Franklin Resort Earns Top Southern Ranking
Southall Farm & Inn claimed the No. 1 spot on the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler list of top resorts in the South.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hotels
Live Poll
Do you prioritize published travel rankings when choosing where to book your next vacation?
On October 6, 2026, Condé Nast Traveler recognized Southall Farm & Inn as the top resort in the Southern United States. The Franklin-based property achieved a score of 99.37 from voters in the publication's 39th annual awards program.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing appeal of farm-based luxury destinations among travelers in the region. The rankings reflect the collective input of nearly 800,000 voters participating in the long-running industry awards.
Southall Farm & Inn, which occupies more than 500 acres of farmland, earned its first-place ranking in a field of 20 finalists. The awards program drew a total of 798,867 votes this year.
The players
Southall Farm & Inn
This Franklin-based luxury resort features an on-site working farm and emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced culinary experiences.
Condé Nast Traveler
This international travel publication hosts annual awards programs to rank hospitality experiences based on feedback from its readership.
The details
The resort differentiates itself through a culinary program that features ingredients grown directly on its expansive property. Travelers placed the resort ahead of competitors including Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley and The Swag in Waynesville.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Condé Nast Traveler released the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.
Travel Outlook
This resort ranking aligns with the 39th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, continuing a tradition of evaluating hospitality trends across the region. The inclusion of farm-focused estates signals a shift in consumer preference toward destination resorts with active agricultural components.
Travelers interested in visiting the top-rated resort should be prepared for high demand following this industry recognition. Visitors can expect an immersive experience centered on the property's 500-acre farm, which supplies the ingredients for its on-site dining.
The takeaway
Travelers seeking top-tier regional experiences may benefit from exploring properties that prioritize direct farm-to-table culinary integration. These accolades demonstrate how integrating agriculture into luxury hospitality creates unique value for modern vacationers.
Further reading
Learn more about local luxury accommodations in our guide to Franklin Hotels.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Williamson Source.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize published travel rankings when choosing where to book your next vacation?
