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Condé Nast Traveler
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Bachelorette Airbnbs in Nashville, From Cozy Townhouses to Luxe Penthouses
Every night is a celebration for bachelorette parties in Music City, where honky-tonks and high heels go together like sweet tea and barbecue. Nashville always plays it cool with nightly live music and seriously crave-worthy food, but with its vast number of boutique shops and bars that can match any bride's vibe, it's also one of the hottest spots for memorable bachelorette parties—Southern hospitality, included. It's the city that gave the world Taylor Swift, bluegrass, and hot chicken, and now it's giving brides-to-be more reasons to celebrate with bachelorette-party-friendly Airbnbs that let the entire party stay in one place together (sorry, teeny-tiny hotel rooms). From a spacious loft just off Broadway that puts your party in the heart of the action to a storybook cottage in the trendy 12 South neighborhood that's perfect for porch hangs with the whole crew (no need to BYO guitar), there are plenty of great places to stay when hosting the ultimate #NashBash. Read on for our picks of the best Airbnbs in Nashville for a bachelorette. We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, willingness to host bachelorette groups, and decor.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Yahoo
There's a New All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in a Tiny Town in Georgia—Where Wellness and Food Take Center Stage
This is what it's like to stay at Quercus, the best resort you haven't heard of yet. Before I arrived at Quercus, a resort in the 129-person town of Gay, Georgia, I thought I had a decent idea of what I could expect. I was prepared to compare it to other high-end Southern properties—The Swags and the Old Edwards Inns of the world. I figured it would be thoughtful and well-executed, somewhere I'd feel comfortable recommending even to the most discerning of travelers. While those initial assumptions were accurate, it's difficult, if not impossible, to juxtapose Quercus with any other resort in the South. Yes, the standalone cabins are reminiscent of those at North Carolina's Cataloochee Ranch, and the focus on nourishing guests with farm-fresh ingredients is akin to the ethos of Tennessee's Blackberry Farm. The quality of the linens, the surprise-and-delight moments (like a Hatch sound machine beside the bed), and the number of cozy reading corners are equivalent to those associated with five-star resorts, like Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. I could even argue that there are elements to the wellness offerings that feel on brand for Miraval Austin. But the truth is, Quercus is unprecedented in identity and presentation. It's a unique concept, one helmed by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, who are deeply passionate about their roles as stewards of the land and developing a restorative retreat that blends 'traditional ranch culture and Southern hospitality with a European flair.' Together with chef Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger, owners of Staplehouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Atlanta, they've built an all-inclusive resort that left me with a newfound understanding of my health, a deeper appreciation of a good night's sleep, and the realization that there's a difference between relaxation and restoration (though I experienced both during my two-night stay). Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone's family history. The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. For the last few decades, it's served as a hunting reserve, a working farm, and a cattle and horse ranch. It wasn't until the pandemic, when Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas began discussing regenerative farming with Hidinger and Smith, that this idea of an overnight retreat began to form. Opened in the fall of 2024, 'the World of Quercus,' composed of four guest cabins, a biodynamic vegetable garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a restored farmhouse, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, is the type of destination that has the ability to shift into whatever type of retreat you need. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas hope that their guests leave feeling 'nurtured and re-energized, both physically and mentally,' and they've provided multiple ways to achieve that goal. Whether you book a one-on-one holistic wellness consultation with Visconti di Modrone (who also founded the company Intuitas Integrative Wellness), indulge in an in-suite massage, test your hand-eye coordination at a nearby sporting clay course, or enjoy a leisurely lunch on your oversized porch swing prepared fresh by Smith himself, it's impossible to drive away from the property in the same headspace as when you arrived. Read on for my full review of The four residential-style guest cabins, or 'suites,' are impeccably designed for a restful getaway, and touches include circadian lighting, organic mattresses, and wood-burning stoves. Guests can explore the expansive property on foot or by all-terrain golf cart; a ride through the pecan grove at golden hour is a must. Food takes center stage at Quercus, with a dining program steered by chef Ryan Smith and kitchen stocked by the sustainably farmed Rooms With 'Quercus' being the Latin name for 'oak,' it's no surprise to learn that the four guest cabins, ranging from one to two bedrooms, share a nature-inspired naming system. Cypress, Ember, Naya, and Sylva are all designed by Tammy Connor, but there's a shared throughline of bespoke elegance and sheer comfort, accented by books, artwork, and other furnishings and heirlooms owned by the Visconti di Modrone family (some pieces even date back to the Crusades). The cabins are as spacious as they come. Each one is tucked into its own little private nook on the property, which guests access via an all-terrain golf cart; you're basically staying in your own home-away-from-home, as clichéd as the phrase may be. There's an outdoor fireplace and indoor wood-burning stove in the living room with all the necessary materials and tools to light them, a wraparound porch, a kitchenette and dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom outfitted with blackout curtains, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Every inch of the space, from the organic mattresses to the cupboards stocked with homemade snacks and a selection of herbal teas, anticipates the needs of the guests. The coffee maker comes with detailed instructions, the bath towels are plentiful, and you even get a little pouch of sunscreen and lip balm you can take with you at the end of your stay. There's no TV, but you won't miss it. If you do need to check in with the outside world, there's strong WiFi at your disposal. Food and Drink When asked about their vision for Quercus, Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas mentioned creating a 'high-level culinary experience that nurtures the body.' Chef Smith and Hidinger have brought that idea to fruition, developing an innovative food and beverage program that leverages local ingredients and the fruits of the garden to fuel guests throughout their stay. All meals are included in the nightly rate, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy the delicacies prepared by Smith and his team. Breakfast can be hand-delivered to your suite, and you can opt for a picnic lunch for on-the-go convenience. Don't expect standard eggs-and-bacon or sandwich-and-an-apple combinations, though. Whatever is growing in the garden inspires Smith's menus. And, given the limited number of guests on property at any given time, it feels as if he's whipped up your own personal gourmet spread, all made with any dietary restrictions in mind. You can also choose to take meals or grab an afternoon cocktail inside The Main Cottage, a restored farmhouse complete with a charming library and porch, that sits next to Uberto, Quercus' 30-seat farm-to-table restaurant named after Visconti di Modrone's late father. Uberto's multi-course tasting menus are devised by Smith and offered exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays. The exact makeup of the meal is dynamic, but it's clear Smith has perfected the art of impressing his guests both visually and gustatorily. One dinner at Uberto is included in your stay; other dinners, while not as extravagant, are equally entertaining (and delicious). The signature chef-guided hotpot experience, which I cannot recommend enough, is the perfect introduction to the type of inventive, ingredient-forward cuisine Quercus is adamant on serving. On the night of my arrival, Smith and Hidinger welcomed me to my suite, armed with platters of rice, kimchi, broth, and greens and other vegetables. Activities and Experiences The type of individualized service you can expect from the culinary side of things is also reflected in other areas of the Quercus experience. Ahead of your arrival, you'll receive an email asking you to share your preferences for your itinerary. Available activities include guided fishing or kayaking on the Flint River, an educational tour of the on-site biodynamic farm, rucking (hiking around the property with a weighted backpack), clay shooting, and liberty training with horses. I opted for the latter two, spending one morning maneuvering through the courses at neighboring Big Red Oak Plantation and an afternoon learning the ins and outs of bonding with horses. The activity that had the biggest impact on me, however, was my consultation with Visconti di Modrone. After losing her brother to cancer and her parents soon after, she immersed herself in the world of nutrition and preventative health. The journey led her to develop The Visconti Method, a 12-week program to 'empower women living with the fear of cancer.' She and I spoke about my own health concerns and goals, and we touched on food and sleep and the role they play in wellness, particularly for women. As a travel writer on the road multiple times a month, I find it difficult to eat in-season and prioritize sleep all the time, but with her approachable, actionable advice, I left our session feeling empowered and excited to review my personalized health plan she developed. The Spa Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas are looking forward to 'creating a wellness program that aligns with [their] ways of living off the land,' with plans to begin construction on a separate spa—featuring a sauna, cold plunge, and massage rooms—this coming fall. For now, guests have the option to book an in-suite massage or private yoga session. Accessibility and Sustainability The Main Cottage and Uberto are wheelchair accessible, but the completion of the ADA-compliant suite has been delayed. Sustainability and eco-conscious efforts play a significant role at Quercus. The property mostly uses solar power, and Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas shared with Travel + Leisure, 'all aspects of growing our food and livestock, including compost production, minimizing plastic, and food preparation (where, for example, every component of the plant is used),' are sustainably-minded as well. Family-friendly Offerings Quercus is a 16-and-up property. While there are no teen-specific activities, the team can certainly help design an itinerary that keeps younger guests entertained. Location The small town of Gay is located 3 miles east of the Flint River and about 53 miles south of downtown Atlanta. Outside of Quercus, its main attraction is Towerhouse Farm Brewery, a taproom and biergarten that's just a short walk from the resort. How to Get the Most Value All meals and snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the suites, and certain activities and gratuities are included in the rate. Check-in is only available Thursday through Sunday, with a minimum stay of one night and a maximum stay of four nights. Keep in mind, Quercus is closed during the summer months, from the beginning of June until early September. Nightly rates at Quercus are $1,350 per person. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. 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Travel + Leisure
29-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This North Carolina Mountain Town Is the Perfect Place to Cool Down in the Summer—and It Has One of the South's Best Resorts
Cashiers is a scenic mountain village the heart of the Blue Ridge with cooler weather and welcoming Southern hospitality. The town is ideal for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, fly fishing, and boating. From historic luxury at High Hampton to the retro-modern Hotel Cashiers, visitors can find a variety of lodging options. Locally loved restaurants like Native Prime Provisions (upscale seafood), The Orchard (comfort fare), and Chile Loco (family-friendly Mexican cuisine) offer diverse dining experiences. Cashiers hosts regular festivals, farmers markets, and music events for all ages. Located on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge, Cashiers (elevation 3,487 feet) isn't exactly the easiest destination to reach. The roads wind through various mountain towns—depending on where you're coming from, you could pass Highlands, Brevard, or Sylva—and, during the peak summer season, you may have to slowly and patiently drive behind other vacationers seeking the delights of this part of Western North Carolina. The effort, however, is worth it in the end when you pull into this historic village, just eight miles from the South Carolina border. 'Cashiers has long been admired for its natural beauty, small-town vibes, and a welcoming sense of Southern hospitality,' Daniel Fletcher, co-founder of Outland Hospitality, the group behind Hotel Cashiers, tells Travel + Leisure . 'It's the kind of unique place that really transports you to a different state of mind [from] the moment you arrive.' It's quaint, peaceful, and exceptionally laid-back. Pronounced 'Cash-urs,' not 'Cash-ears,' the roughly 900-person community sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 64 and NC Highway 107, and serves as a jumping-off point for all manner of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, hiking, golfing, and boating. It also boasts slightly lower average temperatures in the summer, thanks to a higher elevation. (The average high in August is around 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while nearby Greenville is 88 degrees Fahrenheit.) This combination has solidified Cashiers' status as a resort town, one that's anchored by High Hampton, a historic inn and repeat World's Best Awards winner. 'Think of Cashiers like a beach town without the beach,' says Sarah Jennings, partner broker at Cashiers Valley Real Estate. 'Our population balloons in the summer and that can be hard for some of our restaurants and retailers to prepare for, so when you come, especially in July, be patient, be kind, and be courteous.' Even if you skip the summer crowds, opting instead for the quiet shoulder seasons, you won't miss much. Cashiers' unique brand of summer camp-like magic endures throughout the year. Read on to discover how to plan a trip to Cashiers, according to locals. Left: Guest room inside High Hampton; Right: Lake scene at High Hampton. Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure Recently named the second-best resort in the South in the 2025 World's Best Awards, High Hampton is a destination in and of itself in Cashiers. Although the property has been welcoming guests since the 1920s, its latest chapter began in the spring of 2021, following a revitalization helmed by the Blackberry Farm (another T+L reader favorite) team. Serving as both a private club and a resort, High Hampton balances a certain level of exclusivity with all the trappings of a welcoming, kid-friendly getaway—albeit one that's impeccably designed and complemented by a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an outstanding food and beverage program. Breakfast is served in The Dining Room, overlooking Hampton Lake and out onto Rock Mountain. A casual lunch down at Mitch's Lakeside (frozen cocktail optional) or The Tavern can be followed by a return to The Dining Room, where dinner should always conclude with a dessert made by chef April Franqueza, a semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. 'Personally, I love Hotel Cashiers. The owners have truly transformed the area into a walkable and enjoyable place where you can find fine dining and friendly spaces,' says Ashlie Mitchell, the executive director of The Village Green—a 13.2-acre area at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107—and a sixth-generation resident of Jackson County. The rooms are a bit retro and Scandinavian-inspired, and they're equipped with all of the essentials; you can even pop into the shared pantry for complimentary snacks and coffee. 'Don't forget to have dinner in their 'lobby' because it is fabulous,' says Jennings, referring to Kitchen & Bar, where the seasonal menu features dishes made with farm-to-table ingredients. The Wells Hotel is another solid, more affordable option in Cashiers. '[It's] connected to Whiteside Brewing Co. by a short walking path, and that is always a fun visit for good brews and eats,' says Mitchell. The rooms are bright and airy and conveniently located near the Elevated Kitchen food truck, so guests can easily grab a quick breakfast before starting their day in Cashiers. Silver Run Falls near Cashiers, North Carolina. Kenneth Keifer/Adobe Stock 'Cashiers is known for its abundance of waterfalls, hikes, and wildlife, and my favorite hike is Whiteside Mountain. It's an easy hike that offers jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,' says Fletcher. Jennings also recommends taking 'the short hike to Silver Run Falls.' You can even get in some steps without leaving the town itself. 'I always enjoy exploring the Cashiers Walking Trail and The Village Green sculpture park and seeing all the local flowers and art,' says Fletcher. Cashiers may be a mountain town, but it's also close to two gorgeous lakes: Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway. If you're interested in the former, Mitchell suggests stopping by the beach at the Pines Recreation Area or renting a boat from Signal Ridge Marina. Lake Toxaway Marine also offers boat rentals, as well as kayaks, canoes, water skis, and tubes. Mitchell notes that Cashiers also has 'free events throughout the week,' and families can always find some affordable fun at the local park and playground at The Village Green. In 2025, the schedule of events includes the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, a farmers market, an antique show, and more. Anglers are drawn to this part of Western North Carolina, thanks to its cold rivers and streams filled with trout. Brookings Anglers has guided float and wade trips that explore the waters of the Tuckasegee, and there are dozens of smaller streams and rivers to fish in the area surrounding Cashiers. Exterior of the Cashiers Farmer's Market. Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure It's nearly impossible to leave Cashiers Farmers Market empty-handed. From the local produce and baked goods to the jars of jams and the takeout barbecue—picked up at the adjacent, aptly named On the Side restaurant—this nostalgia-inducing spot is the perfect stop when you're feeling peckish or want to load up on some snacks before heading out on a hike. 'Vivace has something for everyone, and their selection varies between casual day wear and evening [attire],' says Mitchell. 'I also appreciate that they have footwear for all occasions. Every piece I have from Vivace has served me well, and they have something for each season.' If you're a fan of brands like Frank & Eileen or Favorite Daughter, it's a can't-miss stop while in Cashiers. 'Victoria's Closet is a staple consignment store and has great stuff year-round. It's always fun to pop in and explore, because who doesn't love a good consignment store treasure hunt?' says Fletcher. Mitchell agrees, adding, 'When I'm in a pinch for the perfect outfit for an event or a casual night out, I can always find one here, including shoes.' Mitchell calls Highland Hiker your 'go-to shop for everything you need for outdoor excursions, whether you're skiing the slopes in January or hiking Whiteside Mountain in August.' Similarly, Brookings Anglers covers your outdoor needs, and Fletcher adds that it has a 'great location overlooking the lake and offers guided fly-fishing trips.' 'You can't leave the area without stopping at The Cashiers Store for a memento,' says Jennings. The shop has all of your classic vacation pieces—colorful T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts proudly touting the mountain destination. Outdoor seating at The Orchard. For an elevated night out in Cashiers, Mitchell recommends Native Prime Provisions. 'The owners, Scott Alderson and Tania Duncombe, bring all the fun and best seafood from the East Coast. Their wine menu is also meticulously curated, and I've never had a bad suggestion. Not to mention, it's fun to dine while watching everyone work in the kitchen to prepare artfully crafted plates,' she says. 'The Orchard is a Cashiers' mainstay and always wonderful,' says Jennings. Reservations are highly recommended, and the ambience of the 100-year-old farmhouse is tough to beat. The menu features a range of hearty favorites, including fried green tomatoes, steamed mussels, and crab cakes. 'For a family-friendly meal, I love Chile Loco, a family-run Mexican restaurant that offers all the go-to Mexican dishes as well as some lesser-known family recipes,' says Fletcher. After a long day of hiking, waterfall spotting, or fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River, there's nothing quite like a platter of nachos or fajitas, topped off with a refreshing margarita. '[Canyon Kitchen] has the most spectacular view of almost any restaurant in the country, and the food is phenomenal,' says Jennings. Although it's technically in Sapphire, the short seven-minute drive from Cashiers is more than worthwhile, especially if entrees like North Carolina shrimp and grits or steak and fries are up your alley. 'For coffee, I always stop by Buck's Coffee Cafe for a great Americano in a living room-style space,' says Fletcher. You'll know you've arrived when you spot the antlers on the front of the building. Aerial view of fall colors on a golf course in Cashiers, North Carolina. There's no bad time to visit Cashiers, so the 'best' time depends on your ideal weather and crowd preferences. 'My favorite time to be in Cashiers is spring and late summer. The temperature in the mountains is perfect, and the local blooms are stunning—think daffodils, rhododendrons, and laurels everywhere,' says Fletcher. Summertime and the peak of fall foliage are most popular among travelers—and for good reason. 'Summer is when there's something fun to do with the whole family every day of the week,' says Mitchell. 'Fall is when our Cashiers Valley showcases magnificent reds, oranges, and yellows of the deciduous trees and brings with it cooler temperatures for cozy nights around the fire.' That said, if you visit in July or October, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. 'Traffic can get bad during the weekends, [along with] higher lodging prices and busier trails and restaurants,' says Fletcher. If you're interested in Cashiers' shoulder season, consider coming in September, which Jennings describes as 'the most underrated time to be in Cashiers.' 'The temperatures are still pleasant, the crowds have died down, and all of the shops and restaurants are still open,' she says. Or, you can plan your trip for the winter, which Mitchell says brings 'short wait times and friendly local faces, along with skiing and tubing in Sapphire.' (Sapphire Valley's ski area is an eight-minute drive from Cashiers). A sign indicating the elevation of Cashiers, North Carolina. Katherine Welles/Adobe Stock If you're flying into the area, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is your best bet. It's just about a one-hour drive from Cashiers, depending on the traffic and how comfortable you are with navigating mountain roads. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is another option; the South Carolina airport is a little less than two hours away. Even though Cashiers is a tiny town—and there is the partially-completed walking path, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble—you'll need a car to reach hiking trails, some restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Plus, not every part of the town is connected by a sidewalk.
