TIME Magazine’s “Greatest Places in the World” List Includes SE Spots

TIME Magazine has released their list of The World’s Greatest Places of 2024, and some awesome spots from the Southeastern U.S. have made the list!

TIME Magazine's "Greatest Places in the World" List Includes SE Spots
Courtesy of The Wayback

After choosing 50 places in 2023, this year TIME Magazine chose 100 extraordinary destinations that are perfect for exploring for their World’s Greatest Places of 2024 list.

To compile the list, the magazine solicited nominations from their contributors and correspondents, as well as used an application process, to come up with a list that featured amazing and unique vacation spots. TIME Magazine specifically was looking for places that included amazing design elements, active travel experiences, or places that offered the chance to learn more deeply about the area.

Let me tell you…there are some truly amazing places on this list! Places like Highland Base in Iceland, Sun Ranch in Australia, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand, and Burhan Wilderness Camps in Nepal made the list. You want to know which spots also made the list? Some that are located right here in the southern United States!

There are two categories: Places to Stay and Places to Visit. Here’s a breakout of which Southeastern U.S. spots made the list so you can easily book your next trip!

World’s Greatest Places of 2024: Places to Stay

The Wayback (Pigeon Forge, TN)

The Wayback in Pigeon Forge, TN, made it onto the Places to Stay portion of TIME Magazines list, and for good reason. This amazing, new boutique hotel in Pigeon Forge has an amazing design that was inspired by the retro roadside motels of days gone by — but with a sleek and stylish spin. You’ll find bright colors, amazing artwork, an awesome onsite restaurant, a Swim Club with a vintage airstream bar, and plenty of places for socializing and fun. Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, this is the perfect home base for your next Tennessee vacation.

Distance from Atlanta: 4 hours

The Manchester (Lexington, KY)

The Manchester is a luxury hotel in Lexington, Kentucky that features beautiful rooms and suites, Bluegrass-inspired dishes at their onsite restaurant, Granddam, and small bites and drinks at their rooftop spot, Lost Palm. The Manchester was also listed under the Places to Stay section of the list.

They describe their rooms as, “…warm and woody, like the bourbon that fueled them,” and that’s apparent everywhere you look. You cannot go wrong with a stay here, and it’s not a surprise TIME noticed too.

Distance from Atlanta: 6 hours

World Equestrian Center (Ocala, FL)

Another Places to Stay entry, World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, is perfect for the horse lover in your life. Home to the largest equestrian complex in the United States, this Central Florida spot also offers two amazing places to stay: The brand-new (March 2024) hotel, The Riding Academy, and the posh Equestrian Hotel.

The Equestrian Hotel features a grand lobby with 20-foot ceilings to greet you…and it’s all up from there. You’ll love the amazing rooms, pool, and onsite dining and shopping options. The Riding Academy features 390 rooms, a pool, onsite dining, a spa, and more.

Distance from Atlanta: 5 hours

Omni Homestead Resort and Warm Springs Pools (Warm Springs, VA)

The Omni Homestead Resort and Warm Springs Pools in Warm Springs, Virginia, also made the Places to Stay portion of the World’s Greatest Places of 2024 list. After a recent $140+ million renovation, this hotel is better than ever.

You’ll find spectacular rooms, the historic bathhouses at the Warm Springs Pools, a 2-acre water park, golf courses, a spa, and restaurants and bars onsite. There’s a reason 24 U.S. presidents have stayed here!

Distance from Atlanta: 8.5 hours

World’s Greatest Places of 2024: Places to Visit

International African American Museum (Charleston, SC)

The International African American Museum in Charleston, SC, made the list in the Places to Visit category. This amazing museum opened in 2023, and it allows you to create your own experience. You can reflect in the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, take a tour through their galleries, and discover more in the Center of Family History.

Distance from Atlanta: 5 hours

Montgomery Whitewater (Montgomery, AL)

Alabama’s own Montgomery Whitewater Park in Montgomery made the list of Places to Visit. Montgomery Whitewater Park is an exciting outdoor adventure attraction that is guaranteed to take your warm weather escape to the next level.

Visitors can stretch their road-weary legs around the park’s expansive 120-acre green space, featuring a climbing wall, kids’ ropes courses, a bouldering wall and mountain bike rentals.

The centerpiece of the park is a 12 million gallon, state-of-the-art, Olympic level whitewater course, perfect for group rafting or solo adventures in a canoe, kayak or inflatable “ducky” kayak. With rapids ranging from class II-IV, there’s something for everyone — from beginners to seasoned pros. This place looks like a blast!

For those who prefer to relax out of the water, the park offers a covered patio and on-site dining option, Eddy’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy a bite and a craft beer while taking in scenic views of the whitewater course.

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota, FL)

The bayfront sanctuaries at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, FL, are focused on connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and the area’s regional history. You’ll find exhibitions and events, education and history, and so much more here. Selby Gardens has recently undergone an expansion, and their new Welcome Center is a sight to behold. Grab a bite at their onsite restaurant, and learn more about how this botanical garden is making the world a better place.

Distance from Atlanta: 7.5 hours

Check out TIME Magazine’s complete list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2024.

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