Chiropractic Care in Kiawah Island, SC

A real estate investment firm that owns the developer of Kiawah Island plans to build a private golf course on Johns Island and invest in new and existing resort and residential project locally and across the Southeast after raising $225 million in a new fund.

South Street Partners plans to turn the nearly 900-acre Orange Hill tract into an 18-hole golf course community with homes. It will include a short course and a practice facility for members of Kiawah Island Club. The property between Bohicket and River roads is now used as an outdoor sporting site by the private club.

The land use allows for a golf course and associated amenities as well as residential development, said Chris Randolph, a South Street partner. He said plans are still evolving for the site, and it hasn’t been determined how many homes will be part of the Orange Hill development.

The golf course will take up about 300 acres.

Part of the property is in a planned unit development through Charleston County that allows 181 home sites, a golf course, clubhouse, pro shop, amenity center and about 212 acres of preserved land.

“We are working with the county and other constituents on Johns Island for a plan that everyone is happy with,” said Randolph, whose firm is headquartered in Charleston and Charlotte.

A representative of the Johns Island Community Association did not immediately respond for comment on the proposed development.

He hopes to start development of the as-yet unnamed layout next year, followed by 12 to 18 months of construction. He also said it was too early to provide a cost estimate for the course, which will be one of the few to be built in South Carolina in recent years.

Randolph said the course would provide members with an additional golfing option and take some of the playing pressure off of the club’s two existing layouts, Cassique and the River Course, where usage has increased sharply during the pandemic. The average member played 40 more rounds in 2021 than in 2019, according to South Street.

“We think there is a new market of people who have recently moved to Charleston who would have an interest in joining a golf club like this given its proximity to the city and especially since it offers members access to the rest of the Kiawah Island Club amenities,” Randolph said.

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The course will be designed by Beau Welling of Greenville, who previously worked with River Course designer Tom Fazio. Welling also is partners with Tiger Woods in the golfing great’s golf course design business.

The vision for the new course is to create a playing experience that looks like it could have been crafted more than 100 years ago, according to South Street. It will be built around grand live oaks and feature “undulating fairways ... and Old World slopes and contours.”

The company’s future plans for Kiawah include additional residential development as well as the opening of the oceanfront Cape Club adjacent to The Cape on Kiawah, a condominium development on the sea island’s western end. The Cape Club is expected to break ground in August.

South Street also recently acquired the 131-year-old Two Meeting Street Inn on the Charleston peninsula for nearly $7.7 million. It will be refurbished and become an overnight accommodation for Kiawah Island Club members when it reopens in 2023.

Randolph said raising the money for the golf course and other developments was challenging during the pandemic but the effort attracted “outsized investor demand” because of “compelling opportunities.”

South Street Partners’ other investments from the fund include the acquisition and development of the 20,000-acre Palmetto Bluff community in Bluffton near Hilton Head Island.

The company also has its sights set on other resort properties across the Southeast from south of Washington, D.C., to Florida and west to Texas.

“We are continuing to look for opportunities,” Randolph said.

Those could include existing properties or new developments.

South Street also owns The Cliffs communities across the mountains of South Carolina and North Carolina as well as The Residences at Salamander in Virginia.

Beautiful shorelines and dreamy marshes dot South Carolina’s idyllic Atlantic coast. But there’s much more to experience in the Palmetto State, named for the trees that became a symbol of liberty because of their ability to absorb the force of British cannonballs during the 1776 battle at Fort Moultrie.

Look beyond showstopping destinations such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach and you can enjoy dozens of hidden gems and nature escapes in the state. From iconic gardens to jaw-dropping sunsets and action-packed thrill rides, here are the best activities to add to your itinerary the next time you visit South Carolina.

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Snap a photo in front of the giant peach

More than 30 types of peaches are grown across South Carolina, and the peach is the state's official fruit. Peaches became such a staple that in 1981, a massive 135ft water tower beside I-85 South in the town of Gaffney – just 45-minutes south of Charlotte, NC – was transformed to look like a giant peach.

It's become a tradition to snap a photo of the iconic Peachoid; you can get closest to the peach via exits 90 to 92, along the Cherokee Hills Scenic Highway.

Take the entire family fruit picking

People from near and far travel to York County, South Carolina – just across the border from the southern end of Charlotte – to spend an entire day picking fresh fruit on some of the county’s long-established family-owned farms.

Bush-N-Vine has been growing a fine assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables since 1979, and members of the public are invited to pick their own produce.

The most popular picking crops are strawberries (from fall until early July) and blueberries (starting in mid-May). While you're there, pop into the farm's country store for a freshly made strawberry soft serve ice cream or a raspberry blendie (a mix of ice cream and raspberry-flavored iced slushy).

Also look out for stalls and stores selling freshly picked peaches across the state from June to September.

See every species of swan at the state’s longest-running festival

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the state's Iris Festival in the town of Sumter, located 45 miles from Columbia, SC. This three-day event, typically held over the Memorial Day weekend, features over 120 species of Japanese iris growing along the banks of the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

The park is also the only place in the United States where you can see all eight of the known species of swans. Local vendors and artisans set up throughout the garden, but since the park is considered a bird sanctuary, pets are not allowed on the grounds.

Enjoy unique views of South Carolina from above at the Aiken Hot Air Balloon Fest

Just under 20 miles from the city of Augusta, Georgia, Aiken is the fourth-largest county in the state, and every year in late April, locals head out to the Western Carolina Fairgrounds to participate in the area’s two-day hot air balloon festival.

This family-friendly day of fun features live music, a kid’s zone with rides and games, local food vendors, and the opportunity to tick off a bucket-list-worthy experience – riding in a tethered hot air balloon. The showstopper is the night show, where dozens of larger-than-life balloons take to the skies for a spectacle unlike any other.

Enjoy a romantic couples' boat ride at Cypress Gardens

Head about an hour north of Charleston to check out backdrops from one of the most romantic movies of recent years – The Notebook, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

The cult movie, based on the novel by Nicholas Parks, was filmed at several locations in the state’s Low Country, including Cypress Gardens. Grab your significant other and row across the same lake where Noah took Allie during their emotional reunion.

Located in the town of Moncks Corner, the gardens are home to cypress and Tupelo trees that line a dark but beautiful swamp. There are guided and self-guided boat tours across the swamplands; keep an eye out for the birds, turtles and alligators that live in the waters.

Live like a star for a day on Kiawah Island – South Carolina's best-kept secret

One of South Carolina’s wealthiest and most exclusive zip codes, Kiawah Island is a paradisaical escape, just 40-minutes southwest of Charleston's busy neighborhoods.

While outsiders can't freely drive around the island – there's a guard station at the main entrance checking renters' and residents' passes – the public are welcome to visit the sandy shore at Beachwalker Park. Bring your beach chairs or blanket, and pack a picnic-style lunch for a day-long island getaway. There’s a lifeguard on duty daily and pets are welcome.

Get your adrenaline pumping at South Carolina's largest theme park

While it technically straddles the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, Carowinds is a must for the entire family. Located off exit 90 on I-77, this 407-acre theme park provides hours of thrills for all ages, from coasters to water slides.

Come for over-the-top, funfair-inspired bites like funnel cakes loaded with whipped cream, strawberries and ice cream, and more than 55 adrenaline-pumping rides, including the Fury 325 coaster and an entire set of rides and experiences specifically geared toward younger children.

The park is also home to Carolina Harbor, the largest water park in North and South Carolina. When you've had enough of adrenaline-pumping thrills, sit down for a themed show or come back for Halloween when the park transforms into "Scarowinds" with a selection of harvest-themed and haunted attractions.

Tour one of Martin Luther King Jr’s favorite stops

The historical Penn Center on St Helena Island is one of many places that inspired Dr Martin Luther King Jr to write his famous I Have a Dream speech. The civil rights leader is said to have visited the Penn Center at least five times.

Dotted with more than 25 buildings and structures, this 50-acre property offers an in-depth look at the triumphs and struggles faced by the area's Gullah people on the journey from enslavement to freedom. It's the site of Penn School – one of the first educational centers in the American South to provide formal schooling to formerly enslaved people.

Located an hour and a half southwest of Charleston in Beaufort, the center offers guided tours and an on-site museum and visitor center.

The numbers, which span from taking office through July 20, reflect a president who wants to head home frequently at weekends, as he did when he was a senator and vice president. They also underscore a media strategy that has relied more on prepared remarks and brief question-and-answer sessions with reporters than on formal press conferences and interviews.

Republicans have accused Mr. Biden, 79 years old, of hiding from the press. Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Vaughn cited high inflation and other issues facing the administration, saying: “It is no wonder Biden chooses to hide out rather than face his failures and answer to the American people.”

Republicans have also sought to highlight misstatements or apparent gaffes from Mr. Biden. At times the White House has had to clarify statements made by Mr. Biden. In the spring, Mr. Biden said U.S. policy toward the island of Taiwan hadn’t changed after he triggered global confusion by saying the U.S. would respond militarily to any effort by China to take Taiwan by force. Earlier in the year, the White House walked back a comment from Mr. Biden that appeared to call for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ouster.

White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said the president frequently answers reporters’ questions. Mr. Biden often answers questions as he walks to Marine One, at Andrews Air Force Base, or following remarks at the White House. During a recent trip to the Middle East, he spoke to a small pool of reporters in Saudi Arabia and then took questions from reporters on the South Lawn as he returned.

Compared with recent presidents, Mr. Biden has spent more days away on personal travel than Donald Trump, who spent significant time at his properties in Bedminster, N.J., and Palm Beach, Fla., or Barack Obama, who took vacations to Martha’s Vineyard and Hawaii. But Mr. Biden has spent fewer days away from the White House than George W. Bush, who made heavy use of Camp David and regularly traveled to his ranch in Crawford, Texas. This comparison includes full and partial days away for all the presidents.

Last year, his efforts to get away in August were curtailed by the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Taking a summer vacation is a longtime presidential tradition, as are assertions by aides that it will be a working trip.

“The presidency is a nonstop job that chief executives can do from anywhere in the world. And regardless of location, he has taken fewer vacation days than the modern norm,” said Mr. Bates.

Mr. Biden traveled to and from Delaware on Amtrak during his 36 years as a senator; his main residence is in Wilmington and he has a vacation house in Rehoboth Beach. Former Sen. Ted Kaufman, a longtime friend of Mr. Biden’s, said he “likes Delaware. He’s comfortable here. His family is mostly here. He’s got the community.”

Mr. Biden also has a home base far more convenient to Washington than had many of his predecessors, making it easier to go home. Historian Douglas Brinkley said: “The thing about Biden that makes it different is he’s a helicopter ride away from Delaware. He basically lives in suburban Washington. It’s a little different than Reagan who lived across the country,” referring to the former president’s ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif.

White House aides and allies say Mr. Biden continues to work when he is away. That includes holding meetings with staff, discussing issues, getting briefings and holding secure calls. He always travels with a team that includes a member of the National Security Council Staff and a representative of the White House chief of staff’s office.

President Donald Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in 2020; President Barack Obama on vacation with his family in Hawaii in 2015; and President George W. Bush, carrying his dog Barney, arriving for his summer vacation at his ranch near Crawford, Texas, in 2008.

“He basically has a team around him, so that he has everything he needs at the ready, and then, because of Zoom, we build our schedules with him. Sometimes it’s speech prep, sometimes it’s digging in on a particular issue. Most every weekend, he has NSC stuff, he’s doing his economic stuff,” said Deputy chief of staff Jen O’Malley Dillon.

She added, “Any idea that there is a lot of downtime in this schedule is a fallacy.”

Mr. Biden has taken a different approach to the media than his predecessors, giving fewer sit-down interviews and formal press conferences. According to Mr. Knoller, he has done 20 interviews to date—a figure that doesn’t include televised town halls—compared with 100 at this point for Mr. Trump and 206 for Mr. Obama.

With Mr. Biden’s job approval ratings hovering a bit below 40%, Republican consultant Alex Conant said that there are missed opportunities by not doing more interviews and press conferences. He said: “Speeches are good for promoting your agenda, but interviews and press conferences are where you explain your agenda. The questions reporters ask tend to be real similar to the questions real voters ask.”

Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh said that voters don’t care whether the president does formal interviews if they are getting information.

“They all had different ways to communicate. Obama loved the sit-down interviews,” she said. She said Mr. Biden has continued in the White House the way he campaigned: “disciplined and focused and very selective.”

When he does get away, Mr. Biden sometimes plays golf. But his 15 visits to the course as president are far fewer than Mr. Trump’s (91) or Mr. Obama’s (42). Mr. Bush clocked in with 10 at this point.

And Mr. Biden has had official foreign travel, though he has taken fewer overseas trips so far than his predecessors, which is partially due to Covid-19 travel restrictions that affected his first year in office. So far he has taken six trips and visited 13 countries. At this point Mr. Trump had made seven trips and visited 19 countries, Mr. Obama 13 trips to 22 countries and Mr. Bush nine trips to 20 countries.

The best islands in the United States, according to Travel + Leisure readers, offer plenty of activities in addition to opportunities for waterfront relaxation.

Americans don't have to go far to find themselves on one of the best islands in the continental U.S., but those who live in the Southeast will have the shortest journeys. Year after year, readers give resounding applause for destinations in Florida, which is home to five of this year's best islands. Four more favorites sit off the coasts of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It's also worth noting that this category was the most competitive it has ever been, as domestic island vacations were many Travel + Leisure readers' first choice for vacations throughout the pandemic.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

In addition to its natural beauty, Amelia Island (No. 10) has several historic sites, including American Beach, an area that served as a haven for Black families during the Jim Crow era. In Fernandina Beach, visitors can spend an afternoon strolling through the lively town or kayaking. The popular oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, has a spa, a standout kids' club, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

Sanibel Island (No. 13) has beaches with more than 250 types of shells and a 6,000-acre national wildlife refuge. The Sanibel Moorings Resort, which consists of 122 suites, has a private beach and a six-acre botanical garden, and guests can go on guided walks with a botanist or a marine biologist.

For all the Southeast's appeal, this year's top spot on the list of the best islands in the continental U.S. was taken by a Midwestern haven. Continue reading to learn about Mackinac Island, which also earned a place on our list of the world's best islands.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Eighty percent of this roughly four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The family-friendly downtown has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries. There are also several golf courses, one of which, known as "Wawa," lies on a battlefield where the British captured the island from the Americans in the War of 1812. You can explore the island by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage, but no cars are allowed. Accommodations include the Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on this year's list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest.

Score: 89.10

2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Located southwest of Charleston, Kiawah, which is also on this year's list of the best islands in the world, is a popular destination for golfers, but you don't need to pick up a club to fall in love. Bike to the pristine beaches for sightings of dolphins and nesting sea turtles, or just watch the waves from an oceanfront room at the five-star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort — voted by readers as the No. 1 resort in South Carolina the past two years.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.49

3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Everything about Nantucket can be described as charming, from the rose-trellised cottages to the cobblestoned streets and scenic bike rides. Both its dining and restaurant scenes are booming. One of the newest lodgings: the 12-room luxury hotel Blue Iris by Life House.

Score: 84.53

4. San Juan Islands, Washington

Each destination in this archipelago between Seattle and Vancouver feels remote in the best possible way, with sweeping vistas and an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching. Those who prefer a more leisurely stay will find indulgent farm-to-table meals, delicious wine from Washington State, galleries, and spas.

Score: 84.43

5. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia

Marshlands and nature trails lead to white-sand beaches. Key attractions here include nature trails and wonderful beaches, but these barrier islands also boast museums, golf courses, historic sites, and luxury hotels to keep everyone engaged on a cloudy day. Get off the grid and stay at one of the six cottages at the Lodge on Little St. Simons island, a private-island resort that includes 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness.

Score: 83.84

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina

This 175-mile-long chain of barrier islands is a beach-lover's dream. Lay down your towel on Corolla Beach, where, if you're lucky, you will see some of the wild Spanish mustangs that roam the islands.

Score: 83.57

7. Mount Desert Island, Maine

Acadia National Park covers most of this roughly 100-square-mile island. Nature-inclined visitors can spend days biking and hiking. Social options are equally robust, with annual music and food festivals and several picturesque towns, including Bar Harbor.

Score: 83.50

8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

There's something for everyone in this popular destination off of Cape Cod. Up Island, there are majestic cliffs dropping down into the Atlantic Ocean, storybook inns, and a quaint fishing village where you can buy shucked shellfish to eat while watching the sunset. Down Island, travelers will find vibrant villages like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, where evenings are best spent at the lively bars and restaurants.

Score: 83.25

9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

This Southern oasis is a perennial reader favorite thanks to its beaches, world-class golf courses, 60 miles of walking trails, and cultural offerings that can be enjoyed in flip-flops. Rental houses abound, but there are also resorts that will cater to your every whim.

Score: 82.99

10. Amelia Island, Florida

This small island draws visitors who relish its casual vibe and natural beauty. The northernmost barrier island on Florida's Atlantic coast — easily reached by car — appeals to beach lovers and history buffs, as well as food lovers, who eagerly await its Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, held each May.

Score: 82.98

11. Florida Keys

Passionate fishers, boaters, and divers flock to this string of islands, where they can take advantage of the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. Those who prefer their fun on land embrace Key West, with its relaxed vibe of pastel cottages and plethora of bars. Don't miss the grounds of the Hemingway Home and Museum, where the author's six-toed cat has lived on in future generations cared for by the museum's veterinarian.

Score: 82.88

12. Captiva Island, Florida

Located on the Gulf Coast, this island is known for its low-key vibe and beaches with abundant seashells. Many travelers opt to rent a vacation home, but there are also a handful of family-friendly hotels, including the South Seas Island Resort, which offers a marine-life–focused day camp for kids.

Score: 82.43

13. Sanibel Island, Florida

Captiva's sister island has equally beautiful beaches, but travelers will also find opportunities for offbeat fun, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Score: 82.29

14. Block Island, Rhode Island

A ferry ride away from the mainland, this funky island enthusiastically welcomes not only people but their canines (they're allowed in the movie theater!). Rent a bike or moped, pausing for a lobster roll and a beer beachside, before checking in to one of the many bed and breakfasts.

Score: 81.84

15. Longboat Key, Florida

Its initial draw may be its 11 miles of white-sand beaches, but this island located off Sarasota also boasts golf courses and luxury hotels, including the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which has 226 rooms and suites, plus 45 holes of golf, 20 tennis courts, and a spa.

Score: 80.83

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The South is known for its legendary hospitality, and these charming places, all warm and inviting, are no exception. Whether you’re just passing through or are planning a romantic getaway or multigenerational trip, you — and your travel companions — will be drawn to the lure of mountain hiking as well as ocean breezes and beach time fun offered in both North and South Carolina.

At these charming hotels, personnel, especially concierges, do their best to spend time with guests to make them feel welcome.

1. The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Located along 10 miles of pristine beach, The Sanctuary is part of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort 21 miles from Charleston. The massive complex includes 500 private villas and homes, five championship golf courses, and 17 restaurants. For the past 15 years, the resort has ranked as the number one tennis resort in the world by TennisResortsOnline.com.

The Sanctuary is a Forbes Travel Guide 5-star, AAA 5-Diamond luxury hotel with 255 rooms and suites and a luxury spa.

In the lobby, a sweep of floor-to-ceiling windows frames expansive views of the grand lawn and Atlantic Ocean. The lobby is decorated with warm gold tones accented with floral design. Numerous seating areas and adjoining spaces are appointed with prized antiques and original decorative arts, sculptures, and paintings.

Both east and west wings are framed by two dramatic open staircases lined with massive murals depicting natural scenes and wildlife native to the Lowcountry.

“The Sanctuary was designed to evoke the spirit and feel of a gracious Edwardian-era seaside manor,” Bryan Hunter, public relations director, told me.

There are four restaurants in house. Jasmine Porch specializes in local and regional cuisine. Kids like Beaches and Cream, which serves locally made Wholly Cow all-natural ice cream.

Blessed by a subtropical climate, Kiawah Island offers plenty to do year-round. Breathtaking landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation and nature activities attract families during the holidays and school vacations. Biking on 30 miles of paved bike trails between a tunnel of twisting live oak branches and whispering palms enable visitors to commune with the island’s remarkable preserved environment.

The Christmas holidays are heralded by a Santa Parade and tree lighting ceremony in late November. The entire resort is festooned in Christmas décor. Children love the annual unveiling of a giant sculpture crafted entirely of chocolate in the lobby. Exquisite culinary offerings include the traditional Italian Festa dei Sette Pesci (Feast of Seven Fishes) on Christmas Eve.

2. Emeline

Emeline, a glamorous boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston, is ideal for a girls’ getaway. The 212-room property is steps away from the aquarium and shopping at the popular city market and walking tours.

The expansive courtyard and greenhouse are a welcome retreat. The social garden is filled with layers of storied charm with couches and chairs to relax. Emeline offers house bikes for getting around town as well as city travel guides.

Located at 181 Church Street in the historic district, Emeline brings families together for weddings and reunions in a pet-friendly environment. For many multi-gen travelers, pets-in-travel are an important part of their lives. Weight limit for dogs is 75 pounds.

A Pawsome Package (Bone Appetit) offers a custom-made dog treat by the house pastry chef, plus a dog mat, bowl, and comfy bed.

Emeline is ahead of the arts-in-residence trend. Most of the artwork displayed in the public areas is from Charleston artists such as Whitney Stoddard. Next to the restaurant, Frannie & The Fox, is the Fox Hole — a wall filled with maps, photos, and paintings.

Fun Fact: Guestroom walls are adorned with posters from the city’s famed Spoleto Festival USA arts fest.

Among Emeline’s creative menu choices is the popular drink the Closing Argument, a gin concoction with Midori, genepy, and lime. The peach-infused Panzanella salad is also a crowd favorite.

These vacation hideaways are emblematic of gracious Southern hospitality. They capture the region’s deeply-rooted heritage combined with a cosmopolitan and diverse culture.

3. The Westin Poinsett

The AAA 4-Diamond Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville 3 hours northwest of Charleston is a fine establishment. Situated on Main Street downtown, guests can leave their car and walk to Falls Park and the bridge over the Reedy River.

The Poinsett is steps away from the excitement and buzz of downtown Greenville, a cityscape filled with chic restaurants and the Peace Center, a stellar performing arts venue.

This elegant 12-story landmark dates to 1925 and is named after Joel Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He brought the bright red flowering plant, the poinsettia, back to South Carolina. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pro Tip: My friends and I like to meet up at the classic piano bar in the lobby lounge or go for Sunday brunch at the Spoonbread Restaurant, named after the Southern cornmeal dish.

4. The Omni Grove Park Inn

The rustic but elegant Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, is a gorgeous resort and getaway in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in 1913, the 513-room resort is on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon entering, the Great Hall measures 120 feet across and features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 36-foot stone fireplaces.

My favorite activity at The Omni Grove Park is the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, the nation’s largest. The competition is held at the resort in November. The winning entries, including the Grand Prize Winner, are left display from late November through early January. Prizes are in adult, teen, youth, and children’s categories. People of all skill levels are invited to build whimsical creations of candy, gumdrop-adorned castles, and sugar-spun landscapes to compete for cash prizes.

My grandchildren and I watched the “ginger-magic” in wonder as workmen set up the houses one November. As many as 250 culinary masterpieces stretch around the spacious decorated lobby and granite hallways, filling the air with the aromas and spirit of Christmas.

This year, there will bere specialty awards for best use of sprinkles, unique ingredient, and a Pop Culture Star. The competition attracts the highest quality of design, artistry, and pastry expertise across the country. Judges include Celebrity Chef Carla Hall, Nadine Ornstein from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and James Beard Award-winning Cheryl Forberg.

The competition was started in 1992 by a small number of local residents. Last season, the hotel supported 15 community charities through its Holiday Parking Program, according to Susan Rotante, director of marketing and communications. “Gingerbread is always a dynamic season at the hotel. It is in our DNA — a very special community.”

Omni Grove Park Health And Wellness

The Omni Grove Park Inn is also known as a health and wellness destination for city dwellers looking for rest and rejuvenation in the pure mountain air. The $50 million, 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa features cavernous rock walls, arches and turrets, and small waterfalls. Treatments are enhanced as the sun sets and fireplaces, starlight, candles, and moonlight add a warm glow to the stone facility.

Pro Tip: The Omni Grove Park Inn is also featured in fellow traveler Melody Pittman’s 10 Favorite Historic Hotels To Experience In The U.S.

5. The Ballantyne

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte, is a four-star lavish urban getaway minutes from uptown Charlotte. On weekends, the hotel’s delightful afternoon tea service is a treat for all ages. Reminiscent of the English custom of afternoon tea, chef-inspired pastries and candied delicacies are elegantly presented on three tiered cake plates.

Pastry chef Christine Clancy includes a variety of tea sandwiches, homemade pastries, cakes and scones, and an assortment of beautiful teas from the Rare Tea Company of London, the official tea of the Royal Family. Champagne can also be added.

The Ballantyne Hotel is a chic American classic with 208 rooms in the main building, a lodge with 35 rooms, and a cottage with four rooms. It showcases the works of local and regional artists in its carefully curated art collection on display in the Gallery Restaurant. The pink rose painting over the lobby fireplace is a favorite of guests and staff alike.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Gallery Restaurant. Executive Chef Charles Gardiner captures the essence of Southern traditions and flavors in his innovative menu. New items this year include lemon pistachio olive oil cake and chicken and black truffles. Guests also enjoy lunch on the spacious veranda.

Pro Tip: The resort has a newly refreshed outdoor pool and two indoor resistance pools, plus a fitness center.

6. Hotel Cashiers

Time moves slowly along North Carolina’s winding back roads. Heading toward the Nantahala National forest, I found the Hotel Cashiers a welcome respite in the southwest part of the state. This affordable 18-room hotel — a 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta — is charming and hospitable in a relaxed mountain setting. Pets are welcome and can run around outside where ample seating and the fireplace are surrounded by a canopy of trees.

Pro Tip: Guests can easily walk along the Ramble Trail to the center of town.

The hotel has no restaurant, but it does have a lobby boutique and wine shop. Dining options include four restaurants 5 minutes away.

The village community of Cashiers beckons visitors to stroll downtown and visit the antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants and chat with the shopkeepers.

Not to be missed among nearby attractions are the Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, and Gorges State Park. Further west, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s favorite scenic drives.