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Two Georgia Spots Among the ‘Coolest’ Boutique Hotels in the U.S.

Many people enjoy unique travel experiences. For some, that means staying at a place that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all hotel. USA Today, 10Best compiled a list of the “coolest” boutique…

3d render of luxury hotel lobby entrance reception
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Many people enjoy unique travel experiences. For some, that means staying at a place that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all hotel. USA Today, 10Best compiled a list of the "coolest" boutique hotels around the U.S. These focused on places that are upcycled, renovated historic buildings given new life, and unique and stylish stays.

"Across the country, hoteliers have restored classic buildings to their original glory. Old libraries are now boutique hotels, refurbished roadside inns have morphed into modern getaways, and fire stations have been transformed into super stylish accommodations," they wrote.

They said that their selection of boutique hotels is living their best second lives, with plenty of destination-worthy character, charm, and personality for your next road trip or vacation.

Top Coolest Boutique Hotels

At the top of their list is Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. It's a hotel located at the foot of Aspen that was built in 1889. The magazine highlighted how the luxury hotel welcomed movie stars and famous writers like Hunter S. Thomspon.

Snagging the second spot is The Madrona in Healdsburg, California. What makes this place unique is that it's a Victorian mansion that was originally built as a private home in 1881 and eventually turned into an inn and restaurant, as pointed out by the study.

Georgia Makes the List With 2 Hotels

Two Georgia hotels made the list. One being the Drayton Hotel in Savannah and the other Greyfield Inn in Cumberland Island. You can find the Drayton Hotel in Savannah's historic district. Formerly known as the America Trust and Bank Building, it underwent a restoration in 2019 to recapture its 19th-century ambiance. The magazine highlights the building's original brick facade, herringbone-brick flooring, and hand-painted wall art that contribute to its charm.

The Greyfield Inn was highlighted for having "instant nostalgia." It was built in 1900 and remains the only hotel on the island. Formerly owned and currently under the supervision of the Carnegie family, this place is surrounded by century-old oak trees adorned with Spanish moss. With no televisions and limited cell service, your only option is to unwind. The all-inclusive, 15-room inn provides Southern-style breakfast, picnic lunches, farm-fresh dinners, and snacks.

Take a look at the complete list here.

Georgia Lake Named One of the Most Beautiful in America

America is known for many good things, from fast food to NFL football to land as far as the eye can see. It's also known for having lots and lots of beautiful lakes, including one Georgia lake.

With so many lakes across the United States, you're probably within driving distance of a fantastic lake of some sort. So, which lakes are the absolutely best in America? It's a tough question. I mean, everyone looks for something different in a lake. Some people love large lakes that look almost like the ocean, while other thrive at small, inland lakes where you can always see the shore. But, there are some lakes that stand above the rest when it comes to beauty and popularity.

I've put together a list of the "11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America," offering a little bit of something for everyone. These lakes are found all across America, so wherever you live, one of these probably is relatively close to you. We're heading into the perfect season to visit a lake, too. For those who aren't lucky enough to live near the ocean, going to a lake is the next best thing. One famous Georgia lake is included in here. So, get your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bikini or trunks and check out 11 beautiful lakes in America to visit.

11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America

I've put together a list of the 11 most beautiful lakes to visit in America. This tally includes lakes from coast to coast. Some fun activities, depending on the currents, include swimming, wind surfing, going on a boat on the lake, having a picnic at the shoreline and more. What's your favorite lake, and did I miss any? Reach out to me on social media and add to my list.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Seneca Lake, New York

Seneca Lake is the biggest of the 11 glacial Finger Lakes. It's 38 miles long and more than 618 feet deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in America. What's extra cool is that the U.S. Navy even does some testing for submarines in this lake, because of its depth.

Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

If you've ever been to Yellowstone Park, you've probably visited Yellowstone Lake. The massive lake is a part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It's actually the biggest lake in the park and one of the biggest highly elevated freshwater lakes in North America.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

The famous Lake Tahoe is located right on the state line between California and Nevada. It's stunning, as it is surrounded by the glorious Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is the largest alpine lake in North America, making it a must-see lake.

Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

Here's a special lake located within the Nantahala National Forest and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. This is also a very pure lake, as its shoreline is mostly protected from development. It's a beautiful destination for fishing, jumping in a canoe or kayak or a picnic.

Hanging Lake, Colorado

Hanging Lake is so glorious. It's located in the middle of Glenwood Canyon in the White River National Forest, and it's actually part of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This lake "was formed by a geologic fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above," according to the USDA Forest Service, and is a designated National Natural Landmark.

Lake Superior, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

The Great Lakes are, of course, some of the most famous lakes in the world. One that's often left of best-of lists is Lake Superior. It's the largest freshwater lake in the world and has a whopping 10% of the world's surface freshwater. Drink up.

Lake Michigan, Wisconsin/Michigan/Illinois

Lake Michigan is simply a landmark. It's actually the most deadly lake in America, due to the high volume of drownings. But, aside from the scary, it's a beautiful and large lake. The lake is spread over more than 307 miles, and there are many beach towns across those miles.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

Located in the northern part of Georgia, Lake Lanier runs nearly 40,000 acres. It stems from the construction of the Buford Dam. This lake is known for its super clear water. The water is actually crystal blue. How beautiful, right?

Lake Jocassee, South Carolina

Lake Jocassee is in the Appalachian Mountains, and it's actually a man-made reservoir. Its water flows from the mountains. This is another lake known for its very clear water, so you get to see all the fish and underwater creatures when you look down into the water flow.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Lake Okeechobee is the biggest freshwater lake in Florida. It's a very popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Those who visit the lake get to learn the history and today's experience of the Seminole community at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which is a bonus.

Lake Erie, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York

The Lake Erie shoreline touches Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. The body of water offers some of the warmest waters you'll find in the Great Lakes. Lake Erie also offers some fantastic areas to swim, making it a popular vacation lake.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.