The American South is known for its cool and quirky bits and pieces. Go down this country road and you’ll find the birthplace of the blues. Paddle up this river and you’ll reach three lovely tree houses. Step into Colonial Williamsburg and step into living history. These unique accommodations can only enhance your travel experience in this captivating region.

Farewell, Heartbreak Hotel. Hello to Graceland’s New Luxe Resort

The brick-and-mortar Heartbreak Hotel was built in 1985 just outside the entrance of Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, to honor Elvis Presley’s seminal 1956 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” This song became his first number-one single and inspired a generation of musical geniuses from the Beatles to Bob Dylan.

Heartbreak Hotel, known for its heart-shaped pool and nostalgic themed rooms like the scarlet Burning Love room, had become a little “archaic,” according to Priscilla Presley. Consequently, it was torn down to make way for a modern replacement. The appropriately Vegas-worthy new structure, The Guest House at Graceland, opened in 2016, becoming a resort befitting the King, built on the site of the old Heartbreak Hotel and just steps away from Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion.

Enter The Guest House at Graceland

The Guest House is hardly your usual guest house. It is more a grand 450-room hotel splashed with Elvis style and featuring 19 specialty suites with designs personally overseen by Priscilla Presley. Moreover, The Guest House offers more than 17,000 square feet of event space, two full-service restaurants, an outdoor resort pool, and a 464-seat theater for live performances.

Stay at Historic Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg, in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the largest living history museum in the United States, preserving artifacts and customs of 18th-century Williamsburg from 1774 to 1781. This extensive area includes 88 original buildings, 225 period rooms, and a vast archaeological collection.

For guests desiring a true 18th-century experience, Colonial Williamsburg offers accommodations in 26 unique colonial-style guest houses and cottages, located throughout the historic district. These accommodations range from cozy tavern rooms to larger dwellings that can accommodate up to 32 guests. Every historic house features period antiques and some even have wood-burning fireplaces or canopy beds.

Stay in the Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

Back in 1941, “Chattanooga Choo Choo” was a catchy tune recorded by Glenn Miller, which made it the number one song in America for nine weeks. The song’s influence spurred Chattanooga businessmen to refurbish the city’s shuttered Terminal Station into a hotel in 1973. This renovated Beaux-Arts building features an 85-foot central dome and what was once “the largest brick arch in the world” upon its opening in 1909.

Today, the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel complex is situated in the heart of downtown Chattanooga and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy museum exhibits, delicious dining options, or simply relax while taking in the hotel’s historical ambiance.

Stay in Tree Houses on South Carolina’s Edisto River

For an adventurous stay, paddle about 13 miles down South Carolina’s serene Edisto River to find one of three fully equipped treehouses nestled in the woods. These charming accommodations allow you to relax in a hammock, dine outdoors, and listen to the sounds of nature. With opportunities for hiking and exploring a vast 150-acre wildlife refuge, the tree houses are a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Carolina Youth Campers Stay Overnight on the USS ‘Yorktown’

The USS Yorktown, commissioned in 1943, served the U.S. Navy for more than 25 years before becoming the centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Organized youth groups such as scouts and schools have the opportunity to experience an educational adventure aboard the USS Yorktown, spending the night in the sailors’ berthing quarters and enjoying educational programming specifically designed for young participants.

Stay the Night to Hunt Ghosts at the Old West Virginia Penitentiary

The West Virginia Penitentiary, known for its notorious history, offers ghost hunting experiences that promise excitement and chills. Located in Moundsville, West Virginia, visitors can explore the haunted halls, guided by knowledgeable staff who will share stories of the penitentiary’s dark past. In a thrilling overnight experience, guests can enjoy pizza and a movie before embarking on a night of exploration.

Stay at a Replica of Dorothy’s House in North Carolina

Fans of the Wizard of Oz can enjoy a unique experience by staying in a scaled replica of Dorothy’s farmhouse located in the mountains of North Carolina. While this charming accommodation is perfect for couples and families with older children, pets are not allowed. The surrounding area, known as Beech Mountain, is rich with activities year-round, including skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Stay in a Mississippi Sharecropper’s Shack Near the Birthplace of the Blues

The Shack Up Inn, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, offers visitors a unique journey into blues history. With 35 accommodations featuring renovated sharecroppers cabins, visitors can enjoy a rustic exterior while finding modern comforts inside. This destination is a must-stop for anyone looking to explore the rich musical legacy of the blues, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere with quirky touches that make every stay memorable.