commerce St

    Visible from the highway and from multiple vantage points throughout downtown, this bold mural has become one of Ripley’s most recognizable landmarks. Digitally designed by Carolyn Perkins, the vibrant RIPLEY mural overlooks The Cut Off and serves as a welcoming gateway to downtown as well as a favorite backdrop for photos and community events. Perkins also created a Native American graphic mural on the retaining wall at the Cut Off. Commissioned by Ripley Main Street through a grant from the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.  

    Library Mural by Bella Steiert

    308 N Commerce St

    Our local library got a little love when artist Bella Steiert created this mural during an internship with Ripley Main Street. It features a stack of books, including works by William Faulkner, his great-grandfather Col. William Clark Falkner, and a book highlighting the history of Tippah County—celebrating Ripley’s rich literary and local heritage.

    The African American Quilt Murals

    Scattered throughout town rather than confined to one wall, these quilt-pattern murals were painted by Brenda Storey (two of them) and Ripley High School Art students. Keep an eye out as you wander; part of the fun is stumbling onto one you didn’t know was there!

    Coming Soon

    Annie Simpson Rivers has another mural in the works at Brown & Covington, so this map will keep on growing.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Visit Ripley.

  • July Events and Summer Celebrations Across the South

    July Events and Summer Celebrations Across the South

    Featured Image: RDNE Stock

    Summer in the South is packed with sunny days, bonfire nights, and every excuse to get outside and stay awhile. Across towns and small cities, July brings a mix of music, food, markets, and time-honored Southern traditions that highlight the local culture and community. From waterfront concerts to heritage celebrations and sky-high spectacles, it’s a season built for lingering a little longer and soaking it all in.

    Independence Day Street Party | Orange Beach, AL

    July 2, 2026

    There’s no shortage of Fourth of July celebrations in the South, but Orange Beach, AL is kicking things off early with a waterfront Independence Day Street Party. Families can enjoy camel rides, bounce houses, face painting, and live entertainment while taking in a patriotic atmosphere. The evening ends with a fireworks and drone show, setting the scene for a holiday weekend by the beach.

    Image: Andy Calhoun

    Stars & Stripes Celebration | Savannah, GA

    July 3, 2026

    The Stars & Stripes Celebration in Savannah, GA offers a uniquely coastal twist on the holiday at the historic Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Maritime mini golf, lawn games, live music, and sweet treats from local favorites like Leopold’s Ice Cream take over the museum’s gardens and exhibits. With a picnic-style atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly activities, it’s an easy way to spend a summer afternoon before the Fourth of July begins. 

    Slugfest | Corinth, MS

    July 9-11, 2026

    Some towns are known for a landmark or a historic site. Corinth, MS is known for a burger so beloved that it gets its own festival. The Celebration of the Slugburger fills downtown with live music, carnival rides, a car show, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities to sample the time-honored sandwich that put this town on the map.

    The Round Up at Harlinsdale | Franklin, TN

    July 10-11, 2026

    Kick up some dust and head into Franklin, TN for The Round Up at Harlinsdale, where rodeo spirit meets live music and small-town celebration. Expect competitive rider energy, local eats, and plenty of wide-open spaces filled with Southern showmanship. Be a part of something big that comes alive under the arena lights and feels true to Tennessee traditions.

    Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | Asheville, NC

    July 16-19, 2026

    Step into Asheville, NC’s Blue Ridge backdrop for the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, where Appalachian artistry takes center stage. Wander rows of handcrafted pottery, textiles, woodwork, and jewelry handmade by some of the region’s most skilled makers. The mountains set the scene, but the real gems are hidden within the vendor stalls.

    Reggae Nights Summer Concert | Charleston, SC

    July 17, 2026

    The only thing that could make a warm Charleston, SC summer evening better is the island-inspired rhythm of a Reggae Nights Summer Concert. Part of an annual summer series, this event invites music lovers to bring their picnic blankets and lawn chairs (though you may favor dancing over sitting!) And you’d better come hungry for the top-notch food vendor selection.

    unWINE Downtown | Starkville, MS

    July 24, 2026

    Sip your way through Starkville, MS at unWINE Downtown, a night dedicated to tasting, mingling, and shopping. Favorite local businesses keep their doors open after-hours, offering exclusive event discounts and hosting tasting stations. This is a laidback night out that turns downtown into one walkable wine bar. 

    Balloons & Tunes | Falmouth, KY

    July 25, 2026

    The Falmouth, KY sky lights up at dusk with Balloons & Tunes, a hot air balloon festival where the entertainment on the ground is as good as in the air. Live music and food trucks set the stage for the giant balloons to take flight in a synchronized “balloon glow.” Get closer to the action by watching the pilots set up, or by taking your very own tethered balloon ride.

    101st Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction | Chincoteague Island, VA

    July 29-30, 2026

    Once a year, Chincoteague Island, VA gathers to watch the famous Annual Pony Swim and Auction, where “Saltwater Cowboys” lead the area’s horses across the channel to encourage ecosystem management and population control. This awe-inspiring event gives crowds a front-row seat to the splashing herd and the chance to watch them be released along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. The experience is accompanied by a lively auction and a festive carnival on the island.

    For more news on happenings around the South, click here.

  • 5 Reasons to Savor Summer in Small-Town Mississippi

    5 Reasons to Savor Summer in Small-Town Mississippi

    Featured Image: Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger

    With the never-ending hustle and bustle of life these days, many are trading in overcrowded cities for small towns when it comes to travel. Instead of skyscrapers and ticketed attractions with winding lines, a Southern summer is best spent in a courthouse square, at a farmers market, in a field of zinnias, and strolling through a town where the past is still part of daily life. 

    If that’s the goal this year, Canton, Mississippi, sits 20 minutes north of Jackson and right between Memphis and New Orleans. It delivers that small-town feel on the daily, with a collection of Americana-inspired events happening all season long. The summer months are hotspots for family reunions, so if multi-generational or big group travel is on the docket, Canton is right for you. 

    The city’s preserved attractions would capture any traveler focused on history as we approach America’s 250th birthday. Incorporated in 1836, Canton is the seat of Madison County. The Madison County Historic Courthouse, built in 1855, is one of only seven pre-Civil War courthouses in Mississippi still standing in unaltered condition. The square around it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, along with the Old Madison County Jail, built in 1870, and the Canton Depot, built in 1926.

    5 Reasons to Get to Canton This Summer

    A colorful hot air balloon with a patterned canopy is being launched next to a large, gray balloon shaped like an animal. A person sits in the basket, with flames visible from the burner.
    Image: Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger

    1. Hot Air Balloon Festival | June 26 to 28

    The Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest returns June 26–28, with the biggest day in Canton taking place Saturday, June 27. Experience colorful balloon launches, spectacular evening balloon glows, tethered balloon rides, live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and more at the Canton Multipurpose Complex. Whether you’re watching dozens of balloons fill the sky at sunrise or enjoying the excitement throughout the day, the Balloon Fest offers an unforgettable summer experience for all ages. See the full schedule at visitcantonms.org.

    2. CantonTown | Open Now

    The old Piggly Wiggly at Highways 16 and 43 sat mostly empty for seven years after it closed in 2018. Those thirty-five thousand square feet have now been given new life. CantonTown, the city’s newest marketplace, has moved into the former “Big Pig” with vendors. You’ll find everything from antique dealers and artists to rock and fossil collectors, video game sellers, and a few booths that can’t fit neatly into any category. 

    3. Old Jail Farmers Market | Every Saturday in June and July

    June dates: 6, 13, 20, 27, July dates: 4, 11, 18, 25

    The Old Madison County Jail, built in 1870 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hosts a farmers market every Saturday in June and July from 7 to 11 a.m.

    Expect your haul to include local produce and artisan goods while the kids play and live music bellows. 

    4. Twelve2Farm U-Pick Flowers | Open Three Days a Week

    Twelve2Farm, Central Mississippi’s first u-pick flower farm, sits on land in Madison County. The owners moved there in 2021, started growing flowers in 2022, and opened the farm to visitors in 2023. You’ll have to plan ahead and secure a ticket, but it’s summer fun bundled into a beautiful bouquet. You arrive, check in, get your snips and a cup, and head into the fields. There are pond views, evening light, and farm animals moving around nearby. They also sell eggs, handmade goods, and farm stickers.

    Interior view of the Canton Multicultural Center Museum featuring a display of historical photographs, artifacts, and exhibits including mannequins dressed in traditional clothing, with decorative signage and a welcoming seating area.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    5. Visit the Historic Museum and Markers

    To keep the historic train on the tracks, visit the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum, which spotlights Canton’s diverse cultures, County citizens, and the contributions they’ve made to America. The permanent exhibit focuses on Civil Rights. In early 2026, the city of Canton unveiled a new historic marker at the site of the Canton Freedom House, which, in the 1960s, served as the operational headquarters of C.O.R.E. (Congress of Racial Equality) in Canton. The house was bombed in 1964, and civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., held a rally at the house in 1966. The marker can be found at 838 George Washington Avenue. 

    | This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • This Southern Attraction is the Definition of Whimsy

    This Southern Attraction is the Definition of Whimsy

    Featured Image: Rock City Enterprises

    For years, growing up in Middle Tennessee, I passed all the billboards and barns with that unmistakable white paint coating the top. See Rock City, it said. Vague enough to spark curiosity, but consistent enough to tell you that Rock City might just be something worth seeing. The branding showed up in subtle and not-so ways throughout my life, from keychains dangling on belt loops around the South to a bright red bird house hanging right in the middle of Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

    In 32 years, I never made that detour. But this summer I did, and I’m better for it. Rock City is the definition of whimsy—yes, at its core, it’s a collection of rocks. But those rocks reveal the most landscapes you’d never expect to find in America, wide natural wonders, and tons of hidden German folklore. 

    Here’s everything you need to know about Rock City. 

    A rustic wooden barn with a painted sign advertising 'See 7 States from Rock City, World's 8th Wonder,' set in a scenic landscape with colorful autumn foliage and grazing sheep in the foreground.
    Image: Rock City Enterprises

    History

    Perched atop Lookout Mountain on the Georgia side, Rock City is the result of a vast mountain range coming to an end. In the 1800s, it was inhabited by Native Americans. During the Civil War, it was the site of a rocky battle. And in 1924, Garnet Carter and his wife, Freida, spearheaded the development of a residential neighborhood on the mountaintop. 

    Inspired by folklore and Freida’s German heritage, the neighborhood was called Fairyland and was filled with whimsical secrets and quirky things to do. Among them? Thom Thumb Golf. Or, as we know it today, mini golf. It was the first of its kind.

    While Garnet was putzing around with mini golf, Frieda had her eyes on the rock garden. Soon, it became clear that venture was the one to pursue, and the gardens were opened to the public in 1932. 

    A family walking down stone steps at night, surrounded by illuminated greenery and soft blue lights, with a parent and two children on the steps, while another child trails behind.
    Image: Rock City Enterprises

    Rock City Gardens

    When you enter Rock City, you can choose your own adventure for where to wander, but it’ll all weave together in a beautiful geological maze. The nooks and crannies each have their own stories, like the Hall of the Mountain King, marked by sculptures and lights. 

    For an adrenaline rush, meander through Fat Man’s Squeeze, a very narrow crevice that winds you down to a cliffside lookout with waterfall views. Keep your eyes peeled all along the journey, as you’ll pass commissioned art installations (like rainbow stained glass and stone statues) and head-scratching phenomena, like a 900+ ton balanced rock. 

    One of the most memorable and peculiar features is Fairyland Caverns, an underground wonderland filled with scenes from classic fairy tales: Rip Van Winkle, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and many more. The crown jewel of the caverns is Mother Goose village, where the storytelling unfolds in one nostalgic journey through nursery rhymes. You’ll see a cow jump over the moon, three kittens hunting for their mittens, Peter Peter being a terrible partner, and many more. 

    We won’t reveal all of Rock City’s secrets, but know that at every turn, whimsy awaits. 

    The Chanticleer Inn

    Just steps from the entrance of Rock City Gardens sits a charming adults-only B&B that was renovated in 2026. The Chanticleer Inn was erected in 1927 as a collection of stone dwellings sprinkled around a private property. Today, those have been thoughtfully transformed into quaint guestrooms with modern amenities like heated bathroom floors and plush robes. 

    The Inn offers made-to-order breakfast in the morning, with coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout the day. There’s an onsite pool, firepit, and terrace for maximizing your mountainside retreat. 

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Rock City Enterprises, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (in Tupelo, Mississippi)

    Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (in Tupelo, Mississippi)

    Featured Image: Tupelo CVB

    Few things nourish the soul quite like a trip with your girls, and Tupelo, Mississippi, is one of the best sleeper hits of the South. Situated right off the Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo is complete with charming restaurants, cute places to shop till you drop, and plenty of opportunities for a sweet treat or bite to eat. 

    Tupelo is more than the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and this guide proves there’s much to discover with your girl gang.

    A plate with a slice of quiche, a small biscuit, grapes, a pink dessert, and fruit slices including orange and watermelon, accompanied by a bouquet of yellow roses on the table.
    Image: Tupelo CVB

    Rise & Shine 

    Get your day going with a caffeine kick at Strange Brew Coffeehouse. Their menu features several creative latte flavor combinations and even a few gluten-free and vegan baked goods. 

    For a sweeter start, visit Crave, a dessert cafe with a gourmet coffee bar. The inside is perfect for a photo opp, and their sweet treats are hard to beat–cinnamon rolls are non-negotiable. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Southern brunch experience post-coffee, Sweet Tea & Biscuits Cafe, a family-owned and operated eatery, is the place for you. They offer classic Southern favorites from passed-down recipes and are well known for their chicken salad and fried green tomato BLT. 

    A black and white mural of a dancing man on the side of a building, with several storefronts and greenery in the background.
    Image: Tupelo CVB

    Snap the Perfect Photo

    With plenty of mural sites sprinkled throughout the city, your social media feed will thank you during that post-trip photo dump. The Book Stack mural is perfect for the avid readers, the Buy Local Produce mural is a beautiful ode to farmers markets, and, of course, you can’t miss the Icehouse Elvis mural while visiting his birthplace. 

    A stack of vintage magazines featuring Elvis Presley on the cover, including an issue of Newsweek highlighting his legacy, displayed on a wooden shelf.
    Image: Tupelo CVB

    Shop Antiques & Boutiques

    When you’re done snapping photos, old souls can visit some of the antique stores, such as the Tupelo Antique Market, Presley Heights Antique Mall, or Relics Antique Marketplace, to collect an extra-special souvenir. If boutiques and retail stores are more your speed, spend a few hours perusing the downtown shopping district. 

    When your wallet has had enough, hop on the Natchez Trace Parkway where you can hike, sightsee, and scout beautiful flora and fauna in the surrounding area.

    A beautifully arranged charcuterie board featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crackers, accompanied by three glasses of beverages, including a red drink and a sparkling wine.
    Image: Tupelo CVB

    Eat, Drink, and Hit the Hay 

    To start your night on the town, stop by Queen’s Reward Meadery and toast to friendship with a flight of mead. Or, grab a boozy slushie made with mead and play a round of yard games at golden hour. 

    End your evening with dinner at Jobos, a surf and turf-inspired restaurant that pulls its seafood directly from the Mississippi Gulf. Their menu is full of different flavors and cuisines, but the pork belly tacos are not to be missed. For a nightcap, order The Daisy, a blend of tequila, citrus juice, Triple Sec, and a salty Tajin rim. Convenience is key, so take the elevator right up to your hotel room, as Jobos is located on the first floor of Hotel Tupelo. It’s the perfect girls’ trip stay with a blend of modern-boutique and classic rock-inspired digs.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Tupelo CVB, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Panama City is Your Gateway to the Gulf

    Panama City is Your Gateway to the Gulf

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City

    Panama City is uniquely positioned to welcome visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast: it sits along St. Andrews Bay on Florida’s Panhandle and is shielded from the open sea by its own barrier island. With multiple coastlines to explore paired with charming waterfront districts filled with local businesses, Panama City is a destination perfectly suited for travelers who want a dose of the coast and a charming town. 

    For visitors eager to dive in, this guide covers all the waterlogged adventures you can have in and around Panama City.

    A woman in a red and white bikini and a straw hat stands on a boat, holding a large fish, with a clear blue sky and ocean in the background.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Fishing

    Red snapper, grouper, cobia, flounder, and tripletail galore make up the underwater ecosystem near St. Andrews Bay, depending on the season and how far offshore you’re willing to go. If you’re looking to book a fishing charter, check out the various trip options available through Last Local Guide Service, Southern Saltwater Guide Services, and Panama City Inshore. 

    Two jet skis riding on a clear green sea with a sandy beach in the background, featuring four people wearing life jackets.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Boating and Floating

    Floating on peaceful blue water is among the best ways to spend a vacation, and boat rentals in Panama City offer everything from high-speed jet skis to leisurely pontoon rentals and even kayaks. Check out Papa Joe’s for jet skis and pontoons, Beachy Boat Rentals for more pontoon options, or Glow Float for a nighttime adventure: they run glow-in-the-dark kayaking so you can float after dark.

    A group of five people on the deck of a sailboat, enjoying a day on the water as a dolphin swims nearby.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Dolphin Tours

    Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents of St. Andrews Bay, so a dolphin sightseeing tour here is a must during your visit. Check out Heritage Excursions, Anchor Charters, and Flippin’ Awesome Charters, all of which run tours along the bay.

    A young man jumps into the water while wearing snorkel gear, accompanied by two women laughing in swimsuits. The scene captures a lively beach day with splashing water and a bright sky.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Snorkeling and Diving

    Panama City sits along the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, with multiple accessible dive sites offshore. As you may guess, the Shipwreck Trail earned its name due to the vessels intentionally sunk here over the years that now host schools of amberjack, red snapper, and grouper. The USS Strength lies there, a WWII minesweeper that survived Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as The El Dorado, a former cruise ship beached by two hurricanes, and several other fascinating ships. 

    Shore diving is available at St. Andrews State Park, where the jetty draws goliath grouper and other fascinating sea creatures. Big Blue Dive Boat runs local charters.

    A couple walking hand in hand along a sandy beach, with gentle waves lapping at their feet and a blue sky filled with fluffy clouds.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Island Time: Shell Island 101

    Shell Island is a seven-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island complete with a Gulf-front beach on one side, bay-side shallows on the other, and no permanent infrastructure anywhere on it. You can paddle over on a rented kayak or paddleboard, or groups often arrange a drop-off through a local charter or hop on the ferry that leaves from St. Andrews State Park. 

    For a full itinerary on the water and off, check out our guide. 

    | This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • The South’s Signature Scoops: 9 Legendary Ice Cream Shops to Add to Your Summer Roadtrip

    The South’s Signature Scoops: 9 Legendary Ice Cream Shops to Add to Your Summer Roadtrip

    Featured Image: Natalya Rostun on Pexels.com

    From chunky scoops in waffle cones to luscious milkshakes topped with whipped cream, ice cream holds a nostalgic spot on everyone’s summer itinerary. There’s something dreamy about hitting the drive-thru on a road trip for a swirly soft serve or capping off the perfect day at the beach with a frozen delight.

    From the coast of Florida to North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, we’ve rounded up some of the South’s most enduring ice cream parlors. You might even be tempted to hit the road just for a tasty treat from these historic shops. 

    A hand holding a cone of pink ice cream in front of a shop counter with the sign 'DOUMARS' illuminated in red lights.
    Image: Virginia Tourism Corporation

    Doumar’s | Norfolk

    In 1904, Syrian immigrant Abe Doumar had a craving for ice cream and a keen eye for business when he bought a waffle at the St. Louis World’s Fair and topped it with ice cream. For the rest of the fair, Abe sold ice cream in his new creation, the world’s first waffle cone.

    Doumar’s still uses the original four-iron waffle cone machine that launched the Virginia family’s successful chain. The Norfolk location became the most successful, selling nearly 23,000 cones in one day. The menu now includes indulgent treats like cheesecake shakes, ice cream sundaes, and those original handmade waffle cones filled with custom scoops.  

    Exterior view of Carl's ice cream shop at twilight, featuring a neon sign and a line of customers waiting to order.
    Image: Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism

    Carl’s Frozen Custard | Fredericksburg

    Since 1947 Carl’s has attracted fans with a classic lineup of frozen custard, ice cream’s richer, thicker cousin. The secret? Lots of eggs, and Carl’s vintage Electro Freeze machines that blend the custard without adding air like newer models, resulting in a thicker frozen treat. 

    Carl’s sticks with the winning formula: unchanged recipes for vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry custard, with a few sundae toppings to round things out. You better come early since the custard is made fresh daily and sells out quickly. You can’t miss Carl’s – just look for the scoop-shaped neon sign, a Virginia Historic Landmark.

    Fava’s 1910 Diner | Georgetown

    Started as a Kentucky confectionery by Italian immigrants Lois and Susie Fava more than a century ago, Fava’s maintains its vintage soda fountain charm. This multi-generational diner has expanded its menu over the years, but the nostalgic experience remains. Slide into a booth or hop on a swivel stool for a classic shake or hand-dipped sundae. Go all out and order a slice of homemade pecan or apple pie. Pie a la mode anyone?

    Interior of Leopold's Ice Cream shop, featuring a counter with staff serving customers, a menu board displaying various ice cream treats, and patrons enjoying their orders.
    Image: Visit Savannah

    Leopold’s Ice Cream | Savannah

    The original Leopold’s Ice Cream nailed the location: a busy intersection of two streetcar lines. Started in 1919 by three Greek brothers, this historic shop relocated but still features original flavors like Tutti Frutti – rum ice cream with candied fruits and Georgia pecans – served behind the black marble soda fountain. Classic Banana splits, shakes, and sodas share the menu with vegan flavors and modern hits like the Savannah Socialite – milk and dark chocolate ice creams with roasted Georgia Pecans and swirled with homemade bourbon infused caramel.

    A colorful ice cream shop named 'Piggy's' featuring large cartoon bear and character statues, situated in a quirky roadside setting with two red cars parked outside.
    Image: Visit Hendersonville

    Piggy’s Ice Cream | Hendersonville

    Road tripping through the Blue Ridge Mountains?  Piggy’s Ice Cream is known for its quirky décor and thick milkshakes. It’s one of over a dozen stops on the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail so why not try more than one?

    Family owned in North Carolina since 1979, this scoop shop is hard to miss with its two-story-tall statue of Yogi Bear holding an ice cream cone. Animal figurines on the roof, retired restaurant advertising signs and a collection of antiques add to the nostalgia. Try a Hooterville Cooler (a citrusy shake with orange sherbet) or a decadent Hot Fudge Cake, layers of cake, ice cream and hot fudge. 

    Exterior view of Throwbridge's, a vintage sandwich and ice cream shop, featuring large windows and a green awning, established in 1918.
    Image: Visit the Shoals

    Trowbridge | Florence

    In 1917 founder Paul Trowbridge fell in love with this Alabama town and set up shop with Trowbridge Ice Cream’s original orange pineapple flavor. Still on the menu today, this refreshing scoop has been recognized by many as one of the best things to eat in the state. 

    Stop at this vintage-style soda fountain for the popular citrus flavor or try the decadent “Oh My Gosh” sundae: a shareable-sized warm brownie-topped ice cream, caramel syrup, and whipped cream. Non-dairy options include cookies and cream, and an unusual dill chill, pickle flavored ice cream. 

    Smith Drug Company | Hattiesburg

    Part museum, part milkshake parlor, Smith Drug Company holds a special place in Mississippi history. Founded in 1926 by E. Hammond Smith, the drug store served as a commerce center and focal point for the community during the Civil Rights era. Now open on Saturdays only, stop in for a tour and famous malt shake served up with stories of resilience, triumph, and community. 

    A vintage diner interior featuring green tables and red chairs, with a checkered black and white floor, bar stools lining the counter, and a chalkboard listing daily specials. The decor includes nostalgic items and a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
    Image: Visit Corinth

    Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain | Corinth

    As the oldest drug store in the US still operated by the same family, Borroum’s Drug Store spans multiple generations, managed by the late Camille Borroum-Mitchell into her nineties. The original charm is preserved, with photos and memorabilia from this Mississippi shop’s early days. Try a hot fudge brownie, cherry phosphate, or an M & M milkshake made with real malted milk. And you can’t stop without trying an iconic slug burger, a depression-era hamburger invented in Corinth. 

    Dairy Queen | New Smyrna Beach 

    More than a franchise, this Central Florida Dairy Queen is a family legacy spanning three generations. With iconic signage and blue and yellow patio umbrellas, this retro soft-serve spot is one of the first things visitors see when hitting New Smyrna Beach, one Florida’s favorite local beaches. As original founder Mary McGuirk added all the DQ favorites over the years, the New Smyrna Beach Dairy Queen became one of the most successful in the Southeast.

    It’s still a popular gathering spot for locals and beachgoers, who come for classic ice cream sundaes, Blizzards, and banana splits on the historic oak tree-lined patio. 

    Hungry for more? Click here.

  • Inside Blues Alley: Ripley, Mississippi’s Living Tribute to Hill Country Blues

    Inside Blues Alley: Ripley, Mississippi’s Living Tribute to Hill Country Blues

    Featured Image: Visit Ripley

    There’s a small town in north Mississippi you might not have heard of. And then, there’s an alley in that town that’s worth the trip alone. 

    Behind Stella Boutique on West Walnut Street in historic downtown Ripley, Mississippi, are 10 of the most important names in American roots music that look down at you from the walls: Jessie Mae Hemphill, Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, T-Model Ford, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Cedric Burnside, Garry Burnside, Lil Joe Ayers, Kenny Brown, and Otha Turner. 

    A vibrant alley with colorful murals depicting musicians, featuring a sign that reads 'I DO NOT PLAY NO ROCK N ROLL', surrounded by gravel pathways, and a table with a blue ball.
    Image: Visit Ripley

    Jackson muralist Sam Ryan Ingram painted most of them, with Kenny Brown painted by Annie Simpson Rivers. Each is grandiose and colorful, surrounded by guitar installations, painted lyrics, string lights, and seating so you can sit down and stay a while. This stunning—and significant—public art space is affectionately known as Blues Alley.

    To understand why it exists and why here, let’s back up to a lesson in Hill Country Blues. Where does it come from? Right here, in the red clay hills of North Mississippi, where Ripley lives. 

    Hill Country Blues is a style distinct from Delta Blues. Music scholars trace it back to West African percussion and pre-Civil War fife-and-drum traditions, but what it evolved into over generations of juke joints, house parties, and Saturday-afternoon picnics sounds like a genre all its own.

    And the artists on the walls of Blues Alley represent some of Hill Country Blues bests. These artists hail from the surrounding area and, thanks to the Ripley Main Street Association, are now memorialized in a way that draws visitors from all over to honor them.

    An alleyway named 'Blues Alley' featuring decorative guitars on a wooden sign, red benches, and string lights overhead, with mural artwork on the brick wall and a gravel pathway.
    Image: Visit Ripley

    The alley itself has a storied history of its own. During Prohibition, this stretch of downtown was believed to be home to a popular speakeasy, and nearby Gus Brown’s Café was a hub for the local African American community. 

    If you need a reason to plan around a visit, the aptly named Burnside Music Festival takes place annually in early June. Born in 1926 in the red clay hills beyond Ripley, R.L. Burnside played juke joints and house parties for most of his life before a late-career surge brought him international recognition. This year’s festival celebrates what would’ve been Burnside’s 100th birthday. The annual festival in his honor includes plenty of live blues music, a barbecue rib cookoff, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors. 
    Learn more about this year’s festival at burnsidemusicfest.com.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    This article is presented in partnership by Visit Ripley.

  • One Clutch Find: Little Rock’s Esse Purse Museum Tells the Story of Womanhood, One Handbag at a Time

    One Clutch Find: Little Rock’s Esse Purse Museum Tells the Story of Womanhood, One Handbag at a Time

    Featured Image: Arkansas Tourism

    There are things you expect to find in Little Rock, Arkansas. Central High School, one part national park and one part functioning public high school, where nine courageous teenagers helped change the course of American history. The Presidential Center, where former president Bill Clinton’s legacy is preserved. And of course, the Arkansas River, which flows quietly through downtown, dividing Little Rock from its sister city of North Little Rock on the opposite shore. A feminist history museum told through the lens of handbags? That one tends to catch people off guard.

    And yet, tucked into the SoMa district along South Main Street, a neighborhood that has itself pulled off one of the more remarkable second acts in recent Southern urban history, sits the Esse Purse Museum. For decades, the construction of Interstate 630 carved a hard line through the city, effectively cutting South Main off from downtown and leaving the once-thriving street to languish. It was Esse Purse Museum owner and curator, Anita Davis, who began to change that, first with the neighborhood’s Bernice Garden in 2006 and later with the museum itself.

    Interior view of a fashion exhibition showcasing vintage handbags, with visitors observing the displays. The background features a large historical photograph.
    Image: Arkansas Tourism

    It is the only museum of its kind in the United States, with just two other comparable institutions in the entire world (the Tassenmuseum in Amsterdam and the Simone Handbag Museum in Seoul). Since opening in 2013, Esse has quietly become a must-visit museum for history buffs and fashion aficionados alike. The name, after all, is Latin for ‘to be,’ a fitting choice for a museum devoted to a century of American womanhood. 

    The Esse Purse Museum began humbly with 250 purses from Davis’s personal collection, but today it has over 500 artifacts on display. It spans the full arc of the twentieth century, from 1900 to 1999, tracing one hundred years of the American woman through the objects she chose to carry close to her body. A purse is not just an accessory. It is a container for a life: the lipstick, the grocery list, the car keys, the checkbook, photos of loved ones, and later the cell phone. What a woman carries speaks volumes about her era. Decade by decade, the Esse collection tells that story with remarkable specificity, all thanks to showcasing handbags. 

    A display featuring vintage handbags, including a red clutch and a woven purse with a poodle design, alongside other colorful bags in a museum setting.
    Image: Arkansas Tourism

    There are more than a few fascinating pieces on display, including the telephone handbag, a purse fitted with a working telephone receiver, produced by Dallas Handbags in the 1970s. It has been dubbed, with some affection, the “original mobile phone,” a reminder that the impulse to carry our communications with us is not as new as we like to think.

    At just ten dollars for admission, the Esse Purse Museum is also one of the great cultural bargains of the South. It takes about an hour to tour, and it ends, ever so cleverly and poetically, in a purse-and-accessories shop. Temporary special exhibits are also displayed quarterly; past rotations have included exhibits devoted to Barbie, voting rights, and eyewear. 

    Visit the Esse Purse Museum, located at 1510 Main Street, Tuesday through Sunday. And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will be observing the contents of your handbag through museum glass.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Sallie Ward: The “It Girl” of Kentucky

    Sallie Ward: The “It Girl” of Kentucky

    Featured Image: George Peter Alexander Healy Oil on Canvas “Portrait of Sallie Ward,” Courtesy Speed Art Museum

     Before Instagram and TikTok, there was Sallie Ward – the South’s favorite influencer of the 19th century. 

    Picture this: It’s 1849, and all of New England society is arriving at the Lawrence family home in Boston for a grand ball welcoming their new daughter-in-law, Sarah “Sallie” Ward. The wedding itself had been a spectacle—an extravagant affair held at the Ward family home in Louisville, Kentucky, attended by hundreds of guests, including three governors. Rumor had it that the bridal gown alone cost nearly $7,000 (around $260,000 in today’s cash).

    As music fills the ballroom and guests trickle in, whispers spread about the young Lawrence boy’s new wife. How beautiful she is. The most beautiful woman in America, some claim. Others are less enchanted. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence don’t care for her, the whispers continue. She’s too outspoken, too garish, too Southern.

    And where is she, anyway? Late to her own party?

    The evening is in full swing, guests dancing and sipping champagne, when a piercing shriek cuts through the room. Every head turns toward the grand staircase.

    There stands the new Mrs. Sallie Lawrence, wearing nothing but silk pantaloons, diamond slippers, and a single feather tucked into her hair.

    Her mother-in-law stares up at her, pale and speechless, as though the feather itself could knock her flat on the floor. At last, Mrs. Lawrence gathers herself enough to demand that Sallie return upstairs immediately and change into something appropriate.

    Silence settles over the ballroom as the two women face off. Guests hold their breath. Finally, the younger Mrs. Lawrence relents and turns to leave—only to pause, pull down her silk pantaloons, and bare her backside to all of the elite families of Boston. The elder Mrs. Lawrence faints.

    That is how the legend goes, anyway. 

    Whether fact or fiction, there is no doubt that Sallie Ward became one of the most legendary women of her era. Born in Scott County, Kentucky, to Robert Johnson Ward—a wealthy merchant, landowner, and Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives—and Emily M. Flournoy Ward, the daughter of an old aristocratic family, Sallie seemed destined for prominence from the start. She later attended a French finishing school in Philadelphia and, by nearly every measure, emerged as the crown princess of the antebellum South.

    “Many people lauded her as the most beautiful woman in America,” Ron Bryant, chairman and director of Ward Hall, said. “And she thought so too, I’ll be quite honest.”

    But it wasn’t merely Sallie’s pedigree or beauty that kept her at the center of Kentucky society, even amid a scandalous love life, four marriages, and the infamous story of her mooning Boston’s elite. Sallie possessed a magnetic charisma that captivated nearly everyone she encountered. Women copied everything from the way she walked to the way she applied cosmetics, something considered improper for respectable women until Sallie made it fashionable.

    Her reputation extended far beyond the South. The British press dubbed her “The Kentucky Belle,” and during a European tour after graduating from finishing school, she was received by both Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie of France.

    “When the empress met Sallie in court, she uttered one word: ‘Exquisite,’” Bryant said.

    Some literary scholars have even suggested Sallie may have inspired Scarlett O’Hara, the fiery heroine of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind”. Yet, unsurprisingly, Sallie was not your typical Southern belle.

    “Sallie was always a free spirit. She did not follow the norms of society. She did not follow the norms of politics,” Bryant said. “She would live the way she wanted to, she would act the way she wanted to, and she really didn’t care if anybody liked it or not.”

    Sallie openly supported Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, a controversial stance for a Southern socialite. According to Bryant, she separated from her second husband, Dr. Robert P. Hunt, after he joined the Confederate army. She later appealed directly to Lincoln for help retrieving the beloved piano she had left behind in the New Orleans home she once shared with Hunt. Sallie, it seemed, had a reputation for getting exactly what she wanted—including her piano.

    When Sallie died in 1896 at age 68 from a ruptured stomach ulcer, she left behind a cultural legacy that withstood long after her passing. Her favorite color, lilac, became fashionable among society women. A yellow rose was bred in her honor. A line of shoes and babydolls carried her name, and to call someone “a perfect Sally Ward” was once considered the highest compliment. Upon her death, humorist Irvin S. Cobb famously quipped, “At last, Sallie Ward sleeps alone.”

    Today, Ward Hall—the Greek-revival mansion that was built by Sallie’s uncle Junius Ward in Kentucky—embraces Sallie as the star of its story. Visitors to the home can walk through the grand reception hall where Sallie danced the opening number at her aunt and uncle’s first ball and stand before her portrait to judge for themselves what caused such a sensation. Fittingly, the Ward Hall Preservation Foundation is also preparing a musical about Sallie’s life and exploits to debut at the mansion this summer, with details forthcoming.

    For more stories about neighbors in the South, click here.

  • The Best Events Across the South This June

    The Best Events Across the South This June

    Featured Image: Jan van der Wolf on Pexels.com

    If you can believe it, summer in the South is finally here. June is filled to the brim with community, tradition, and contagious energy throughout town squares, festival grounds, and local venues. Across the region, the best of the season is coming to life as the sun comes out and temperatures rise at these time-honored events.

    Cathead Jam | Jackson, MS

    June 5-6, 2026

    It doesn’t take much convincing for us to pay a visit to Cathead Distillery in Jackson, MS, but Cathead Jam gives us as good a reason as any. An epic live music lineup spans two days of a vibrant community atmosphere, topped off with local food and drinks. The event benefits underserved areas of Mississippi, to bring better access to music education. 

    Alabaster CityFest | Alabaster, AL

    June 6, 2026

    Alabaster CityFest is all about what Southern cities do best – making big summer festivals feel like familiar neighborhood gatherings. There is something for everyone, from a fully-loaded KidsFest, to a free-entry car show, to big names on the stage, like this year’s headliner Trace Adkins. Alabaster, AL certainly knows how to kick off summer!

    Running of the Tubs | Hot Springs, AR

    June 6, 2026

    Have you ever thought about bathtubs becoming a competitive sport? Join the town of Hot Springs, AR in the Running of the Tubs, where decorated tubs on wheels are raced by teams in costumes down Historic Bathhouse Row. Equal parts spectacle and tradition, this day out makes for squeaky clean fun.

    Spirit in the Bluegrass | Lexington, KY

    June 10-13, 2026

    In Kentucky, bluegrass is as much of the lifeblood of the community as the bourbon. Spirit in the Bluegrass returns to Lexington, KY for four days of deep-rooted music, onsite camping, and late-night jams. This celebration is for anyone who thinks a fiddle sounds better with a drink in hand.

    Concerts by Canoe | Rocky Mount, VA

    June 12, 2026

    The sounds of summer continue in Rocky Mount, VA with Concerts by Canoe, a free concert series on the water. Experience The New Floyd County Ramblers by canoe, kayak, SUP, or float, from your favorite spot on the lake. If you can’t make it in June, there are more nights to join this one-of-a-kind concert throughout July and August.

    Downtown at Sundown | Starkville, MS

    June 12 and June 26, 2026

    Grab your lawn chairs and your blankets, and claim your spot for Downtown at Sundown in Starkville, MS. This free concert series provides all the things you need for a successful summer night – live music, local food and drink, and good company. There are no frills at this event and the beauty lies in its Southern simplicity. 

    AthFest | Athens, GA

    June 26-28, 2026

    Festival-lovers flood the streets of Athens, GA for AthFest, a three-day celebration of art, culture, and creativity. Free outdoor stages will host local musical talent before the day turns into an official Club Crawl, where the live music continues at bars and clubs throughout the town. AthFest raises money to support students in music and art education in Athens.

    301 Endless Yard Sale | Selma, NC

    June 19-20, 2026

    The 301 Endless Yard Sale stretches over 100 miles through Selma, NC to bring unexpected treasures together through hundreds of yard sales. Everyday finds like clothes and kitchen gadgets are balanced with unique antique pieces and hidden gems. This can’t-miss shopping experience winds through roadside stops and is especially rewarding for anyone willing to slow down and dig a little deeper.

    For more news about life in the South, click here.

  • Kentucky’s Bourbon Father: The Traveling Preacher Who Started it All

    Kentucky’s Bourbon Father: The Traveling Preacher Who Started it All

    Featured Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    You can’t separate Georgetown, Kentucky, from its most famous former resident: Elijah Craig. The name may immediately evoke images of the whiskey brand created in his honor, but the real man was much more, including a preacher and a frontier explorer.

    When Craig decided to leave his home in Virginia, Kentucky wasn’t yet a state. In 1764, he felt called to evangelize in what was then the wild frontier, following his brothers, who had previously settled there. He became the first pastor of the Great Crossings church and later bought up 1,000 acres of land, founding the village of Lebanon in 1784.

    Historical marker titled 'Birthplace of Bourbon' detailing the contributions of Rev. Elijah Craig to bourbon whiskey production, situated outdoors with autumn foliage in the background.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    The burgeoning community became the site of one of the paper mills in what would become Kentucky, along with a ferry across the Kentucky River to ease travel. By 1790, some 200 residents called it home—then Lebanon, today Georgetown. It was recognized by the Virginia legislature that year, Kentucky joined the union and became the 15th state in 1792.

    But it wasn’t his career as a minister that made him a household name. It was his distilling of bourbon whiskey. According to the 1876 edition of Collins’ Historical Sketches of Kentucky: History of Kentucky, Vol. I, written by a cousin, he “discovered” bourbon at his mill on the banks of Royal Spring in 1789.

    The claim has since been disputed, but what’s nearly certain is that he’s recognized for identifying the importance of aging in charred oak barrels to impart the delicious caramel flavor we’ve come to love about “America’s spirit.” He may have been the first to do so, either through an accidental fire charring his barrels or using charred barrels to begin with.

    While we don’t have Craig’s exact words, he likely would have remarked about the importance of Kentucky’s limestone-rich spring water and found it remarkable just how many people have come to this part of the world and the joy bourbon brings to refined palates everywhere.

    A barista in an apron pouring a brown liquid into several colorful cups on a countertop, with a coffee machine in the background.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Indeed, he did take the recipe to his grave when he died in 1808. It’s believed he is buried somewhere in Georgetown, but the exact location has never been identified. And to say that bourbon became a multibillion-dollar industry, bringing “good folk” to Kentucky, is putting it lightly. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail draws over 2 million visitors annually alone.

    You can still visit and experience the place where Craig lived, worked, and left his mark in Georgetown. Royal Spring, the site of his “discovery” and the old paper mill, still has the baptismal steps from its heyday. The school Craig founded, later called Georgetown College, is still open. Craig was also involved with the local fire department, serving as fire chief, and in other civic and commercial dealings.

    Descendants of Craig’s still live in town and, perhaps most notably, he’s been honored with a spirit brand under Heaven Hill. Since 1986, the company has produced several award-winning small-batch bourbons and a rye whiskey. Each summer, Georgetown/Scott County Tourism honors the man behind the legacy with a limited-release Private Barrel Pick of Elijah Craig. The year’s upcoming release is called Bourbon Genesis II: The Founder’s Sip. And none of it would have been possible if a Virginia pastor hadn’t gone wandering at a Kentucky mill.

    For more stories from the South, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Canton, Mississippi: Your Ultimate Guide to Arts & Antiques

    Canton, Mississippi: Your Ultimate Guide to Arts & Antiques

    Featured Image: Canton Tourism

    From the moment you round the corner onto Canton, Mississippi’s Historic Square and catch sight of the grandiose Greek Revival Courthouse dome (it’s twenty feet across and thirty feet high), you understand that you’ve stepped into one of those quintessential Southern towns that are the reason the phrase “hidden gem” exists.

    Canton has become one of the most compelling destinations in the South for antiques hunters, art lovers, and those wise passersby who decided to stop on a whim and found themselves carrying on with a car full of treasures. 

    Don’t let a stop here be a happy accident – instead, put a pin on the map for your next road trip centered around art and antiques. Here’s your itinerary. 

    Historic courthouse building illuminated at dusk, surrounded by trees and a grassy area, with a dramatic sky in the background.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    The Historic Square

    You can appreciate Canton’s architectural intrigue without spending a dime. Take a stroll around the Historic Square for a minute before you go deeper into the town’s artistic points of interest. 

    The Madison County Courthouse, built in 1855 with bricks salvaged from its condemned predecessor, has been the center of this town for nearly 170 years. It has welcomed railroads and sent soldiers to war, it’s served as a courthouse, library, theater, and yellow fever hospital. The ironwork fence once held the paintings of local artists. In 1982, the Courthouse Square District earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as one of the three best examples in Mississippi. 

    A busy street scene featuring several storefronts including 'Canton Square Antiques', 'General Mercantile', and 'Farmhouse', with vendors and people browsing a market filled with tents and merchandise.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    The Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show

    2026 show dates: Thursday, May 14, and Thursday, October 8

    The Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show started in 1965 as a modest art show, with local painters hanging their work on the aforementioned iron fence surrounding the Courthouse lawn. Sixty-odd years later, it’s one of the largest outdoor craft markets in the South, drawing artists, craftspeople, and thousands of visitors to town twice a year.

    It’s an event worth planning your whole trip around: vendors from across the country come to snag a booth. If you’re visiting this May, bring comfy shoes and plenty of cash. 

    CantonTown (Opening Soon)

    When the Piggly Wiggly at Highways 16 and 43 closed in 2018, it left 35,000 square feet sitting largely idle in what Cantonians still call the Big Pig. That’s changing soon.

    David Murrell caught the collecting bug as a teenager at the A&I Building in Jackson. He ran a booth at the Fairgrounds Flea Market and eventually opened the Flowood Antique Flea Market with two partners. It ran for fifteen years, and now the market will have its homecoming in Canton, where Murrell has lived since 1985. 

    CantonTown is not a flea market in the conventional sense. Thirty-six vendors fill the building selling everything from pre-WWII clocks to antique maps, rare coins, custom pet portraits, and video games. Murrell’s own section, the Odditorium, will anchor the back of the building. 

    A craftsman in a brown apron and hat working at a table filled with tools and machinery, focused on shaping metal parts, with a sign in the background reading 'Copper Works'.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    Mississippi Art Colony

    The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art describes the Mississippi Art Colony as the oldest artist-run organization of its kind in the country. It was founded in 1948 at the Allison Wells Hotel in Way, Mississippi, where a handful of artists looked around a beautiful resort and thought: what if we just stayed here and painted? Twenty people showed up for that first workshop and the organization has been going ever since.

    It has survived a hotel fire in 1963 that destroyed the original venue, multiple relocations across the state, and the general challenges of keeping an arts organization alive across eight decades. Today, it meets at Lake Tia-O’Khata in Louisville, Mississippi, for five-day workshops in late April and early October. 

    Two women enjoying tea in a cozy café, one pouring tea into a cup while the other smiles, surrounded by an assortment of food and decorative items.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    Where to Shop Year-Round

    Merri Pennie’s Mercantile and Tea Room

    There are vendor malls, and then there’s Merri Pennie’s. The front of the house is stacked with high-end antiques and work by local artists, while the back hosts a charming tearoom available for high teas, birthday parties, graduations, and any pinky’s out occasion you deem worthy. It’s a can’t-miss, one of the more distinctive shopping experiences on the Square.

    Reflections Collectibles and Antiques

    A Jackson native with family roots in Madison County, Dorothy Chatman spent 22 years in real estate and a stretch in social work before opening Reflections Collectibles and Antiques in 2010. The store carries true antiques and collectibles – a significant portion of inventory comes through donations and estate sales from customers Chatman knows personally, and the rest she hand-selects. 

    Sulm’s Gifts

    Sulm’s has been on the Square since the early 1900s, first as a general mercantile, then as a gift shop reopened by a family niece, and since October 1985, under the ownership of Erin Noble, who bought it the week before the Canton Flea Market and never looked back. Sulm’s stocks Mississippi-made items whenever possible, displaying them in ways that help customers visualize them at home. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Inside How One Watersound, Florida Restaurant Embraced the Dig for Its Decor

    Inside How One Watersound, Florida Restaurant Embraced the Dig for Its Decor

    Featured Image: Jack Gardner Photography

    Close your eyes and imagine a sports bar. What does it look like? What does it sound like? What do you picture in your mind’s eye? Perhaps you’ve conjured up images of sticky floors, wooden booths, neon beer signs, and oversized televisions with the scent of old grease in the air. Mmmm…nostalgia. Now, wipe every single image (and odor) away.

    Exterior view of Scout Tavern, a sports bar featuring a welcoming entrance and outdoor seating area, with a person walking a dog in front.
    Image: Jack Gardner Photography

    Scout in Watersound, Florida, is everything but the previously described environment. Instead of following the predictable playbook of the modern American sports bar, owner Jeremy Walton of Quest Hospitality Concepts and the architectural team at David Thompson Studio set out to build a “city restaurant” that functioned as a time machine, transporting guests to an era of classic taverns and municipal golf clubhouses. The result is a space that feels deeply rooted in history, achieved through a sophisticated, gender-neutral design, and a collection of found artifacts that would rival many sports enthusiasts’ collections. 

    The aesthetic foundation of Scout is built upon a definitive chronological boundary: nothing in the restaurant dates past 1985. This was a conscious decision to preserve a specific period in time, evoking the era when sports consumption was dictated by the three major networks and the glow of ABC’s Wide World of Sports. “Everything about that decision was to make sure that we stayed true to a period in time,” says Walton, recalling his own memories of watching sports on television. The date ensures that every item contributes to the restaurant’s cohesive nostalgic narrative, avoiding today’s glossy, mass-produced feel of modern sports memorabilia.  “We felt like there were tons of places you could go and see all kinds of traditional, iconic sports memorabilia, but we wanted to give you things that you may or may not have seen,” Walton explains.

    Interior of a modern bar featuring a long wooden counter with high stools, shelves stocked with various liquor bottles, and multiple television screens displaying sports. Soft lighting from hanging lamps creates a warm atmosphere.
    Image: Jack Gardner Photography

    With a tall order to fulfill, Walton set out to procure the art and artifacts for Scout, which he admits was a grueling yet self-guided labor of love. “It’s like a vortex you get sucked into,” he laughs. “I feel like if I looked at my screen time during that period between eBay and Etsy and Facebook Marketplace and all these auction websites, I was probably like a zombie a lot of the time.” The goal was to find pieces that were obscure and unique rather than priceless or in high demand. “I was looking for very vintage pieces that possibly may or may not be of that high value. I wanted them to be more obscure and unique,” he says. 

    Walton’s methodology paid off, leading to the discovery of some of the restaurant’s most compelling features, including authentic scouting reports for legendary athletes like Hank Aaron and Bo Jackson. These reports, paired with the players’ high school photographs, serve as a literal interpretation of the restaurant’s name and offer a level of historical intimacy that a signed jersey simply cannot match. “It was such a cool connection to be called Scout and to have these actual scouting reports,” Walton says. 

    Other classic sports bar elements within the restaurant were chosen to reinforce the retro theme. Rather than digital arcade games, Scout features a sawdust shuffleboard and a vintage Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine. In addition to booths and tables, there’s lounge and conversational furniture, ensuring that the tavern remains a place for connection. Even the food is served with a traditional nod. The nachos, for example, appear on an oval platter accompanied by a pewter gravy boat filled with melted cheese. The ultimate validation for Walton comes from the locals who have adopted the space as their own, telling him, “We really feel like Scout is our clubhouse.” 

    A woman in a green dress and a man in a dark blazer are standing together at a bar in a warmly lit restaurant. The background features a modern design with wooden accents and pendant lights.
    Image: Jack Gardner Photography

    Of course, as with all good bar owners, Walton has scattered his own Easter eggs throughout Scout, too. Look closely behind the back bar, and you’ll see a Time Live cover of Roy Hobbs, a “Wonder Boy” bat, and a New York Knights hat. All are nods to the movie The Natural, an early inspiration for the restaurant and a favorite sports film for Walton. As for his own collection, Walton keeps one item nearby. “I have this signed autograph from [basketball player and coach] John Wooden on my desk that I didn’t put in the restaurant.” 

    Ultimately, the vintage appeal of Scout lies in its ability to feel established rather than manufactured. Period-specific vintage elements create warmth from the moment the door opens, enveloping patrons with familiar nostalgia. It’s proof that in the world of hospitality, especially in the South, sometimes the best way forward is to look back.

    Hungry for more? Click here.

  • Jacksonville, Florida: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

    Jacksonville, Florida: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

    Jacksonville, Florida had never been on my radar.

    I’ve traveled to different parts of Florida quite a bit—the usual Panhandle seaside towns, Gulf Coast resorts, and of course, Walt Disney World—but never the northeast region of the Sunshine State. Frankly, I didn’t know much about it. So, I figured Jacksonville was just another run-of-the-mill Atlantic Beach destination.

    Was I wrong.

    Jacksonville’s got this charming way about it—there’s a blend of growing city energy with a strong local community, where coastal palms meet Lowcountry influences and draping Spanish moss. Stretching along miles of sun-soaked Atlantic coastline and anchored by the winding St. Johns River, it’s a place where you can savor fresh-caught seafood, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and soak in the sun-drenched First Coast.

    And Jacksonville makes it easy to do it all at your own pace. In this guide, we’ll show you where to eat, stay, and play so you can experience the city like a local—with plenty of sunshine and just the right amount of adventure along the way.

    Eat

    Jacksonville’s food scene is as expansive as the city itself, shaped by its coastal setting. Fresh seafood is a given—think: just-caught shrimp from Mayport, oysters, and fish—plus, chef-driven kitchens and longtime local favorites for landlubbers and seafarers alike. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a day in the sun or settling in for a come-as-you-are meal, this is a place where good food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand.

    Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant

    Perched right along the working waterfront in Mayport, Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant is about as close as it gets to a true boat-to-table experience. Here, you can literally watch fishing boats unload their catch before it heads straight into the kitchen, which is why the shrimp—especially the local Mayport variety—are a must-order. The vibe is casual and no-frills, with dockside views and a steady stream of locals. And it’s not hard to see why—It’s easily the best shrimp I have ever eaten!

    O-Ku

    Sleek and modern but with coastal elements, O-Ku Jacksonville Beach brings a more refined take to the area’s dining scene. Known for its creative sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes, the menu leans into fresh seafood with inventive rolls, sashimi, and shareable plates that are elevated but still approachable. The rooftop is a standout, offering ocean views that pair perfectly with a cocktail at sunset, or (in my humble opinion) request the best seat in the house at the sushi counter.

    Whit’s Frozen Custard

    Whit’s is a staple when it comes to classic, made-fresh-daily frozen custard. With its ultra-creamy texture and a choose-your-own-adventure style—start with a vanilla, chocolate, or a rotating daily flavor base—it’s the kind of place you’ll find packed on warm evenings with people lining up for scoops after a day at the beach. It’s nostalgic, no-frills, and exactly what you want when you’re craving a post-swim sweet treat.

    Salumeria 104

    Inspired by a traditional trattoria and Salumeria, the restaurant leans into house-made pastas, curated charcuterie boards, and share plates for the table. The space is rustic and relaxed, making it just as fitting for a date night as it is for a lingering dinner with friends. With its coastal-adjacent setting and focus on authentic Italian comfort food, it’s a standout stop for Italian cuisine in the Beaches area.

    Singleton’s Seafood Shack

    Right out in the historic fishing village of Mayport, Singleton’s Seafood Shack is a true Jacksonville classic that feels like stepping into old-school coastal Florida. This no-frills dockside spot is all about fresh, local seafood—especially the Mayport shrimp—served up just steps from where the boats come in. The atmosphere is casual and a little rustic in the best way, with waterfront views, outdoor seating, and a quirky wooden boat “museum” inside. It’s the kind of place where you sip a cold drink, and settle in for fried baskets, a platter of shrimp, and whatever was caught that day.

    Coconut Key Coffee & Sundries

    A coffee shop but make it coastal girly. Tucked into the heart of Mayport Village, Coconut Key Coffee & Sundries is the kind of place that feels like a local secret. It’s a little bit Cali surfer mixed with a Floridian coastal coffee shop vibe. Grab a Coconut Cloud Latte and curl up on the porch or pull up a seat on their cutesy peach colored umbrellas.

    Othello

    Othello brings a warm, Mediterranean-inspired energy to Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood, offering a menu built around bold flavors and a shareable, tapas-style approach. Dishes lean into classics like hummus, falafel, and braised lamb shank, with an atmosphere that feels intimate and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, order a few rounds of plates to share, and let the evening stretch out a little longer than planned.

    Homespun Kitchen

    With a focus on clean food, the menu leans into fresh salads, grain bowls, wraps, and cold-pressed juices. It’s a perfect grab-and-go spot for or a quick lunch after the beach or a smoothie before you hit the surf. Homespun Kitchen is easily a place that you can rely on when you want something fresh, filling, and unfussy.

    Mayport Garden Club

    Unassuming from the outside and a speakeasy-like entrance in the back, Mayport Garden Club was one of my favorite unplanned experiences on my trip. One of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets, the bar is a moody, tropical-inspired space that feels more like a destination than a neighborhood bar, with carefully crafted tiki-style cocktails and a playful vibe. The presentation of the drinks are killer and taste just as good as they look!

    The Block Jax

    Newly opened The Block Jax is one of Jacksonville’s newest all-in-one outdoor hangout spots, built around the idea of bringing food, music, and community together in a single open-air space. Located on the city’s Southside near Gate Parkway, it combines a rotating lineup of local food vendors with live entertainment, a big central pavilion, and plenty of seating. What makes it stand out is the atmosphere—it’s less of a traditional restaurant stop and more of a social gathering space, where you can grab a bite to eat, catch events on the big screen, and bring the whole family for a day of good food and fun.

    Chancho King

    Chancho King isn’t just another local favorite—it’s part of a growing wave of Jacksonville restaurants earning national attention. The Murray Hill spot highlights Ecuadorian flavors with a from-scratch approach that’s helped put it on the culinary map. That effort has paid off in a big way: the restaurant was named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. What started as a humble pop-up has evolved into one of the most talked-about kitchens in the region, celebrated for its bold pork-centric dishes and use of local ingredients.

    Red Lei Lounge

    Red Lei brings a full-on tropical escape to Jacksonville’s nightlife scene, leaning into bold, playful Polynesian-inspired décor and an equally colorful cocktail menu. Tucked into an area hotel, it’s known for rum-forward drinks, oversized garnishes, and a fun, escapist atmosphere. The vibe is energetic and immersive, with hula dancers and even an interactive volcano feature. No passport required.

    Taverna

    Taverna is one of San Marco’s go-to dining spots, where they have a relaxed take on Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisine. Set in a modern-rustic space, the restaurant is known for house-made pastas and Mediterranean style starters..The atmosphere feels lively but refined—equally suited for a date night or gals dinner. It’s the kind of place that fits right into San Marco’s walkable neighborhood feel.

    Josephine

    The restaurant is one of Avondale’s standout neighborhood spots, bringing a modern Italian-American dining experience to one of Jacksonville’s most charming historic districts. Inspired by the owner’s grandmother, it blends nostalgic warmth with a big-city feel. Think: house-made pastas, seasonal dishes, and a standout cocktail program. With its stylish design, Josephine feel both elevated and familiar, a neighborhood spot you would want to return to again and again.

    Southern Grounds

    This popular café is known for its welcoming atmosphere and coffee and is a vibrant gathering place that reflects the laid-back spirit of Jacksonville. Blending a modern yet cozy design, it serves as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to relax, work, or meet with friends. The menu features a mix of freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

    Mayday Ice Cream

    Mayday Ice Cream is a Jacksonville favorite known for small-batch, handcrafted ice cream, and creative flavors and homemade toppings. Founded in Florida in 2018, the shop draws inspiration from World War II pilots who reportedly made ice cream during flights, giving the brand a nostalgic and playful backstory. We love the rotating menu of inventive flavors, along with the house-made waffle cones and colorful sprinkles.

    Lemon Bar

    Lemon Bar is one of the most iconic beach bars in the Jacksonville area, tucked into the courtyard of the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn in Neptune Beach. Known for its laid-back coastal vibe, the spot draws locals and tourists alike with frozen cocktails, ocean views, and live music just steps from the sand. Signature drinks like the Goombay Smash is a fan favorite, while the casual menu features seafood, tacos, and classic beach-bar snacks. Over the years, Lemon Bar has built a reputation as a go-to hangout for sunsets, happy hour, and weekend beach crowds, with a lively beach social scene.

    Stay

    Hotel Palms

    Palm Springs meets Florida. That’s the vibe at this retro poolside hotel. Originally built in 1947, Hotel Palms is a renovated motor court inn three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a handful of minimalist-luxury-inspired vintage guest rooms, a shared courtyard, an outdoor pool, and Ace Outpost, an onsite coffee joint. A charming boutique hotel that captures the relaxed, coastal vibe of the area and just a short walk from the ocean, it offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to the lively Atlantic and Neptune Beach scene.

    One of the standout features of Hotel Palms is its focus on creating an intimate guest experience. Unlike larger chain hotels, it maintains a smaller, more curated environment. Each room is thoughtfully designed, featuring a clean, minimalist layout with beachy accents and space to hang wet bathing suits and towels after a day in the surf and sun. The team at the hotel provides 24/7 service through text messaging, as well as beach towels and chairs making a beach vacation easy as pie. The rooms are spacious, the beds are super comfy, and the bath products smell divine. Plus, there’s several seating options around the courtyard to hang out and chit chat before or after a day of exploring Jacksonville.

    In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the hotel’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding area. You can easily access nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, as well as outdoor activities like biking, surfing, and beachcombing. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an active coastal adventure, Hotel Palms provides a balance of comfort, style, and convenience that reflects the easygoing spirit of Jacksonville’s Beaches area.

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    Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach

    Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach offer a relaxed, upscale coastal atmosphere that feels quieter and more laid-back than nearby Jacksonville Beach. The beaches themselves are known for their clean sand, gentle waves, and less crowded shoreline, making them ideal for peaceful walks, surfing, or simply unwinding by the ocean. Just a few blocks inland, the Beaches Town Center serves as the heart of the area’s shopping and dining scene, where visitors can find a mix of boutique shops, local art galleries, and a variety of restaurants ranging from casual seafood spots to more refined dining experiences.

    Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

    Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks along Florida’s First Coast, extending far out into the Atlantic Ocean and offering sweeping views of the shoreline. Popular with both locals and visitors, the pier is a prime spot for fishing, where anglers can catch a variety of species. Even for those who don’t fish, it serves as a great place for a scenic walk, especially at sunrise or sunset. Located in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, the pier is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment. A day pass to access the pier costs $2.50 for non-locals.

    Pete’s Bar

    Pete’s Bar, located in the heart of the Beaches Town Center, is one of the oldest and most beloved bars in the area, known for its laid-back, no-frills charm and deep local roots. Established in 1933 and the first bar to “legally” open in Duval County after Prohibition was repealed, Pete’s has a long-standing reputation as a go-to watering hole that’s full of character. Unlike trendier beach bars, Pete’s embraces its dive-bar identity, offering cold beer, bar games, and good tunes. Just the way I like it.

    Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

    Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a sprawling coastal park that offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and natural beauty with access to the beach. Spanning hundreds of acres, the park features a unique blend of sandy shoreline, coastal forests with draping Spanish moss, and a freshwater lake, making it a versatile destination for all interests. It’s especially popular for its extensive network of biking and hiking trails, plus its direct beach access, where you can enjoy a quieter alternative to more crowded nearby shores. Park entry costs $5 per car.

    Go Tuk’n Brewery Tour

    The Go Tuk’n brewery tour is a fun way to explore Jacksonville’s growing craft beer scene while riding through the city in an open-air tuk-tuk vehicle. Instead of traveling from place to place on your own, the guided tour takes small groups to a curated selection of local breweries, where you can learn about the brewing process while sipping a beer (included in the price) at each spot. The experience is as much about the ride as it is about the beer, with drivers acting as both guides and entertainers as they share local stories and highlight points of interest along the way. A 10/10 experience and a fun way to scoot around Jacksonville!

    Treaty Oak

    Treaty Oak is one of Jacksonville’s most iconic natural landmarks, known for its massive size and centuries-old history. This sprawling southern live oak is estimated to be over 250-years-old, with wide-reaching branches that create an impressive canopy stretching across Jessie Ball DuPont Park. Treaty Oak has become a symbol of the city’s heritage and resilience and is so beautiful, it’s hard not to admire its grandeur when underneath the shade of the tree. The park setting it a quiet spot for reflection, photography, or even just a break from Jacksonville’s urban environment.

    St. John’s River Ferry

    St. Johns River Ferry is a unique and practical way to cross the St. Johns River connecting Mayport Village and Ft. George Island. It provides a short but scenic ride that’s popular with both commuters and visitors carrying cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Beyond its function as transportation, the ferry ride gives you a refreshing break from driving and a chance to take in the natural beauty of the river. Plus, it’s especially convenient if you plan on exploring nearby destinations like Big Talbot Island State Park. The ride only takes about 5 to 10 minutes and fares range from $7 to $8 per car.

    Salt Marsh Paddle

    Join PADL for a guided salt marsh kayak tour and venture out onto Simpson Creek overlooking the Talbot Islands State Parks. Take in the natural sites, see local plant and wildlife, and learn about the area from a knowledgeable guide. It’s a beginner-friendly tour that’s focused on showing off the quiet, natural side of the islands, and is a wonderful way to get out on the water. A paddleboard or kayak for each person, as well as paddle and life vest, are included in the tour.

    Boneyard Beach

    Boneyard Beach is one of the most unique coastal landscapes in northeast Florida. Known for its shoreline scattered with weathered driftwood and fallen oak and cedar trees, the beach is tucked into Big Talbot Island State Park and within the bounds of the federally protected area of the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. Sculpted by nature, the shoreline boasts 30-foot bluffs and a beach dotted with massive driftwood trees that recall images of an elephant graveyard. The trees’ remains that line the shore are shaped over time by erosion, tides, and wind. Unlike more developed beaches nearby, Boneyard Beach feels remote and untouched, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

    San Marco

    San Marco is one of Jacksonville’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, known for its European-inspired atmosphere and vibrant local culture. Centered around San Marco Square, the area features a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of Mediterranean-style architecture. With its walkable streets, scenic views of the St. Johns River, and lively yet relaxed vibe, San Marco blends old-world charm with modern energy.

    Riverside Avondale

    Riverside and Avondale are some of Jacksonville’s most historic and architecturally rich neighborhoods, known for their tree-lined streets and historic homes. The area is part of a nationally recognized historic district, featuring a wide mix of architectural styles and charm, and they are considered some of the city’s most desirable spots to live. Beyond its residential appeal, Riverside Avondale has a vibrant local culture centered around dining, shopping, and arts. Five Points serves as one of its main hubs, offering eclectic boutiques and a dining scene that draw a steady mix of locals and visitors, plus St. John’s Avenue is a spot to stroll and soak in the local scene.

    Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here.

  • As a Taco Expert from Texas, Here Are my Top Picks Across the South

    As a Taco Expert from Texas, Here Are my Top Picks Across the South

    Featured Image: Miriam Cocina Latina Courtesy Bailey Lou King

    As a born and raised Texan whose favorite cuisine spans the full breadth of Latin America , I consider myself a self-appointed authority when it comes to determining the good stuff. As I’ve traveled and moved around the South in recent years, these are the restaurants that I would stop at time and time again, from Oaxacan moles to Dominican fusion–and just in time for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations (which happens to be on Taco Tuesday).

    Local Legends

    Miriam Cocina Latina | Dallas, TX

    Though Texas’ status as part of the South is debatable, its penchant for flavor is not. Fusing together flavors from Mexico and her home country, the Dominican Republic, Miriam Jimenez’s menu is eclectic, bold, and ever-so delicious. Be sure to order the pork belly tacos and the queso verde. The few times I get back home to Texas, I make sure to stop at Miriam’s and hope to find her making the rounds around the dining areas. Her bubbly, bright, and welcoming personality alone makes the visit worth it. 

    Nectar Urban Cantina | Nashville, TN

    I’m constantly on the hunt for a good birria taco. Conveniently located near BNA, Nectar Urban Cantina does it all: tacos, dips, margaritas, and even coffee. The outdoor lawn and seating area alone is worth the stop, especially if you’re looking for a fuss-free dining experience with a larger party. However, the real reason I would recommend a stop at Nectar is to try the birria taco done right: braised brisket, pepperjack cheese, fresh onion, cilantro, and, of course, a tasty consomme to dip and get even more of that flavor. 

    Rojo | Birmingham, AL

    Funky, fun, and ready to wow with their house-made salsas, Rojo is one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets. Their fajitas, which come out sizzling to perfection are a must-order, but the best part about Rojo is the atmosphere and rotating events: Wednesday night trivia, frequent live music, and Margarita Thursday are well worth the visit. 

    Pink Cactus | Charleston, SC 

    This Oaxacan-style restaurant founded by women is hard to beat in flavor, vibes, and tequila. Oaxacan-Mexican cuisine is characterized by moles (complex sauces made with chiles, peppers, nuts, chocolate, ec.) and stringy quesillo cheese, which you can experience by trying the queso fundido. Don’t miss out on the elote dip or the poblano tacos either. 

    El Rey Del Taco | Doraville, GA

    At El Rey, the food is authentically Mexican. Family owned and operated, this restaurant strives to bring their Mexican heritage and flavors to their patrons with love and care. Start with their salsa verde, get the carne asada tacos con queso (steak tacos with cheese), and wash it down with one of their well-respected margaritas or authentic Mexican Coca-Cola made with cane sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the horchata–a traditional Mexican drink made by blending soaked rice, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. 

    A Little Something Extra on the Side 

    As a writer who eats for a living, I don’t discriminate against the chains. Good food is good food. That said, if I’m hitting up a small-scale chain for some spice, here’s where I’m going. 

    Torchy’s Tacos | Locations Across the South and United States 

    The usual excuse for queso known as “white cheese dip” has no room on this list. Since 2006, originally starting out as a food truck in Austin, Texas, Torchy’s Tacos has been known across the country for their green chile queso–which happens to be my favorite food of all time. Their tacos, all creatively named, are, of course, delicious, but they’re not the real reason I make my husband drive half an hour each way. My go-to order? A crossroads taco with a full sized order of queso and extra chips. 

    Bar Taco | Locations Across the South and Northeast 

    Traditional Mexican fusion is delicious, but there’s also something I’ve come to love about the beachy vibes and non-traditional tacos I find at Bar Taco. I always start with the salsa verde and order three street tacos: the seared chorizo, pork belly, and sesame ribeye. Each delivers a completely unique and different flavor profile along with many of the other tacos on their menu, which means that everyone will find something to fit their appetite. 

    Taco Mama | Locations Across the South 

    The fiesta lights that adorn Taco Mama locations along with their absolutely killer skinny margaritas (half-off on Tuesdays) are just two of the reasons I enjoy dining here. While they have some great on-menu options, I am a fan of creative liberty and generally order from the “build-your-own” side of the menu. A taco basket, side of queso, with the off-menu grilled chicken, cilantro rice, refried beans, queso fresco, grilled jalapeños and onions, cilantro–you’re set.

    Hungry for more? Click here.

  • How a Coffeehouse Started Mississippi’s Best Jazz Festival

    How a Coffeehouse Started Mississippi’s Best Jazz Festival

    Featured image: Drew Dempsey Photo

    It’s a sunny April evening in Ridgeland as the breezy sound of Grammy-winner Nestor Torres’ flute carries from a packed tent. Audience members bob their heads and tap their feet, soaking in the performance from the legendary jazz musician. Though the spring heat feels more like midsummer — even by Southern standards — it hasn’t stopped families from spreading picnic blankets across the lawn or kids tossing footballs nearby.

    This is the Township Jazz Festival, the beloved yearly event that transforms Ridgeland’s bustling Township district into a lively celebration of music, community, and springtime in Mississippi. Over nearly two decades, the festival has cemented its reputation as one of Mississippi’s premier family-friendly events, with attendees looking forward to the lively atmosphere, free admission, and, of course, world-class jazz. 

    Two smiling men posing together indoors, both wearing light blue t-shirts. The background features chairs and a cozy seating area.

    From the Top

    When local jazz musician and festival co-founder Raphael Semmes first floated the idea of an all-day jazz festival, his partner, fellow co-founder Tripp Douglas, wasn’t immediately sold.

    At the time, the two were collaborating on a series of live jazz sessions at Fusion Coffeehouse—Douglas’ jazz-themed café, where even the drink menu pays tribute to legendary musicians. Launched in 2004, the monthly events featured a local performer in an intimate setting, followed by a Q&A led by Semmes.

    “We would be ecstatic if 20 people showed up,” Douglas said. “In that context, I just thought, I don’t know how we can pull off an all-day festival.”

    Still, Fusion Coffeehouse was ahead of its time. When it opened in 2003, it became the first retail business in Ridgeland’s Township development and a pioneer for the area’s jazz scene. And while Mississippi is widely celebrated as “The Birthplace of America’s Music,” known for shaping everything from blues to rock ’n’ roll, jazz often gets overlooked. According to Semmes, though, its roots in the state run just as deep.

    “Our jazz heritage is Mississippi’s best-kept secret,” Semmes said. 

    A central figure in Mississippi’s jazz scene—having toured internationally and being a recipient of the 2021 Governor’s Arts Award—Semmes draws much of his inspiration from the state’s rich musical lineage. From early pioneers like Mose Allison of Tippo to contemporary standouts such as Jackson’s Cassandra Wilson, Mississippi’s deep bench of jazz talent confirmed his instincts that a local festival could truly take hold. 

    A lively performance at the Township Jazz Festival featuring five musicians on stage playing brass instruments, with an audience seated in front.
    Image: Drew Dempsey Photo

    Build It Up

    Semmes’ instincts proved right. As word spread about Fusion’s jazz series, growing crowds eventually convinced Douglas it was time to take a bigger swing.

    “Finally, in 2008, I said, ‘All right, we’ll give this a shot,’” Douglas recalled. “About 100 to 150 people came, and we were ecstatic.”

    From that modest beginning, the festival has grown into a major draw. At this year’s event on April 11, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people filtered through over the course of the day. The lineup now spans high school jazz bands to internationally renowned artists, alongside food trucks and a kids’ zone filled with inflatables. People come for the music and stay for the easygoing atmosphere—and perhaps most notably, it’s completely free.

    That accessibility has been intentional from the start, says Semmes.

    “Thanks to our tremendous sponsors, the festival is free,” Semmes said. “In the jazz world, you don’t know if the next Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, or Ella Fitzgerald is sitting in a classroom nearby. Everybody came from somewhere, so we want to give those kids the chance to be around jazz.”

    That open-door approach has paid off, drawing a crowd that reflects the full spectrum of the community—people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life coming together to share in the music.

    A joyful crowd at an outdoor event, with a woman in a floral shirt and sunglasses raising her hands in celebration.
    Image: Drew Dempsey Photo

    In the Groove 

    This year’s festival felt like a fitting culmination of nearly two decades of work by Tripp Douglas and Raphael Semmes. The music was infectious, the energy undeniable—spilling out into the crowd as spontaneous bursts of salsa dancing took over the lawn, and for Douglas and Semmes, it’s enough to continue the festival for years to come.

    “There’s a lot of different reasons to do live music, but we really do it for two main reasons: to keep jazz alive and to cultivate an appreciation and understanding for [the genre],” Douglas said, “And the second one really is just to create this event for the community and promote a sense of unity.

    Aerial view of a lively outdoor festival featuring various inflatable slides and play structures, surrounded by families and attendees enjoying the event on a sunny day.
    Image: Drew Dempsey Photo

    This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Spring Peak: 7 of the South’s Best Parks and Gardens

    Spring Peak: 7 of the South’s Best Parks and Gardens

    Featured Image: Courtesy Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

    Spring hit the South, and with it came wildflowers, cherry blossoms, tulips, daffodils, and magnolias, turning every corner into a flowering postcard. If you’re itching to get outside and see what all the fuss is about, these parks and gardens are worth the drive.

    A vibrant field of blooming pink flowers, with lush green leaves, creating a colorful outdoor scene.
    Image: Courtesy Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

    Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | Nashville, Tennessee

    Cheekwood sits on 55 acres in Belle Meade, one of Nashville’s prettiest suburbs. The estate was built in 1929 and now functions as both a botanical garden and art museum. More than 400,000 people visit every year, and while there are annual events all year long (millions of holiday lights, a pumpkin and mum takeover in fall), spring is a pretty special time to visit. 

    Cheekwood in Bloom is now in its eleventh year and is a Nashville tradition. The show includes 250,000 blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and violas, plus concerts, Sunday Jazz, and a weekend Beer Garden. Morton Arboretum’s magnolias, redbuds, and dogwoods bloom in March and April. 

    Welcome sign for Ridgeland Wildflower Field & Art Park, surrounded by colorful wildflowers and trees under a blue sky.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Ridgeland Wildflower Field | Ridgeland, Mississippi 

    Ridgeland’s Wildflower Field is how it sounds… acres of wildflowers painting the ground in vibrant colors. The field blooms heaviest in spring with native Mississippi species: black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, coreopsis, and whatever else decides to show up that year.

    It’s free and gorgeous for photos and nature walks. The field sits near the Natchez Trace Parkway, so you can hit both in one trip if you’re planning a drive.

    Birmingham Botanical Gardens | Birmingham, Alabama

    Birmingham Botanical Gardens opened in 1962 and has been free ever since. That’s right… Sixty-seven acres, more than two dozen garden spaces, over 330,000 visitors a year—all free.

    Birmingham sits in one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States, and the gardens certainly reflect that. The Curry Rhododendron Garden showcases a collection of the beloved bush, the Ireland Old Fashioned Rose Garden features antique roses, and Southern Living even once contributed a replica Southern home garden. There’s also an Herb Terrace if you want to smell things and a Hill Garden with sculptures if you don’t.

    Atlanta Botanical Garden | Atlanta, Georgia

    The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 30 acres of intrigue draw people looking for nature, horticulture lessons, or just a break from one of the South’s biggest cities. Classes and workshops run year-round for all ages. Adults can learn to improve home gardening skills or try their hand at botanical art, while kids’ classes focus on the natural world.

    Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Richmond, Virginia

    Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden covers 50-plus acres on a historic Richmond property, and this May, a massive expansion will wrap up, drastically increasing the footprint. Roses, cherry blossoms, magnolias—all the South’s best spring blooms can be found onsite. The Conservatory is the only classical domed conservatory in the mid-Atlantic. Known as the “Jewel of the Garden,” it’s divided into wings: palm and cycad collection in the center, tropical plants and orchids in the East Wing, cacti and succulents in the West Wing, rotating seasonal displays in the North Wing. In late spring, the butterfly exhibit typically returns to the North Wing.

    Vibrant flowers in the foreground with a view of a bridge and calm water in the background under a clear blue sky.
    Image: Visit Sarasota County

    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Sarasota, Florida

    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens line the shore of Sarasota Bay in downtown Sarasota in one of the most stunning scenes I’ve yet found in the South. The gardens comprise two campuses: the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus. Together, it’s forty-five total acres of bayfront sanctuaries.

    The Downtown Campus is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants. There’s a significant focus on botany, horticulture, education, historical preservation, and the environment.

    Scenic view of a mountain landscape at sunrise, with sunlight streaming through trees and rocky formations in the foreground.
    Image: Grandfather Mountain State Park

    Grandfather Mountain State Park | North Carolina

    If manicured gardens aren’t your thing, Grandfather Mountain State Park offers the South’s natural beauty without the curation. The mountain towers almost 6,000 feet above North Carolina and is one of the region’s most ecologically diverse nature preserves. Spot bears, cougars, otters, a bald eagle, and deer in their natural habitats, plus plenty of trails for meandering adventure

    Admission to the park is free, but the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which, you guessed it, suspends one mile off the ground, has a fee for its high-flying panoramic views. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Where the King Got His Start: A Tupelo Guide for Elvis Lovers

    Where the King Got His Start: A Tupelo Guide for Elvis Lovers

    Featured image: Tupelo CVB

    Elvis Presley was born in a two-room house in East Tupelo and dreamed of becoming a superhero, complete with wavy hair, a cape, and a lightning bolt on his chest. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would have to do, though. 

    His mom bought him a guitar from Tupelo Hardware Company for his 11th birthday, and just 10 years later, he made his first gold record.

    Tupelo made Elvis. If you’re here to see where it all started, have we got a guide for you. 

    Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum

    The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum has the actual shotgun house Vernon Presley built for $180 in 1934, plus a museum and the church where Elvis first heard—and performed—gospel music. On location, you can walk through the house (it’ll take you about three minutes), see the church, and tour the museum gallery. You may be able to catch a reenactment of one of Elvis’ church services if you time your visit just right. 

    A bronze sculpture of a young boy with a serious expression, wearing a collared shirt. Behind him, a larger figure with open arms can be seen, partially blurred in the background.
    Tupelo CVB

    Statues & Monuments

    Right outside the Birthplace and Museum, at the top of the overlook, sits the “Becoming” statue, depicting Elvis’s life from little boy to worldwide sensation. Down the road, Elvis’ Homecoming Statue captures him later on in 1956, returning to Tupelo for a performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. If you want to hunt for more photo ops, Tupelo scattered more than 20 Elvis-themed guitars all over town. 

    Relics Antique Marketplace

    In 1932, 20-year-old Gladys Love Smith went to work as a seamstress on the second floor of this building located in Mill Village. While working at the plant, Gladys wed Vernon Presley and became pregnant with twins. On January 8, 1935, Gladys gave birth to two children: Jesse Garon, who was stillborn, and Elvis Aaron, who went on to achieve worldwide acclaim for his music. Her co-workers took up a collection of money after her delivery, suggesting that she was well-liked. This building is now home to Relics Antique Marketplace, where you can shop over 117 booths on two floors filled with antiques, collectibles, and Elvis artifacts.

    A plate featuring a cheeseburger with lettuce and pickles, accompanied by a side of crinkle-cut fries and a small serving of ketchup. In the background, condiments and a menu are visible.
    Tupelo CVB

    Walk In His Footsteps

    The Birthplace is the obvious start, but the family moved around a bit, and there are other points of interest around town. He swam in Mud Creek as a kid, attended Lawhon Elementary School, and spent time at the Assembly of God Church on Adams Street (the building’s gone now, but there’s a marker). And, the Tupelo Visitors Center sits on the former site of Shakerag, the African American neighborhood where Elvis first heard the blues and gospel that would shape his sound, so you can learn more about the city and Elvis in one fell swoop. The list goes on, and it’s likely that anywhere you visit in Tupelo has the King’s footprints somewhere…. The Lee County Courthouse, Lyric Theatre, Lee County Library, Milam Junior High, Fairpark. Johnnie’s Drive-In, a confirmed location where Elvis ate, opened in 1945 and is still serving today. 

    A small white house surrounded by vibrant red roses and green shrubs, with a blue sky and trees in the background.
    Tupelo CVB

    When to Go

    Tupelo hosts the Tupelo Elvis Festival the first week in June, complete with living history demonstrations, a 5k race, tribute artists, gospel concerts, film screenings, and more. But fans are welcome to visit any time – all points of interest and, obviously, statues, are accepting visitors all year long. 

    Find the complete Elvis itineraries, maps, and details at tupelo.net/things-to-do/elvis.

    For more Southern travel inspiration, click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Tupelo CVB, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • How to Make the Most Out of Naples, Florida if You Only Have One Day

    How to Make the Most Out of Naples, Florida if You Only Have One Day

    Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    Naples, Florida is a polished Gulf Coast destination known for its upscale coastal vibe, powder-soft white sand beaches, golf resorts, and warm, sunny weather. The city blends luxury with natural beauty—morning beach walks often give way to afternoons exploring downtown streets, especially around Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, where you’ll find boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and outdoor dining tucked under palm-lined sidewalks.

    Beyond the downtown charm, Naples is surrounded by some of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful natural spaces. Spots like Naples Pier offer classic sunset views over the Gulf (the pier is currently under renovation), while nearby beaches and parks feel tucked away and peaceful. What makes Naples stand out is the balance: it feels refined and luxe yet laid-back. It’s the kind of place where one day never feels like quite enough, but if you play your cards right, you can still get the most out of your day in the “Naples of America.”

    Here’s how:

    Start your day on Fifth Avenue South. Here you’ll find luxury shops and dining destinations for all palettes (and wallets!). Palm-lined sidewalks guide you past boutique shops, art galleries, and open-air cafés where people linger over coffee or a late lunch without any rush. There’s a quiet luxury to it all—designer storefronts sit alongside locally-owned shops, and everything feels intentionally walkable. It’s easy to drift from store to store without a set plan, just enjoying the Florida sunshine and the easygoing rhythm of the city.

    A refreshing cocktail garnished with mint and orange, served alongside a bowl of snack chips and a plate of caviar on ice.
    Image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    For lunch, you have a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re looking for a local favorite that’s got a unique menu and will take you on a gastronomic adventure, then Bicyclette Cookshop is where you’ll want to go. Helmed by chef Kayla Pfeiffer, the menu is playful and dynamic (think: caviar paired with Bugles & creme fraiche, rolled chicken flautas, and onion soup croutons). And—at the height of crawfish season—there’s chef Kayla’s take on the Southern staple: a crawfish katsu sando with pickled okra. I can confirm, it’s delicious and packed full of flavor. If a laid-back beach bar is more your speed, HB’s at the Four Seasons is where you should book a reservation. Comfortably casual, this Naples seafood spot features local catch, raw-bar selections, and deliciously prepared crudo. The drinks are fabulous and both the vibe and the views are pretty spectacular.

    A scenic beachfront patio featuring rattan seating, wooden tables, and potted plants with colorful flowers, backed by palm trees under a clear blue sky.
    Image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    After lunch stroll the Naples City Dock and if you’re up for it, a drink at the Dock at Crayton Cove. Naples’ original waterfront restaurant, this institution is known for its laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails. A taste of the islands, if you will, no passport required. From there you can explore Third Street South for some more shopping, walk the sandy beaches, or if you’re a foodie like me, hop on the water shuttle from the dock to the Naples Bay Resort & Marina for an early dinner at Blackbird Modern Asian. Blackbird Modern Asian in Naples is a vibrant dining destination that fuses contemporary Asian cuisine with elevated design, seductive cocktails, and a lively, upscale atmosphere. Led by award-winning Chef Tim Nickey, the menu blends classic Asian influences with modern techniques, with menu standouts like dim sum, Bangkok street noodles, and tuna poke crispy rice. Pro tip: the restaurant is very popular so I recommend making a reservation or getting there a few minutes before opening for a bar seat during happy hour.

    Two colorful cocktails being held in hands. One drink is served in a tall, tan, decorative cup resembling a face, garnished with mint, while the other is in a white cup featuring a cartoonish depiction of a chubby character, topped with an orange slice.
    Image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    No day in Naples is complete without a sunset, and here, they are stunning. Walk all the way west down Fifth Avenue South until you hit beachfront access (walking is recommended as there is hardly any parking near the beach access point) and with you, will be a pilgrimage of folks looking to do the same thing: soak in a Gulf of Mexico sunset with hues of pinks, oranges, and reds.

    A tranquil beach scene at sunset, featuring gentle waves lapping against the sandy shore under a colorful sky.
    Image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    After the sun fully sets, meander back down to the shopping and restaurant district for a nightcap. My favorite spot for a sipper is Le Colonial, where the vibe captures a romantic, old-world elegance inspired by 1920s–30s French Indochina, blending tropical lushness with sophistication. The space is warm and moody, filled with palm fronds, soft golden lighting, and natural materials like rattan and dark wood. Another option I can’t pass up is Del Mar, a Naples staple that is well-loved and known by locals and tourists alike. Request a seat on their upper balcony overlooking the street below and snack on Mediterranean-style tapas while sipping a 5th Avenue margarita or beach party spritz.

    Exterior view of the Del Mar restaurant showcasing its architectural design with arched windows, striped awnings, and balcony plants under a clear blue sky.
    Image: Samantha Labrecque Semle

    Of course, a full beach day plus a few days to thoroughly explore Naples is preferable, but if you only have one day to explore this charming seaside city, you can still capture its essence regardless of time constraints by leaning into its everything it has to offer: indulgent meals, a bit of wandering, and stunning sunsets.

    Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here.

  • Canton, Mississippi: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

    Canton, Mississippi: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

    Featured Image: Canton Tourism

    Looking for a charming small town straight from a movie set that features mouthwatering Southern cuisine, historic museums, and a wide array of shopping? You’ll find all this and more in Canton, Mississippi.

    With many historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places, Canton tells numerous stories through food, fun, and festivals.

    Here’s where to eat, stay, and play in Canton.

    A restaurant scene featuring a smiling waitress serving menus to two women and a man at a table, with a well-stocked bar visible in the background.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    Eat

    Regardless of what your taste buds are seeking, Canton serves up something to satisfy them. That includes everything from fresh fried catfish to classic American cuisine to tasty tacos, and even a quaint tea room tucked away on the square.

    Two Rivers 

    When you want an elevated dining experience, head to Two Rivers Restaurant and Catering for quality steaks, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts.

    The Cooking Diva

    You can pick up your favorite selections ranging from fried chicken to chopped steak to pork chops at The Cooking Diva, paired with such sides as collards, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes.

    Penn’s

    If you’re craving fried catfish, Penn’s is the place to go. Served up with fries, hushpuppies, and cole slaw, it’s the quintessential Mississippi meal from the largest producer of catfish in the country. 

    Marlo’s Backyard BBQ 

    For barbecue done right, look no further than Marlo’s Backyard BBQ. Ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken–this is just the beginning of all you can enjoy. It truly feels like you’re eating at a backyard cookout with family.

    Picante’s Tacos & Tequila Restaurant

    Picante’s Tacos & Tequila Restaurant cooks up a taste of authentic Mexico, everything from carnitas and chilaquiles to specialty tacos and chimichangas.

    Santa Fe Bar & Grill

    When you want to please everyone’s appetite, Santa Fe Bar & Grill has your table ready. Here you’ll find a wide array of choices, including enchiladas, steaks, burgers, wings, salads, and more. 

    The Tea Room at Merri Pennie’s

    This cozy tea room invites you to lunch, where you can dine on soup, salad, sandwiches, and more, accompanied by your favorite teas, coffee, or sodas.

    A group of three friends celebrating at a bar, one man opening a bottle of champagne while the two women cheer and hold glasses.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    Stay

    Because you’ll want to extend your stay to Canton, the city features a number of branded hotel properties along with some independent properties with personality.

    If you prefer an affordable, comfortable room that’s familiar, choose one of the many name-brand hotels in Canton. These include: Best Western, Budget Inn, Econolodge, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta Inn, Relax Inn, and Rodeway Inn. 

    For more unique accommodations, head to Canton Square Lofts. Located in a 1900 building on the historic square, Canton Square Lofts includes four themed rooms so you can choose one that perfectly matches your tastes. The property also includes a shared common area complete with a full kitchen and washer and dryer, perfect for an extended stay. 

    A woman in a beige outfit and hat interacts with an older man in a gray shirt at a market stall, discussing items displayed on the table, which includes various decorative pieces and crafts.
    Image: Canton Tourism

    Play

    As you stroll through this enchanting downtown, don’t be surprised if you come across an active film set. The film capital of Mississippi, Canton is often the setting for commercials, TV shows, and feature films. You can actually step into your favorite filming locations, plus tour the Canton Movie Museums to get up close and personal with movie artifacts. If you want to become a part of making movies in Canton, sign up for the annual Young Filmmakers Workshop. But be quick, as spots in this popular event fill quickly.

    Uncover Arts and Antiques

    Who doesn’t love uncovering treasures to bring back home? Canton offers plenty of opportunities to find your own souvenirs at such stores as The Emporium of Canton, the Saab Gallery, and Merri Pennie’s Mercantile. Take as long as you like to sift through the many wares and artworks to see what strikes your fancy.

    Wander a Historic Town Square

    As home to one of only seven pre-Civil War courthouses in Mississippi in an unaltered condition, Canton proudly shows off its historic courthouse and town square to visitors. The Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau offers individual tours by appointment at the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum, where you can learn more about the people, places, and events that played a role in this city’s history. Or, if you prefer, you can wander at your leisure, taking in the many historical markers that share some of the city’s history.

    Attend an Annual Event

    There’s no shortage of events in Canton where you can connect with the community and enjoy shared traditions. Here are some of the city’s most treasured annual events.

    Canton Hometown Market

    Kick off spring with the Canton Hometown Market, showcasing handmade goods, art, and locally crafted products from artisans who work outside the walls of a traditional storefront. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, new artwork for your home, and tasty treats.

    Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show

    Twice a year, downtown Canton overflows with hundreds of artists and craftsmen offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to specialty apparel, arts and crafts, and so much more at the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show. It’s a must-see when visiting in May and October.

    Ladies’ Night Out on the Square

    When you need time out with your girlfriends, the annual Ladies’ Night Out on the Square delivers with an evening filled with shopping, sweet treats, and a good time for all. Not only can you shop till you drop at Canton’s many boutiques and stores, but you can also win a door prize containing goods from stores around The Square.  

    Mississippi’s Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest

    Watch as colorful balloons fill the skies around Canton during Mississippi’s Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest, the oldest hot air balloon race in Mississippi.

    Upstairs Downtown

    Canton’s square is surrounded by charming buildings filled with shops, restaurants, and businesses that welcome visitors every day. But during the biennial Upstairs Downtown event, you get to see a new side of Canton: the upper floors of the city’s historic buildings. It’s a new way to see Canton!  

    Canton Christmas Festival

    Celebrate the season at the annual Canton Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic square, snap a photo with Santa, and sample some of the big man’s cookies at Santa’s Cookie Stop. It’s the perfect spot to snap a photo for next year’s Christmas card!

    Tour the Canton Multicultural Center & Museum

    Canton proudly tells the stories of all the people who helped shape not only this city, but also this state and country. As you peruse the exhibits at the Canton Multicultural Center & Museum, you’ll learn about the families, community, and businesses of the city’s African Americans as they fought for civil rights.  

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Canton Tourism, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Best May Events in the South: Festivals, Food, and Music You Don’t Want to Miss

    Best May Events in the South: Festivals, Food, and Music You Don’t Want to Miss

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City Florida

    May in the South brings longer days, warmer nights, and calendars packed with can’t-miss events. From laid-back outdoor festivals and waterfront traditions to food-filled weekends and live music at sunset, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Whether you’re craving local flavor, small-town charm, or a lively crowd, these events offer a little something for every kind of spring adventure.

    BirdFest | Pinewood, SC

    May 1-2, 2026

    Nestled between two of South Carolina’s favorite cities is a laid-back festival filled with local food trucks, live Blues bands, and the great outdoors. Affectionately named after a previous resident mule, BirdFest in Pinewood, SC brings charm and community together to a former quail farm for an annually loved tradition. Proceeds from the festival support the South Carolina Waterfowl Association’s efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats.  

    A person dressed in ceremonial clothing is waving a shofar while standing on a dock, with a motor yacht in the background and two women onboard.
    Image: Destination Panama City Florida

    Blessing of the Fleet | Panama City Beach, FL

    May 2, 2026

    Boating season in Panama City Beach, FL gets a one-of-a-kind welcome with Blessing of the Fleet, a time-honored event that centers around the town’s connection to life on the water. Shrimp boats and sailboats gather in St. Andrew’s Marina to receive well wishes for smooth voyages ahead, as locals kick off their shoes and burn their socks… we’re not joking! In the weeks leading up to the big day, socks show up all over town until the community gathers to throw them into a communal fire, a nod to maritime culture welcoming warmer days and going barefoot. 

    The Burger Benefit | Dunwoody, GA

    May 3, 2026

    Come one, come all, and come hungry! The Burger Benefit in Dunwoody, GA attracts chefs from around the country who serve up their best burgers in a flavorful frenzy at designated timeslots throughout the day. This event not only tastes good but feels good too, benefitting Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that steps up for food service workers in need of emergency assistance.

    old house exteriors near city roads in autumn
    Image: K on Pexels.com

    Wild About Shelbyville Arts and Music Festival | Shelbyville, KY

    May 9, 2026

    For the fifth year, Wild About Shelbyville Arts and Music Festival will turn downtown Shelbyville, KY into a lively showcase of local creative talent. The streets fill with live music, art vendors, and hand-on things to do with the family for a day of vibrant energy. Shop, dance, dine, and even catch a few historical re-enactments at this annual one-day event.

    Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show | Canton, MS

    May 14, 2026

    Enter an open-air marketplace across historic downtown Canton, MS as the famous Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show draws visitors and vendors from all around the region. Expect a variety of unique handcrafted crafts, from pottery to jewelry to art, from hundreds of different makers at one of the largest art markets in the South. As the beautiful backdrop of the town serves as the venue, you’ll shop alongside landmarks like the Old Jail Museum and the grounds of the Madison County Courthouse. 

    Southern Feast from the Southern Colonies | Hattiesburg, MS

    May 5-21, 2026

    A Southern Feast from the Southern Colonies is where foodies and history buffs collide. Taking place May 5 through 21 at Meador Homestread B&B/Tea Room, the event is a true throwback, a true Southern feast while learning about the role of Southern colonies during the American Revolutionary War.

    vibrant new orleans french quarter street scene
    Image: Ayoub Benamor on Pexels.com

    Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival | Baton Rouge, LA

    May 23-24, 2026

    A true celebration of Southern flavor and soul takes over Baton Rouge, LA for one indulgent weekend full of recipes that have been shared across generations. The Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is your chance to sample some of the best comfort dishes like fried catfish, mac and cheese, and gumbo, while also witnessing a spirited cooking competition across multiple categories. The soundtrack of the day will be a combination of gospel, jazz, blues, and R&B live performances, balanced by the opportunity to browse vendors, connect with community organizations, and check out the family-friendly activities.

    Symphony at Sunset | Vicksburg, MS

    May 23, 2026

    Make Memorial Day Weekend unforgettable with an outdoor orchestra performance at golden hour. Symphony at Sunset is held on a former battlefield in Vicksburg, MS in a scenic display of patriotism. Experience the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra from the comfort of your lawn chairs and picnic blankets at this Southern commemoration.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • 5 Generations of Pearsons Keep Georgia’s Peach Legacy Alive

    5 Generations of Pearsons Keep Georgia’s Peach Legacy Alive

    Featured Image: Courtesy Pearson Farms

    Lawton Pearson walks the orchards at Pearson Farm every day. He studies growing techniques, monitors weather patterns, and hand-picks peaches straight from the tree. It’s his favorite way to eat them.

    “There’s no better place I would like to live and work than in the middle of an orchard,” Lawton says. “When you see a loaded orchard of fruit, it’s awe-inspiring. Those trees are like little pieces of art, every one of them. You see order, not chaos.”

    He’s the fifth-generation Pearson to farm Fort Valley soil. The legacy started in 1885 when Moses Winlock “Lockie” Pearson relocated his family from Woodbury, Georgia, sensing the region’s level ground and fertile soil could help him join Georgia’s peach boom. He planted peach trees on land that would become Pearson Farm.

    In 1906, Lockie died at 48, leaving his wife Emma to raise a dozen children and run the farm. Their oldest son, John, continued farming, added more land, and increased peach plantings. The family kept adapting, building, and moving the legacy right along. 

    A group of four smiling individuals standing together in a peach orchard, holding fresh peaches. They are positioned in front of leafy peach trees, with a grassy area in the foreground.
    Image: Courtesy Pearson Farms

    Today, Lawton and his wife Lanier represent that fifth generation. Lawton spends his days in the orchards while Lanier handles marketing and operations, making sure more people know about and love the results of the family’s labors. Parents, Al and Mary Pearson, are still involved—Al shares the farm’s history through Tree Talks, and Mary’s recipes form the basis of Mary’s Kitchen.

    The sixth generation is already showing interest. Lawton and Lanier’s children work in the farm store, join their dad in the field, and run social media pages.

    Over the years, one key thing has kept Pearson Farm growing, and it’s not fertilizer. It’s adapting. 

    “The ability to adapt to customers’ needs is something that is usually overlooked and yet, I think, is one of the main reasons that Pearson Farm is continuing to grow after 141 years,” Lawton says.

    A person picking peaches from a large container filled with ripe peaches, surrounded by peach trees in an orchard.
    Image: Courtesy Pearson Farms

    When his dad and grandfather packed peaches, they had a standard ¾-bushel box. Now, if you look into the packing shed—a converted schoolhouse built around 1900 on land the Pearson family donated—you’ll see technology that allows them to pack hundreds of different ways based on what a customer needs.

    Farm store customers need something different than online customers, who need something different than wholesale volume orders. The Pearsons recognized that and adapted in order to deliver Georgia peaches in whatever format works best for their people.

    “We know we have delicious Georgia peaches, but that doesn’t matter if we can’t get them to people,” Lawton says. “The fact that we’ve been willing to adapt to those changes while still offering the highest quality peach is a testament to our family and the legacy that’ll be here long after I am.”

    A serene grove of trees with lush green foliage, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
    Image: Courtesy Pearson Farms

    In yet another adaptation, the farm added pecan trees in the 1930s. Now Pearson Farm manages both peach and pecan orchards using similar machinery and methods, although peaches do require far more attention.

    Lawton doesn’t take lightly what it means to be the fifth-generation Pearson farming this land.

    “Every day that I walk these orchards, I’m thankful that my great-great grandparents laid the foundation they did and that the generations before me kept that legacy alive,” he says. “It wasn’t always easy for them, and it’s not always easy now, but I hope that decades from now the Pearsons are still just as proud to be Georgia farmers.”

    The farm operates on more than 2,000 acres of peach orchards and 4,000 acres for pecans. During peach season—May through August—the Fort Valley packing shed is packed with folks looking to experience Georgia agriculture firsthand. 

    A freshly baked peach cobbler in a square dish with a serving spoon, next to a bowl filled with cobbler and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Slices of peaches and a container of ice cream are displayed on a wooden cutting board, with a striped kitchen towel in the foreground.
    Image: Courtesy Pearson Farms

    Self-guided tours of the peach packing facility are available, and the farm also makes peach ice cream and cobbler on-site. Pecans peak from September through April.

    “Peaches are a finicky crop, and the process of growing will change based on the social, climate, tree, and many other factors,” he says. “Honestly, just let me grow them for you, and it’ll save you a ton of stress.”

    Fair enough. I’d say after 141 years, the Pearsons know what they’re doing.

    Hungry for more? Click here.

  • Beyond the Peach: 9 Farms, Flowers, and Local Finds Worth Seeking Out in Macon, Georgia

    Beyond the Peach: 9 Farms, Flowers, and Local Finds Worth Seeking Out in Macon, Georgia

    Featured Image: Visit Macon

    Though it is very much a thriving part of the “Georgia Peach Belt,” Macon’s agricultural scene has a lot more to offer than peaches. Pecans, strawberries, wild flowers, cherry blossoms, and wine (that’s agricultural… right?) are just a few of the bountiful crops that are grown and harvested in Macon.

    If you’re looking for a few new places to add to your spring-time tour of the city “where soul lives,” we have exactly what you’re looking for. 

    Interior of a rustic store with a wooden counter, displaying various baked goods and snacks. A staff member is behind the counter, and the walls feature vintage decor and a menu board.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Dickey Farms 

    For over 125 years, this multi-generational farm has been producing peaches and simultaneously operating the oldest peach packinghouse in the state of Georgia. During the springtime, Dickey Farms sells freshly harvested strawberries and a plethora of strawberry-inspired goodies—shortcake, ice cream, fritters, and hand pies among them. If you’re still hungry, the annual Strawberry Festival will be held on April 18th this year and is a must-attend event with plenty of vendors, food trucks, and live music. 

    A brown horse standing near a flowering tree on a farm, with a green ball hanging from a post nearby.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Mystic Grove

    To entertain your springtime whimsy and enter your cottage-core era, stroll on down to Mystic Grove, a flower farm that offers a lot more than just bouquets. Farm-fresh eggs, a roadside farmstand with baked goods, Arabian horses named Gibran and Confettie, 11 chickens, and a feral cat colony are just some of the attractions that make this farm a no-brainer. Mystic Grove also specializes in edible flowers if you’re eager to experiment in the kitchen (or just level up your boxed mac and cheese). 

    A man seated on a tractor in an orchard, surrounded by fruit trees and ripe fruit.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Lane Southern Orchards 

    When I said Macon isn’t known for only its peaches, I never said I wouldn’t brag about its peaches. Growing over 35 varieties of peaches (and several varieties of pecans), Lane Southern Orchards is big on family and even bigger on flavor. Barbecue pork, homemade ice cream, and baked goods galore are just a few of the treats you can expect to nosh on here while you explore the orchards and shop around their stocked roadside market. 

    View of a pathway lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, showcasing delicate pink flowers against a bright sky.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Cherry Blossom Festival 

    If you missed it this year, be sure to plug the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival into your calendar for next spring. Boasting over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees, every March, the streets of Macon light up with pink everything to celebrate their beautiful blooms. 

    Image: Visit Macon

    Field Cut Flowers 

    As the name suggests, Field Cut Flowers is a blooming (literally) business that supplies fresh florals for any and all occasions. Rooted in cultivating sustainable farming practices and family values, they strive to create bunches of beauty to brighten up any home and even offer u-pick events, a perfect opportunity to see all the blooms they have to offer and bring a little of your own creativity. 

    Image: Visit Macon

    Bright Farms

    Bright Farms is changing the leafy green game in big ways. Grown in a large, indoor greenhouse environment, not only do all their greens come ready to eat, but they are also pesticide-free and grown as naturally as possible thanks to the power of hydroponics. Sustainability is their number one priority, as their farming practices use less water and land than traditional farming. 

    A lively outdoor gathering at night with string lights illuminating the scene, featuring a large crowd of people seated at tables and enjoying the ambiance.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Jail Creek Winery 

    There is nothing better than wine made with locally grown fruits. Jail Creek is a veteran-owned micro-winery serving wine in multiple forms: tastings, flights, slushies. From time to time, they host “sip and shop” events where you can enjoy wine while you walk around participating food trucks, local vendors, and more. 

    A night scene featuring a group of people gathered around a ceremonial mound, illuminated by soft lights, with a clear sky and stars above.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Ocmulgee Mounds National Park 

    This Macon gem holds thousands of years of history. The mounds, initially constructed around 900 CE, were made for the elite members of American Indian tribes. Over the years, many different Native American tribes have occupied the land on which this park sits. The perfect spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike, Ocmulgee hosts a variety of ecosystems—wetlands, forests, fields—making it an ideal place to scout for wildlife and forage for Georgian flora. 

    A glass of dark whiskey with ice sits in front of a wooden whiskey barrel labeled 'LONGLEAF DISTILLING CO.'
    Image: Visit Macon

    Longleaf Distilling Co. 

    When it’s time to stock the bar cart again in preparation for the summer cocktails ahead, consider heading over to Longleaf Distilling Co., Macon’s first craft distillery. Not only can you shop their bottled spirits, but you can also book a tasting, take a mixology class, or just pop in for a few craft cocktails and snacks. The best part? They’re making a difference–for every bottle sold, a longleaf pine tree is planted to support the ecosystem and promote sustainability. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Visit Macon, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • How to Road Trip Along Mississippi’s Music Highway

    How to Road Trip Along Mississippi’s Music Highway

    Featured Image: Visit Mississippi

    Highway 61 turns 100 in 2026. The winding stretch of asphalt has been whisking travelers across 1,400 miles of American cities and wide open spaces for a full century. Of course, this road has carried American history on its back, and through Mississippi, that history compounds in music. 

    It crosses Highway 45 at a spot some still call the Crossroads—it’s where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for guitar skills.

    That myth matters less than what actually happened along these roads that pass such towns as Clarksdale, Indianola, Tupelo, and Jackson. Towns that produced musicians who shaped blues, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul, still filled with juke joints, churches, and fields where the greats learned to play. 

    If you’re eager to sing your way down along a Mississippi music road trip, this one’s for you. Here are the cities, stops, and events not to be missed. 

    Neon sign of Ground Zero Blues Club illuminated on a textured wall adorned with guitars and band t-shirts.
    Image: Visit Mississippi

    Ground Zero Blues Club | Clarksdale

    Ground Zero is co-owned by Morgan Freeman, and it looks like juke joints of yesteryear: complete with mismatched chairs, walls covered in stickers and signatures, and live blues almost every night. There’s an entire episode of the MS on the Map podcast recorded inside Ground Zero with Freeman in 2025, worth checking out on your way there. 

    Close-up of an acoustic guitar showing a signature written on its side, displayed in a showcase.
    Image: Visit Mississippi

    Delta Blues Museum | Clarksdale

    The Delta Blues Museum sits in an old freight depot and chronicles the lives of Muddy Waters, Son House, and John Lee Hooker through interactive exhibits. It’s perched right along “the crossroads” in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, also known as “the land where the blues began.” 

    A musician playing an acoustic guitar while seated in front of the Blue Front Cafe, a building with a Coca-Cola sign, surrounded by a gravel area and trees.
    Image: Visit Mississippi

    Blue Front Café | Bentonia

    Blue Front Café opened in 1948 and champions the hypnotic Bentonia style of blues – it’s a specific sound, slower and a touch more haunting, and rooted in the Mississippi Hill Country rather than the Delta. Blue Front is the oldest juke joint in Mississippi, and it’s still operating in its original location.

    Club Ebony | Indianola

    Club Ebony was once owned by B.B. King, and it hosted greats like Ray Charles, Count Basie, Ike Turner, and King himself when he came home to Indianola. Today, the club has been beautifully restored and regularly hosts blues shows, dance nights, and community gatherings tied to the B.B. King Museum next door. Throughout its history, it’s been known as one of the Delta’s most significant African American nightclubs. 

    Close-up of a Gibson guitar headstock labeled 'Lucille' with a concert poster in the background featuring B.B. King and details about the Medgar Evers Homecoming event on June 4, 1989.
    Image: Vist Mississippi

    B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center | Indianola

    Speaking of B.B. King and Indianola, there’s an entire B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in the town he was raised and buried. Here, you’ll learn about the Delta’s people, social history, and the cultural impact of the blues on Mississippi and American music as a whole. 

    A small white house surrounded by vibrant red roses and lush greenery, with a historical marker visible nearby under a bright blue sky.
    Image: Tupelo CVB

    Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum | Tupelo

    Elvis was born in a tiny two-room house that his father built in the heart of Tupelo. Today, you can walk through the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, see the church where he first heard (and sang) gospel music, and tour modern museum galleries documenting his life and influence. 

    LD’s Kitchen | Vicksburg

    Located right along “Catfish Row,” LD’s Kitchen is a soul-food institution meets authentic Mississippi Juke Joint. It promises, “good food, good folks, good fun,” and delivers through a menu of fried chicken and catfish, Southern hospitality, and live music. 

    Mississippi Music Experience (inside the Iron Horse Grill) | Jackson

    The Iron Horse Grill is a delicious stop in Jackson, but it also houses a free museum-style exhibit celebrating Mississippi’s musical giants from Faith Hill to Robert Johnson. The dining room is crowned by a big stage regularly welcoming live music acts on Thursday through Saturday nights. 

    A spacious indoor lobby featuring a ticketing and retail area, with merchandise displays, a reception desk, and large portraits of musicians on the walls. Natural light streams through the skylights, highlighting the wooden flooring.
    Image: Visit Mississippi

    GRAMMY Museum Mississippi | Cleveland

    The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is the only one outside of Los Angeles. It’s a state-of-the-art facility with attractions such as hands-on music-creation labs, award history, costume displays, and rotating exhibits honoring artists from across genres. The space is designed to honor Mississippi’s influence on American music, rightfully so. 

    Festivals Worth Planning Around

    With so much music to see and history to experience across Mississippi, it may help to plan your road trip around one of the state’s top music festivals. Here are annual events to note: 

    • Juke Joint Festival (Clarksdale) – April
    • Bentonia Blues Festival (Bentonia) – June
    • Delta Hot Tamale Festival (Greenville) – October (food and blues)
    • Double Decker Arts & Music Festival (Oxford) – April
    • CelticFest Mississippi (Jackson) – Fall

    The Road Trip

    Highway 61 and Highway 49 will get you where you need to go, with most of these stops clustered along or just off these roads. Mississippi’s diverse offerings allow travelers to mix music with Southern and soul food, historic stops on the Mississippi Civil Rights Trail, and plenty of those hidden gems that come along with small-town Southern travel.

    Here’s a playlist to get you on your way. 

    | This article is presented in partnership with Visit Mississippi, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Meet Virginia’s Mushroom Auntie

    Meet Virginia’s Mushroom Auntie

    Featured Image: The Chaotic Forager

    “Shrimp of the woods mushrooms look like a lump of dog poop, but they actually have a mild fish flavor and make great breaded shrimp,” Gabrielle Cerberville tells the audience at a recent foraging talk. Other edible varieties of mushrooms taste like crab, lobster, maple syrup, and apricots. 

    Cerberville, otherwise known as Chaotic Forager and sometimes as the Internet’s Mushroom Auntie, is a celebrated foraging educator, community mycologist, and climate advocate based in the Charlottesville area. 

    Cerberville’s social media following dubbed her the Mushroom Auntie. With over a million followers on TikTok, she is admired by younger women who look to her as a cool mentor or auntie as they seek to embrace the influencer’s mindful foraging philosophy. 

    She calls herself the Chaotic Forager because she has a lot going on in her head.

    “Look at my bag – there’s a knitting project, a book, a sketch pad, and some watercolors. I kind of like living in that chaos,” she says. 

    A person with curly hair and glasses crouching among green foliage in a forest, wearing a patterned shirt and a dark jacket, with a woven basket on their back.
    Image: The Chaotic Forager

    It’s hard not to be won over by her humor and quirky social media content, whether she’s explaining how to “smash the ever-loving crap” out of oyster mushrooms to make them taste like steak or warning you to go slow when you first start eating tostones made from wild Jerusalem artichokes because they’ll make you toot. 

    From persimmon jam and juniper mocktails to mushroom steak and crab cakes, Cerberville knows how to create a gourmet feast from wild foraged plants, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge. 

    Why should we spend hours digging through the dirt when we could just run to the grocery store? You might wonder. 

    “I think it’s really important for us to notice what is going on around us. It’s part of how we develop values of respect, care, and honor. Foraging is good at teaching those things,” Cerberville explains. Learning how to mindfully move through an environment and think about what we actually need is valuable, especially in a culture that values immediacy and overconsumption.

    “And it’s just incredibly nourishing to be outside. We spend a lot of time behind screens. It’s good to touch some plants and remember that your problems are probably not as important as you think they are.”

    There’s a win for the planet too: harvesting invasive edible plants, like garlic mustard, makes room for native plants that are beneficial to the biodiversity of the area. 

    You might have an impression of a forager as a “lone wolf,” someone who runs off to live in the woods like a contestant on the reality TV show “Alone.” It couldn’t be farther from the truth, Cerberville says. Realistically, that person is hungry, worn out, and probably ill. Foraging is about community. 

    “Most of the things I teach people are best done in community. It’s a lot more fun to process food with other people,” she says. 

    In addition to the positive benefits of connection, foraging in the community adds another layer of safety as you identify wild edibles together. 

    With a mild climate and diverse ecosystems, the South is a bounty for foraging, with harvesting possible throughout the year. From Autumn Olive on the edge of soccer fields to walnuts and acorns, wild edible plants are all around us. 

    A person with curly hair and glasses examines a blue mushroom in a forested area.
    Image: The Chaotic Forager

    The South has a rich historical context for gathering wild food. Enslaved Black people would supplement their diets or sell food that they foraged. Soldiers roasted Chicory roots for a coffee substitute during the Civil War because it was easier to get than coffee beans. During the American Revolution, when imported spices were expensive and hard to get, people used spice bush berries for seasoning. 

    We should consider foraging, Cerberville suggests, because it connects us to the planet and makes us value food more when we have to find it ourselves. Making a puffball mushroom pizza is infinitely more satisfying than a Domino’s delivery because of the work that goes into it and our connection to the earth. 

    One of the best ways to get started is to join a local Facebook foraging or mushroom group for your region. Ask questions and look at what other people are finding. Keep safe by making sure that you are in community as quickly as possible because other people can be that extra set of eyes to confirm your findings. 

    “A cautious forager is a safe forager. Try to just start identifying stuff before you think of it as food. Noticing what’s around you is so much more important than coming home with a basket full of food,” says Cerberville, who leads foraging tours in Virginia. 

    Another resource is Cerberville’s book, published last fall, called “Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life.” Part memoir and part hands-on guide, you’ll learn to whip up dishes like Chanterelle Peach Pie with Basil from mushrooms you forage yourself. 

    “Sometimes people get really intimidated because they think they have to know a ton of stuff before they start. The best way to start is just by starting. There are plants that you know, berries that you know. And if you can identify them and pick them and cook them, you are a forager already.”

    To learn more about her book or foraging workshops, visit www.chaoticforager.com

    For more adventures in the South, click here.

  • The Panama City Oyster Trail Belongs on Every Seafood Lover’s Radar

    The Panama City Oyster Trail Belongs on Every Seafood Lover’s Radar

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City

    Panama City locals and visitors alike are serious about their oysters. The Gulf waters nearby help them taste just like a vacation themselves: they’re notoriously briny, clean, and seriously salty. 

    There’s so much love for them around town that Destination Panama City has created an official adventure, The Panama City Oyster Trail, which connects more than a dozen restaurants and oyster houses across Millville, Historic Downtown, and St. Andrews. The trail spans everything from raw oysters shucked to order to creative preparations involving butter, bacon, cheese, heat, you name it. 

    There’s even a documentary about Panama City’s oyster culture called “The Oyster Shucker” that follows Honor Allen, a local chasing the title of “youngest world champion oyster shucker.” 

    If you’re planning a trip to Panama City or you’re looking for a food-forward destination worth the drive, we’re highlighting a few stops on the Panama City Oyster Trail here. But note: there are plenty more worth your time.

    A person holding a fresh oyster above a plate filled with ice and more oysters, with a wooden surface and promotional materials in the background.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Hunt’s Oyster Bar

    Hunt’s Oyster Bar has served fresh seafood for more than 55 years from a charming yellow bungalow by the bay, which today has expanded to multiple floors offering spectacular sunset views. Before you walk in, you’ll hear crushed oyster shells crunch under your feet in the parking lot. Collins Abrams now owns Hunt’s, carrying the torch of generations before him. It’s been named one of the best places to eat oysters in Florida multiple times, and during August, Hunt’s celebrates National Oyster Day by giving first-timers a “Golden Oyster” trophy. 

    Three people walking in front of Gene's Oyster Bar, a colorful restaurant with outdoor seating and a vintage Coca-Cola sign.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Gene’s Oyster Bar

    Gene’s Oyster Bar is one of the oldest original oyster bars in Bay County. The building–which looks like an old corner store–dates back to 1910. It was originally Hiram Conrad’s Oyster Bar before becoming Gene’s in 1969. The layout started as just one small room with a 10-stool wooden bar and has expanded to include a full dining room. Oysters are shucked fresh in front of you, served with saltines, lemon, horseradish, and hot sauce. Note: Gene’s is cash only. 

    A hand holding an open oyster in front of the 'Capt's Table Fish House Restaurant' sign, with colorful fish murals on the wall behind.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Captain’s Table Fish House

    Rena Dell Windham bought this place for $75–a wedding gift–in 1930. It changed generational hands over the years until it burned in 1993. But Capt. Mitch Holman, a descendant of Windham’s, eventually revived it, and today, Captain’s Table Fish House has a seafood-packed menu with po’ boys, crab legs, and, of course, oysters. 

    Fried shrimp sandwich with coleslaw and lemon slice, served with dipping sauce and fries, in a restaurant setting.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Alice’s on Bayview

    Alice’s on Bayview sits on the corner of the St. Andrews Marina with waterfront views and a menu of coastal favorites: Panama City oysters, smoked tuna dip, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. The place overlooks St. Andrews Bay and the marina, with cozy indoor seating and a few patio tables for sitting in the sunshine. 

    A plate with a large sandwich featuring a fluffy bun, ground beef patty topped with chili and cheese, garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion, alongside fun-shaped snacks.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Bayou Joe’s

    Bayou Joe’s sits on a dock above Massalina Bayou with views of the Tarpon Dock Bridge, the only working drawbridge in Northwest Florida. The restaurant is perched mere feet above the bayou. Owners Kevin and Jennifer Shea have carried on a longstanding tradition with the space: once historic Etheridge Marina, boats would pull up to the dock for fuel. Today, those boats can still dock and fuel in a different way… with Bayou Joe’s oysters and other beloved menu items like the Trash Burger. I’d list the ingredients, but no two are the same; it’s fully chef’s choice. 

    Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill and Brew House

    Uncle Ernie’s sits in Historic St. Andrews in a house built in the late 1800s; it was the home of Ernest (Uncle Ernie) and Jessie Morris. Uncle Ernie was born May 19, 1898, married Aunt Jessie on May 7, 1925, and had four children. Today, the restaurant is lined with photographs of the family. The two-story setup means there’s ample outdoor seating for anyone wanting a waterfront view while they slurp down their Gulf oysters.

    Find the complete Panama City Oyster Trail at destinationpanamacity.com.

    Hungry for more? Click here.

    | This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner.  

  • April’s Best Southern Festivals: From Blues Music to Crawfish Boils

    April’s Best Southern Festivals: From Blues Music to Crawfish Boils

    What’s that in the air? Oh, it must be spring! The sun is out, and we have so much to look forward to. If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck this season with a range of folk, jazz, and swamp blues—and for the foodies, there’s something for both the seafood lovers and the creatures of comfort.

    ICYMI: Modern South is hosting our very first event, The Nashville Crawfish Festival in partnership with Bringle’s Smoking Oasis and Link Farms. Don’t miss it!

    The fun doesn’t stop there, so let’s get into all the best Southern festivals in April.

    Panda Fest | Multiple locations

    April 3-5, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia

    April 3-5, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

    April 17-19, 2026 | Charlotte, North Carolina

    The most adorable celebration of food, culture, and tradition is coming to multiple cities across the South with Panda Fest, one of the largest Asian food festivals in the US. Over 300 vendors come together to bring the best Asian cuisine and crafts to the streets of Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and more. Festival-goers can expect a joyful atmosphere with live performances and experiential activities, all themed around the furry black-and-white icon.

    King Cotton Crawfish Boil | Starkville, Mississippi

    April 11, 2026

    If you’re from the South, you know there’s no better place to be than gathered around the table with a big ol’ pile of crawfish. Starkville hosts the annual King Cotton Crawfish Boil, which brings out the best crawdad cooks to serve up all the fixin’s. A ticket to the event gets you unlimited crawfish tastings and all the Starkville fun you can handle. 

    Township Jazz Festival | Ridgeland, Mississippi

    April 11, 2026

    The smooth sounds of jazz will usher you into spring at Township Jazz Festival in Ridgeland. Join Latin Grammy-winner Nestor Torres as he brings warm weather vibes with his unique musical style, and many other musicians who are guaranteed to turn up the heat. Admission is free, but there will be plenty of food and drinks for purchase to fuel you up for a full day of funky tunes.

    white ceramic bowl with cereal
    Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

    Mac & Cheese Festival | Monroe, Louisiana

    April 11, 2026

    The Mac & Cheese Festival in Monroe is a dream come true for comfort food lovers everywhere. We can already imagine the cheese pulls happening as the community comes together to try different twists on the classic dish. With live music and bounce house entertainment, people of all ages can indulge in a full day of ooey-gooey goodness.

    64th Annual Arkansas Folk Festival | Mountain View, Arkansas

    April 17, 2026

    A musical month continues as Mountain View celebrates its rich connection to folk music at the 64th Annual Arkansas Folk Festival. Both local and traveling musicians fill the Ozark Mountains with the traditional sounds of fiddles, banjos, and more to bring life to the region’s heritage. With 63 years under its belt, this festival is bound to be amazing!

    Baton Rouge Blues Festival | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    April 17-18, 2026

    Head over to Baton Rouge to experience the beloved sound of swamp blues at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. What makes this festival truly unique is its dedication to the moody, hazy style, born in the bayou area of Louisiana, while also being one of the longest-running blues festivals in the country. This is a weekend packed with Southern soul, and it’s completely free to attend.

    Community Bank Crawfest | Laurel, Mississippi

    April 18, 2026

    The crawfish competitions continue in Laurel at the Community Bank Crawfest. Make your way through multiple teams’ tables, tasting their very best boils and voting for the dish that blows you away to win the People’s Choice. The tastings are endless, and if you just can’t get enough, there’s even mudbugs to take home and cook up later.

    Thunder Over Louisville | Louisville, Kentucky

    April 18, 2026

    The build-up to the Kentucky Derby Festival wouldn’t be complete without Thunder Over Louisville, an electrifying air show and unrivaled fireworks display that brings a high-energy crowd to the banks of the Ohio River. The Louisville, KY event is one of the largest of its kind in the country, attracting upwards of 500,000 spectators. It’s a full-day affair, including food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

    Alabama Strawberry Festival | Cullman, Alabama

    April 24-25, 2026

    Spring just got a little sweeter with the Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman. The music lineup boasts headliners like Ernest and Dylan Marlowe, but they’ll be sharing the stage spotlight with a Doggie Pawgeant and a strawberry Baking Competition. Senior Southerners can enjoy a dedicated Senior Day on April 24 in the early afternoon, with special activities (like an outfit contest!) taking place under a shaded canopy.

    Main Street Festival | Franklin, Tennessee

    April 25-26, 2026

    Downtown Franklin, TN ushers in a sunnier season with the annual Main Street Festival, a weekend overflowing with local entertainment and artisans. The streets are filled with families and Franklin-lovers delighting in delicious food vendors and intimate musical performances. The festival attracts more and more visitors each year, drawn in by the town’s historic charm and vibrant personality.

    Find more Southern fun here.

  • Nashville, Tennessee: Where America’s Music was Born and Never Stopped Playing

    Nashville, Tennessee: Where America’s Music was Born and Never Stopped Playing

    Featured Image: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

    Nashville cats, play clean as country water

    Nashville cats, play wild as mountain dew…

    Well there’s thirteen hundred and fifty-two guitar pickers in Nashville

       -John Sebastian, 1966

    Tonight, 60 years later, at the Station Inn there are not quite 1,352 guitar pickers. A half dozen, perhaps, along with one standup bass, five mandolins, two fiddlers, 10 banjos and the odd singer. It’s the Sunday night bluegrass jam in a longstanding Nashville music shrine—and the place is packed. Every chair taken, standing room along the walls, toes tapping, songs as old as the hills filling the air. “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” “Wayfaring Stranger.” Everyone knows the right key, the chord progressions and all the words. No one’s texting their hairdresser. Maybe the babysitter.

    Where else would you find this? On our whole planet? On a Sunday night?

    There’s only one Music City. Just one.

    It all started with Queen Victoria.

    The 19th century’s preeminent monarch drew performers from around the world to the Court of St James, and that’s why in 1873 a group of singers traveled to London from Tennessee to perform spirituals for the queen. Memorably impressed, Victoria remarked on the beauty of their singing and declared they must surely be from a “music city.”

    The city was Nashville, home of Fisk University—and the queen’s remark about the Jubilee Singers has applied here for 150 years. Music City USA is undeniably the best place in America for music lovers to visit, maybe in the world, and an identity that had the humblest of beginnings (the 1873 Jubilee singers were formerly enslaved people who had been free less than a decade) has grown exponentially.

    Of course, it didn’t really start with Queen Victoria.

    And spirituals are just part of the story.

    A close-up of a musician's hand playing a yellow electric guitar on stage.
    Image: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

    The complete story is that the South gave birth to the music of America, and Nashville is its capital city. The heritage of homegrown music below the Mason-Dixon Line and east of the Mississippi is one of the most indelible American legacies. Here in the hills, valleys and fields of the Southern countryside, Scotch-Irish folk tunes were blended with Delta blues to form country music, bluegrass, soul, jazz, gospel and rock ‘n roll. One could argue even rap was born here long ago when it was known as “talking blues.” Those forms have spread around the world and shaped humanity’s most meaningful art into a 21st century kaleidoscope that 19th century musicians could have never imagined. From Beale Street in Memphis to Congo Square in New Orleans, from Muscle Shoals in Alabama to the hollows of Kentucky, the music rang out and still does… All the way from Alabama to Australia.

    Even today you might wander Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter and come upon a pickup band of buskers playing “St James Infirmary,” a century-old blues standard whose mournful minor-key lament has echoed in a million songs since its early 20th century origins. Upriver, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, home of the Delta Blues Museum, you may well wander into a local bar on a Friday night and find a disciple of BB King holding forth.

    In Muscle Shoals, one of the most revered music studios lives on, with its visitors putting on the occasional set at local taverns. You may hear old standards by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave. In Austin, Texas, home of the premier American music show, Austin City Limits, the metro area claims to host more live music performances than any other, and no purpose would be served by trying to declare a winner between the Texas and Tennessee capitals. Both carry almost identical musical roots from the 19th century into the 21st. Both offer more music than any fan could sensibly digest in a lifetime.

    Nighttime view of Bourbon Street featuring neon signs for blues music venues and lively crowds gathered in a narrow alley.
    Image: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

    But if music is the universal language, Nashville is the most multilingual city of all. Its everyday musical agenda embraces the rhythms of plantation life, the Scotch-Irish plaints of the Appalachians, the blues of the Mississippi Delta, the thumping gospel of little country churches. Toss in one of America’s best symphony orchestras and four major concert venues ranging from a massive stadium to a historic 19th century church—plus dozens and dozens of small venues such as the Station Inn and innumerable bars, concert rooms and taverns in the city center.

    On any given night one might hear bluegrass, gospel, Latin music, thrash metal, cowboy music, Mozart, old fashioned pop, honky-tonk, soul, blues… and on and on. Yes, spirituals too: The Fisk University Jubilee Singers are active still, 155 years on. But while the sheer magnitude of the Nashville musical spectrum is obvious, a little attention adds multitudinous data points.

    • At Nashville’s very user-friendly airport, BNA, the sound system eschews the Pandora/Spotify dreck you find in most airports. Instead, enjoying a superb hamburger at Pharmacy, I hear a 79-year-old song by Hank Williams, “Move it on Over,” that is often labeled the first rock ‘n roll song—11 years ahead of Elvis’s “Hound Dog”—which was an old blues tune by Big Mama Thornton, anyway.

    Across the way the airport bookstore has two large cartons of LPs for sale. Yes, honest authentic vinyl.

    • In Nashville you won’t hear the piped-in algorithmic feculence common across Middle America from pancake houses to sports bars to white linen restaurants. That would be like serving Folger’s in Seattle.

    • A greater share of Nashville residents work in the music industry than in any other city. The industry provides 81,000 jobs and accounts for $15 billion in the local economy. Perhaps one should add tourism’s 100,000 jobs and $19 billion—visitors are not coming to Nashville for theme parks. In fact, Opryland USA shut down in 1998, though one might consider the Lower Broadway district’s “Honky Tonk Highway” and its dozens of music venues to be a theme park unique on Earth.

     Number two musical city is a place from which Nashville borrowed one of its iconic instruments—Honolulu, birthplace of the steel guitar. New York, by the way, is far down the list, at #22. Too many hedge funds, of which there are few in Nashville. (Or Honolulu.)

    • The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame honor the craftsmen who have made the city’s music superlative. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (“world’s largest songwriting community”) has thousands of members in 100 chapters around the globe, offers any aspiring songwriter guidance and support, and is currently doing battle with AI plagiarism.

    • The Country Music Hall of Fame has resisted the artist bloat that plagues the Rock Hall in Cleveland; a stroll among its 158 plaques is a compact sprint through American music, and the hall’s exhibits are memorably impressive and equally straightforward.

    A Nashville visitor would be advised to sample all these items. Throw in a tour of the historic RCA Studio B on Music Row, holding the ghosts of Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings and many, many more; and then head just out of town for the unmistakably premier music venue in America, the Grand Ole Opry.

    A musician performing on stage with a guitar, facing a large audience illuminated by smartphone lights in a concert venue.
    Image: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

    My 3-day Nashville odyssey into American music concludes at the Opry on a Tuesday night honoring a 1970/80s icon, Ronnie Milsap, who has an astounding 32 #1 records to his name, classics such as “Smoky Mountain Rain” and “Stand by My Woman Man.” Trace Adkins, Keith Urban and Blake Shelton all take the stage to pay their respects, a musical royalty lineup barely conceivable anywhere else except, possibly, London. Urban strides to the microphone by himself, guitar in hand, and proceeds to demonstrate something you’d never know without seeing him live—he is a shockingly good acoustic guitar player.

    But for me the highlight comes when a long, long, long-time star, Vince Gill, strides on stage, tall and assured, guitar in hand, three accompanists (all guitarists) alongside. Yes, Gill’s one of those 1,352 pickers, and one with quite a resumé himself.

    Vince Gill’s in the Country Music Hall of Fame. He’s in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He’s in the Musicians Hall of Fame. He’s won more Grammys than any other solo male country artist. He’s married to Christian contemporary music queen Amy Grant. He started out a half-century ago in Pure Prairie League, and for the past 10 years he has toured the world as a member of the Eagles, one of music’s all-time biggest bands. Gill’s most famous song, “Go Rest High on that Mountain,” won a Grammy in 1995. It blends all the Nashville musical flavors—gospel, blues, country, hints of 19th century spirituals, into an elegy for fallen friends. It’s heartfelt and heartbreaking, and whoever hears it cannot help remembering their fallen friends.

    Gill doesn’t sing “Go Rest High” tonight; after all Milsap is still with us, and about to take the stage for one last appearance after 50 years in the Opry. Instead, Gill dips into his personal songbook for a classic country blues lament, “Take Your Memory with You,” a straightforward goodbye song with a rollicking honky-tonk piano, fiddle flourishes and ringing steel guitar. It could be a soul song, could be a bluegrass song, could be a gospel song.

    It perfectly illustrates songwriter Harlan Howard’s legendary description of country music:

    Three chords and the truth.

    That’s Nashville. Only place on Earth.

    Lifelong journalist and editor Eric Lucas lives on a small farm on an island north of Seattle, where he grows organic hay, garlic, apples, beans and corn. He was driven away from pop music by the Jackson Five, and, turning the radio dial, stumbled on Charley Pride singing “Crystal Chandeliers”… three chords and the truth.

  • The New Kentucky Trail That Turns Southern History Into a Treasure Hunt

    The New Kentucky Trail That Turns Southern History Into a Treasure Hunt

    Featured Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourist Commission

    Georgetown, Kentucky, sits at the center of horse country, so it’s no surprise the town is riddled with classic Kentucky trails for horses and humans alike. But this spring, the city added a new reason to visit: a geocaching trail built around one of the more overlooked chapters in Southern history.

    Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt, and in this one, the treasure comes in the form of history lessons and a commemorative coin upon completion.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the new trail, and others you should check out while you’re in town. 

    A red Southern Railroad caboose displayed on a wooden deck, surrounded by green grass and flower pots, with steps leading up to it.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Historic Sadieville Geotrail: Legacy of the Mules

    The Historic Sadieville Geotrail launches April 11 at Veterans Park in Sadieville, covering ground that most people drive right past. But those that do miss out on some interesting Southern history that’s now being put at the forefront. 

    Sadieville was incorporated in 1880 as a railroading town on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad line — it was originally called “The Big Eagle” due to its location on Eagle Creek. The route

    became the country’s largest market for shipping yearling mules and colts. The town itself is named for Mrs. Sarah “Sadie” Emison Pack Burgess, a livestock dealer who helped shape the community and supported railroad construction crews during the heyday.

    Today’s geotrail hits nine historic sites that include the Sadieville Rosenwald schoolhouse built between 1917 and 1920, two cemeteries, a puzzle tied to the town’s railroading and mule-shipping origins, and the site of a 30-year-old unsolved mystery. The route also takes you past a restored Norfolk Southern caboose and the Historic Train Depot, where you’ll come across a colorful mural that covers more of Sadieville’s history. When you complete the trail successfully, you’ll receive a free commemorative coin (while supplies last).

    To participate, download the free geocaching.com app to your phone, then hit the trail. Check-in at Veterans Park begins at 9 a.m. on April 11, with geocaches going live at 9:30.

    But beyond geocaching, Georgetown and the surrounding county have enough trail options to fill a full weekend and beyond.

    | Planning your trip? Here’s everywhere to eat, stay, and play.

    A mountain biker riding through a lush green forest trail filled with white wildflowers.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Skullbuster Trails

    Built for mountain bikers and hikers looking for a workout beyond getting steps in, Skullbuster is a wooded, technical network that earns its name. This course is more challenging than leisurely, bringing adventurers past limestone rocks, hidden meadows, and agility challenges like climbs, descents, and more. You’ll want to bring extra water for this one. 

    A woman with red hair smiles and gently touches the face of a brown and white horse while standing outdoors in a natural setting.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Whispering Woods Riding Stables

    Obviously, horse country is best experienced on horseback. Whispering Woods is, unsurprisingly, wooded, offering guided trail rides through tucked-away Kentucky landscape. If you want to participate in a ride, it’s best to book ahead. 

    Toyota Biodiversity Trail

    A collaboration between Toyota’s Georgetown manufacturing plant and local conservation efforts, the Toyota Biodiversity Trail winds through native plantings and natural habitat. It’s much more mellow than Skullbuster, and is a good option for families or anyone who wants to spend time outside while looking at beautiful things. 

    A woman and a child interact with two horses at a fence in a green pasture setting.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Old Friends

    A retirement farm for thoroughbred racehorses, Old Friends runs guided tours that bring you up close and personal to horses who ran at Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and beyond. The grounds are steeped in tranquility, giving these hard-working legends the second act they deserve. Tours start at $30 per person and go up to $150 if you want to see all the horses on the farm.

    Bluegrass Country Driving Tour

    The rolling farms and white fences along Georgetown’s back roads are reason enough to recharge in Scott County. The Bluegrass Country Driving Tour maps the best of the backroads, winding past horses, rolling hills, and more, perfect for experiencing Georgetown and Scott County trails in the comfort of your car.

    A young girl with pigtails smiling while holding lavender flowers, standing in a lavender field with a clear sky in the background.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Lavender in Bloom

    Georgetown’s Lavender in Bloom farm draws visitors from across the region during peak season (summer) thanks to their beautiful blooms and delightful fragrance. It has u-pick options, art classes, photography options, and a year-round online shop. Bloom timing varies, so check schedules before you plan a whole trip around this one. 

    A man and a woman converse by a pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree, under a partly cloudy sky.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Yuko-En on the Elkhorn

    This Japanese friendship garden on the banks of the Elkhorn Creek was built to honor Georgetown’s sister city, Takamatsu, Japan. Yuko-En is a five-and-a-half-acre garden with something for every season, constructed as a Japanese-style stroll. It’s perfect for meandering or meditating in a setting you wouldn’t expect in central Kentucky. 

    This article is presented in partnership with Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • 9 Southern Hotels Where the Music Isn’t Just Background Noise

    9 Southern Hotels Where the Music Isn’t Just Background Noise

    Featured Image: Hilton

    Every few years, the travel industry invents a new word for “vacation.” Slowcation. Bleisure. Set-jetting. The buzzwords change, but the desire doesn’t — sometimes you just want to go somewhere that feels good, looks good, sounds good. This month, Modern South is digging into Southern music culture, and we’ve uncovered some of the best Southern hotels with music history that have been dancing to a rhythm all their own. 

    These are the Southern hotels where the music doesn’t stop in the elevator, but instead, keeps music history at its heart. 

    A DJ wearing sunglasses performs with a microphone in front of a turntable and floral arrangement, set in a stylish room with bookshelves and decorative elements.
    Image: Hutton Hotel

    Hutton Hotel | Nashville, Tennessee

    There’s a little secret hidden at the Hutton. The hotel has an onsite venue, Analog, plus a two-story suite running more than $10,000 a night that’s soundproofed, connects directly to the green room and the stage. The alleyway has utility hookups for tour buses. Two onsite writers’ rooms are available for both local and touring artists to rent. What does this mean? It’s a hotspot for touring musicians, so if you’re in town for a show, you may just catch your headliner in the lobby. For the rest of us, rooms come with a record player, and electric guitars and amps are available to borrow. Nashville is full of hotels that nod to music, but the Hutton is literally built for it.

    Modern dining room with a wooden table set for a meal, featuring flower centerpieces, glassware, and decorative placemats. The wall has a blue design and a TV displaying 'THE REVERBERY'. A stylish bar area with shelves of liquor visible in the background.
    Image: Hilton

    The Reverbery at Hilton Austin | Austin, Texas

    Austin is known as “the Live Music Capital of the World,” so if you’re coming here, odds are music is on the itinerary. The Reverbery is the perfect place to lay your head–the lounge channels the energy of an old recording studio with an actual stage, with an outdoor flow and a menu rooted in the city’s food culture.

    Interior of a modern lounge area with seating, a bar, and a staircase, featuring decorative bookshelves and large windows.
    Image: Hilton

    Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton | Memphis, Tennessee

    Central Station sits right on the train tracks in a restored 1914 rail station, and the old bones of the building drew me in first before I learned about the music of it all. The listening lounge, 8 & Sand, has a 30-foot record wall holding 500 Memphis-connected albums pumped through EgglestonWorks speakers, which are made in the city. A dedicated Listening Room behind the bar is built for real sound quality, and guest rooms come with a custom speaker loaded with playlists from the hotel’s in-house DJs. Memphis has a lot of hotels. Read more about this piece of Memphis’ restored history here.

    A wooden plaque with the inscription 'LET MUSIC TOUCH YOUR SOUL' surrounded by musical motifs, displayed on a polished wooden surface with art and decorative items in the background.
    Image: Olde English District, SC

    Inn Upon Moon River Plantation | Chester, South Carolina

    Built in 1904 in South Carolina’s Olde English District, this Chester B&B might as well be a Blues museum you can sleep in. Innkeepers David and Elizabeth Claytor — founders of the legendary Florida blues juke joint Dave’s CC Club — have filled every surface of the historic house with blues memorabilia, artwork, and collectibles climbing 10-foot walls, plus a proper Blues Museum with guided tours. Themed rooms, a full Southern breakfast, and gardens round out the stay. The families behind it have deep roots in Blues history, including some notable connections to Diana Ross.

    Rooftop lounge with modern seating, tables, and decorative lighting against a city skyline backdrop at dusk.
    Image: Hilton

    Hotel Fraye Nashville, Curio Collection by Hilton | Nashville, Tennessee

    Hotel Fraye is built around a character: Lady Fraye, a young woman who leaves a rural horse farm for Nashville. Her story shows up in leather journal excerpts pressed into the walls of Gathre restaurant, a 13-foot aluminum chain drape that slowly reveals her silhouette as you walk past it, and a rooftop bar called Eddie Ate Dynamite — a reference to E-A-D-G-B-E, the standard guitar tuning mnemonic.

    A stylish bar interior featuring a marble countertop, illuminated shelves lined with various liquor bottles, and comfortable leather chairs.
    Image: Madden Media

    The Study at Morrison House | Alexandria, Virginia

    Morrison House is a 45-room Federalist boutique near the waterfront, and its bar, The Study, runs a Banned Books speakeasy Thursday through Saturday, complete with live jazz and cocktails inspired by prohibited literature. Washington, D.C., is just 20 minutes up the road.

    Interior view of a modern lobby with a staircase, comfortable seating areas, plants, and decorative lighting.
    Image: Gemini

    The Balladeer Hotel | Mount Airy, North Carolina (Opening April 18)

    Everyone knows Mount Airy as Andy Griffith’s hometown, but there’s a music story, too. The Balladeer will open this April inside a converted tobacco factory, a block from the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and a short walk from the Historic Earle Theatre—this is the home of the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round, the second-longest-running live radio music program in the country behind the Grand Ole Opry. There’s a recording booth on property, Griffith won a Grammy in 1997, and Donna Fargo grew up here. 

    A hallway featuring a large portrait of a woman with a microphone, flanked by a wall filled with framed album covers and photographs.
    Image: The Dollywood Company

    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge & Resort | Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    It’s no secret that Dolly Parton is a class act, but was a surprise that both of her mountainside properties reflect that. DreamMore has her instruments on display, an album cover corridor, a tour bus on property you can book as a room, and a sealed “Dream Box” holding a song she wrote for her 100th birthday in 2046 that only she’s seen. HeartSong is quieter and more personal, built around the Smoky Mountains that shaped her songwriting — an Acoustic Lobby with instruments, photographs, and outfits, a chandelier made from acoustic guitars, and a name pulled from her song about her mountain home. Read more about these Dolly and her empire here.

    A cozy living area featuring a dark sofa adorned with decorative pillows, surrounded by a gallery wall filled with framed artwork, vintage records, and memorabilia. A wooden side table holds a lamp and a small plant, while a colorful patterned rug adds warmth to the space.
    Image: Noelle Nashville

    The Ryman Vinyl Suite at Noelle Nashville | Nashville, Tennessee

    Noelle Nashville partnered with the Ryman Auditorium on an extra-special, extra-Music City hotel. The centerpiece is a Washburn guitar built from the Ryman’s original 1890s oak pews and signed by B.B. King — one of 243 ever made. Add 100-plus playable albums on vintage Crosley turntables, a Bluetooth gramophone, archival photos of Cash, Parton, and Minnie Pearl from the Ryman’s private collection, and stained-glass windows mirroring the 1892 facade, and you’ve got yourself a pretty memorable stay in the heart of it all. 

    Looking for more Southern travel inspiration? Click here.

  • Ridgeland, Mississippi, Is One of the South’s Best Birdwatching Destinations (Everything You Need to Know)

    Ridgeland, Mississippi, Is One of the South’s Best Birdwatching Destinations (Everything You Need to Know)

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Have you ever heard of a Flyway? As it sounds, it’s a major route (a la highway) for migratory birds as they make their way south for the winter. And guess what Southern city sits right along the Mississippi Flyway—the largest bird migration route in North America? Ridgeland. 

    If you’re keeping score, that makes it the Magnolia State’s ultimate shopping destination, the Steakhouse Capital, and *checks notes* one of the best places for birders looking to steal glances of their favorites. 

    Whether you’re coming to town with a serious life list and a long-lens camera or just looking for a slow, peaceful walk that happens to involve a lot of wildlife, Ridgeland has the infrastructure to support it. And this year, the city will unveil new trails, new educational signage, and new parks, much to the delight of travelers and avifauna alike.

    We’ve gathered absolutely everything you need to know. 

    A great blue heron standing on the shore of a calm body of water, with a rocky barrier in the background during sunset.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Where to Go

    Freedom Ridge Park and the Purple Creek Basin

    Freedom Ridge Park is Ridgeland’s main city park, and it’s currently undergoing a notable transformation. The city recently completed a major first phase of improvements along Purple Creek on the property, including drainage work, erosion control, and new trail extensions. The next phase will include new fishing sites, observation decks, and benches, but birders pay attention: they’ll also unveil educational signage identifying wildlife, plant life, and more. Five trail markers throughout the property will highlight our darling birds, including geese, ducks, and blue herons.

    Barnett Reservoir and Reservoir Overlook

    The Barnett Reservoir and its overlook are prime time when it comes to spotting waterfowl, wading birds, and migratory species in droves. Spring and fall migration bring species like yellow-rumped warblers, dark-eyed juncos, and purple finches—while the resident population includes red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, and belted kingfishers.

    This is a good place to pack a picnic alongside your binoculars; you’ll want to plan to sit a while. 

    Chisha Foka Trail

    Chisha Foka is a multi-use trail running through some of the more interesting terrain in the area. The name itself is Choctaw, meaning “long trail,” and it winds through woodland habitat that draws birds like brown thrashers, Carolina wrens, eastern towhees, and a lineup of woodpeckers—red-bellied, downy, and the occasional red-headed (bright crimson head, black and white body in contrast). The trail also records painted buntings seasonally: these small birds steal the show with their rainbow feathers! 

    Old Trace Park

    Old Trace follows a section of the original Natchez Trace, and the forest provides cover for species that need deeper woodland. This includes scarlet tanagers, summer tanagers, and Baltimore orioles moving through in spring (don’t tell them we’re in Braves Country). 

    Wildflower Field and Art Park: Revamping this Spring

    One of the most interesting things happening in Ridgeland right now is the Wildflower Field and Art Park, which is currently being seeded and will fully bloom around early June, according to the city’s PR Director, Kim Cooper. The park combines blooming native wildflowers with public art sculptures, and the whole thing was designed specifically with pollinators, butterflies, and native birds in mind.

    An official marker is being installed this spring, with an unveiling planned for early April. The marker will include information on native birds identified in the field, along with the wildflowers, pollinators, and butterflies that use them.

    A close-up of a young gosling walking on green grass, with soft feathers and a curious expression.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    What To Keep Your Eyes Peeled For

    Ridgeland’s bird list is long and broad. Residents you can likely spot year-round include northern cardinals, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, and eastern bluebirds—all a reliable cast of characters you’d expect in the Southeast. Plus, there’s that robust woodpecker lineup we mentioned earlier. 

    Spring migration brings the warblers: pine warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, and orange-crowned warblers moving on through alongside summer tanagers and scarlet tanagers. Unsurprisingly, the mockingbird, Mississippi’s state bird, is everywhere.

    Those rainbow-clad painted buntings are Ridgeland’s celebrity sighting. They winter along the Gulf Coast and pass through the region during migration, so plan accordingly if this is your big goal (they come north April through May and head south when the weather cools off – a timing wildcard in Mississippi). 

    A white bird with a long yellow beak flying against a cloudy sky.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Tips & Tricks

    The early bird gets the… bird. Activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise, especially during spring migration. Bring water, wear layers (Mississippi spring mornings can be cool before they’re not), and download the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab if you haven’t already. It will identify bird calls in real time using your phone’s microphone.

    Ridgeland’s parks are free and open to the public. For current trail conditions and more information, visit exploreridgeland.com.

    This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Panama City, Florida

    Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Panama City, Florida

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City

    Wondering where you can catch a live songwriter round, sip a craft cocktail under twinkle lights, slurp fresh Apalachicola oysters, and stumble into an indie film screening—all within a few walkable blocks? Good news: Panama City delivers all of that, plus a few surprises locals like me love to keep to ourselves.

    Set along St. Andrews Bay and just across the bridge to Florida’s award-winning Gulf-front beaches, Panama City is where the city’s creative pulse lives loudest, especially during favorites like the Panama City Songwriters Festival and the FLLUXE Arts Festival. Between the boutiques, murals, and new-school spots like Revival House General Store, the downtown district feels both historic and in motion. And when you need a breather, just a short bike ride away along Beach Drive, Oaks by the Bay Park offers a breezy waterfront escape, complete with the Old Sentry Tree and a timeline mural that quietly tells the story of the city.

    Add in family-friendly Mardi Gras fun, holiday celebrations that light up the streets, and an oyster trail that begs you to eat your way through town, and you’ve got a destination that’s equal parts laid-back and lively.

    Here’s everything you need to eat, stay, and explore in Panama City.

    Exterior view of History Class Brewing Company featuring a brick wall, outdoor seating with umbrellas, and a vintage airplane on the roof.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Eat

    Fun Fact: Nearby Apalachicola once supplied 90% of Florida’s oysters and 10% of all oysters eaten across the country. The oyster beds closed in 2020 because of decimated populations, but reopened in 2025 with limited harvesting. Check out Panama City’s Oyster Trail to slurp some of these iconic bivalves.

    History Class Brewing Company

    Part restaurant, part bar, part storytelling session, History Class pairs delicious pub food with a deep appreciation for Florida’s past. The space harkens back to Panama City’s past with Letterman jackets from Bay High School, the original Marie Motel sign, and historical memorabilia donated by locals—it feels nostalgic yet hip, and the drafts on tap are as thoughtful as the decor, often inspired by local legends. It’s an ideal first-night stop to settle in and get a taste of the city’s personality.

    El Weirdo

    What started as a beloved food truck tucked in the alley behind History Class has grown into a colorful brick-and-mortar brewpub from the same team. With more than $100,000 invested in local art alone, El Weirdo doubles as a gallery of Panama City’s creative community. Come for the murals and bold energy; stay for the Brussels sprouts tacos and a side of queso so good you’ll be tempted to drink it.

    Wild Root Coffee & Tea

    Fresh, vibrant, and veggie-forward, Wild Root leans into wholesome bowls, salads, and smoothies. They also have an entire menu devoted to tea with tasting notes for each blend. And their coffee, elixirs, and shrub selections cover everything from a traditional Cubano to kombucha. It’s a bright, easy breakfast or lunch option that fuels an afternoon of exploring historic neighborhoods.

    Captain’s Table Fish House Restaurant

    A longtime local favorite, Captain’s Table keeps things classic and coastal. On the patio, live music drifts over plates of fresh Gulf oysters, fried mullet, and coveted grouper throats. Inside, it’s all Southern hospitality and seafood done right—generous portions, cold drinks, and the kind of menu locals return to week after week.

    Insider tip: Ask about the catch of the day. Menus shift with the boats.

    FINNs Island Style Grub (Little Village)

    Tucked inside Little Village’s palm-thatched palapa, FINN’s channels laid-back island energy with bold tacos and craveable house-made sauces. Grab a seat on the back deck where live music hums most nights, browse the eclectic boutique filled with local art, and settle in—the sign says it best: “No strangers… Only friends we haven’t met yet.”

    Tarpon Dock Seafood Market

    This no-frills seafood market is the place to grab a tub of smoked fish dip, a local staple best enjoyed with crackers and a bay view. While you’re there, scan the fresh catch and chat with the crew about what’s in season. It’s a quick stop that tastes unmistakably like the Gulf.

    Alice’s on Bayview

    Rustic and relaxed, Alice’s pairs fresh seafood with one of the prettiest dining courtyards in town,  perfect for sunny afternoons. Start with their legendary deviled eggs, then order the grouper piccata and linger awhile. 

    Insider tip: Say hello to the Salty Cats of St. Andrews, often lounging along the boardwalk just across the street.

    A modern hotel building by the waterfront with palm trees, a pool area, and a serene view of the water under a cloudy sky.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Stay

    Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina

    Anchoring the end of Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Panama City, this five-story boutique property offers sweeping views of St. Andrews Bay and design touches inspired by the area’s coastal heritage. The hotel is pet-friendly and perfectly positioned for walking to locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops. Even if you don’t book a room, it’s worth stopping in for dinner at Tarpon’s, where locally caught snapper arrives with smoky maque choux, or heading up to Steam on 5—the only rooftop bar in Panama City—to sip a St. Andrews Bay Punch as the Gulf Coast sunset turns fiery overhead.

    Insider tip: Grab a blanket to claim a spot on the Marina Lawn for Backstage Pass (Thursdays Sept. 17–Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.), and enjoy live music steps from Hotel Indigo on the shores of St. Andrews Bay.

    Hilton Garden Inn Panama City

    Set in the business district off Highway 231, this property balances convenience with polished comfort. It’s an easy 10-minute drive to downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews, with Panama City Beach and St. Andrews State Park just over the Hathaway Bridge. After a day antiquing or paddling the St. Andrews Bay, unwind at the outdoor pool or recharge in the 24-hour fitness center. Perks like an on-site restaurant, EV charging stations, free parking and WiFi, pet-friendly rooms, and digital key access make this a seamless stay for business and leisure travelers alike.

    Holiday Inn Panama City

    At the intersection of Highway 231 and 23rd Street, this spot to rest your head puts you close to all Panama City has to offer. Downtown’s galleries and waterfront boutiques are 10 minutes away.  Back at the hotel, relax in the heated indoor pool and hot tub, squeeze in a workout at the fitness center, or settle in at Bellini Café & Cocktail Lounge, where kids under 12 eat free. Free parking and WiFi, and a 24/7 market add ease for families, teams, and business travelers.

    A family stands on the deck of a sailboat, excitedly observing a dolphin swimming alongside in a calm blue ocean.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Play

    See the Sites on Foot

    The best way to understand Panama City is at walking pace. In Historic St. Andrews, a half-mile trail traces Native American roots, fishing-village grit, and 1887 churches before opening onto bayfront parks where locals still cast lines at sunset. Downtown adds enamel-brick banks, the Martin Theatre, and a 1926 Old City Hall, while Glenwood’s narrated stops dive into cultural legacy and neighborhood resilience. Or follow the Mural Trail with more than two dozen large-scale works across historic neighborhoods. The Welcome Wall bursts with color from multiple local artists, while beneath the Visitors Center, 19 compact murals transform concrete pillars into a playful 24-hour outdoor gallery.

    Take a Class (and Leave With a New Skill)

    At Somethin’s Cookin’, you’ll chop, sauté, and plate a full meal under expert guidance. The Panama City Center for the Arts hosts hands-on painting and mixed-media workshops inside historic Old City Hall. At The Portal, learn Mahjong over handcrafted sodas and vintage board games, or try glassblowing at Panama City Hot Glass, shaping molten color into a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

    Hit the Farmers Markets

    Come early for the best selection and linger over conversations with growers and makers at the St Andrews Farmers Market or the Panama City Farmers Market in Historic Downtown. Pick up a jug of Register Family Farm honey, admire hand-turned wooden bowls, stock up on handmade soaps, fresh produce, and small-batch baked goods. It’s equal parts shopping trip and Saturday morning ritual.

    Shop Local

    Historic Downtown and St. Andrews reward slow browsing. Duck into antique stores for weathered coastal furniture and vintage glassware, flip through shelves of regional books, and discover original paintings, pottery, and handcrafted jewelry by local artists. These aren’t souvenir-shop finds; they’re pieces with stories.

    Get on the Water

    The bay is the city’s backyard. Book dolphin tours or fishing charters with Papa Joe’s Bayside, paddleboard or kayak with Bayside Rentals, glide through bioluminescent glow tours with Glow Float, or sail into the breeze with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions. However you launch, expect salt air, open horizons, and a deeper appreciation for life on the Gulf.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Macon, Georgia

    Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Macon, Georgia

    Featured Image: Visit Macon

    I was running late—as usual—so I didn’t fully appreciate the mansion’s two-story octagonal cupola as I raced up the marble steps of the Hay House in Macon. It wasn’t until I took my seat in the Music Room, with only minutes before the bride walked down the aisle, that I fully took in the surroundings: breathtakingly ornate plasterwork on the soaring ceilings, curved pocket doors, and marble mantels in an Italian Renaissance Revival style. 

    I was sitting in one of Georgia’s most historic houses and distinguished structures—dating back to 1855, dubbed “the Palace of the South” and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974—yet I was somehow completely unfamiliar with this architectural gem until the invite arrived for my friends’ wedding.  

    During the post-ceremony cocktail hour, we continued to admire the home’s gilded plaster cornices and heard tales of a “secret room” hidden behind a bookshelf.

    That’s the thing about Macon, I’ve realized. There are so many surprises waiting to be discovered here. You just have to know where to look.

    But there’s no need to wait for a formal invitation to explore the Hay House (which offers behind-the-scenes tours) or Macon in general. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Macon, from its storied past to its evolving present.

    Outdoor seating area of a restaurant with metal tables and chairs, featuring a large window showcasing brewing equipment inside. The street is lined with trees and decorative lights.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Where to Eat

    H&H Soul Food

    Founded by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson in 1959, H&H Soul Food Restaurant is a cafeteria-style meat-and-three just as beloved for feeding Southern rockers and their fans as it is for the fried chicken, oxtails, and collard greens. Today, the place keeps ramblin’ on as part of the Macon-based Moonhanger Group, which is also responsible for nearby staples like The Rookery, Dovetail, Natalia’s, Grant’s Lounge, and the Capitol Theatre.

    Longlead Distilling Co.

    Macon may be full of history, but recent additions to the dining scene like Longleaf Distilling Co.—Middle Georgia’s first craft distillery—are anything but stuck in the past. Take a mixology class or tour the distillery and taste the many delicious spirits made here, from Heirloom American Whiskey and 8-year-old Cask-Strength Bourbon to innovative aperitifs and bitters.
    The bar’s green-tiled design gives a big-city feel while the staff and regulars deliver the small-town charm with signature cocktails and small plates, such as crab rangoon eggrolls and toasty focaccia with tomato-balsamic dipping oil. 

    Macon Bagels

    The best way to start a weekend morning in Macon is in line at Macon Bagels. Trust us: everything at this scratch bakery is worth the wait. Don’t miss the rotating specials, which vary from creations like the sushi bagel (cream cheese, smoked salmon, ponzu cukes, wasabi peas, nori confetti, and spicy mayo) to the buff chicken (blue cheese cream cheese, buffalo chicken dip, picked celery & pickled red onions) and many more.

    Yollah Social Kitchen & Garden

    Inspired by Latin flavors and Southern hospitality, this vibrant spot on College Street near Mercer University is a local fave for weekend brunch, family dinners, and date nights alike.

    macon georgia travel guide, hotel forty five
    Image: Visit Macon

    Where to Stay

    Hotel Forty-Five

    A member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, this 94-room boutique hotel housed in one of the city’s historic skyscrapers is situated at the intersection of Cherry and First Streets with Cotton Avenue. The resulting 45-degree angle not only lends a unique shape to the building’s architecture, but offers some unparalleled vantage points—both from the guest rooms and the hotel’s Hightales Rooftop Bar. Raise a glass of the Old Fashioned Otis (made with Carreta de Oro tequila, bitters, and agave) to the late, great Georgia singer-songwriter—his namesake museum is also located just down Cotton Avenue.

    The Woodward Hotel

    For the traveler seeking a rarefied experience, make a reservation for one of The Woodward’s nine, well-appointed guest rooms with modern conveniences. Settle in with a signature cocktail at Quill, the petite onsite bar that punches well above its weight with a menu inspired by literature.

    A person jogging along a winding road surrounded by greenery and hills under a cloudy sky.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Where to Play

    The Big House Museum

    Any real Southern rock fan knows that Macon is much to thank for the genre’s distinct mix of blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll that has become synonymous with the famed Allman Brothers Band. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, the band took up residence in a large Tudor Revival home at 2321 Vineville Avenue—also known as Highway 41 from “Ramblin’ Man”—in the 1970s, where they spent several years shaping their legendary sound. Behind the mushroom-clad gates, fans can take a trip back in time and view rotating exhibits of memorabilia on display, then retrace the band’s steps around town and stop at Capricorn Studios, where many musical greats from the Marshall Tucker Band to Otis Redding III have recorded.

    Society Garden

    Considering Macon’s deep musical legacy, it’s only right to catch a live performance while in town. Less than a mile from The Big House in Ingleside Village hides one of the city’s favorite venues to do just that. Nearly hidden beneath sprawling vines and a lush mimosa tree, the entrance is unsuspecting, leading guests down a stairwell and into a not-so-secret beer garden with a stage and elbow room for 500. A vibrant mural of Little Richard—Macon’s native son and the father of rock-and-roll—sets the tone for the good times ahead. Check the calendar for ticketed events before you go; if the lineup isn’t your vibe, odds are good there is another show to catch at popular downtown venues like the historic Capitol Theatre or The Hummingbird.

    Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

    For a broader look at the region’s history, pay respects at the Ocmulgee Mounds. This prehistoric American Indian cultural site has unearthed millions of artifacts, making it one of the largest archaeological digs in the country’s history. Efforts are underway to secure a possible national park designation.

    The Rabbit Hole

    Before you leave town, stop in this charming boutique for a sweet souvenir. Curated by owner Autumn VanGunten in collaboration with acclaimed artist Cedric Smith, the Forsyth Street shop is packed with on-trend provisions, hand-painted stoneware, vibrant plants, and other stylish pieces for your home and wardrobe. If you’re lucky, you may even find one of Smith’s original artworks for sale.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    This article is presented in partnership with Visit Macon, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • I Ate My Way Through Mississippi for a Week. Here’s What You Need to Know.

    I Ate My Way Through Mississippi for a Week. Here’s What You Need to Know.

    Featured Image: Kellie Walton

    A food and wine festival is a beautiful thing – beloved area chefs come together for a day or weekend filled with good food, fellowship, and flowing drinks. The JXN Food & Wine Festival, launched in 2024 and growing bigger and better each year, welcomes chefs from across the state to dish up their specialties, set against a backdrop of national top-chef demonstrations, live music, and plenty of mingling. 

    I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 JXN Food & Wine Festival, but the event itself was my figurative dessert. I spent the entire week before road tripping through Mississippi, starting on the gorgeous Gulf Coast, winding through historic small towns with big personalities, and ultimately, ending in Jackson.

    Here are all of my hungry highlights. 

    A person holding a white container filled with boiled crawfish against a beach backdrop with blue sky and ocean in the distance.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Coastal Mississippi

    I flew into the Biloxi airport to kick off my culinary marathon with a bang. The fitting first stop was lunch at The Chimneys, a decades-old restaurant tucked inside a gorgeous historic home. The inside is cozy and quaint, but the back porch is spectacular in its own right. Take a seat facing south for this view: a magnificent oak tree casting its shadow over lush grass, all of it fading from green grass to sparkling blue ocean before disappearing on the horizon. 

    We checked into Hotel Vela, a boutique stay in Gulfport with gorgeous coastal touches–bright wallpaper, retro touches, clean aesthetic. Soon after check-in, we gathered in the onsite restaurant, Siren Social Club, for dinner and drinks. Chef Austin Sumrall catapulted in local popularity after opening White Pillars in neighboring Biloxi. While White Pillars is elegant and modern, Siren is a little irreverent and full of personality. We shared plenty of starters from trout caviar and oysters to some of the best biscuits I’ve ever had, then found a bit of room in our stomachs for entrees of ravioli, scallops, and beef wellington. The food was spectacular, but my cocktail was equally impressive: a spicy margarita where jalapeños were pureed and frozen into the drink’s oversized ice cube. It was a choose-your-own spice adventure that got better with every sip. 

    Before departing Coastal Mississippi, I snagged a tray of crawfish and royal reds from Clawdaddy’s Crawfish and enjoyed them beachside. 

    Exterior view of Buschman Street Cafe with a brick facade and sign.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Hattiesburg

    Being a fan of trains and train travel, I was eager to visit Hattiesburg because of its nickname as the “Hub City”—it has a robust rail history. I would learn in no time that the town’s allure goes far beyond train tracks, because our first stop at Buschman Street Cafe came to impress. Chef and owner Terry Jackson’s pride in his business is apparent in the decor, the regulars, the maintained grounds, and the dishes. For lunch, that includes fried oyster salad, osso bucco, and grilled steaks. 

    A plate of steak served with mashed potatoes and green beans, set on a elegantly dressed table in a cozy dining area.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Vicksburg

    I departed Hattiesburg certainly wanting more, but we had a schedule to maintain and thus had to carry on. My attitude soon changed upon arrival in Vicksburg—a small town packed with quirks and character. It’s where Coca-Cola was first bottled, it has a massive National Military Park, and it may hold a few residents present in soul, not body. 

    Speaking of, we potentially joined some during our welcome dinner at Anchuca, a Greek-Revival style home from the 1830s that now houses a restaurant, bakery, and hotel. We gathered around a period-appropriate dining table and indulged in steaks, sides, nice wine, and pleasant conversation before retiring to another historic home for the night, Oak Hall. 

    Window display of Jean's Eatery, featuring the names 'Jean's' and 'Miss' in bold lettering, with a reflection of the American flag and nearby architecture.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Meridian

    We traded quirks for quintessential Mississippi charm in Meridian, home to a historic downtown district, a massive arts museum, an opera theater, and a recently refurbished 16-story Art Deco hotel, The Threefoot, at its center. After a lovely rooftop glass of wine while the sunset bathed the town in orange and pink, we walked to Weidmann’s, Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, for dinner. Tradition seeped through the entire meal, from the iconic peanut butter crock and crackers on the table to a packed house of regulars, a famous black bottom pie on the dessert menu, and a members-only club upstairs. 

    The following day, the theme of locally-loved and tried-and-true continued with lunch at Jean’s. It’s an everyone-knows-everyone (and their business), and someone is going to ask about your momma and daddy kind of place, but with this being multiple days into a Mississippi road trip, it was old hat for this tourist. Still stuffed from last night’s redfish, I opted for a pimento cheese sandwich on sourdough, adorned with a tomato as it should be.  

    Exterior view of a white building with a yellow door and wooden steps, featuring a sign that says 'Lily Pad'.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Ridgeland

    A short but memorable pit stop in Ridgeland introduced me to a beautiful nonprofit and my new favorite Southern shower food, all in one. For lunch, I visited the Lily Pad Cafe, which has a mission to help individuals with developmental and learning disabilities conquer the hospitality industry. Then, they “leap” from the program to other restaurants around town. Next door, the same nonprofit operates a gift shop filled to the brim with handmade crafts matching the mission. 

    When it came time for tea, Ridgeland’s CW Organics Tea Room was the place to be. We enjoyed a tower of treats, including Deviled Strawberries, a delightfully sweet take on a Southern classic. 

    Exterior view of Brents Drug with a neon sign, featuring the words 'Breakfast', 'Lunch', and 'Dinner' in blue and a menu that includes 'Mugs', 'Ice Cream', and 'Sodas'.
    Image: Kellie Walton

    Jackson

    The marathon of meals was nearing its end, but Jackson made sure we upped our pants size before heading home. We ventured to Cathead Distillery for cocktails and a tour (their honeysuckle vodka remains my favorite in the world), then joined JXN Food & Wine Fest-goers for a group dinner led by chef Nick Wallace, with guest chefs Vishwesh Bhatt, Gabriel Pascuzzi, and Enrika Williams. 

    Festival day kicked off with breakfast in the retro Fondren District at Brent’s Drugs, which has been around since the 1950s and has a super cool speakeasy hidden within. A storm was rolling in, so we opted for takeout from The Pig & Pint before venturing to the event. 

    At the festival itself, I tried more bites than I could count, a standout being a fried bologna sandwich from chef Chaz Lindsay and more caviar from my new coastal friend, Chef Sumrall. It was a joyous celebration of Mississippi’s finest food, surrounded by proud locals and eager visitors who had ventured far and wide. 

    On our farewell day, brunch began at the Iron Horse Grill, best known for its BBQ and live music. We visited a Mississippi institution, Hal & Mal’s, for a lunch consisting of nachos and a pitcher of tots (literally). 

    No matter which Mississippi city you’re visiting, the chances of finding an incredible meal made by chefs who care are above average. This year’s JXN Food & Wine Festival takes place March 20-22, and tickets are available here. BRB, booking my flight. 

    This article is presented in partnership with Visit Mississippi, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Here’s a Southern Town Where Everything Turns Pink to Celebrate Spring—Food Included

    Here’s a Southern Town Where Everything Turns Pink to Celebrate Spring—Food Included

    Featured Image: Visit Macon

    In March, Macon, Georgia, wears pink. 

    Each spring, it becomes the pinkest place in America. The city has hundreds of thousands of Yoshino cherry trees—more per capita than Washington, D.C.—earning the city the title of Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. When the blooms open, the whole place turns cotton candy pink for a multitude of reasons. 

    Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival has been happening since 1982, and it’s grown into a full-blown spectacle, getting quirkier every year: wiener dog races, bed races through downtown, the world’s largest game of musical chairs, and enough pink food to warrant its own trail. 

    It started when local realtor William A. Fickling Sr. discovered a Yoshino cherry tree in his yard and began propagating and sharing them—his efforts were later championed citywide by Carolyn Crayton. Today, those original trees have multiplied into a citywide canopy, gracing the community and, now, droves of visitors, with their stunning pink blooms year after year. 

    Here’s everything you need to know about Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival. 

    A hand picking up a small cup of dessert topped with whipped cream from a wooden tray filled with assorted sweets.
    Image: Visit Macon

    The Pink Provisions Trail

    Macon’s restaurants and bakeries fully commit to cherry blossom season, cranking out creative confections and all-pink everything. The Pink Provisions Trail maps the city’s most photogenic offerings. In years’ past, that’s been everything from cherry blossom cocktails at downtown bars to rosy pastries at local bakeries, pink lemonade made with actual cherry blossoms, and loaded nachos on top of pink tortilla chips. It’s just as photogenic as it is tasty, so remember the golden rule: phone eats first (and tag Visit Macon!). 

    A lively parade scene featuring two dachshund dogs wearing bandanas, with a crowd of people watching excitedly in the background. A man in a floral shirt is filming the event, while a woman in casual attire stands nearby.
    Image: Visit Macon

    The Can’t-Miss Events

    While the trees certainly speak for themselves, Macon has upped the ante on the festivities by adding a raucous lineup of events and activities that can only be defined as wonderfully weird. You’ll see what we mean.

    Wiener Dog and Pig Races

    It’s like the Kentucky Derby of Dachshunds. A bunch of pups sprint down a 50-foot track while their owners holler words of encouragement, and the crowd cheers them theatrically. At the end, one wiener is crowned the winner. Separately, a series of pig races take place during the festival.

    Bed Races

    The races continue, only this time with humans. Teams of five race through downtown Macon while pushing decorated beds on wheels… They’re all themed, with past entries including “Wizard of Oz” and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and the competitors are grown adults which makes this all the more entertaining. 

    Musical Chairs

    From local celebrities to community members, Hundreds of people dressed in ridiculous inflatable costumes circle hundreds of chairs in the street. Just like in grade school, when the music stops, mayhem ensues.

    The Grand Parade

    The festival’s closing ceremony comes in parade form, winding through downtown with floats, marching bands, and, of course, plenty of pink touches.

    A large digital screen displaying the logo for Macon, Georgia's International Cherry Blossom Festival, with a crowd of people gathered around it.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Getting There and Staying There

    Macon sits at the intersection of I-75 and I-16 in the middle of Georgia, about an hour south of Atlanta. If you’re flying, ATL is your closest airport for a rental car, but Contour Airlines offers direct flights from Dulles straight into town.

    Hotel Forty Five is centrally located downtown and is within walking distance of most festival events. Macon’s Airbnb scene includes some cool music-themed rentals (this is the birthplace of the Allman Brothers and Little Richard, after all).

    Close-up of white cherry blossom flowers blooming on a branch with a soft, blurred background.
    Image: Visit Macon

    Need to Knows

    Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, but Macon throws a memorably pink party whether or not the trees bloom. If you’re determined to catch the trees at their pinkest, check the live BloomCam at visitmacon.org/bloomcam. 

    But the blooms are only the beginning of springtime magic in Macon. Beyond the International Cherry Blossom Festival, come visit for strawberry picking at local orchards, fresh-cut flower experiences, and sips at Longleaf Distillery, where every bottle sold equals a longleaf pine tree planted. 

    Spring is also a celebration of the area’s Indigenous heritage at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and through culinary projects spotlighting native plants on menus.

    This article is presented in partnership with Visit Macon, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Where to Take Your Date in Ridgeland: Mississippi’s Steakhouse Capital

    Where to Take Your Date in Ridgeland: Mississippi’s Steakhouse Capital

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    What exactly earns a city the title of Steakhouse Capital? I suppose it could come down to the number of chops served per capita, the number of visitors flocking solely for steaks, or the number of actual restaurants classified as steakhouses in a given zip code. In this instance, it isn’t an argument worth having because in Mississippi, Ridgeland is the clear winner. 

    So if you’re a local looking to woo your date or a traveler interested in putting a special occasion spin on your next getaway, head right to Ridgeland. With no shortage of steakhouses (obviously), seafood spots, and international eateries galore, we’re helping narrow the list of dining options for when you’re researching your next reservation. 

    Here are 8 steakhouses in Ridgeland to get you started.

    A plated dish featuring a piece of fish topped with a creamy sauce, served alongside green beans and roasted sweet potatoes on a white plate.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Anjou

    If you’re a fan of French cuisine, Father-daughter duo Christian and Anne Amelot-Holmes run lakeside bistro, Anjou, that merges forty-plus years of French culinary training with Southern sensibility. Christian trained at the Savoie-Leman culinary school in France; Anne grew up in Le Ferte-Bernard and now manages the front of house.

    The fried crab claws are regularly recommended to kick off your special occasion meal, then carry on with a redfish entrée and a strawberry crepe or crème brûlée to finish. On a nice night, the lakeside patio really dials up the ambiance. 

    A chef in a black uniform presents a plate of pasta with chicken and greens in a restaurant kitchen.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Amerigo

    When your special occasion calls for classic Italian comfort food, look no further. Amerigo has been around since 1987 and features a menu that covers all the bases: pizzas, pastas, steaks, and seafood. They also offer a Sunday brunch if you’re opting for a daytime date. While the restaurant started in Ridgeland, it’s since expanded around the South, including Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout Mississippi. 

    A tray of food cooking in a beech oven with flames visible in the background.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    CAET [seafood | oysterette]

    CAET is equal parts eatery and wine bar, and does both with expertise. After you get you and your honey settled on the outdoor patio, browse the extensive wine menu that offers tastes, half-glasses, and full pours, which is much appreciated if you’re indecisive like me. Then turn your attention to the food menu, where the decisions get tougher: jumbo scallops with shrimp and feta risotto and tarragon-Meyer lemon butter sauce; prime rib with smoked Gouda and caramelized-onion mashed potatoes. We’ll stop there. 

    A view of a restaurant bar with patrons seated and engaged in conversation, shelves stocked with various drinks in the background, and tables set for dining.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Ely’s Restaurant & Bar

    Ely’s sits upstairs overlooking the Railroad District in Old Town Ridgeland, which already gives it an atmosphere all its own. Owner Richard Shapley named it after his grandfather Elias “Ely” Shapley of Greenville, opened the doors in 2008, and has been aging steaks for 28-plus days ever since. Filet Louisiane drenched in Creole bbq butter and topped with shrimp is regularly lauded, and the list of starters, sides, and desserts is long enough to warrant a second date all its own.

    Signage of Kathryn's Steak, Seafood, and Prime Rib restaurant with a blue sky in the background.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Kathryn’s Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant

    What sets Kathryn’s Steakhouse apart is not only its (near) daily food and drink specials, but also its nightly live music, serving dinner with a side of show. Kathryn’s has kept many of the same recipes that have delighted visitors since opening in 1979 – the menu ranges from hand-cut steaks to seafood, prime rib, and classic sides and desserts. 

    A person using a knife and fork to cut into a piece of steak served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, on a white plate with a green rim.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    M.M. Shapley’s

    If this last name sounds familiar, you’d be right. Kin to the Ely’s team, the original Shapley’s opened in 1985, and today offers a wide variety of fish, beef, and lamb. If you’re coming in for date night, it’s worth noting how shareable many menu items are: for starters, there’s a long list of, well, starters, but mains include a massive porterhouse, cowboy ribeye, and family-style sides. 

    Taste Italian Kitchen

    TASTE opened its Ridgeland location in July 2025 after building a reputation in Starkville. Executive Chef Shannon Lindell runs the kitchen, turning out a variety of pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and entrees that include, you guessed it, steak. 

    There’s a bar, a lounge, and a gorgeous new patio on the way for warmer days. Pro tip: prices are notably lower here than your average Italian spot, which we thought we’d share if you’re picking up the check.

    A person serving a plated steak with herbs, accompanied by asparagus and a glass of red wine at a dining table.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Tico’s Steakhouse

    Tico’s has been doing its old-school steakhouse thing in Ridgeland since 1989, and just recently expanded to Oxford in 2024. The menu here spans steaks, seafood, chops, and chicken, featuring all the classics like a wedge salad, garlic bread, steak and lobster, and potato sides in many forms. Don’t let the neon lights or the log cabin exterior fool you – one bite will prove this is a worthy spot to woo your date. 

    This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

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