Orlando, Florida
| Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate |
| Orlando, Florida |
| At Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate, the dining reflects the resort’s scale and sensibility—diverse, elevated, and distinctly shaped by its setting just beyond Orlando’s theme park rush. Pop-up bar Tiki Social brings tropical escapism to life with a cocktail menu crafted by legendary mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry—think vintage tiki classics and coconut-forward creations in a playful, Polynesian setting. Over at David’s Club, the scene is all bold pours, sweeping views, and that signature 22 oz. Ribeye won’t let you down. Zen balances Chinese delicacies, sushi artistry, plus weekend rolling classes for guests who like a hands-on approach. Trevi’s handles comforting Italian inside, while Trevi’s Terrazza leans into al fresco evenings with fire pits and sangria. Croc’s keeps poolside cravings covered, and Eagles Edge blends golf, beer, and All-American eats with Toptracer tech on deck. Early tee times and midday refuels meet at Piper’s Grille, while Broadway Deli handles to-go snacks, sandwiches, and hand-scooped gelato. Cap it all off at the Lobby Bar or just make that call to the concierge for room service. |
| JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District |
| Savannah, Georgia |
| Housed in a repurposed power plant on Savannah’s riverfront with over a century of history, this hotel has transformed one of the city’s most distinctive buildings into a dining destination in its own right. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is home to thirteen bars, restaurants, and lounges, each occupying a different corner of the former industrial complex. Original brick walls, soaring ceilings, and preserved architectural details set the scene for everything from prime steaks and caviar service at Stone & Webster Chophouse to handcrafted cocktails at Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, where twin smokestacks frame views of the Savannah River. Graffito turns out Neapolitan Southern Italian pizzas beneath colorful contemporary murals, Baobab Lounge pairs African-inspired small plates with an impressive spirits program, and Myrtle & Rose offers rooftop cocktails above the historic property. Savannah may be one of the South’s great food cities, but with thirteen distinct venues on property, the hotel makes a compelling case for dining in. |
| Margaritaville Island Hotel Pigeon Forge |
| Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| Tennessee doesn’t usually show up on the same mental map as frozen concoctions and beach-bar shrimp — which is exactly what makes Margaritaville Island Hotel’s dining program worth the detour. Perched above The Island entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge, the 134-room property runs 3 F&B venues: Fins Bar & Chill, a river-patio bar and grill with an outdoor patio overlooking the Little Pigeon River, where the menu pivots between Margarita Flatbread, Pulled Pork Nachos, and a roster of salads, pastas, and steak, and the after-dinner fire pit holds its own against any tiki bar; the rooftop Chill Bar, with frozen margaritas, tropical cocktails, and front-row seats to The Island’s fountain show; and a lobby Starbucks for the morning before Dollywood. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits 20 minutes out for hiking and white-water rafting; the Chill Bar’s rooftop and a frozen margarita are waiting when you get back. |
| Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection |
| Greenville, South Carolina |
| Greenville’s rise as one of the South’s most exciting food cities has brought a wave of acclaimed restaurants, ambitious chefs, and destination-worthy dining to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Set directly above Falls Park on the Reedy River, Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville places guests at the center of it all. Downtown Greenville’s restaurants, bars, and cafés are just steps away, but the hotel has a culinary draw of its own. Between the Trees pairs sweeping views of the falls with modern lodge cuisine built around regional ingredients, local seafood, and thoughtfully selected wines, while Spirit & Bower specializes in rare bourbons, handcrafted cocktails, and shareable plates overlooking Liberty Bridge. Even the Lobby Bar leans into the experience, serving champagne, charcuterie, and cocktails beside a monumental fireplace or on a balcony above the park. |
| The Lantern Hotel Columbia |
| Columbia, South Carolina |
| Columbia has a James Beard story to tell before the trip — and the former firehouse on Senate Street is the reason to make it. The Lantern Hotel occupies Columbia’s historic Central Fire Station in the Vista, its 59 rooms threading mid-century modern interiors and firehouse details through three restored buildings. The dining anchor is Ladder 13, set behind the original firehouse doors in the engine bay: James Beard–nominated chef Kevin Johnson directs the culinary program, with executive chef Joseph Wolfson executing his produce-forward, Lowcountry-inflected approach through Mediterranean small plates built on seasonal ingredients. At the bar, the cocktail list goes rock-and-roll — each drink named after a classic track and built on combinations like mezcal-limoncello and cherry balsamic bubbles. Steps from the South Carolina State Capitol and the USC campus, the Vista delivers Columbia’s best dining and nightlife at a walk — but with Ladder 13 behind the original firehouse doors, the pull to stay in for dinner is hard to argue with. |
