Spring gardens bloom at Southern Resorts

Springtime is the best time at many Southern inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and hotels. This is when flowers are at their peak, and the methodical work of landscapers is thrust into the spotlight. Here are five Southern resorts where the blooms are at their best. Named for the quaint town in which it resides (Magnolia Springs, Alabama; population 723), Magnolia Springs Inn owners David Worthington and Eric Bigelow updated a late-1800s hotel to modern standards in 1997, while keeping its historic character intact. Each spring, bursts of pink, purple, and red flowers bloom in the front lawn, offset by the inn’s pale-yellow exterior and pearly-white wraparound porch. A canopy of mature oak trees bends elegantly above Oak Street out front (the pedestrian-friendly town’s main drag), providing a fitting welcome for guests intent on experiencing small-town, Southern hospitality during their stay. Rates from $TK/night; magnoliasprings.com. Insider Tip: For a five-star dinner showcasing locally sourced fish, walk down the street to Jesse’s Restaurant, where the region’s Creole influence inspires po’ boy sandwiches, fish tacos on Mexican flatbread, or spicy shrimp and grits with Cajun sausage, as well as Southern-specialty desserts (like slices of key lime or sweet-potato pie). Plan Your Trip: To get to Magnolia Springs, which is on Mobile Bay, fly into one of two airports and rent a car: Mobile Regional Airport is a 45-minute drive southeast and Pensacola International Airport about a 50-minute drive to the west.