Every year, Southern Living releases its highly anticipated list of the South’s Best Small Towns—and 2026 just confirmed what we’ve known all along:
✨ The most unforgettable stays aren’t in big cities… they’re tucked into places with soul.
And this year?
Three of our JETSETTER destinations made the Top 20:
- Pigeon Forge (#11)
- Blue Ridge (#15)
- Southport (#17) (serving nearby Oak Island as well)
Not luck. Not coincidence.
Strategy. Vision. And an obsession with experience.
Smoky Mountain Energy: Pigeon Forge, TN
Let’s be honest—Pigeon Forge isn’t just a destination… it’s a experience.
From the nonstop draw of Dollywood to year-round tourism and family travel, this market prints demand. But here’s where most hosts get it wrong:
They blend in.
JETSETTER doesn’t blend in. We build properties that book.
Think:
- Designer cabins that photograph like a magazine spread
- Amenities that convert (hot tubs, fire pits, game rooms)
- Listings engineered for scroll-stopping performance
This is where cash flow meets experience—and we’re just getting started.
Elevated Escape: Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge (and nearby Ellijay) is where the EXPLORER in our brand comes alive.
It’s slower. Intentional. Elevated.
Guests come here for:
- Mountain views that don’t feel real
- Wine, hiking, and curated downtime
- A break from the noise—but not from luxury
Our cabins here aren’t just places to stay—they’re designed experiences.
We lean into:
- Modern architecture + warm textures
- Outdoor living that sells the stay
- A vibe that says you made the right decision booking this
Because in Blue Ridge, feeling matters just as much as function.
Coastal Calm: Southport & Oak Island, NC
Southport (and nearby Oak Island) is what happens when charm meets coastline.
It’s not overbuilt. It’s not chaotic.
It’s timeless coastal energy.
Guests love it because:
- It feels like a hidden gem (but still accessible)
- Nearby beaches are wide, clean, and never overcrowded
- The pace forces you to actually unwind
JETSETTER properties here focus on:
- Light, airy, coastal design
- Spaces made for connection (porches, decks, gathering areas)
- Experiences that feel effortless—but intentional
This is where memories are made. And where repeat bookings happen.
What This Means (For Guests and Owners)
Let’s call it what it is:
The market is shifting toward EXPERIENCE DRIVEN travel.
And these towns? They’re leading it.
For guests:
You’re choosing destinations that feel personal, not transactional.
For owners:
You’re investing in markets with:
- Proven demand
- Strong tourism infrastructure
- Emotional connection (the real driver of bookings)
Experience The JETSETTER Difference
We don’t just manage properties.
We:
- Curate design that converts
- Optimize revenue with intention
- Create stays people talk about after they leave
That’s the difference between:
👉 A listing that exists
👉 And a property that performs
Ready to Stay—or Scale?
If you’re planning your next trip…
Or you’re an owner watching these markets heat up…
Now you know where to be.
And if you want to do it the JETSETTER way?
We’re already there.
