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There’s a reason people call Wilmington, NC & Island Beaches the best of the Carolina Coast. With a historic riverfront city and three island beaches just minutes away, this coastal gem offers a vibe for every vacation mindset. Choose to relax among natural oases or make your escape all-original by packing your itinerary with authentic experiences. No matter the season, visitors will want for nothing and leave already planning their next visit.
From the days of pilfering pirates (hear those tales on a Ghost Walk!) to some of today’s hottest film and TV stars navigating the brick-lined streets, Historic Downtown Wilmington is a must. Stroll the nearly 2-mile Riverwalk, with its easy access to more than 200 local boutiques, eateries, galleries and more. Immerse yourself in the thriving film scene with an indie screening at Jengo’s Playhouse or go on a guided or self-guided tour to see the spots where popular shows like “One Tree Hill” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” filmed. Chase the sunset on a Cape Fear River cruise or charter a private sunset sail. Catch a concert on the river at Live Oak Bank Pavilion or a performance in the historic Thalian Hall, then step inside hidden speakeasies for an after-show cocktail. Explore historic home museums, Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and so much more.
No trip to the coast is complete without some beach time! Wilmington’s three island beaches – Carolina,Kure and Wrightsville – offer a distinct vibe for every traveler. In Carolina Beach, search for the native Venus Flytrap in the waterside state park and then explore the vintage Boardwalk (home to the famous, seasonally open Britt’s Donuts!) while soaking in the town’s colorful character. On the other end of the island, Kure Beach offers visitors the perfect seaside retreat. Reconnect surrounded by natural oases, then explore the historic sites. Looking for more active adventures? A 20-minute drive from downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach offers world-class watersports on its crystal blue waters from SUP and outrigger tours to ASA-certified sailing lessons and everything in between.
Be sure to pack your appetite; Wilmington & Beaches’ culinary scene is every foodie’s dream. Savor fresh, sea- and farm-to-table dishes at hotspots like Seabird, owned and operated by James Beard Outstanding Chef semifinalist Dean Neff, Olivero Kitchen + Cocktails, from chef Sunny Gerhart, a James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalist, and Voyce Bistro, the newest culinary venture from chef Keith Rhodes, a finalist for James Beard Best Chef Southeast. Or, opt for those spots the locals frequent. Dig into artisanal grilled cheese at CheeseSmith, signature Southern comfort food at On Thyme and the state’s best burger at Island Burger & Bites. Maximize your coastal bites on a food tour or check out this 3-day foodie itinerary for a self-guided exploration.
With history, arts, culture, active adventures, a thriving food and drinks scene and so much more to uncover, it’s easy to see why Wilmington & Beaches is a destination on the rise. Start planning today for an epic coastal escape!
Sandwiched between white-sand beaches and a downtown riverfront, historical Wilmington offers a lively, timeless escape for any vacationer.
Twenty-some years ago, if you asked anyone what was so delicious about Wilmington, the immediate answer would have been Flaming Amy’s. The Fajitarito, especially with pineapple jalapeño salsa, was a culinary delight for any palate (and it’s still legit […]
Eagle-eyed visitors of ARRIVE Wilmington will catch a subtle circus-animal theme throughout the property, a nod to the building’s history.
The Darling Oyster Bar, a cornerstone of Charleston’s dining scene, recently celebrated a decade of success on King’s Street. The fan-favorite oyster bar has welcomed thousands of guests, shucked countless oysters, and supported the community’s fishermen and artisans. Now, this love of the Lowcountry has expanded to a second location in Savannah, Georgia.
The Local Palate Newsletter Content Manager got to chat with The Darling’s Co-Owner, Robert Young. The two talked on The Darling’s partnerships with local seafood purveyors, their new Savannah location, and of course, Robert’s favorite way to eat an oyster.
Erin Oliver: First of all, huge congrats on 10 years of success at The Darling. That is no small feat. Can you share one thing you’ve learned as a small business owner?
Robert Young: Thank you. We’ve learned that our most important goal is how much we value our employees and ensure they have everything they need.
EO: What has the evolution of The Darling on King Street been like over the past decade?
RY: Over the course of these ten years, we ride the waves with our local artisans. So much of what we do involves our local seafood purveyors and fisheries. We purchase most everything we sell from small local fishermen. It’s always been important to us to stay true and support them.
EO: Why did Savannah seem like the best fit for The Darling’s second location?
RY: Savannah, in many ways, already feels like home. They have a thriving restaurant scene and we really wanted to be a part of that. We were very intentional in picking that location, and our team felt like it was the natural next step.
EO: What feels different about this new location?
RY: From a menu perspective, we celebrate Savannah’s local food culture and artisans, and the oysters and local seafood we’re able to access. The building is very similar to what we have in Charleston—we love these older buildings that tell a story.
EO: I’m from Kentucky, and must admit, am ignorant when it comes to oysters. In your opinion, what’s the best way to eat them?
RY: If you had to do it one way, it’s fresh out of the water. Raw. Freshly shucked.
EO: What is your go-to order on the raw bar menu?
RY: I love the variety of the local oysters we get from local fishermen. I truly look forward to see what’s new coming from our local waterways.
EO: Can you share a bit about your cocktail program?
RY: We are always evolving with our cocktail program. We try to showcase local products as much as possible. We are conscious of what our customers are looking for and what our staff likes.
EO: What is a drink at The Darling you’re currently enjoying?
RY: You can never go wrong with an Oyster Shooter. It’s been on the menu for 10 years and it’s a staple. We do a wonderful Darling Fashioned, a great sipping cocktail.
The Darling Oyster Bar has a reputation for capturing the spirit of the Lowcountry […]
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Ditch the granola bars and dig into Lake Hartwell Country’s hearty, local cooking.
Out here in Lake Hartwell Country, we’re no strangers to nature. Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties are home to Upstate South Carolina’s three major lakes, the southern edge of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, and miles of wild and untamed forest. It just makes sense that we love to get out and explore our area’s natural treasures. But rugged landscapes demand rugged fuel. Leave the granola bars and trail mix behind and dig into our local grub: food crafted with care, perfect for putting some pep in your step before a day on the water or for refueling at the end of a trail.
Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, the Chattooga River traces the border between Lake Hartwell Country and our neighbors in Georgia. The free-flowing river intersperses sections of white-water rapids with calm pools, so you can enjoy its cool waters whether you’re craving exhilaration or relaxation. Head out to Long Creek, SC, for a day of adventure on the Chattooga: rent tubes, rafts, kayaks, and more from the Chattooga Whitewater Shop for a wild time on the river, then refuel at the shop’s delicious pizza joint, Humble Pie. They’re known for their locally sourced ingredients, house-secret dough recipe, and – of course – beautiful scenery to accompany your pizza.
The rural, mountainous north of Pickens County is home to countless miles of secluded trails, gushing waterfalls, and mountaintop views. The untamed beauty of its landscape means you’re a drive away from the nearest restaurant hubs, but this is no obstacle for those who are connoisseurs of both food and nature. Embark on a moderately difficult hike out to Beech Bottom Falls, just south of the state line, where a riverside path leads to an observation deck to view the cascade. Hardy (and hungry) hikers can then treat themselves to a scenic half-hour drive south to the town of Pickens, where they’ll find a vibrant main street full of local restaurants, from a caffeine jolt at Coyote Coffee to comforting meals at Farmhouse Deli.
Anderson County borders Lake Hartwell, one of the largest recreation lakes in the Southeast and our namesake. Covering nearly 56,000 acres and reaching 926 miles of shoreline, this massive lake is a one-stop destination for every outdoor activity you could want. More than 524 campsites dot the lake’s shores, interspersed between five marinas and even more public boat ramps. You may even experience a professional or collegiate angling tournament, as it’s known nationwide for its excellent bass fishing. After an exhausting day of playing on the lake, head up to The Galley in Portman Marina for a seafood dinner with a lakeside patio view.
With so many mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and hikes to explore in Lake Hartwell Country, there are just as many restaurants waiting to be discovered. Where will your trail take you next?
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is an outdoor mecca with a thriving art scene, hippie charm, and a beer culture at a fever pitch.
From historic roots to cutting-edge restaurants, Chapel Hill is a quintessential southern destination.
In Columbia, old stalwarts dish out gourmet plates while a new guard of eclectic eateries have sprung up in the farthest reaches of the city.
From deviled crab dip to biscuits with a cult following, Biloxi, Mississippi, is emerging as a must-visit food-lover’s destination. While this Gulf Coast city has long been known as the Vegas of the South, its culinary scene is not-so-quietly stealing the spotlight. Rooted in French Creole tradition and fueled by fresh Gulf seafood, Biloxi blends history with modern creativity. James Beard-nominated chefs share the stage with local eateries, serving everything from elegant fine dining to casual coastal bites. It’s no wonder Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism generates $1.6 billion annually—accounting for a third of the state’s total tourism revenue. Whether you’re indulging in seafood gumbo, shrimp and grits, or a perfectly flaky biscuit, Biloxi proves it’s more than beaches and casinos—it’s Coastal Mississippi’s ultimate culinary jackpot.
Best Seafood Indulgence: Coraline’s
Located inside Beau Rivage, Coraline’s specializes in Gulf and Cajun-inspired flavors. The Snapper Coraline is a signature entrée, but the deviled crab dip—lump blue crab baked into a creamy blend of swiss cheese, leeks, and sherry, served bubbling hot with crisp flatbread—is heavenly.
Impressive Historic Dining: Mary Mahoney’s Old French House
Housed in a 1737 home, this landmark restaurant has hosted presidents and celebrities. Expect white-linen service, Southern charm, and classics like seafood gumbo, crab au gratin, and perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits.
Coolest Beach Vibe: Shaggy’s
For laid-back dining with a view, Shaggy’s delivers fried shrimp, po’boys, and spectacular sunsets on the water. Family-friendly and casual, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day on the sand.
Most Decadent Biscuit Joint: Greenhouse Biloxi
One of the city’s biggest surprises is Greenhouse Biloxi, a cozy café with a biscuit menu locals rave about. Flavors rotate, but sweet potato and bacon cheddar are staples. Any specialty biscuit with roasted tomatoes and “OG fluff” spread is a can’t-miss.
Best Modern Southern: White Pillars Restaurant & Lounge
For laid-back dining with a view, Shaggy’s delivers fried shrimp, po’boys, and spectacular sunsets on the water. Family-friendly and casual, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day on the sand. Led by James Beard nominee chef Austin Sumrall, White Pillars shines with seasonal, locally sourced plates in a beautifully restored mansion. From Gulf seafood to inventive vegetable sides, it’s a fresh-yet-refined experience in Biloxi.
Unmissable Everyday Eats: Blind Tiger
Part of Biloxi’s charm is its casual, crave-worthy dining. Mugshots serves up gourmet burgers. The Blind Tiger pairs Royal Red shrimp with creamy Bushwackers. Brick & Spoon thrills with fancy cocktails and Instagram-worthy breakfast dishes. Half Shell Oyster House delivers Cajun-Creole dishes that rival those of the Big Easy itself.
Royal Red Shrimp
Biloxi’s claim to fame lies in its rich shrimp harvesting heritage, earning it the title “Seafood Capital of the World” in the early 20th century. Today, this Gulf Coast gem continues to thrive on its deep-rooted fishing traditions and fresh coastal cuisine. The city’s culinary pride shines brightest with its Royal Reds—sweet, deep water shrimp celebrated for their rich, lobster-like flavor—a real treat to eat.
The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is Biloxi’s all-in-one destination—part luxury hotel, part culinary hub, and part entertainment hotspot. With 1,740 fabulously decorated rooms (including dog-friendly options), a gaming floor with 1,200 slots, table games, poker, and BetMGM Sportsbook, it’s action packed. Dining dazzles, from Australian Wagyu steaks at BR Prime to housemade pasta at Stalla. For a true indulgence, book a Gulf-view room and soak in the sweeping coastal scenery and picturesque pool area.
Daria Smith scoured the lengths of Mississippi to select the best chef, best mixologist, and top dining spots across the state for 2025.
Explore dining, culture, and activities in twelve cities along Mississippi’s Gulf coast offering small town charm or exquisite dining.
We’ve scoured the South for small towns making a big culinary impact, and selected our top 20. Nominate a town to be featured in 2026!
Discover family adventure and historic charm in the Heart of North Carolina.
As we celebrate America 250, we invite you to the heart of North Carolina, where our nation’s vibrant history and spirit of discovery come alive through unforgettable family adventures. Begin your journey at the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural-habitat zoo, where you can feed giraffes at the Acacia Station or explore the whimsical Kidzone. For a taste of classic American farm life, head to Millstone Creek Orchards to enjoy seasonal “u-pick” fruit, hayrides, and their famous apple cider slushies.
The American story continues at Linbrook Heritage Estate, where kids can marvel at the massive collection of restored tractors in the Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum or tour the historic Hoover House. For those who feel the “needfor speed,” no trip is complete without visiting the Petty Family Attractions. Explore the Petty Museum to see the legendary cars and trophies of “The King,” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, celebrating a true American racing dynasty.
If you are looking for a creative spark, the legendary Seagrove Pottery community offers a “Pottery Highway” of nearly 100 shops where families can watch artisans preserve a centuries-old American craft. For a change of pace, stroll through downtown Liberty to explore its charming local parks and small-town boutiques, or embrace our natural heritage on the Deep River State Trail. This scenic path is perfect for a family hike or bike ride, offering beautiful river views and a chance to explore the historic Faith Rock. Whether you are picking peaches, spotting rhinos, or discovering a new favorite piece of art, our community is ready to welcome you home for this historic milestone.
Request Travel Inspiration here: heartofnorthcarolina.com/visitor-guide/
Just 20 minutes from Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, North Carolina is full of activities, sites to see and exceptional restaurants to dine at.
Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia have a growing number of Black-owned restaurants. Whether you’re looking for classic soul food, barbecue, pastries, or experimental Southern cuisine, these are the can’t miss Black-owned businesses to visit
In Greensboro, NC, culinary creativity meets deep-rooted traditions, creating a dining scene as diverse and welcoming as the city itself.
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Explore some of the best restaurants and cafés in the South Carolina mountain region. Indulge in local, hidden favorites throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, Pendleton, and other sought after areas. We’ve picked 20 places for you to choose from during your travels.
Greenville
If you’re craving dim sum in Greenville, this is the spot to visit. Menu standouts are the pork belly rice bowl; sambal lettuce wraps with shrimp, romaine, and coconut; and siu mai, a shrimp and pork dumpling with roe. And don’t miss the daily dessert with seasonal fruits.
Spartanburg
The clam linguine with fresh littleneck clams and the artichoke grilled swordfish will hit the spot at Islas. Creative cocktails like the El Chupacabra with mezcal, passionfruit liqueur, balsamic blackberry shrub, lime, and a red wine floater are fun to pair with a plate of oysters.
Spartanburg
Stop by this petite café for brunch and try decadent dishes like pommes frites with melted brie, the blueberry crepe filled with Meyer lemon creme, and the French burger with brie, caramelized onions, and a fleur de sel butter spread. Grab a seat at the bar to watch the chefs make crepes.
Spartanburg
For more than 30 years, Gerhard’s Café has served classic German and Austrian cuisine to happy diners. Standouts are the beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes and The “Wurst” Pizza in Spartanburg with mustard, swiss cheese, knackwurst, bratwurst, and sauerkraut.
Greenville
Bring a date to this swanky French restaurant led by James Beard semifinalist chef Joe Cash and try menu items like the deviled blue crab served artistically in the crab shell, the Dirty Rotten Scoundrel burger with melty cheddar and Scoundrel sauce, and duck fat frites.
Greenville, South Carolina
Soby’s, recent recipient of Wine Spectator’s 2025 Grand Award, offers a celebrated wine program complete with the state’s largest temperature- controlled wine cellar beneath the restaurant. Grower Champagne and red burgundy are standout pours; craft cocktails, local beers, and excellent Southern chophouse fare are also strong selling points.
Greenville
Make reservations at this beloved Belgian restaurant in downtown Greenville. You’re missing out if you don’t order the braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts and the steak frites with au poivre sauce to share.
Greenville
Head to Maestro’s Bistro and ask for the code to Entres Nous, a well-hidden speakeasy in downtown Greenville. Enter through a sliding bookshelf and find yourself in a stylish lounge with live music, award-winning cocktails from mixologist Adam Kirwin, and chef-curated plates.
Easley
Attached to a gas station on the side of the highway, Dacusville Pizza has fed locals (and lucky travelers) hot, heavenly pizza for almost 30 years. And you couldn’t ask for nicer owners. Get the super deluxe pie with the works and a drink from the new-ish coffee bar.
Easley
Stop in for a pint with seasonal beers on tap like the Blood Orange Gose, Aloha Beaches, and the Post Shift Pilsner. Pair with bites like crispy fried pickles and the BOB, bratwurst with beer-soaked caramelized onions on a pretzel roll. Come on Thursday for trivia night.
Pendleton
Mac Smith’s is a casual, Southern-style diner where the shelves are lined with nostalgic photos and trinkets and guests happily dig into delicious old-fashioned burgers and hot dogs for cheap.
Taylor, South Carolina
This ongoing pop-up concept by chef Conner Hinderks operates out of Junto Coffee from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday and serves an artful, surprising brunch packed with Southeast Asian flavors, with rotating dishes like lemongrass mochi pancakes, curried eggs shakshuka, and Szechuan pepper-cured pork belly.
Pendleton
Visit the OG location of this slow-smoked barbecue joint in Pendleton for tender brisket and classic sides like fried okra, seasonal cobbler, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. Stick around after you eat and play putt putt and bocce for free.
Clemson
Breakfast and lunch are served all day at this “farmhouse chic” café just outside Clemson. Come hungry for the pecan praline mascarpone and apple butter-stuffed french toast and the Appalachian plate loaded with all the classics, from eggs to biscuits with gravy.
Taylors
The menu at Tuk Tuk offers colorful and flavorful meals of everything from pho to Thai curry to stir-fry, inspired by Bill Lam and Nattha Wiyawut’s Thai and Vietnamese backgrounds. Dishes from both cultures are served distinctly, as opposed to fusion.
Travelers Rest
Find sweet and savory crepes galore, like the Grazing Goat with goat cheese, blueberry compote, and walnuts, or the lemon sugar with lemon zest and juice topped with whipped cream. They also offer waffles and maple pecan granola, made in-house.
Travelers Rest
Sit on the patio at Upcountry Provisions and dig into handhelds like The Upcountry, Up-A-Letta, and Swamp Rabbit, then shop the grocery for items like cranberry chutney, horsey sauce, chipotle mayo, and take-n-bake cinnamon rolls (these tend to sell out, so go early).
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Hotel Domestique’s Restaurant 17, led by 2022 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Haydn Shaak, combines European flavors with the area’s sea- sonal produce from local partners like GrowFood Carolina in Charleston, Ashe Acre Farms in Travelers Rest, and Table Rock Tea Company in Pickens.
Greer
The romantic, unrushed dining experience at L’Incanto will whisk you away to Northern Italy for the evening. Curated by chef Carlos Echeverri, the menu includes rich dishes like lumache (helix snails) in butter sauce and bone marrow Bolognese.
Anderson
This lakeside restaurant offers seafood classics, steak, and a sushi bar. Menu standouts include the hand-battered fried Gulf shrimp, the pecan crusted Carolina mountain trout with a lemon butter sauce, and the strawberry cake made from scratch daily and topped with fresh berries.
Anderson
This regional chain with outposts across the Carolinas is known for their tableside guacamole made to order with fresh avocados and jalapeños to your spice preference. Sip on a couple cervezas and chow down on giant burritos filled with beans, pico de gallo, and cheese.
Greer
Stop in for lunch in the garden at Southern Growl and dig into classic handhelds like the crispy chicken sandwich with pickles and Duke’s Mayo. Pair your meal with beers like the Left Dog Lager and the Tropical Sauce Fruited Sour, both available to go.
Seneca
Since 1992, Paesano’s Italian Restaurant has been serving Sicilian-inspired dishes to the Seneca community. Order Sicilian-style pizza, seafood pasta, and wine for the table, and keep an eye out for specials. Add lump blue crab to your pasta for extra oomph.
Bursting with charming downtowns and refreshing flavors, escape to Spartanburg, South Carolina and take time to discover new favorites.
While Spartanburg embraces the small town feel, the city has a big appetite for delicious cuisine and entertainment.
Tucked in the folds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has been quietly gaining momentum as a Southern food town worth knowing.
There’s more to Athens, Georgia, than football. Even die-hard University of Georgia Bulldog fans can admit that Athens’ famed music scene, responsible for the formation of R.E.M. and The B-52s, deserves some credit for its “cool town” billing.
Then there’s the food. With a solid foundation of classic, decades-old restaurants still operating, a new class of chefs, bakers, brewers, and roasters is finding both inspiration and support in the college town. Athens’ flirtation with new cuisine isn’t exactly new, but the appetite for even more exciting and diverse options has increased. Athens now boasts dozens of restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, and a host of experimental pop-ups from James Beard nominees, Top Chef contestants, and other notables from Atlanta and beyond.
To top it all off, the growing brewery scene, spearheaded by Creature Comforts, is garnering attention from a whole new market. Once home to the longest running beer fest in Georgia, the Classic City Brew Fest, Athens is now host to the Classic Center Cultural Foundation’s Athens Beer Fest. These and other newcomers on the culinary and beverage scene are equipped and willing to carry on this cool town’s tasty legacy.
Top of the Class: Puma Yu’s
The seamless blending of traditional Thai nam prik and tom kha with regional ingredients like Bradford Farm blue crab and red drum is but one area Puma Yu’s excels. Explore thoughtful cultural expression throughout the former pop-up led by Pete Amadhanirundr, James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast (2024) and bar program lead Ally Smith.
Oldest and Best: Five and Ten
Athens’ flagship fine dining restaurant founded 25 years ago by James Beard Award-winner Hugh Acheson is now in the capable hands of former apprentice Peter Dale (The National, Condor Chocolates, Maepole, Seabear Oyster Bar). Dale, more than most, understands the assignment to honor Five and Ten’s Southern culinary legacy.
Most Glutinous: Independent Baking Co.
Perhaps milling its own flour is the secret to this bakery’s dozen successful years, or it could be its bakers’ pedigrees, with stints at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the NoMad Hotel, and more. Likely a combination of quality ingredients and training have led to their ability to put out both impressively flaky croissants and crusty baguettes.
Best-Kept Secret: Hidden Gem
The musical programming of this local favorite spans Debussy, Dvorak, DJs, and demos, and the themed specialty cocktails fall in line. Never a dull moment and always inclusive, this quirky 21+ bar defies categories in the best way.
Most Riveting: Osteria Olio
Tucked away inside the Rivet House boutique hotel but worthy of its own identity, the latest modern Italian concept from the Indigo Road Hospitality Group is a true scratch kitchen Nonna could appreciate. Even their off-menu gluten-free pasta and pizza dough are made in-house.
Broadest Culinary Range: Cali N Tito’s
The original Five Points location draws a lively university crowd, but don’t let that be a deterrent to enjoying some real Latin American standouts across multiple regions. Burritos, fish tacos, ceviche, and lomo saltado are only a handful of highlights worth the hype.
Most Palate-Pleasing: White Tiger Gourmet
A celebrated barbecue spot in North Georgia might not be groundbreaking in terms of genre, but the relative ease with which a meat-heavy kitchen churns out convincing vegetarian fare might be the biggest surprise. Even vegan palates are welcome here.
Most Recognizable: 1000 Faces Coffee
This retro soda fountain and diner in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood, serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is a nostalgic spot where locals gather for good food and sweet treats. The biscuits are incredible— they taste like someone’s grandma is in the kitchen making them.
Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods
Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods has stood the test of time—nearly 40 years—as not only an Athens staple for soul food but also the city’s most internationally recognized restaurant, thanks to local rock band R.E.M.’s taste in Southern cooking. Owner Dexter Weaver’s iconic slogan, “Automatic for the People,” that bandmembers must have heard dozens of times in the 80s, is the title of R.E.M’s Grammy-nominated album released in Since then, Weaver D’s has attracted alt-rock fans along with fried chicken enthusiasts.
No need to return home empty-handed from an Athens visit. For the entertainer, Athens Cooks has the staff expertise and stock to meet nearly any kitchen utensil or gadget need.
For turophiles and oenophiles, Birdies offers a selection of cheese and wine that meets even a critical Parisian’s standards.
Next door to Birdies, Nest Athens offers a curated abundance of vintage glassware, embroidered napkins, candles, books, and art from local and regional artisans that make for perfect hostess gifts or souvenirs.
Being a Bulldog isn’t a requirement to stay at The Athenian, the mid-1800s former residence of UGA grad and Bank of Athens founder Stevens Thomas. But a fair warning is in order for those not yet ready to yell “Go Dawgs” intermittently: The Ares suite fully embraces the collegiate red and black while others include more subtle nods with a blend of Grecian and Southern inspiration. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you’ll find the location—steps from The National restaurant and Creature Comforts Brewery—particularly invaluable.
In the Local Palate’s New Restaurants Issue, contributor Lia Picard highlights recently opened and […]
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We’ve scoured the South for small towns making a big culinary impact, and selected […]
