The A-lister hot spot is situated in the art deco hub of South Beach, with modern nods to the era with its use of Shanghai brick and bronze, teak, stone and art. The rooms and suites feature in-room bathtubs for personal spa treatments, rain showers, teak floors, Lavazza espresso machines, personalized housekeeping service and a 24-hour concierge, among other luxury amenities.
It’s off-season during the hot, summer months, and deals are easy to find. The Setai’s Girls’ Getaway and Gentleman’s Retreat packages offer private shopping experiences, spa treatments, breakfast, complimentary spirits and VIP access to Miami’s nightlife. (Rates begin at $595 per night with a minimum two-night stay.)

To tone down on price, but not on style, stay at TownHouse Hotel. Smack dab in the middle of South Beach, flanked by high-end neighboring hotels, sits TownHouse. “It’s great because of the location,” says Colleen Graham, director of sales. “It’s nestled in with the big guns [and is a real] home away from home.”

Highly utilized for studio and magazine production shoots, TownHouse is as much appreciated for its creative, minimalist lines, and all-around fun and flirty decor as it is for its comfort and unassuming prices.
Brought to South Beach at the turn of the millennium by Jonathan Morr, who is well-known for his Manhattan eateries, Republic and BondST, this 69-room, two-suite, Parisian-designed boutique hotel is frankly a steal at $145 a night midweek, and $175 a night on the weekends, through August and September. A Parisian breakfast is included.
The rooms are clad in white, with striking pops of color, and hallways, specked with benches, comics and other good reads, are engulfed with cool soundtracks. The rooftop, fitted with various table settings and lounge chairs, transforms at night into one of South Beach’s hottest weekend hangouts, and the highlight is sushi sent up from the ground floor BondST Lounge. Zagat Miami has named its tuna “the best on the planet.”

Images by Sean Murdock
Written by Melanie Bowden Simón
Read more on our August/September Issue now!

I never tire of the words cut the engine. I spoke those words over two years ago as I raised two white sails in the air, as a friend and I faked our way down the Wilmington River. It was a glorious moment — the dull constant putter of the motor stopped suddenly as I uttered the magic phrase, and the boat began to glide silently in a steady spring breeze. The transition from motor to wind never gets old.Here on the coast nothing beats anchoring to enjoy a midday grill with friends or falling asleep to a good book, surrounded by nature. While sailing certainly has its challenges and frustrations, the awesome power and beauty of our Lowcountry waterways present opportunities hard to beat. And spring is the ideal time to get started. With clean breezes, moderate temperatures and a noticeable lack of gnats, it’s a good time for you to spend a night or two out “on the hook.” Here’re a few local spots I like to relax in.




Herb River
(Lat: 32.015 N, Long: 81.039 W)
While not the most protected anchorage on this list, the Herb River is a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of the Intracoastal Waterway, and not too far from decent sailing in Wassaw Sound. You will often come across interesting sailors anchored here that are traveling up the Intracoastal after spending a winter in the Bahamas or Keys.
Located south of Thunderbolt but north of the , the Herb River is an easily accessible anchorage. It’s a fun place to break out the grill and have lunch, or spend a night and take a small dinghy ashore to nearby Thunderbolt. You can also wash down your burgers by taking a right at the second fork and heading up Country Club Creek to grab a Dark ‘n’ Stormy (see sidebar) at Bonna Bella Yacht Club. Be sure to watch your depth and only go in boats where the power lines work in your favor.

Images by Eric Prine
View the complete story and more local spots on our latest issue!

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Savannah Spots

Tybee Spots

Savannah Churches

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Stay: Nestle into a nice, sleek room at the brand new Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte in Uptown and enjoy a fine respite in the midst of a bustling shopping and dining center. History buffs and the romantic at heart will adore The Duke Mansion, an elegant bed and breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shop: Go for Louis Vuitton handbags at SouthPark Mall, pick up artisanal finds at the independent shops like Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique in the bohemian NoDa neighborhood. Meanwhile, find great discounts in brands like Banana Republic or Bass Pro Shop at Concord Mills.

Play: While you’re in town, satisfy your need for speed with a trip to the Nascar Hall of Fame or to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Explore everything curious at Discovery Place and definitely venture to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for your Warhol and Picasso fix.

For the hottest places to eat, play, stay and shop in Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville and Charleston, pick up the latest issue of South magazine!

Missed our Beech Mountain article? Click here for all the best places to eat, play, stay and shop in Beech Mountain.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Travel time : 1 hour
If an Italian trattoria style fine dining experience is what you seek, look no further than Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana. (michael-anthonys.com) Recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the region, Michael Anthony’s offers traditional Italian fare in a contemporary metropolitan setting. From Tagliatelle alla Bolognese to Scaloppine di Vitello con Spinaci, Formaggio e Salsiccia and even nightly fresh fish selections, your meal will be enhanced with a glass of wine or wine flight from their extensive list. Insider tip: Michael Anthony’s offers cooking classes, taught by Chef Michael himself.
Old world arches and charming Charlestonian gardens will greet you at Hilton Head’s esteemed Main Street Inn & Spa. (mainstreetinn.com) Before falling into silk or brocade linens in one of 33 exquisite rooms, treat yourself to one of many options from the spa menu or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility by one of the Italianate fireplaces. (Rates start at $149) Insider tip: Main Street Inn and Spa offers a full, complimentary breakfast in their breakfast room from 7:30am – 10:30am. They feature fresh fruits, pastries, sausage, bacon, potatoes and eggs.

Bluffton, SC

Travel time: 45 minutes
To truly experience the freshness the South has to give, stop by Cahill’s Market (cahillsmarket.com). Not only can you purchase home grown produce, you can enjoy Southern hospitality right from the farm in their Chicken Kitchen. Feast on a quintessential Southern lunch of Meat and Three, including fried chicken, a variety of seasonal fresh vegetables, as well as other meat choices such as fried pork chops, fried catfish or pot roast, depending on the day. Finish off your lunch with a delicious cobbler made with fruits from right outside the back door. Insider tip: For a more waist-friendly option, Cahill’s offers a Light Side lunch including tuna, chicken or shrimp salad on greens or fruit salad with cottage cheese.
Beaufort, SC

Travel time: 1 hour
Filled with quaint charm, Beaufort puts a modern spin on its historic downtown. Plum’s Restaurant combines fresh local ingredients with global flair to create a casual, elegant ambience (plumsrestaurant.com). Enjoy an exotic appetizer of Thai Shrimp Ceviche and then an entree from the good ‘ol south, Shrimp and Grits. Complement your meal with a glass of wine from Plum’s selection of great whites or reds. Insider tip: Plum’s offers occasional wine dinners as well as serves as an art gallery, proudly supporting talented local and regional artists.

Stay

Spend a night, or two or six, at the stunning W Atlanta-Downtown and forget all of your worries while you dine and doze right in the middle of it all. Settle in to your cozy suite, resplendent with modern contours and plush seating and ogle over all of your amenities—from an outdoor heated pool to a swanky lobby bar (rooms start at $275).

Play

If you’re looking for a little R & R on your trip, make sure to stop in at Posh Spot, one of Atlanta’s premier pampering destinations. While you’re there, get a mani, pedi or a soothing facial in a rejuvenating environment. Seeking some excitement? Benefit in the culture that awaits you, whether it be a sophisticated evening of Martinis & IMAX at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History (open Friday nights in January) or a late night dance party at underground hipster hangout MJQ Concourse.

Eat

With local foodie celebs like Tom Colicchio, Kevin Rathbun and Shaun Doty blowin’ up the dining scene in Atlanta, you’re at no shortage of scrumptious meals in the city. If you’re craving a little soulful seafood, head to C & S Seafood, where they specialize in oysters. With over a dozen different varieties, treat your taste buds and sample scrumptious shellfish from all over the country.

Shop

While you can’t go wrong with the best in designer names at Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, Atlanta’s most brilliant finds pop up in boutiques and unassuming storefronts. Artistically minded homeowners should pay a visit to the allures of home decor store Bungalow Classic, where it’s easy to assemble a Martha Stewart approved room on a whim.

Get more tips on ATL to SAV in South’s December 2010/January 2011 issue!

Play

Spend every waking moment soaring over mountaintops while you’re at the highest point in the South (the town of Beech Mountain is at 5,506 feet). Rent a set of skis, then hit the slopes at Ski Beech Mountain Resort. This resort’s claim to fame comes twofold: as the highest ski resort in eastern North America and as the only resort in North Carolina equipped with both a high-speed quad lift and a panoramic view. Take a group lesson with your travel buddies ($20 for one hour) and get back into your skier’s groove, or opt for snow boarding or ice-skating instead. Ski rentals start at $16 with snowboard rentals starting at $25. Passes run $30 for a full day (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday), $20 for a half day (9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday), and $60 for a full day on holidays or weekends.

Eat

Sore muscles and windburn require the love and attention of a good chef. After spending your day soaring, screaming at the top of your lungs and burning zillions of calories on the slopes, your wearied hide needs nothing more than a hot, well-prepared meal. Jackalope’s View, a winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1999, is one of the shining fine-dining establishments in the area. Spend a special evening with top views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in this lodge-like atmosphere and nibble on a hearty meal of organic meats and locally grown veggies. The French-trained chef has a talent for inventive global cuisine. In neighboring Banner Elk, delight over seasonal plates at Artisanal. This countryside restaurant matches its rustic flavors with luxe interiors. Hardwood floors, the warm envelope of soft lighting and natural foods give the establishment a hush-hush feel, perfect for sharing the regional specialties. Keep your blue jeans back at the lodge, though. Dress here is coat and tie. Be sure to plan your trip when Artisanal is open because you don’t want to miss it; it closes for the month of January.

For more suggestions on what to do and see during your visit to beautiful Beech Mountain, venture out and pick up the newest issue of South magazine!

Bluffton

Go. A one-time headquarters for Confederate forces, this small town has kept its tie to the antebellum past despite its demolition in 1863. With a serene scattering of cottage-style shops and old homes on Calhoun Street and the new storefronts at The Promenade, the city happily rests somewhere between the past and present. Situated on top of a bluff, the town overlooks the tranquil May River just west of Hilton Head and north of Savannah. Riverside living gives locals a friendly, laid-back vibe that often rubs off onto visitors.

Stay. Play up your stay in Bluffton with a luxurious night or two at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (palmettobluffresort.com). The spacious riverside cottages and village homes set on perfectly manicured lawns are the ideal setting for a surprise anniversary or honeymoon destination. Rent a space on a yacht charter, play a game of tennis, get a relaxing Bath on the Bluff treatment at the spa, and enjoy fine dining at its most elegant in the hotel’s River House Restaurant. For a little less of a splurge, head to the Holiday Inn Express Bluffton (hiexpress.com). A complimentary breakfast in the morning and a heated outdoor swimming pool make this comfortable chain an easy choice.

Eat. After an afternoon rummaging for treasure in local shops, a hearty dish of Lowcountry boil at Pepper’s Porch (peppersporch.com) really hits the spot. Sit outside and enjoy the sweet smell of Southern food, the view and the relaxed crowd that hangs out there. Wash down a satisfying supper with a deep glass of Burgundy or Chateauneuf-du-Pape at Corks Wine Co. Neighborhood Wine Bar (corkswinecompany.com) in the Calhoun Street Promenade. The wooden paneling and handsome interior draw a hip, after-dinner crowd making it the ideal place to go for a late-night sip and snack. Try the gooey baked Brie or light sockeye salmon.

Play. Take an hour-long guided tour of the Historic District with an additional 30-minute stop at the 1840s antebellum home, the Heyward House (heywardhouse.org). Add some extra oomph to your tour by planning a trip around October 17–24 for the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival (blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com), or spend some time by the water with a visit to Native Guide Kayak Tours (nativeguidetours.com). Learn about local wildlife, get some exercise and enjoy a front row seat to May River’s mysterious charm.

Shop. It’s hard to narrow down the choices of eclectic shops, but with a weekend’s stay shopaholics have time to hit several of the intriguing cottage-style storefronts. Try Gigi’s Boutique and Outfitters for sensible dresses and brightly colored handbags, or stop in at Egg Centricities for something on the eccentric side. From trinkets and home goods to good gift options, they have it all! Embrace the local arts community with visits to local galleries in the area like Pluff Mudd Art (pluffmuddart.com), and while in the area, knock off a trip to the Tanger Outlet mall (tangeroutlet.com) for some big name apparel.

Beaufort

Go. Everything in Beaufort seems perfectly and suitably Southern, which is probably why filmmakers have used the quaint area as a backdrop for numerous films including Forrest Gump, Platoon, Forces of Nature and G.I. Jane, among others. Museums, a strong tie to the military, brilliant eateries and a wide range of shopping opportunities add to the town’s appeal. And the locals sure know how to take advantage of the gorgeous setting. In October, the town plays host to the Shrimp Festival, Exchange Club Ghost Tours and the Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens.

Stay. Whether you opt for something quaint, magical, magisterial or eclectic, staying at a mom-and-pop inn is the way to go in Beaufort (although there are some gorgeous hotel chains here too). The Rhett House Inn (rhetthouseinn.com) is centrally located and offers all of the comforts of home in a 1820s antebellum structure. A Southern breakfast, nighttime hors-d’oeuvres, afternoon tea and a before bedtime dessert are all part of the package. But if bed and breakfasts aren’t quite your style, go posh, upscale and urban with City Loft Hotel (citylofthotel.com). Aside from the fancy amenities at this boutique hotel, like specialty soaking tubs and free access to the gym during a stay, there’s also a new coffee shop inside the hotel called City Java & News that’s a welcome retreat after a chilly afternoon around town.

Eat. When deciding where to eat, the options in this seductive Southern town are endless. On a rainy, romantic evening, when the air’s filled with the first hint of winter, you’ll find a welcome home in the French restaurant Bistro Patois (bistropatois.com). Sit in a cozy back corner and dine on a warm, savory dish of roasted Cornish hen or seared lamb loin. For something a little different, embrace contemporary cuisine at its freshest at Breakwater Restaurant and Bar (breakwatersc.com). Chefs Gary Lang and Elizabeth Shaw devote their tasty menu to the best, locally sourced meats and produce they can find. The final result? Tantalizing tidbits like Drunken Duck Breast or Black Pepper Seared Beef Carpaccio from the tapas menu and entrees like the Cornbread and Foie Gras Stuffed Quail.

Play. If you’re contemplating how to best see all of the sleepy streets and secret nooks of the town, you may be due for a Narrarated Horse Drawn Carriage Tour from Southurn Rose Buggy Tours (southurnrose.com). Take a trip down old-timey streets in a vehicle befitting yesteryear. Tours run for approximately 50 minutes and pass through Civil War sites, movie locations and Victorian homes. When you aren’t trotting through downtown Beaufort, partake in a few waterside activities on Hunting Island State Park (huntingisland.com). Climb to the top of Hunting’s towering lighthouse and see why this is the most visited state park in South Carolina. Come back down and do some fishing or tanning on the 3-mile beach. For a special ending to a memorable day, spend the night among the palm trees on the beach’s campground.

Shop. A rich history combined with artistic zeal give shops in this city a little something extra. Book lovers will adore the magical atmosphere within the Storybook Shoppe (thestorybookshoppe.com). Reminisce about your favorite childhood tales with a foray into this brightly colored bookshop for kids. Dabble in the arts with a peek into several of Bay Street’s galleries like The Craftseller (craftseller.com) and Bay St. Gallery (baystgallery.com). Then shop for a new fishing reel at Bay Street Outfitters (baystreetoutfitters.com).

Hilton Head Island

Go. With one of the top-ten ranked family beaches in the U.S. and some of the best tennis and golf courses in the world, Hilton Head has been a popular spot for weddings, family vacations and relaxed weekend trips for years. Its reputation as an ideal vacation spot is further supported by a host of fun things to do, see, eat and buy. The 12-by-5-mile island takes pride in its commitment to nature with four parks in the area, numerous animal tours and a largely litter-free community.

Stay. While you’re here, your beach time is precious. So, we recommend something with a view of the water, like Hilton Oceanfront Resort: Hilton Head Island (hilton.com). Whether your suite has a view of the ocean or of the golf course, this luxury setting offers easy access to all matters of interest including beaches, shops and restaurants. Golf and tennis fans will be happy to know that their hotel is situated within Palmetto Dunes resort community (palmettodunes.com), which boasts the world-famous Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and Palmetto Dunes Golf Club. The gorgeous scenery surrounding The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (starwoodhotels.com) is equally enchanting.

Eat. Whether you’re craving burgers or filets, Hilton Head’s wealth of restaurants make options endless. The Studio’s (studiodining.com) artsy interior could be the ideal setting for honeymooners or romantic duos out for a special evening, while the nearby, come-as-you-are hole in the wall, The Sea Shack, attracts crowds for its fried seafood at a deliciously affordable price (entrees tend to be under $15). But if you prefer a little entertainment with your succulent seafood or BBQ, head straight to The Salty Dog Cafe, a true Southern staple (saltydog.com). They often have live music or seasonal festivals that are family friendly and tons of fun. For drinks later on, stop over at The Tiki Hut at the Holiday Inn Hilton Head (hihiltonhead.com). Locals pack the porch along with the guests as they sip and mingle.

Play. If you haven’t been to Hilton Head’s beaches, now is the time. The white sands, blue-green waters, gleaming hotels and eateries make a day at the beach a necessity. Old school car collectors have their trip set out for them with the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival (hhiconcours.com). Races, a wine event, car shows and an oyster fest all line the calendar of this weeklong event (October 29–November 7).  For an adrenaline rush outside of the racing car, rent a paddleboard for some stand-up paddling. Be sure to pack a wetsuit! Or go on a tour with Outside Hilton Head Island (Outsidehiltonhead.com).

Shop. Buy luxury labels like Tory Burch and Rag & Bone at women’s wear heaven The Porcupine, located in the Village at Wexford (porcupinestyle.com). Then peruse the colorful works of studio artists at Mira’s Picture This Artists’ Gallery (picturethishiltonhead.com). To add an element of sin to your stay, pop in to the Chocolate Canopy (chocolatecanopy.com) for truffles and a few delectable crocodile shaped chocolates. The gents may want to pay a visit to Tobacco Road for its fine selection of cigars and tobacco for porch-side relaxation back home.

St. Augustine, Florida

Travel time: 3 hours

Whispers from the grave or a dark figure appearing in a corner are only a few paranormal instances visitors may encounter on the Ghost Train Adventure tour in St. Augustine (ghosttrainadventure.com). Starting at the presumed haunted Ripley’s Museum, the tour ($26 for adults) lures guests onto the second and third floors of the former hotel, known as The Castle Warden, where two women perished in a mysterious fire in 1944. The train slowly creeps by The Spanish Military Hospital, Tolomato Cemetery and the Old Drug Store, all which have been “visited” by spirits from the past. Insider’s tip: With each admission ticket, guests receive an EMF (electromagnetic field) ghost meter and disposable camera and are encouraged to post their photos and findings on the web site. Remember to arrive 15 minutes prior to train departure time. Group rates are available.

A Serenely Spooky Stay

Enterprise, Alabama

Travel time: 6.5 hours

Nestled in the historic downtown of the Boll Weevil Capital stands an elegantly restored jewel, Rawls Hotel (rawlsbandb.com). The Spanish architecture of the Rawls Hotel holds secrets of past guests who have quite possibly made it their permanent residence. Guests may experience sounds of a grand piano playing in the opulent ballroom (which has no piano), a woman dressed in white appearing in a window, children’s laughter, or even a sighting of the deceased Captain Japheth Rawls, the original owner, dressed in overalls. “I know I heard little girls giggling and playing in one of the downstairs bathrooms, and there were no children in the building,” reveals LeeAnn Smith, who works on the third floor, which houses a consulting firm. Insider’s tip: Guests can enjoy breakfast after a night in one of four rooms appointed with antiques that recapture the style of the hotel’s original splendor.

Gracious and Ghostly

Pawley’s Island, South Carolina

Travel time: 4 hours

Rows of eerie yet elegant arches of oak trees make way for the truly Southern facade of Litchfield Plantation (litchfieldplantation.com). Currently a bed and breakfast, its deceased former owner, a descendant of the late Dr. Tucker, likes to make “appearances” by touching a guest on the shoulder. This often happens when guests ring the bell at the front gate, as the original tale tells. He’s also been seen coming from the Carriage House, the restaurant on the property. Insider’s tip: Rates start at $145 per night. Local ghost hunters have visited this inn and picked up some paranormal activity on the property.

Spirited South

Watkinsville, Georgia

Travel time: 4 hours

Once a place for townspeople to gather, the Eagle Tavern is now a museum that houses not only Watkinsville heritage but possibly spirits from the past. North Georgia Tours owner, Melissa Piche, begins her haunted walking tours here (northgeorgiatours.net). The hour-long tour is mainly historical, but there’s always a chance for the supernatural. Once, a soldier recently home from Iraq visited the tavern and heard a radio in the next room coming on by itself, playing his company’s song. “I believe the spirits were honoring him,” says Piche. Insider’s tip: Tours are $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12. There are two tours per weekend night. Piche gears the early tour toward families and the later one for those who may want a creepier encounter.

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Supernatural Seafaring Town

Portland, Maine

Travel time: 3 hours

As the evening fog rolls over Casco Bay, your stroll through the haunted Old Port begins (wickedwalkingtours.com). This hour-long tour ($15 for adults), led by professional actors, takes guests on a historic, comedic journey through the bayside streets of author Stephen King’s birthplace. People have heard eerily beautiful opera singing near the former site of Ward’s Opera house and have even seen the ghostlike figure of a girl on the dock, perpetually waiting for the return of her father, a boat captain who perished at sea many years ago. Spend the night at the luxurious Portland Regency Hotel and Spa (theregency.com). Originally the State of Main Armory, it’s been beautifully converted into a hotel with its own fitness center and full day spa (Rates start at $149). Insider’s tip: Wicked walking tours are Wednesday through Saturday and are cash only. As the website states, “Your credit is no good in the afterlife.”