Elms Hotel and Spa
Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Since 1888, when the first Elms Hotel opened in Excelsior Springs near Kansas City, celebrities, politicians and other notable personalities have stayed at the famous property. Today’s incarnation of the hotel was built in 1912 after two previous buildings were lost to fire. The Elms closed for a $20 million renovation in 2011 and reopened in the summer of 2012 as a luxury property.
Signature Features: Travelers first came to Excelsior Springs in the 1880s for the health benefits offered by the area’s freshwater springs. Today, Spa at the Elms honors this heritage with a wide variety of treatment options, as well as a sauna, a steam room and the Grotto, which is a modern twist on a Roman bath.
Dining: The hotel’s signature restaurant, 88 at the Elms, serves rustic Midwest fare using ingredients sourced from local farms or raised in the on-site gardens. There is also a breakfast cafe and two lounges.
Other missouri Favorites: Big Cedar Lodge (Ridgedale), Moonrise Hotel (St. Louis), River of Life Farm (Dora)
Sanderling Resort
Duck, North Carolina (Outer Banks)
The Outer Banks is North Carolina’s most famous beach destination, and the Sanderling Resort leads the way in luxury accommodations. This AAA Four Diamond property is an oceanfront resort in the typical sense: Each of the three inns offers its own environment and amenities, and guests can also rent private homes on the beach.
Signature Features: Staying at the Sanderling means playing at the Sanderling: The resort staff lead a variety of activities, including sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more. There is also a spa on-site.
Dining: Four dining options at the resort include the Lifesaving Station, known for its breakfasts, and the high-end Kimball’s Kitchen, with an award-winning wine list.
Other north carolina Favorites: Village Hotel (Asheville), Chetola Resort (Blowing Rock), 21c Museum Hotel (Durham)
Mugdock Castle
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Just outside Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is home to one of the smallest and most unusual lodging properties in South Carolina. With six bedrooms, Mugdock Castle can accommodate only very small groups. But those that opt for this unusual inn will find themselves surrounded by a wealth of history and architectural charm.
Signature Features: Mugdock Castle adjoins Fort Moultrie, part of the Fort Sumter National Monument. It was originally built in the 1890s as a chapel for the fortress. Today, two towers showcase this historic architecture and are accompanied by a recently added Romanesque hall.
Dining: There is no on-site restaurant at this small inn, but the owners can arrange for private chefs to come and prepare meals for guests.
Other south carolina Favorites: Mansfield Plantation (Georgetown), Craig Farm (Lancaster), Edisto River Treehouses (St. George)
