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.
Liam Carter 
If you are mapping out your travel plans for the coming months, there is one Alabama destination that deserves a prime spot on your bucket list. Auburn, the “loveliest village on the Plains” and home to Auburn University, has officially been named one of the “52 All-American Summer Getaways” for 2026 by Forbes.
The Forbes Travel Guide compiled this comprehensive state-by-state bucket list to align with America’s 250th birthday celebration, highlighting historic venues, entrepreneurial hotels, and beautiful retreats across the country.
A Five-Star Experience
Forbes pointed to several local highlights that make Auburn a must-visit destination, starting with accommodations. The travel guide recommends staying at The Laurel Hotel and Spa, located at 130 E. Thatch Ave. The hotel offers a convenient campus base complete with a rooftop pool and access to a unique teaching restaurant.
That restaurant is the acclaimed 1856 - Culinary Residence, situated at 205 S. College St. Serving as a laboratory for the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, the venue has earned significant praise, including a spot as one of the 10 recommended restaurants in Alabama via the Michelin Guide to the American South. It was also touted by Southern Living in 2024 as one of the best new restaurants in the South.
The Michelin Guide highlights the experience, noting the modern, sky-reaching dining room and a menu featuring ingredients sourced directly from the restaurant's rooftop garden.
Natural Serenity
When you are ready to trade fine dining for fresh air, Forbes suggests a visit to Chewacla State Park. Spanning nearly 700 acres at 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, the park is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and water activities like fishing and canoeing on the 26-acre lake.
As 205focus.com has previously explored in a 2018 feature story, the park offers a tranquil escape that feels worlds away despite being just minutes from the city center. Facility operator Joshua Funderburk shared that the park remains a place where one can truly unplug, noting, “When I’m here, I don’t worry about the outside world.”
Exploring Further
Auburn stands out as a top-tier destination, but if you are looking to explore more of the South, Forbes also included recommendations such as New Orleans, Nashville, Hilton Head, and Hot Springs in their guide. To see the full list of recommendations, you can view the full list of Forbes summer getaways here.
