Summer is HERE and it’s time to plan your next weekend getaway! There are numerous destinations that are perfect for summer vacations but there’s nothing quite like a Southern escape for an extended weekend. You can count on delicious food, beautiful scenery and really nice people! I've rounded up 5 Southern destinations and the perfect hotels that are calling your name!

1.) Palmetto Bluff

The Montage Palmetto Bluff is quite literally the epitome of a quintessential Southern destination. Honestly, it is the happiest place on earth. Hands down, this is my FAVORITE place to go for a long weekend. The Montage has a large main house filled with beautiful Southern guest rooms as well as white cottages spread out all over the property surrounding the water. There are the most charming men driving golf carts to transport you from your room to the restaurants and stores on property. You can also rent bikes to ride around the trail and through the neighborhood where there are gorgeous coastal homes that are sure to make you envious.

One of the things I love most about Palmetto Bluff is the numerous events that are offered throughout your stay. Our favorite activities include the shooting club, yachting (duh), and bowling. There are also a ton of complimentary activities like smore tents, wine and cheese on the deck and mimosas on the shore. If you’re not into activities on vacation, don’t worry, there is a pool, spa and 8 restaurants on the property.

2.) Rosemary Beach

You’ve probably heard about Rosemary Beach and there’s a reason why! This is the cutest and quaint beach town that’s full of restaurants, stores and beautiful vacation homes. In my opinion, there’s no other hotel quite like The Pearl. It is simply the cutest!! They welcome you with complimentary house made pimento cheese and every night you receive a seasonal dessert by your bed with turndown service. What’s not to love about that?! My favorite part of the hotel is the bar on the rooftop deck that surrounds the pool and overlooks the ocean. The food is outstanding and the scenery is breathtaking.

Aside from the hotel, the community has so much to offer. You can bike ride throughout the town and bop into restaurants and shops. There really is no need to leave the area unless you make your way back to the main road to cross the highway and grab breakfast at the Donut Hole. There’s also a DELICIOUS italian restaurant called Amici 30A that’s a must visit. Check out The Southern Source’s guide for a full rundown.

3.) Savannah

Talk about charming! Savannah is probably one of the most picturesque cities in the south. This is the place to go if you are interested in eating insanely good food and strolling around old southern streets. There’s isn’t a block in Savannah that isn’t absolutely beautiful. There are a lot of bed and breakfast options but my favorite is The Gastonian. It’s a large historic house that is so cute and still feels private. You’ll wake up to a complimentary breakfast that you can request to be sent to your room and you’ll come home to complimentary happy hour and horderves that you can enjoy on your balcony. Doesn’t that sound like an absolute dream?!

You can’t visit Savannah without eating at Husk, The Grey and The Olde Pink House. Seriously. I dream about these restaurants and the food that can’t be found anywhere else. After all of the fine dining you’ll find yourself indulging in, stroll around and soak up the 22 square parks that are spread throughout the small city. You have to visit the historic and famous Forsyth Park that’s filled with spanish moss trees and a beautiful fountain that’s known as the centerpiece of the park.

4.) New Orleans

Y’ALL. I love this place. If you want to listen to live jazz music on the street, eat gumbo, drink french 75s, and avoid a bathing suit at all cost, book a trip to New Orleans. There’s nothing quite like New Orleans charm and I think it’s perfect for a weekend getaway this summer. Besides the old, colorful, historic homes, there are a ton of insanely delicious restaurants lining almost every street. I’m CRAZY about The Pontchartrain Hotel. It’s absolutely to die for as far as old southern charm and it has a bar (Bayou Bar), a restaurant (Jack Rose), a rooftop bar (Hot Tin) and a coffee/bakery (Silver Whistle). They have Le Labo products, pink robes and the CUTEST rooms I’ve ever seen. You might not ever want to leave this hotel!

If you’re more into the bed and breakfast vibe, Henry Howard Hotel is absolutely adorable and very nice. They offer complimentary happy hour and breakfast. For a 3 day weekend, I would stay at Henry Howard the first night and The Pontchartrain Hotel for the last 2 nights. As far as restaurants, you MUST go to Brennan’s for Saturday brunch and Galatoire’s for Friday Lunch. Both of these historic restaurants offer insanely delicious food as well as beautiful atmospheres.

5.) Charleston

Last, but absolutely not least, is Charleston. You have to be living under a rock to not hear about how wonderful Charleston is. In fact, I’d use the word magical! Charleston is perfect for a weekend escape all year around but especially during the summer. Filled with charming houses, trendy restaurants and adorable hotels, Charleston is a go-to destination making it rated one of the top tourist cities in the US. There are too many amazing hotels but If I had to narrow it down I would say The Dewberry, 86 Cannon and Hotel Bennett.

Husk, The Darling Oyster Bar, Tradd’s and La Farfalle are restaurants not to miss. Check out my full Charleston guide and itinerary here for a complete restaurant run down. If you’re wanting to explore and pack your schedule full of activities, check out Folly Beach, book a plantation tour and walk around the Battery and Waterfront Park. Be sure not to miss the famous pineapple fountain and grab a drink at Fleet Landing on the water down the street!

Happy vacation planning!

xx,

CKS