We Also Love: Jonesborough, Tennessee
One of the best times to visit Jonesborough, Tennessee, is the first weekend in October, during the National Storytelling Festival. There you'll discover the charm of this town steeped in the tradition of storytelling. The ticket price is hefty, but it's definitely worth the splurge (www.storytellingcenter.net or 1-800-952-8392).

Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center: www.jonesboroughtn.org or 1-866-401-4223.

We Also Love: Charlotte, North Carolina
You naturally expect the best from a city named after one of England's queens. Park yourself at Phillips Place, an outdoor mall with upscale retailers such as Restoration Hardware and Smith & Hawken. Don't miss the wonderful independent specialty shops such as B. D. Jeffries and the Redsky Gallery.

Visit Charlotte, the Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.visitcharlotte.com, (704) 334-2282, or 1-800-722-1994.

We Also Love: The Bluegrass
Fabulous scenery and beautiful horses make a winning combination. Enjoy both on the country lanes surrounding Lexington, Kentucky.

Pick up a free copy of the Bluegrass Country Driving Tour at the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, and spend a few hours exploring. Go with the flow on Iron Works Pike, a divided highway, but take it slow on narrow, tree-lined lanes such as Johnston Road. One part of the route goes past Calumet Farm and Keeneland Race Course. Another rolls by the Kentucky Horse Park.

Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.visitlex.com or 1-800-845-3959.

We Also Love: Niki's West
It's not fancy, but Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Birmingham can satisfy even the pickiest eater in the family. More than 40 veggies fill the steam table, along with meat and fish dishes.

Enjoy a meat 'n' three for less than $10. But don't pass up the fruit cobblers and pies (less than $3). At night you'll find a full menu of fresh seafood and steaks.

Niki's West Steak & Seafood Restaurant: 233 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35204; (205) 252-5751.

We Also Love: Herby K's, Shreveport, LA
Herby K's is one of those classic hole-in-the-wall spots with a legendary reputation. Here, the reputation comes well deserved. The restaurant's signature dish, the Shrimp Buster, gives a delicious twist on a po'boy. Four butterflied shrimp are pounded flat, fried to perfection, and served atop buttered French bread with a spicy red sauce. Add to that some delicious gumbo or étouffée, and you have a meal that will remind you why Herby K's has been a Shreveport staple for seven decades. With tastes like these, you earn a loyal following.

Herby K's: 1833 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103; (318) 424-2724.

We Also Love: San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio's River Walk casts a magic spell. Boats glide past couples sipping margaritas at outdoor tables. Musicians in traditional Mexican attire strum guitars while diners dig in to savory dishes from south of the border.

Even better than dining along the river is waking up in a room overlooking the tree-lined oasis. Our favorite stay is Omni La Mansión del Rio Hotel (www.omnihotels.com, [210] 518-1000, or 1-800-830-1400.)

San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.sanantoniovisit.com or 1-800-252-6607.

The conservatory features a dozen areas including the Garden Court and the Jungle. Our favorite is the Orchid House, which showcases these vibrant flowers.

U.S. Botanic Garden: 100 Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20001; www.usbg.gov or (202) 225-8333.

We Also Love: The Inn at Perry Cabin
Go sailing if you like, or hop on one of the bikes parked at the front door and pedal into St. Michaels, Maryland, for a bit of shopping. But the best part about a stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin is just settling in and chilling out.

The Inn at Perry Cabin: 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, MD 21663; www.perrycabin.com or 1-800-722-2949.

"What You Voted the Best of the South In Our 2006 Readers' Choice Awards" is from the January 2007 issue of Southern Living.