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Nov. 12, 2026
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Beauty made in Memphis
A landmark new chapter for the city’s arts scene.
Memphis Art Museum is among the first US museums to be constructed with laminated mass timber, a nod to the city’s history as the Hardwood Capital of the World. | Herzog & de Meuron
A new cultural hub and architectural marvel is rising along the Mississippi River bluff. Memphis Art Museum’s new home opens Dec. 6, featuring sun-soaked galleries, a central courtyard, and a rooftop sculpture garden with panoramic skyline views. Its debut marks a significant expansion for the institution, with a 50% increase in gallery space and six times more art-filled public areas. The primary opening exhibition showcases more than 150 photographs by brothers Henry and Robert Hooks, two Memphians who documented the African American community with dignity, self-expression, and pride during decades of racial segregation and discrimination. 
An unidentified woman is photographed by Hooks Brothers Studio, circa 1920. | Memphis Art Museum “Making Beauty: Hooks Brothers Studio, 1907-1984” is a visual representation of the studio’s slogan: “Where there’s beauty, we take it. Where there’s none, we make it.”
The story behind the design →
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| The Dispatch |
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Asheville
It’s officially Christmas at Biltmore, with daytime, evening, and overnight experiences available to book. Our Asheville editor Wilder witnessed the raising of the 35-ft Fraser fir, an effort that required approximately 50 staff members.
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In The Sky
Friday, Nov. 20 is projected to be the most expensive day to fly this Thanksgiving season. Airfares could run up to 19% higher than on Thanksgiving Day, which is expected to be the cheapest day to travel. (KAYAK)
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North Carolina
A new tasting pass invites visitors and locals to experience six of North Carolina’s award-winning wine, cider, and mead destinations for $99 per person. The deal expires on March 31, 2027.
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Delta, AL
The Lodge at Cheaha State Park will open soon atop Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point. The $28 million property features access to 17 miles of trails, a cliffside bistro, and rooftop bar. Reservations are available now; stays begin Jan. 1, 2027. (Outdoor Alabama)
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Fort Worth
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame has unveiled a $19 million renovation, introducing new galleries and refreshed exhibition spaces. Highlights include an exhibit honoring Miranda Lambert and a new Cowgirl Carousel. (Backstage Country)
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| Keepsake |
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Goldbug CollectionCharleston, SC 
While your custom engraving is underway, pop into nearby Ladybird Books for a little literary browsing. | Cameron Wilder Jewelry runs in Mini Hay Avant’s family. A fourth-generation daughter of Charleston’s oldest family-owned jewelry store, the designer behind Goldbug Collection finds beauty in an unlikely muse: the palmetto bug. Inspired by the insects’ intricate form and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug,” her wearable art celebrates the quirks and character of Lowcountry life. Alongside ready-to-wear pieces, the King Street shop offers custom engraving, turning mementos into treasured heirlooms.
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| Worth the Trip |
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The Iron BowlTuscaloosa, AL · Nov. 28 · $237+ 
A century-old rivalry brings Alabama together — and splits it in two. | University of Alabama / Athletics Thanksgiving in the South is synonymous with Southeastern Conference rivalries, but few carry the weight of the Iron Bowl. The storied matchup between the University of Alabama and Auburn University dates back to 1893, when the teams first met at a Birmingham park in front of 5,000 spectators. Then, after their 1907 meeting, the tradition disappeared. In true rivalry fashion, university officials couldn’t agree on the game’s logistics for over 40 years. In 1948, the teams reunited on a neutral gridiron, back in Birmingham where it all began. The host city’s rich iron and steel heritage eventually inspired the matchup’s moniker. This month, the Iron Bowl is expected to draw roughly 100,000 fans to Bryant-Denny Stadium. For divided households, a year’s worth of bragging rights are on the line. Get tickets →
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Pack for: Tailgating essentials
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Top-rated outdoor cooler | $350 | Store all your gameday essentials in this wheeled cooler with double-wall insulation, integrated cup holders, and an adjustable bungee system.
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Picnic caddy | $26.99 | Keep paper towels, utensils, grilling essentials, and more within arms reach thanks to this multi-pocked caddy that’s durable and easy to clean.
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Tailgate tent | $116.99 | This waterproof and wind stable tent fits most SUVs, trucks, vans, and hatchbacks.
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Rep your team | Prices vary | Stock up on your favorite team’s merch, from tees, beanies, jackets, socks, and more.
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Best-selling bluetooth speaker | $29.99 | Listen to pregame reports or your favorite tunes with a compact and waterproof speaker with up to 15 hours of playtime.
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More for the road →
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I’m still daydreaming about bites and sips from Austin Food & Wine Festival last weekend, especially Esther Choi's Korean barbecue short rib hand roll. The annual foodie foray fills one of Austin's most scenic parks with nationally recognized chefs, winemakers, pitmasters, distillers, and brewers for two days of strolling and sampling. It’s a weekend worth earmarking on your calendar for next November. 
Photos by Roger Ho, Charles Reagan, and Ismael Quintanilla III |
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