There’s no doubt that 2021 brought plenty of memorable experiences and news headlines that will leave us with lasting impressions of the year gone by. As we look toward 2022 with positivity and hope for what’s on the horizon, we also reflect on some of the articles that resonated most with our SB readers. From six seriously dreamy lakeside towns to rural Tennessee restaurants and trend predictions, here are our 10 most popular articles of 2021!

We have articles that run only in our city-specific markets, but these are the ones that resonated with readers across the entire region!

3 Small Kentucky Towns We’re Obsessed With

The Bluegrass State is widely known for its rolling green hills, barrels of bourbon, and thoroughbred farms. But Kentucky is so much more than its world-renowned Bourbon Trail and picturesque bluegrass-covered horse country! Take a look at these little in-between towns that hold plenty of Kentucky magic. Read the full article HERE.

Bardstown KentuckyPin
Bardstown has been named “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by USA Today and Rand McNally. Image: Visit Bardstown

Why Millions of Followers are Cooking With Brenda Gantt

Brenda Gantt is the 74-year-old grandmother who became an instant social media hit. In fact, it was her 2020 biscuit tutorial that made her a Facebook sensation in the early days of COVID-19. Her unwavering joy and zest for life touched countless people throughout the pandemic, and we were thrilled to have her as one of our FACES of the South. Read the article HERE.

Cooking with Brenda GanttPin
“No wonder people don’t like to cook if the mess in the kitchen is so horrendous! God gave us five senses for a reason! We don’t need to use all these things,” Brenda says. Image: Brenda Gantt

RELATED: 4 Gorgeous Winter Salad Recipes

6 Dreamy Lakeside Towns in the South

There’s something particularly alluring about a charming lakeside town. From the Texas Hill Country to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, these charming lakeside towns are sure to inspire your next fabulous getaway, full of exploration and adventure. Find the full article HERE.

Lake Lure with a backdrop of fall foliage.Pin
With a gorgeous backdrop of fall foliage, Lake Lure is absolutely stunning. Image: Buddy Morrison

Highlander Mountain House: The New Boutique Hotel in Highlands, NC

Highlander Mountain House, the 18-room boutique hotel in Highlands, North Carolina, opened in late 2020 in a restored 150-year-old home. The boutique hotel feels like your own private Blue Ridge retreat — a combination of Appalachian lodge and sophisticated English country estate. Read more about the elegantly restored oasis HERE.

Highlander Mountain House in the Blue Ridge MountainsPin
Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the newly opened Highlander Mountain House celebrates eclectic, warm design and a unique connectedness with nature. Image: Highlander Mountain House

Meet 3 Women Running Legendary Memphis Restaurants

Memphians are known for putting their heart and soul into their food, building their legacy on passed-down recipes and traditions. Meet the women, now second-, third-, and fourth-generation owners, who are leading three world-renowned Memphis restaurants. Find the article HERE.

3 women running legendary Memphis restaurantsPin
It’s not easy, but these three phenomenal women are doing their part to keep Memphis on the foodie map.

10 Rural TN Restaurants Worth the Drive

If you’re looking to enjoy a great meal at a restaurant you’ve most likely never heard of, check out these rural Tennessee dining establishments that are absolutely worth the drive! Read about the locally-owned eateries HERE.

spread from Hagy's Catfish HotelPin
These rural Tennessee restaurants offer up delicious menu items that are a definite treat! Image: Facebook

RELATED: Worth the Drive: New Restaurants in the South

10 Lifestyle Trends You’ll See in 2021

Every year, we enjoy (well, mostly enjoy) a new array of lifestyle trends. In this article, we looked backward, forward, and to the statistics to predict 10 trends for 2021. Find the article HERE, and see how we did!

Kiawah Island Ocean CoursePin
Tee times at top courses like Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course are hard to come by these days with the rising 2021 trend of new golfers.

3 North Carolina Resorts To (Re)Discover

If you are considering travel options, North Carolina’s mountains, beaches, four distinct seasons, and small-town cultural pockets make it a great state to visit any time of the year. Read about three very different North Carolina resorts HERE.

Blockade Runner at Wrightsville BeachPin
Wrightsville Beach is all about community, preservation, and hospitality — and Blockade Runner has fostered those sentiments since opening in 1964. Image: This Is Raleigh

White Jeans: What to Buy & How to Style

If you’ve ever asked yourself if white jeans can work for you, you’re in luck. Fashion stylist Cynthia Kelley breaks down the who, what, when, where, and how of wearing white jeans. Read all about it HERE.

Three pairs of white jeans examplesPin
Nashville stylist Cynthia Kelley de-mystifies current fashion trends on StyleBlueprint from time to time. In this installment, it’s how to wear white jeans.

5 Must-Visit 30A Restaurants

A popular destination for getting away from the everyday hustle and bustle, 30A boasts idyllic towns with plenty of opportunities for delicious fare. Check out these five must-try restaurants for your next 30A vacation HERE.

Must-visit restaurants in 30A: Edward's Fine Food & WinePin
Edward’s provides unique and flavorful wine and food pairings. Image: Edward’s Fine Food & Wine

We are so grateful for our readers! Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy 2022!

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