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If there is one travel publication that knows the ins and outs of the South, it is Southern Living.
Recently putting together one list of the South’s 25 best destinations to visit in 2025, there were some real surprises mixed with cultural icons, like New Orleans.
Right now, given the cold front spreading across much of the mainland, you might think Florida is the place to be, but there are countless hidden gems and overshadowed towns waiting to be discovered by regular travelers.
Anyone who has ever traveled through the South knows that “Southern hospitality” is a real thing, where you are greeted with “How are you?” and left with “Had a blessed day”, unlike other big cities where you are just a face in the crowd.
If you’re looking for relaxing getaways with friendly locals, hearty comfort food and affordable luxury, look no further than these 4 surprising US cities named the best South American destinations for 2025.
Montgomery: a historic capital full of riverside delights
With MLK Day just around the corner, let’s start with one of America’s most historically significant cities.
Home to the Rosa Parks Museum, the Montgomery Bus Boycott Memorial and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. ever served, Montgomery checks off all the boxes for history buffs.
That said, Montgomery offers much more than intriguing museums that showcase America’s turning point toward a more inclusive and just society.
Montgomery has a picturesque downtown with rows of historic buildings, but the place to be is the Riverfront District.
Whether you’re enjoying classic soul food items, browsing boutiques or hopping aboard Harriott II riverboat for a scenic drive along the Alabama River you are sure to enjoy yourself.
Lexington: Kentucky’s underrated city to run around
Your first thought might be Kentucky Derby or fried chicken when it comes to visiting the state that happens to resemble a chicken leg, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye beyond Colonel Sanders’ popular fast food chain and the ‘ most exciting two minutes of Louisville’. in the field of sports’.
Lexington may not host the Kentucky Derby, but there’s nothing wrong with second best (unless you’re Ricky Bobby, of course).
Lexington is known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’; in fact, where you can enjoy exciting races like Keeneland or opt for a fun horse riding tour Whispering Woods Riding Schoolwelcome for all ages.
Better yet, it’s always a good time to do so horse around with your friends, and what better place to do it than that of Lexington Distillery district?
Better yet, the luxury hotels in Lexington are very affordable Origin Hotel, for less than $100 in late winter/early spring.
Richmond: Discover historic sites and riverside gems
Whether or not Richmond is truly “the South” is another question for another day, but there’s no doubt that Virginia’s capital is brimming with timeless charm and riverside gems.
While many vacationers in Virginia right now may be opting for Virginia Beach in search of winter sun, don’t sleep on Richmond, a highly underrated city with fascinating historic sites such as Richmond National Battlefield Park, the Black History Museum and the Cultural Center of Virginia, and countless plantation tours.
Richmond occasionally experiences freezing temperatures in the winter, but a spring visit to Belle Isle in Richmond, home to the hidden gem of North beacha quiet retreat tucked away from the cityscape.
Also check out Richmond’s thriving beer scene, especially the top-rated ones Brewing legend with a view of the skyline.
Chattanooga: Scenic Train Rides and Home Charm
Nashville may be central to Tennessee, but Chattanooga won’t disappoint with much less of a bar-hopping crowd Stationsstraatamong other surprising treats you can enjoy before sunset.
Exploring the historic streets of downtown is a must, but what people may not realize about this vibrant college town are the fun attractions that even Nashville can’t match, like the world-famous Tennessee Aquarium and countless scenic train rides (Southern Living highlights 7). here).
Chattanooga has come so far in locomotive history that there’s even a new train-themed luxury hotel, Hotel chalet.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of Chattanooga is how beautiful it is with amazing nature Lookout mountain with postcard-worthy Ruby Falls.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
