Latest news with #Southern-inspired
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort Opens on the Alabama Gulf Coast
ATLANTA & GULF SHORES, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort ('Embassy Suites Gulf Shores'), a full-service resort-style hotel located along Alabama's renowned white sand beaches, officially opened its doors today. Developed by Peachtree Group, Woodbine Development Corporation and DD Partners LLC, the eight-story, all-suite hotel brings a beachfront experience to Gulf Shores, featuring sweeping Gulf views, distinctive food and beverage options and resort-style amenities. Peachtree Group, Woodbine Development Corporation and DD Partners LLC announced the grand opening of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort. Share "We're thrilled to open this landmark project in the heart of Gulf Shores," said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO at Peachtree Group. "With its irreplaceable beachfront location, resort-style amenities and vibrant gathering spaces, Embassy Suites Gulf Shores Beach Resort is designed to be a centerpiece for visitors and the community alike." For Friedman, the project carries personal meaning. 'I spent a lot of summers and school breaks in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores as a child,' he said. 'It's special to come full circle and have a hand in creating a place where more people can enjoy this incredible destination and where locals can benefit from the new restaurants, amenities and gathering spaces.' Located at 112 West Beach Blvd., the Embassy Suites Gulf Shores features 257 all-suite guestrooms, most of which offer direct Gulf views. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining, drinks and live entertainment throughout the resort. Sound Wave, the signature open-air venue perched above the beach, offers daily live music, sweeping views and an energetic atmosphere. The space features a state-of-the-art sound system and an extensive menu of food and drinks. The Cove Bar, a poolside retreat, serves refreshing cocktails, light bites and a relaxing escape from the resort's busier areas. Tide & Table blends coastal dining with Southern-inspired cuisine in a casual yet refined setting. The three-meal restaurant, situated just above street level, offers stunning water views and a grand indoor-outdoor bar with a laid-back, welcoming ambiance. The hotel also offers 13,620 square feet of enclosed meeting and pre-function space, anchored by a 7,800-square-foot ballroom, making it an ideal venue for conferences, weddings and special events. A three-story parking garage and more than 7,600 square feet of retail space, including a Starbucks, complete the property's offerings. The hotel's opening comes as Gulf Shores continues to grow as a top tourism and events destination. Situated steps from popular attractions like the Hangout Music Festival, National Shrimp Festival and NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships, Embassy Suites Gulf Shores offers easy access to Gulf State Park, the Wharf at Orange Beach, championship golf courses and Foley's Sports Complex. "Our vision was to create a hotel that adds to the energy and vibrancy of Gulf Shores, a place where visitors can relax, celebrate and experience everything the destination has to offer," Friedman said. "We believe Embassy Suites Gulf Shores will quickly become a favorite for both leisure travelers and the meetings and events community." Embassy Suites Gulf Shores ( will be managed by Peachtree Group's hospitality division, known for its expertise in hospitality operations across the U.S. "We're honored to welcome guests to Embassy Suites Gulf Shores Beach Resort and grateful to be part of this welcoming community," said Adam Bailey, general manager of Embassy Suites Gulf Shores. "From thoughtful design and resort-style amenities to the beachfront location, every detail of the hotel reflects the spirit of Gulf Shores. We're pleased to offer an experience unavailable anywhere else on Alabama's coast." This opening further underscores Peachtree Group's track record of developing distinctive hotels in high-demand markets. A multi-year winner of Hilton's Developer of the Year award, Peachtree Group has earned recognition for its consistent delivery of exceptional hotels and best-in-class guest experiences across its growing portfolio. About Peachtree Group Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit About Embassy Suites by Hilton Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of Hilton's 18 market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full service, upscale brand offers both leisure and business travelers an approachable, best-in-class experience with two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast, inviting open atriums, 24-hour fitness centers and a complimentary evening reception. Embassy Suites by Hilton offers nearly 260 open hotels with 42 properties in development. Experience a positive stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton by booking at or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Embassy Suites by Hilton at and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
This Grove Homes Masterpiece Brings Southern Charm And Historic Craftsmanship To Utah Valley
Exterior of the award-winning home Utah Valley is known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful homes — but few new builds are as inspired by history and grand tradition as the home built by Grove Homes that recently won a Judge's Choice Award in the 2025 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. Located at 1449 North Annie Circle in Alpine, the Southern Colonial-style residence is located at the foot of the Wasatch Range. With 8942 square feet, seven bedrooms, and nine bathrooms, this home has recently been listed at $4990000. Designed by celebrated architect C. Brandon Ingram, it was built not just for style and function, but also with historical accuracy. With a charming interior designed by Alex Adamson, this home is truly one of a kind. Jaeson Roundy and Greg Winder Grove Homes was founded by Jaeson Roundy, with Greg Winder later joining as Managing Partner. Together, they bring over 45 years of artisan craftsmanship and refined residential expertise. Here's a look inside this Southern-inspired stunner. A Rare Gem The living room Roundy tells me while southern-style homes aren't common in Utah, this home was built because traditional architecture has universal appeal and has made a major comeback in recent years. 'Even if someone hasn't lived in a Southern home, there's something about it that feels familiar and inviting. Utah and the South differ in culture and climate, but people everywhere appreciate homes that are warm, well-crafted, and rooted in tradition.' A stunning new kitchen featuring La Cornue and Subzero appliances As McMansions start to fall out of favor, the builder reveals that the demand for properties like this has grown in recent years. 'For years, the luxury home market focused more on square footage than craftsmanship. But that's shifting. Homeowners today are looking for quality, authenticity, and timelessness. They're starting to value detail and design over sheer size—and that's a really exciting change to be part of.' A den or home office Southern Charm The interior of the home is filled with extraordinary details that give it a unique aesthetic. This includes beamed ceilings and a variety of millwork styles. 'Over the last few decades, a lot of the beauty found in classic millwork and traditional craftsmanship quietly disappeared. When speed and production became the priority post-WWII, the attention to proportion and detail was lost,' says Winder. A calming yet chic primary bedroom This is also why Grove homes consulted with Master Builder Brent Hull, an expert in historically accurate millwork. Hull guided the team in designing traditional millwork accents that honor an era when craftsmanship was highly valued. 'Our goal was never to copy the past,' explains Winder. 'It was to honor it—with authenticity, precision, and a fresh relevance that fits the way families live today. Many homes today try to appear traditional, but lack the soul. This home was about bringing back the authenticity.' Winder adds that these touches have become more frequently requested in recent years because when building new homes that cost within the multi-millions, basic style simply won't do anymore. Wainscoting and built-ins Everyone wants their home to have special touches. 'People are starting to notice the difference between surface-level design and true craftsmanship. There's a renewed appreciation for spaces that feel personal and grounded. These elements add a richness that can't be faked—and homeowners are craving that authenticity again.' Special Spaces The reading nook One of the most authentic rooms is the upstairs reading nook, which Roundy reveals was his favorite room to work on. 'It's one of those quiet, tucked-away spaces that still feels central to the home. It's cozy, full of charm, and the kind of place that invites you to slow down and just be.' Primary bathroom Another noteworthy space is the primary bathroom, which features a standalone tub sourced from Vintage Tub & Bath, with a custom surround built by Roundy. 'It was one of those little hands-on details I really enjoyed—just a way to add something special and bring a bit of my own craftsmanship into the space.' Laundry room Even the laundry room, which should be a utilitarian space is thoughtfully designed. Every element is intentional from the vintage-inspired hardware to cream-colored cabinetry, and Garden Blanc Blue Glazed Ceramic Tile backsplash by Country Floors. Best of all, there are two washers and two dryers, making this ideal for a larger family. The Backyard The pool The exterior of the home is also just as stunning an the interior. Designed by Emily Brooks Wayment, the property is positioned on a corner cul-de-sac in Alpine's Prestigious neighborhood, The Ridge. With mature trees, curated plantings, and raised garden beds, it backs up to a private park which makes it feel even more expansive. Furniture by Business & Pleasure The pool, designed and built by California Pools, also makes this property a true treasure. Grove used vintage-inspired outdoor furniture from Business & Pleasure Co. to complete the setting and is offering it with the home.
Condé Nast Traveler
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Thunderbolt — Bar Review
First impression? You walk into what looks like an open-plan living room decorated with money green walls, and weathered leather sofas. It's bright and warm, making this Echo Park spot feel both intimate and expansive. How's the crowd? Because of its location, this is a natural meeting place for a wide spectrum of bar-goers. You'll find cocktail nerds nursing their second round, rubbing shoulders with neighborhood regulars. The energy is chic and refreshingly unpretentious. How are the drinks? The cocktails have earned Thunderbolt a spot on some of the world's best bars lists, and every sip proves why. If there's food, is it worth ordering something to eat? The Southern-inspired menu features elevated comfort food that pairs nicely with the drinks. Buttermilk biscuits and mac and cheese are perfect for soaking up that second round. Did the staff do you right? The team makes technique feel effortless and expertise feel conversational. The entire experience is like being welcomed into someone's very colorful home. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? World-class cocktails don't require pretense. You're here for precision, passion, and a vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular.
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Dolly Parton explains why she's putting her music career on hold after tragedy
Dolly Parton has plenty of ideas for new music, but those ideas will have to wait. The 79-year-old country music icon is still mourning the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died on March 3 at the age of 82. He and Parton were married for nearly six decades. During a July 9 appearance on Khloé Kardashian's 'Khloé In Wonder Land' podcast, Parton said her husband's death is keeping her away from music. 'I can't do it right now because I got so many other things that I can't afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now,' she said of the projects she wanted to start but couldn't. 'I'll write something else, though, if it comes. I'm just putting that all on hold,' she added. Parton's statement comes four months after she confirmed the death of her husband, whom she had been married to since 1966. 'Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,' Parton wrote in a March 3 Instagram post. Four days later, Parton released her newest song, 'If You Hadn't Been There.' 'I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end,' she wrote on Instagram on March 6. 'They live on in memory and song,' she continued. 'He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.' While she won't be writing any new music in the near future, Parton recently celebrated the launch of a new line of Southern-inspired frozen, single-serve meals and sides with Conagra. She's also slated for a six-show residency in Las Vegas at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from Dec. 4 to 13 and is releasing her newest book, 'Star of the Show: My Life on Stage,' on Nov. 11. Parton reveals the secret to her 59-year marriage to Dean While talking to Kardashian, Parton revealed why her and Dean made such a perfect pair. 'I have to be out in the public and I belong to the public, but I am such a private person and my husband was, as well,' she explained. Parton joked that they 'were so good for each other because he's a total loner.' 'We could just be in the house all day and say two or three words, didn't matter. Or we could talk all afternoon and lay in bed, talk at night, in the dark,' she continued. She later opened up about the lengths her husband would go to to avoid attention from her fans. 'My husband did not want to be out there. He never did an interview in his life,' she told Kardashian. Parton said her fans would see her husband mowing the lawn on his tractor and ask if he was Parton's husband, to which he would reply, 'Do I look like I'd be Dolly Parton's husband?' She also revealed the moment she knew it was best to keep her husband away from the media. The year was 1966 and Parton had just won BMI's Song Of The Year — the same year she married Dean. According to her official website, Parton's song 'Put It Off Until Tomorrow,' which was co-written with her Uncle Bill, won the award. Parton and Dean married on May 30, 1966. He was 21 and she was 18 at the time. To celebrate her musical success, Parton said she 'begged' Dean to attend the BMI awards that year — and he did, despite not wanting to. 'He rented a tuxedo. Didn't want to do it,' she said. 'And then when we were leaving that, he started taking (the tuxedo) off, taking off the jacket.' 'And he said, 'Now I want you to do great, but don't you ever ask me to go to another one of these (darn) things because I ain't going,' she added. 'And he never did. And I knew right then that I'm just going to keep him private as best I can,' she continued. Parton went on to clarify that her husband was 'very proud' of her and they got along so well because they never had anything to fight over.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Seeking a Nashville hotel? Why these five are among 'World's Best' according to Travel + Leisure
When it comes to finding accommodations in Nashville, the options are abundant. Music City's ever-growing hospitality scene supports a steady rise in tourism and with 41,220 hotel rooms in Davidson County alone and nearly 60,000 across the greater metropolitan area, finding a place to stay is easy. There are, however, some hotels that tower above the rest. Travel + Leisure recently recognized five Nashville hotels as part of its "World's Best Awards," which highlights readers favorite destinations and experiences across the globe. This year, readers praised Music City hotels not only for their prime downtown locations but also for offering immersive on-site experiences, including rooftop pools and skyline-view bars. Here's which hotels made the cut. The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, stood out to Travel + Leisure readers as Nashville's crown jewel this year. Nestled just south of Broadway, it offers a refined downtown escape complete with a private rooftop pool, exclusive cabanas, a world-class spa, and skyline views. Guests are also treated to immersive 'rare art experiences' woven throughout the hotel. "It's rooms and suites are decked out in rich copper, oak, and marble accents meant to make you feel relaxed from the moment you check in," wrote Travel + Leisure. "Of course, the star here is the hotel's rooftop pool and bar that include panoramic city views, along with private cabanas where you can lounge the day away." This year's runner-up was The Thompson, a boutique hotel set in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. Conveniently located near Nashville's vibrant music and cultural scene, the hotel "melds classic country soul with urban sophistication." From its guest rooms and suites to its restaurants and event spaces, The Thompson exudes style, featuring sliding barn doors and mid-century-inspired furnishings. Guests can sip cocktails and enjoy small bites at the rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson, or indulge in Gulf Coast cuisine and a curated wine list at the on-site restaurant, Marsh House. Rounding out the top three in Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best Awards' is the Grand Hyatt Nashville. This upscale hotel features a rooftop pool and private cabanas, a full-service spa offering rejuvenating treatments for mind, body, and spirit, and a range of dining options that cater to every palate. Landing at No. 4 is 1 Hotel Nashville, where sustainability meets luxury at every turn. From the 56,000 thriving plants covering its ivy-clad façade to in-room water filtration systems and locally sourced, organic cuisine served across its three restaurants and bars, the hotel seamlessly blends eco-conscious design with elevated hospitality. And finally coming in at No 5. is Omni Nashville, a centrally located property making it easy for guests to explore iconic attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Bridgestone Arena. On-site, guests can enjoy Southern-inspired all-day dining at Kitchen Notes, savor premium steaks and fine wines at Bob's Steak & Chop House, or browse local goods at Five and TENN. For relaxation, the Mokara Spa offers massages and body treatments, while the heated rooftop pool provides a serene escape with city views. Each year, Travel + Leisure conducts its World's Best Awards survey, inviting readers to rate their travel experiences across the globe. Participants share their opinions on top destinations, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and more. In 2025, nearly 180,000 readers took part, casting over 657,000 votes across more than 8,700 properties and destinations. Cities were evaluated based on the following criteria: Sights and landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value Respondents rated each category as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Final scores reflect the average of the ratings. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why these Nashville hotels are among Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
