G&G’s Bucket List: 50 Ways to Experience the South and Beyond

Plus: Spring music festivals, white strawberries, and Lefty Kreh

FIFTY EPIC WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH: Book a stay at a cocktail lover’s dream hotel in Savannah. Go blue-lining for brook trout in the Smoky Mountains. Eat Michelin-starred barbecue in Texas, and grab a seat for the Grand Ole Opry’s hundredth birthday. A compendium for those with a sense of wanderlust, G&G’s Bucket List includes fifty inviting places, events, and adventures that showcase the best of the South in 2025, with insider tips for making the most of your trip.

DECK OUT IN STYLE: Spring in the South means deck time—but while wood deck owners devote time and money to maintenance, Trex owners just enjoy the view. Fourth-generation Napa Valley winemaker Rob Mondavi and his wife, Lydia, say the Trex deck at their home in Beaufort, South Carolina, has withstood ten-plus years, six hurricanes, two kids, and one dog, all while staying splinter-free and stunning. Thanks to Trex’s durable, sustainable, and low-maintenance composite material, a unique medium that resists weather, warping, and wear, their deck looks as good as it did the day it was installed—a game changer for outdoor living in the South. No sanding, no sealing, just more relaxing. Learn why the Mondavis build with Trex.

HERE ARE SOME OF YOUR RESPONSES

The Clearwater Jazz Holiday in Florida, which coincides with the opening of stone crab season. —Jim M.

My sister and I never miss the Blue Crab Festival in Little River, South Carolina. Tons of seafood, vendors, and artists. A great time each May. —Gail R.

The Worm Gruntin’ Festival in Sopchoppy, Florida. It’s a blast from the past. —Carla M.

Dickens of a Christmas in December in Franklin, Tennessee. —Daniel M.

The Roberts Cove Germanfest in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, has great food, a German home brew competition, a Catholic mass on Sunday morning, and a Cajun band playing German music. I’ve still got zucherplätzchen in my freezer from last October. —Tom M.

Bear on the Square festival in Dahlonega, Georgia. There’s music being played everywhere by regular folks (not just on the stage) and it’s right before Mother’s Day so you can always find a unique gift from the many craft vendors. —Judy R.

Tropical Nights held every July in my hometown of DeLand, Florida. The temperatures may be in the nineties and the humidity as thick as soup, but put a lei around your neck and a drink in your hand and it’s a street party. —Debbie M.

Littleton, North Carolina’s Fourth of July parade. Everyone participates—tractors, horses, jeeps, and fire trucks—and they throw candy to the kids watching. An annual must do. —Larry S.

Everyone should put the Bristol Rhythm and Roots on their bucket list. It’s held annually in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. —Michael H.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

PHOTOS: JACK KING PHOTOGRAPHY; THE PRIME RIB; CHAROLAIS STEAKHOUSE

We’re on to Round 2 in G&G’s March Madness–style bracket to determine the South’s Best Steak House. Sixteen beloved steak houses remain—your vote determines who will win. Second round voting ends on March 27 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, so check back often to vote.