The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel // ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Tucked away beneath a canopy of trees in Atlanta’s elegant Buckhead neighborhood is where you’ll find The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel. The hotel’s name, derived from the Latin term “silva,” meaning “forest,” echoes in themes of greenery, and nature throughout the property. The 1950s-era adaptive reuse project of a mid-century condo building naturally lends itself to a series of connected spaces that welcome in an abundance of natural light and views of the lush landscape beyond the hotel’s walls.
Rooms are a discovery of understated elegance—neutral tones, natural fabrics, pops of muted green—with thoughtfully curated modern art on the walls. Most have views of the surrounding skyline, pool, or gardens. But what really sets this hotel apart are the three on-site dining establishments, each with their own distinct personality and style.
The Betty, awash with dark woods, rich leathers, cool marble, and low lights transports diners back to a lost era of supper clubs and old Hollywood glamor. The menu is led by executive chef Brandon Chavannes, who adds a personal spin to classic continental cuisine. Chicken liver mousse gets doused with pistachio port and strawberries; pastas are elevated with heirloom vegetables, aged vinegars, and cheeses. Even the raw bar gets some unexpected twists,
like the red snapper with the addition of sharp green apple, and horseradish, along with the more classic roe. There are plenty of main dishes to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for crispy Magret duck or a Kurobuta chop, but for a serious indulgence, plan in advance for the large format Wagyu Gold Tomahawk or the whole salt cured fish—definitely worth the splurge. A robust wine list along with a comprehensive cocktail selection that includes martinis, a sidecar, and the other usual suspects mean you can round out your evening dining experience in classic style.
If you’re in the mood for nightlife, St. Julep, perched high upon the 9th floor rooftop is where you’ll want to be. The indoor/outdoor space provides a glam backdrop for fresh cocktails (presented with beautiful garnishes) plus a DJ who adds a weekend groove. A menu of snacks, with an entire section dedicated to corndogs, along with boozy soft serve keeps the whole affair whimsical and fun from happy hour to the wee late-night hours, with the Atlanta skyline shining in the distance.
Looking for something more serene? The garden level Willow Bar offers a natural escape from all the big city vibes. Sipping biodynamic wines and freshly pressed punches by lantern light in cozy nooks and corners, alongside bites of charcuterie and cheese throughout the 6,300-square-foot courtyard is an evening experience like no other, with the hum of the gardens as a nighttime serenade.
If you can drag yourself away from the property’s comforts, the hotel’s enviable location places you within walking distance of the high-end restaurants, retail shops, and sophisticated nightlife for which the affluent Buckhead neighborhood is known. (374 East Paces Ferry Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA, 470-531-8900; thesylvanhotel.com)
The Grady // LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Mention Louisville and two things usually come to mind: The Bourbon Trail and The Kentucky Derby. Both attract tourists from around the world, and both are worthy of the hype. But should you find yourself simply wanting to relax, eat, and drink your way through a leisurely weekend, it’s a locale that doesn’t disappoint. At every turn Louisville reflects a vibrant personality all its own, brimming with rich history and culture. It’s hard to imagine another city where so many juxtapositions come together so brilliantly. Southern hospitality merges with big city sensibilities. Rolling green hills give way to a well preserved, brick-clad downtown dotted with eclectic coffee shops, distilleries, and award-winning restaurants. Louisville is home to the largest neighborhood of Victorian homes in the country, as well as the strikingly modern Speed Art Museum, wrapped in walls of glass and folded aluminum panels. It’s no wonder The Grady feels right at home in the city’s downtown Market District along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The historic building, which dates back to 1883, was once commissioned as a bourbon apothecary. Today, it’s home to a 51-room boutique hotel that boasts chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows draped in deep blue velvet panels, reclaimed wood ceilings, tufted leather headboards, and jewel-toned accents. It’s like a modern-day loft, steeped in layers of rich history, resulting in a truly luxurious place to relax and slumber.
Wild Swan, tucked away on the lower level with its candlelit speakeasy vibes, is the perfect place to spend your evenings. The restaurant’s name honors the two businesses that once occupied the address: J.B. Wilder, who produced medicinal bourbon in 1883, and the Swann-Abram Hat Company, where iconic Derby hats were crafted in the 1920s. The focus on ingredient-driven small plates means you can sample your way through a wide variety of bites and wash it all down with a signature cocktail– in a vintage- inspired, gold rimmed glass, no less. The menu runs the gamut from colossal shrimp over Wiesenberger grits to Kentucky lamb chops with local squash to flatbread with burrata, caramelized onions, and crispy jowl bacon. There are plates of crisp greens —a classic Caesar and a plate of tender lettuces layered with peaches and citrus. There are larger plates, too, perfect for sharing, like the Wagyu skewers, beef short rib rigatoni, and Kentucky Buffalo sliders. The cheese plate with a generous dollop of honeycomb or the bourbon bread pudding provide the sweet finale to the meal. And should you forget you are deep in the land of bourbon, there’s “The Apothecary” to remind you. It’s a satisfying mix of Michter’s Rye with sweet vermouth and orange liqueur, served up with a brandied cherry. It’s hard to imagine sipping a better representation of the sophisticated old-meets-new vibe that is Louisville. (601 W. Main St., Louisville, KY, 502-434-3700; thegradyhotel.com)
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106 Jefferson // HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
Huntsville has experienced an impressive transformation over the past decade. While visitors have flocked to the city since the 70s to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center—the state’s top tourist attraction to this day—gone is the era when it was the only ticket on the agenda. The progressive downtown is a study in revitalization with repurposed buildings that house quirky coffee shops, craft breweries, high-end boutiques, and independent restaurants. Throw in tree- lined sidewalks, and a burgeoning art and music scene and you’ve got plenty of pursuits to fill a weekend. The recently opened 106 Jefferson hotel makes it easier than ever to experience everything “Rocket City” has to offer. With a mid-century design that harkens back to the rich history of the space race that spawned the city’s growth, it’s the hotel’s high-level hospitality that lands it firmly in the 21st century.
Built on the former site of the iconic Huntsville Hotel (a Victorian-era inn that occupied the land from 1858 to 1911), the 115-room lifestyle property places guests in the heart of the city’s downtown core. From the light-filled lobby to the generously sized rooms to the spa-like, tiled bathroom, subtle nods to aerospace history punctuate the art and décor. Irish linens, fluffy duvets, and plush bathrobes add a layer of warmth and coziness to all the mod style.
At the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Revitalist, you’ll find locals and travelers alike tucked into richly upholstered velvet chairs and leather banquettes morning, noon, and night. The chef-driven concept focuses on European classics with innovative twists. Think: Fresh-pressed waffles with bourbon syrup and coconut cream for breakfast; short rib steak and frites for lunch; and Southern-style Coq au vin with foraged mushrooms, collard greens, and smoked lardons for dinner. Classic and signature cocktails, craft beer, and a comprehensive wine list round out the experience. No matter what you choose, save room for dessert. The s’mores dish, while not exactly rocket science, is a technological feat of delicious proportions, where family-recipe brownies, homemade bourbon vanilla ice cream, and graham cracker crumbs arrive tableside beneath a glass dome swirling with a light haze of smoke. The room magically fills with the smell of marshmallows being roasted over a campfire the minute the glass is lifted.
After dinner, hop in the elevator and make your way up to the 7th floor. With a moniker that pays homage to the two female primates who successfully conquered space in 1959, Baker & Able is 106 Jefferson’s elegant rooftop bar. The space references carry over to the drink menu with offerings like the “Paper Plane” made with bourbon, Aperol, amaro and lemon; and the “Space Age Sazerac” with Clyde May’s Rye, bitters, and Absinthe foam. Whether you look toward the vast sky above or the bustling streets below, you’ll be immersed in all the things that make this ever-evolving city so special. (106 Jefferson St. S., Huntsville, AL, 256-288-0128; 106jefferson.com)
