The 20 Friendliest Places In The South

The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery Store, man and woman standing and smiling outside cheery storefront
Alexe van Beuren with her husband Kagan Coughlin, owners of The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery Store. Photo:

Robbie Caponetto

Hospitality is a hallmark of our region, but people define it in different ways. Is it a conversation in the checkout line? A bartender who knows your order before you sit down? The way a community welcomes people who are just passing through? To determine the answer, we asked you, our readers, to share the places that make you feel right at home on every level. Narrowing down thousands of nominations for hotels, restaurants, stores, small towns, nonprofits, and more was no small feat, but it was very uplifting. As these 20 stand-outs show, Southerners go above and beyond to take care of one another.

How We Chose This List

Southern Living editors selected the South's 20 Friendliest Places from a list of reader-submitted nominations that numbered into the thousands and included all types of places from hotels to restaurants to shops to entire towns. The winners are listed in no particular order.

Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah Ambassadors - five smiling people, three women, two men, wearing red suit jackets
Paducah Red Coat ambassadors Jennie Boyarski, Robert Worden, Amina Watkins, Sue Tharp, and Owen Kim Blaisdell.

Robbie Caponetto

A Greeting Like No Other

Where the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers meet, historic steamboats dock and visitors stroll the Riverwalk and the Greenway Trail. Expect a warm welcome from a band of volunteer ambassadors known as the Red Coats. Easy to spot thanks to their crimson jackets, these helpers are on hand throughout the city to direct you to destinations like the Wall to Wall mural project, the Inland Waterways Museum, the National Quilt Museum, and Barrel & Bond (for sips of Kentucky bourbon). Composed largely of retirees, the Red Coats—more than 100 strong—also anchor events like the annual Barbecue on the River and are ready with an answer to any question you may have. paducah.travel

Publix

Vintage black and white photo Publix supermarkets, couple walking out of store with baby in buggy

Courtesy of Publix

Where Shopping Really Is A Pleasure

Lakeland, Florida

You probably know that there’s no tipping at Publix markets (headquartered in Lakeland, Florida) and that staffers will escort you to any product. But how about these facts? The grocery chain’s seafood department will steam and season your shrimp or crabs at no extra charge; fruits and veggies are stacked to create eye-pleasing presentations; kids under 12 can ask for a complimentary cookie; and an employee who is commended by a customer may receive a free sub from the deli. Best of all, Publix teams up with Feeding America food banks to contribute just-past-date produce, rotisserie chickens, and other items to neighbors in need. publix.com

Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill

Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, white home on green lawn with trees behind

Courtesy of Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill

Breakfasts To Write Home About

Mills River, North Carolina

At the Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, the morning provisions include a dessert course—that’s our kind of place. “You have the rest of the day to work it off,” reasons owner Selena Einwechter. Bring your appetite: In one sitting you may be served bananas Foster followed by savory or sweet treats like French toast or baked ham with grits plus a “bit of dessert,” which could be anything from lemon pot de crème to pecan pie. Hardly a gulp-and-go spot, it’s more of a linger-and-learn experience as Einwechter outlines the sites in nearby Asheville and the surrounding North Carolina mountains.

400 Ray Hill Road, Mills River, NC; tiffany-hill.com

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier, grand white resort with columns and elaborate grounds and lawn in front

Courtesy of The Greenbrier

The Grand Resort With A Personal Touch

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Discover bright, dashing Dorothy Draper wallpapers and acres of can’t-do-elsewhere moments at West Virginia’s prized retreat in White Sulphur Springs. Hear caddies Grover Burns and Gary Dent tell tales of the golf legend Sam Snead (they carried his sticks to many a hole); take afternoon tea from Teresa Amber, who has been pouring since 1976; sample West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice’s ribbon-winning cornbread at Prime 44 West steakhouse; or allow falconer Cody Morgan to roost a bird on your arm. Sip a signature mint julep from Laura Witt in the Lobby Bar while gazing up at an opulent chandelier, and luxuriate with spa treatments featuring the spring waters that have lured travelers to White Sulphur Springs since 1778. Want to enjoy the fanfare to the fullest? The holidays here are truly something special.

 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV; greenbrier.com

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Freddie Johnson sitting at a table and smiling while holding bottle of root beer
Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery

A Distillery With Spirit

Frankfort, Kentucky

When Freddie Johnson (shown above ), the facility’s VIP visitor lead, starts his tour, lean in and listen up. “Join me on a journey,” he begins, his Southern accent all honey and warmth. Then he will spin a saga that includes flatboats, buffalo, and “The Great Fire.” It all blends into a fascinating telling of the history of this distillery, which now produces renowned brands like W.L. Weller, E.H. Taylor Jr., Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, and Van Winkle. Johnson, a third-generation employee, oversees the team of guides, whoare each encouraged to weave in personal anecdotes. There are no scripts; it’s all from the heart. Tours are free—and very popular—so book yours at least eight weeks in advance of your visit to Frankfort, Kentucky.

113 Great Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY; buffalotracedistillery.com

Yassin’s Falafel House

Yassin's Falafel House, purple sign with white and yellow text with name of restaurant on it

Robbie Caponetto

Restaurants Where No One Is A Stranger

Knoxville, Tennessee

When Yassin Terou fled his native Syria and headed to Knoxville as a refugee over a decade ago, he didn’t know a soul there. Struggling with English, he turned to the language of food, setting up two plastic tables and selling falafel on the street. “People welcomed me,” he remembers. With assistance from a local businessman, Terou eventually opened his first restaurant and then added two more in the area. He says, “We invite you in no matter what you believe.” It’s easy to fall for the menu (falafel, baba ghanoush, gyros, and shawarma) as well as for the fellow behind the operation, who also rushes meals and other supplies to emergencies—from floods to fires. “We mix food with the story of love to help and thank the community,” he says. “We are a house for everybody.”

Multiple locations; yassinsfalafelhouse.com

The Floyd Country Store

The Floy Country Store, white building with green and white striped awning and red door on street

Cheryl Zibisky

Most Inviting Front Porch

Floyd, Virginia

The music has never stopped—not since the first person lifted a bow to their fiddle and sent toe-tapping ripples through the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can still hear it today, especially in Floyd, Virginia. Centuries-old songs spill from The Floyd Country Store’s stage during its weekly Friday Night Jamboree; people groove and boogie with newfound friends, and some may even start flat footing (a dance style that was a predecessor to clogging). Outside, folks often gather in impromptu jam sessions to strum up new melodies. There is almost always a performance scheduled in the evenings, and the store’s Handmade Music School teaches tunes and techniques to ensure the future of this tradition.

206 S. Locust St. Floyd, VA; floydcountrystore.com

Dillard’s

Dillard's, black and white photo of parade outside Dillard's department store

Courtesy of Dillard's

Timeless Southern Department Stores

Little Rock, Arkansas

Dillard’s wants you to enjoy shopping the way that you used to: seeing fashion items firsthand, feeling the textures, basking in the colors, and viewing yourself from every angle—all while being assisted by people who know the merchandise and what will suit you. It’s a personal experience that’s been perfected for 86 years by the Dillard family, who remain at the helm. First established in Little Rock, Arkansas and now in 29 states, the stores look sleek with artful displays and on-trend styles. But when you crave old-fashioned help from gracious staff—which can be hard to find these days—Dillard’s delivers.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel, two senior men sitting on bench on Cracker Barrel front porch and talking. Rocking chairs in background

Getty Images

Count On Service With A Smile

Lebanon, Tennessee

You could clock how long it takes to receive your first hello from an employee after walking in the door—mere seconds. Inspired by the country stores of his childhood, founder Dan Evins opened the first Cracker Barrel in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Evins wanted to create an informal, welcoming place where people could gather for a meal or make a pit stop. His formula worked: There are now more than 600 locations across 44 states that all aim to help people feel at home. Check out the gold stars on your server’s apron; they’re earned through the Personal Achievement Program, which teaches the art of people-pleasing. Many of our readers also praised the chain for its accessibility and its comprehensive online guide for thosewith food allergies.

Camp Lucy

Camp Lucy, green swivel chairs at bar with green tile and exposed wood beams

Courtesy of Camp Lucy

A Relaxing Retreat With A Playful Side

Dripping Springs, Texas

Camp Lucy, a small luxury hotel in Dripping Springs, Texas owned by Kim and Whit Hanks, adds whimsy and wonder to the typical resort experience. At in-house restaurant Tillie’s, you can enjoy breakfast tacos or shrimp and grits in a former town hall from Vietnam (procured by Whit) that was transformed into the dining room. Pair the food with wine from the on-property vineyard, feed roaming chickens, or hang out with alpacas. The nearby creek teems with catch-and-release perch and a white catfish that nobody’s ever hooked. Afternoon tea, guided yoga, and culinary tastings can also be part of your days. But above all, you’ll be well taken care of during your stay. “They go out of their way to make you feel special,” says one Texas reader.

3509 Creek Road, Dripping Springs, TX; camplucy.com

Mast General Store

Mast General Store in Columbia, South Carolina
Mast General Store

Shops That Bring Out The Kid In Everyone

Valle Crucis, North Carolina

While the oh-so-traditional Mast General Store does stock battery-operated toys, they are happy to report that the old-school offerings (like a Slinky and Silly Putty) are still big sellers. That’s the gist of this mini chain with 11 locations, from the original one in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, to outposts in South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Each boasts a genuine creaking floor, the kid- favorite candy barrels with retro sweets such as caramel bull’s-eyes, kitchen items like cast-iron skillets, and an extensive line of delicious foods including apple butter and peach salsa. “I have gone to three of their stores, and each time, I have been impressed by the friendliness of the management and staff,” says a reader from Kentucky. “Like a good Southerner, they’re eager to engage you in pleasant conversation but are never over-bearing.”

3565 HWY 194 S., Sugar Grove, NC; mastgeneralstore.com

Chai Pani

Chai Pani, diners sitting in sunny restaurant eating and standing at buffet

Courtesy of Chai Pani

Restaurants Changing Minds And Lives

Asheville, North Carolina

Chai Pani is a colorful, award-winning celebration of Indian street food. You’ll encounter memorable flavors and so much more in both the Asheville, North Carolina, location and the newer addition in Decatur, Georgia. Molly and Meherwan Irani stage give-back nights in both eateries, where a percentage of proceeds goes to charities; they send a portion of the staff to India on annual trips designed to change perspectives; and the company supports a children’s center in Mumbai. “Our community starts locally and spreads to India because that’s the culture we are representing at Chai Pani,” says Meherwan, who came to the U.S. from India when he was 20 years old. “We’re lucky because what we call work is something that unites people and brings them together—we’re approachable to everybody."

32 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC; chaipani.com

Hope Heals Camp

Hope Heals Camp, children of all ages holding signs that say "We have been waiting for you"

Ashley Monogue Photography

A Compassionate Camp For All

Nauvoo, Alabama

There’s pure joy and freedom at the lively dance party that concludes each of the four weeklong summer sessions of Hope Heals Camp in Nauvoo, Alabama. People with any kind of disability (from Down syndrome to poststroke trauma to visual impairment) and their families are invited to let loose, find true rest, and meet others who are in complex caregiving situations. This comforting cocoon of a camp is free for every participant and is open to all ages (fundraisers and donations pay the way). The waiting list is long for the lottery-style admission, but campers say it’s worth it.

hopeheals.com

Lula Drake Wine Parlour

Lula Drake Winery, man in checkered jacket and glasses standing behind bar chatting with customers over a glass of white wine

Heather Marie Photography

The Come-As-You-Are Wine Bar

Columbia, South Carolina

When sommelier Tim Gardner and his team members in Columbia, South Carolina, choose your next sip, it could be the wine of your dreams—the best ever. And it’s likely one you’ve never heard of, since this spot sources from vineyards tucked away in crannies around the globe. That’s the delight when the Lula Drake experts start pouring. With a keen palate that leaps beyond expected “oaky Chardonnays” and “big Cabs,” Gardner loves that moment of connection, when your taste buds dance with surprise. “The attention to detail is impeccable,” says one reader from the area. “This is a safe place to be curious and ask food and wine questions with no judgment while having a fancy night out.”

1635 Main Street, Columbia, SC; luladrake.com

The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery

The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery Store, man and woman standing and smiling outside cheery storefront
Alexe van Beuren with her husband Kagan Coughlin, owners of The B.T.C. Old-Fashioned Grocery Store.

Robbie Caponetto

A Gathering Place With A Big Heart

Water Valley, Mississippi

Come for the Blue Devil Slap-Yo-Mama lunch plate (it changes each day), the sourdough bread imported from New York, the Italian cheeses, or the Moon and Stars watermelon (a seldom-seen kind that’s grown nearby). Alexe van Beuren opened this grocery store/restaurant in the tiny town of Water Valley, Mississippi in 2010, prophetically naming it B.T.C. (“Be the Change”). “There are no strangers here,” says van Beuren. “If you’re a local, we know about your cows, your dogs, and your kids. If you’re not, we’ll find out why you’re in town and give you friendship and advice. Our goal is to acknowledge you when you walk in the door and take care of you."

301 North Main Street, Water Valley, MS; btcgrocery.com

A Place at the Table

A Place At The Table, woman ringing up another woman at counter of restaurant

Kate Medley

Feeding A Community

Raleigh, North Carolina

You’ve got three options at this Raleigh restaurant: Pay full price, spend what you can afford, or swap an hour of time for a heaping plate (jobs range from serving tables to sweeping floors). At least 50 people are daily regulars who work for their meals, sharing tasks with students or business leaders who are volunteering “just because.” The fare ranges from eggs and bacon or yogurt bowls in the morning to chicken salad or black bean melts for lunch, filling bodies with nutrition and outlooks with optimism. Want to pay it forward? Donations are used to address food insecurity and enable this special atmosphere where those from different backgrounds can unite at the same table.

300 W. Hargett St. Suite 50, Raleigh NC; tableraleigh.org

Hugs Cafe and Greenhouse

Hugs Cafe and Greenhouse, four men working on plants inside a greenhouse

Wynn Myers

An Organization With The Recipe For Success

McKinney, Texas

If you want an unforgettable meal, order the five-cheese sandwich (which is enhanced with bacon and tomatoes) and a wedding cake cookie at Hugs Cafe in McKinney, Texas. “Hugs” stands for “Hope Understanding Grace Success,” and the nonprofit employs people with developmental disabilities. In the eatery, the jobs can include cooking, cleaning, or greeting and serving customers. In the nearby greenhouse (about a 10-minute drive away), some of the staffers tend to the flowers—like lantanas and snapdragons—while others work the retail side.Through donations, the program has continued growing and now offers a training academy to assist anyone with disabilities in learning the skills that will help them get a job in the hospitality industry, which is Hugs’ area of expertise.

224 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX; hugscafe.org

Thank You Books

Thank You Books, three women sitting and laughing inside bookshop with table of books in front of them
Thank You Books co-owners Kristen Iskandrian, Laura Lilly Cotten, and Elizabeth Cole Goodrich.

Robbie Caponetto

A Charming Neighborhood Bookstore

Birmingham, Alabama

The Crestwood area of Birmingham, Alabama attracts all types, making it the ideal home for a store where readers of diverse interests can intersect. The three women at the helm keep things lively, curating ever-rotating displays of titles and hosting in-person gatherings ranging from a fantasy book club exploring Gothic romance to an afternoon with an Idaho-based true-crime writer. Everyone who works here loves the notion of matchmaking people with their next reads. Co-owner KristenIskandrian adds, “We would like to think of our shop as a little oasis where a person can find a moment of peace or something delightful, unexpected, or interesting before returning to daily life.”

5502B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL; thankyoubookshop.com

Covington, Louisiana

Covington LA Yellow Home
Covington’s quaint homes and historic downtown make it a must-visit destination.

COURTESY REGIONS/DOING MORE TODAY

A Small Town That Feels Like Home

See that guy in shorts driving a golf cart? That’s Mayor Mark Johnson, who pops in and out of every neighborhood to tell people stories—and to listen to their needs and wants. “The best places in the world are Vienna, Paris, and Covington—but not in that order,” says the proud politician, who’s known to his constituents as Mayor Mark. Not only does he send out a newsletter chock-full of information, but he also leads free Zumba classes. Residents know—and live by—his mantra: “Slow your roll; slow your pace. Enjoy your time in this wonderful place.”

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina drone shot of cityscape

Peter Frank Edwards

The Most Gracious City

Charlestonians are happy to share their secrets—you just need to connect with them. Take a seat at the community table at the famed FIG restaurant for insider talk and tips (go early before it fills up), or peruse Buxton Books, which holds events and facilitates easy conversations. Visit the sweetgrass basket makers at the Charleston City Market to learn about Gullah Geechee culture and their passed-down techniques. Hospitality is extended when you least expect it too. As one reader says, “I was walking down King Street with my family, and it started pouring rain. A perfect stranger stopped his car, handed us an umbrella, and said, ‘Welcome to Charleston.’ Then he just drove off."

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