Photo: Griffin Lakes Campground, Effingham, GA

South present’s our hotly anticipated, annual guide to the Greatest Destinations of 2021. Each year, South produces the definitive list of the best places to stay, play, eat and shop in Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah and Jacksonville. This year, we’ve added some new locations for an exhaustive guide to the Coastal South.

South’s Greatest Destinations serves as an annual guide to the best locations in the coastal South from Charleston through Jacksonville. The list includes the premier places to stay and the hottest spots to play, as well as the best bites and top shops. In the past year, the Southeast saw continuous visitors—despite recent restrictions—proving there is just something inexplicably hospitable about our beautiful region. Without further ado, here is South’s definitive guide to the greatest destinations.

Effingham, Georgia

Located about an hour northwest of Savannah, Effingham County embodies the essence of laid-back living and is steeped in tradition and heritage. Enjoy wholesome, unpretentious cuisine, plenty of outdoor fun and a sweet treat or two along the Ogeechee River.

Claudette’s Country Kitchen and Inn

Exuding authentic Southern hospitality and charming Victorian features, Claudette’s Country Kitchen and Inn is the perfect, off-the-beaten-path way to experience Effingham. From Claudette’s farm-fresh, home-cooked meals to the cozy features, the Inn is as charming as Southern accommodations can be. facebook.com/Claudettes-Bed-and-Breakfast-296896950413514/

Photo: Claudette’s Country Inn and Kitchen

Griffin Lakes Campground

The campground—located in Guyton—is a peaceful Southern oasis positioned on Griffin Lake. Visitors can stay overnight in a tent or camper and enjoy plenty of outdoor fun from fishing and swimming to hanging by the campfire and enjoying nature. facebook.com/griffinlakes.2012/

Photo: Griffin Lakes Campground

New Ebenezer Retreat

The New Ebenezer Retreat is both a restorative getaway and an adventure. Guests can enjoy simple, yet cozy accommodations and plenty of amenities including a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, fire pits and more on the banks of the Savannah River. newebenezer.org

Photo: New Ebenezer Retreat

Mars Theatre

The restored, historic Mars Theatre is rumored to have the best popcorn in the county. For only $10, visitors can see a movie with a small popcorn and drink. First-run movies are shown regularly as soon as they come out nationwide, and live performances and concerts tend to steal the show. marstheatre.com

Backwater Expeditions

Forget a backroad, take a backwater creek! Backwater Expeditions offers guided tours of the historic Ebenezer Creek, lined by cypress, tupelo, river oak and pine trees. Let your imagination run free and perhaps you’ll spot a cypress swamp gnome. facebook.com/backwaterexpeditions

Photo: Backwater Expeditions

Hodges Strawberry Farm

Hodges Strawberry Farm is a local, family-owned pick-your-own farm that also sells fresh berries, jams, jellies and local Honey. Strawberry season begins in March and gives way to blackberry season in April. hodgesstrawberryfarm.com

Photo: Hodges Strawberry Farm

The 108 Ale House

The 108 Ale House does everything just right. They offer mouth-watering, Southern-style starters, 13 different (and delicious) burgers, a large selection of sandwich creations, scrumptious salads and feast-worthy platters—not to mention, the ever-enticing beer list. facebook.com/The-108-Ale-House-169524330062842

Photo: 108 Ale House

The Rusty Pig BBQ

Taste the intrigue of vibrant flavors and the mystery of a closely guarded, secret family recipe in The Rusty Pig’s barbeque sauce. The Andersons run the joint fueled by the passion to serve the best BBQ to their family, friends and neighbors. rustypigbbq.com

The Tin Fin

If there ever was a place to go for down-home seafood in Southern Georgia, that’s The Tin Fin. The extensive menu covers just about every preparation imaginable with delicious, fresh ingredients. This family-owned restaurant is the best place to find a friendly face, even for out-of-towners. thetinfin.com

Photo: The Tin Fin

Moo McGinn’s Magic Creamery

This local creamery is serving sheer magic on a spoon! Specializing exclusively in liquid nitrogen ice cream, this barn-themed parlor serves gourmet frozen dairy treats. The liquid nitrogen method makes for silkier, smoother ice cream that seals flavor. Springfieldicecream.com

Photo: Moo McGinn’s

Largesse Boutique

Consistently voted as a local favorite, Largess Boutique sells women and children’s clothing and home decor. They feature beautiful and affordable designs for all ages and sizes, suitable to a variety of tastes and styles. Stop by the “yellow church” and say hello! Livinglargesse.com

Photo: Largesse Boutique

Your CBD Store

Maximize relaxation with a visit to Your CBD store, located in Rincon. Using high quality Hemp-derived, broad-spectrum ingredients, Your CBD Store offers the most wholesome products on the market.  cbdrx4u.com

To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.