Southern Locations That Make Our Editors Nostalgic For Residence

From downtown parks to neighborhood espresso retailers, this is the place our editors love to hang around.

When our annual South’s Finest ballot got here round this 12 months, our editors couldn’t assist however get in on the enjoyable. Whereas our readers’ casted votes for his or her favourite barbecue joints, state parks, locally-owned eating places, and extra, our editors chimed in with love letters to their favourite locations within the cities and cities the place they grew up. Due to their passionate enter, we now have native’s guides to Charleston, Birmingham, Knoxville, Cellular, Thomasville, and West Palm Seaside. In every information, you’ll discover all of the beloved locations that make our editors nostalgic for dwelling. These are the spots they frequent after they’re dwelling and those they dream about after they’re away. Right here we share a number of of their high picks for eating places, parks, and points of interest of their hometowns.

Leon’s Positive Poultry & Oyster Store (Charleston, SC)

Everybody loves Charleston, however few have such intimate perception into the Southern jewel as our Properties & Options Editor Betsy Cribb. When she’s exhibiting first-timers round, Leon’s is all the time her first cease. Says Cribb, “For me, no different place on the town captures so properly the relaxed ease that appears woven into Charleston’s very DNA.” The restaurant is thought for its fried rooster and oysters, however Cribb has a particular place in her coronary heart for the scalloped potatoes.

Railroad Park (Birmingham, AL)

For Journey & Tradition Editor Tara Massouleh McCay, no place in Birmingham feels extra like dwelling than Railroad Park. The park sprawls out over 19 acres within the middle of downtown and serves as a gathering area for all the pieces from weekend playground visits to meals festivals. Says McCay, “That is Birmingham’s yard, the place everybody comes collectively to have fun a sunny day, to take a lunchtime stroll, or to attend a free night yoga class.”

The Tomato Head (Knoxville, TN)

Assistant Properties Editor Cameron Beall grew up frequenting The Tomato Head in Knoxville for all the pieces from birthday celebrations to submit soccer sport meals. The restaurant is thought for its pizza and sandwiches, however a part of what makes this place beloved is its dedication to fostering group. The Tomato Head doubles as venue area for musical acts, poetry readings, efficiency artwork, and visible artwork reveals. Beall additionally recommends not lacking their prized chocolate peanut butter pie.

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West Palm Seaside Greenmarket (West Palm Seaside, FL)

Saturdays in West Palm Seaside ought to all the time embody a visit to Centennial Sq. for the West Palm Seaside Greenmarket, in keeping with Deputy Editor Lisa Cericola. Open from October by way of April, the market is your own-stop-shop for all the pieces from native produce to potted crops to baked items. “Hang around on the big inexperienced garden and benefit from the breeze from the Intracoastal Waterway, which is correct throughout the road,” Cericola advises.

Firefly (Thomasville, GA)

In relation to procuring, Assistant Normal Supervisor Anna Value Olson says downtown Thomasville is considered one of her favourite locations. On her visits again dwelling, she loves shopping Firefly for jewellery, dwelling items, and presents for family and friends. Additionally they supply “the prettiest complimentary reward wrapping round,” says Olson.

Carpe Diem Espresso & Tea (Cellular, AL)

Situated in a historic dwelling within the coronary heart of Cellular’s Spring Hill neighborhood, Carpe Diem Espresso & Tea is the kind of neighborhood espresso store the place you’ll be able to sit and keep for a spell. “My mother and I’ve made numerous ‘Carpe runs’ in my lifetime, and I can promise you’ll take pleasure in no matter you order and really feel proper at dwelling,” says Affiliate Digital Editor Mary Shannon Wells. She recommends posting up with a cup of joe and a cinnamon roll on Carpe Diem’s charming entrance porch.

Bottega Cafe (Birmingham, AL)

Also known as the Godfather Positive of Eating in Birmingham, Chef Frank Stitt is about as shut because it will get to royalty within the Magic Metropolis. Although Highlands Bar & Grill will get a lot of the nationwide consideration, our Journey & Tradition Editor Tara Massouleh McCay is keen on their extra informal sister restaurant. “Once I’m on the lookout for a date night time spot, few locations match Bottega Café’s high quality, service, and worth,” McCay says. “The Southern-Italian menu means you’ll be able to slurp up a plate of excellent spaghetti carbonara or marvel on the masterpiece of a well-cooked pork chop with collards, polenta, and a seasonal fruit relish.”

World’s Truthful Park (Knoxville, TN)

On a sunny afternoon in Knoxville, you’ll find Assistant Properties Editor Cameron Beall stress-free on the greens at World’s Truthful Park. The park lies midway between the College of Tennessee campus and town’s thriving downtown, which suggests it’s truthful floor for locals of all ages and from all walks of life. If it is your first go to, Beall recommends paying the $5 admission price to see the view from the fourth-level commentary deck of the long-lasting Sunsphere.

The Dew Drop Inn (Cellular, AL)

The brilliant-red scorching canine at The Dew Drop Inn look and style like dwelling to Affiliate Digital Editor Mary Shannon Wells. “Even when you’re not from Cellular, entering into this restaurant will really feel like a time machine again to your childhood through the décor, the traditional consolation meals, and the workers’s Southern hospitality.”

Havana Restaurant (West Palm Seaside, FL)

You’ll be able to’t depart West Palm Seaside with out consuming a Cuban sandwich, and Deputy Editor Lisa Cericola’s favourite place to get one is Havana Restaurant. The West Palm Seaside establishment has undergone a number of renovations over the previous 20 years, however its most up-to-date replace added a 24-hour walkup window. Locals cannot resist stopping by to remedy late-night empanada cravings.

Jonah’s (Thomasville, GA)

For the perfect shrimp and grits round, Assistant Normal Supervisor Anna Value Olson says you’ll be able to’t beat Jonah’s on E. Jackson Road. Since Thomasville is only a brief drive from the Gulf of Mexico, there are lots of nice seafood eating choices round city. Jonah’s is considered one of Olson’s favorites, and warns they do not settle for reservations and there is all the time a line out the door (sure, it is that good!), so observe her recommendation and put your title on the record, and stroll round downtown when you wait on your desk.

Sullivan’s Island (Charleston, SC)

When she needs to flee the hustle and bustle of Charleston in peak vacationer season, Properties & Options Editor Betsy Cribb opts for a day on Sullivan’s Island, a small barrier island positioned 10 miles from downtown. “There’s not a hint of touristy kitsch on this bitty seashore city, the place historic properties line oak-shaded streets and storybook cottages invite passersby to cease and scent rose-wrapped trellises,” she says.

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