Alabama college town earns praise as one of ’52 All-American Summer Getaways’
The “loveliest village on the Plains” received kudos for a luxe hotel, fine dining restaurant and a serene state park.
Mason Reed 
If you are mapping out your travel plans for the coming months, there is one Alabama destination you need to add to your list immediately. Forbes recently highlighted Auburn—the famed “loveliest village on the Plains” and home to Auburn University—as one of its “52 All-American Summer Getaways” for 2026.
A Destination Built for History and Hospitality
This curated guide by Forbes Travel Guide spans all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Created in connection with America’s 250th birthday celebration, the list emphasizes classic American landmarks, historic venues, and iconic retreats. Forbes describes the collection as the ultimate cross-country bucket list for those seeking history, island sanctuaries, or national park adventures.
Where to Stay and Dine
Auburn earned its spot on the list thanks to its sophisticated blend of campus convenience and luxury. Visitors are encouraged to book a stay at The Laurel Hotel and Spa, located at 130 E. Thatch Ave. The property offers a prime on-campus base featuring a rooftop pool and a specialized teaching restaurant led by acclaimed chef-in-residence Joël Antunes.
That dining venue, 1856 - Culinary Residence, has become a standout in the region. Located at 205 S. College St., the restaurant serves as a fine-dining training ground for students in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. It was previously recognized by Southern Living as one of the best new restaurants in the South and was recently featured as one of the 10 recommended restaurants in Alabama by the Michelin Guide to the American South.
The Michelin Guide praises the experience, noting that sharp-suited servers provide a seamless experience while diners enjoy a tasting menu featuring ingredients sourced straight from the restaurant's rooftop garden.
Outdoor Serenity at Chewacla
For travelers craving fresh air, Forbes recommends a visit to Chewacla State Park. Located at 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, the 700-acre park offers mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and a 26-acre lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
As 205focus.com has noted in previous coverage, the park provides a rare sense of quiet isolation just minutes from the city. Joshua Funderburk, a facility operator at the park, once shared, “You feel like you’re in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but you’re five minutes from town. When I’m here, I don’t worry about the outside world.”
Regional Favorites
If you are looking to expand your Southern travel itinerary, Forbes also suggests exploring spots like Sea Island, Georgia; Biloxi, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee; Palm Beach, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Hilton Head, South Carolina. You can see the full list of Forbes summer getaways here.
