Looking for inspiration for an upcoming guys’ trip? Whether you’re searching for a secluded clay shooting excursion, an elevated cabin stay, or tranquil days on the water, we’ve done most of the legwork for you. Here are some of the best guys’ weekend destinations around the South — Selwood Farm (Alpine, AL), South Carolina’s Old 96 District, Shelby County, KY, Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Kiawah Island, SC), and Clarksdale, MS.
Selwood Farm | Alpine, AL
Selwood Farm is a sportsman’s heaven, spanning over 800 acres and located about an hour south of Birmingham. Proud of its Southern heritage, the hunting reserve is passionate about shooting and helping others embrace an outdoor-centric lifestyle.
Selwood, which means “the king’s hunting forest,” was founded in 1834. Today, the farm is run by the Hill family and attracts thousands of visitors every year for its renowned quail hunting, clay shooting, and its handful of opportunities to simply reconnect with nature.
As the oldest (and first!) sporting clay course in Alabama, no trip to Selwood Farm is complete without a visit to one of its two courses. Often referred to as “golf with a shotgun,” clay shooting is the fastest-growing shotgun sport in the world.
Designed for all skill levels, Selwood Farm’s shooting facility includes 26 fully automated shooting fields — each one offering a different pair of target presentations.
If you’re visiting the reserve during hunting season (October 1 through March 31), be sure to take advantage of the private guided quail hunts offered on the reserve’s carefully managed fields. These include whole-day and half-day tours with trained bird dogs and knowledgeable hunting guides.
Selwood Farm also hosts open-to-the-public pheasant tower shoots throughout the hunting season. These events include retrieving dogs, and breakfast and lunch are included for each hunter. (Speaking of food, Selwood Farm also offers flexible menu options and delicious food.)
While Selwood Farm is open to the general public and makes for a perfect day trip, overnight stays are also popular among hunters and shooters. Selwood offers three distinct lodging options, including The Country House, The Hill House, and The Smoke House. Whether you’re visiting with a group of friends, co-workers, or family, Selwood Farm offers a variety of amenities to fit your specific needs.
South Carolina’s Old 96 District
Made up of five counties — Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick — South Carolina’s Old 96 District offers hunting, fishing, boating, and a diverse food and beverage scene. Here are just a few of the best places to visit in the area!
Famous for its freshwater lakes, the Old 96 District attracts anglers from across the Southeast. Whether you bring your own boat or rent one, popular fishing destinations include Lake Greenwood, Lake Russell, and Lake Thurmond.
If you want to spend a few days in the Old 96 District, reserve a spot at one of the many state parks and campgrounds. To see a complete list of options, click HERE.
The Old 96 District is also home to the Palmetto Shooting Complex, a 300-acre shooting facility offering five trap and skeet overlays, two sporting clay courses, and 3D archery. (Note: The clay courses rotate, so each visit may include a different experience!)
For golf enthusiasts, the area is home to many incredible courses, including Hickory Knob State Resort Park designed by Tom Jackson, situated on the shores of Lake Thurmond. To see a complete list of local courses, click HERE.
For a laid-back yet delicious meal, head to The Village Grille in Abbeville. Using farm-fresh ingredients, the restaurant is known for specialties like BBQ ribs and chicken wings.
Wine lovers will enjoy a trip to Greenwood’s South Bend Winery. The local outpost offers unique drink offerings, including a Blackberry Malbec and a Lambrusco.
Palmetto Brothers Dispensary in Laurens County is another popular destination specializing in craft beer and wine. In addition to serving a variety of ales, stouts, IPAs, you can also enjoy a menu of small bar bites.
For a more upscale dining experience, Montague’s Restaurant serves elevated Southern fare in a unique atmosphere. Mount Caramel Café is another popular eatery, offering BBQ chicken and ribs, a variety of burgers, and delicious sandwiches.
Shelby County, KY
For a rustic yet modern cabin getaway with a side of bourbon, delicious food, and outdoor fun, make plans to visit ShelbyKY.
While there are a handful of places to stay in the area, The Bourb-Inn Sip & Stay Getaway is a beautifully renovated cabin. Located 15 minutes from Bulleit Distilling Co. and Buffalo Trace Distillery, the property offers bourbon memorabilia throughout, nearby hiking trails, an outdoor wet bar, and a fire pit.
Once you’ve settled into your cabin, venture to Jeptha Creed Distillery, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Known for its ground-to-glass philosophy, the distillery offers everything from bourbon to vodka and moonshine. Be sure to also participate in the Barrel Tasting Experience, where you can “thief” — or pull — bourbon straight from the barrel.
Bulleit Distilling Co. is another local favorite. Situated along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the nearly carbon-neutral distillery is known for its high-rye recipe and focus on sustainability. In fact, to offset the wood they use in barrels, the distillery has planted more than 1,000,000 trees!
In addition to immersive distillery tours and tastings, Bulleit Distilling Co. offers unique hands-on cocktail classes, where you can learn how to make your own smoked old fashioned or whiskey sour.
For scenic views and fishing opportunities, Lake Shelby Park & Campground is a must-visit. The 20-acre lake is stocked with various species, including bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish. It also offers 10 RV campsites and 15 additional tent and primitive campsites.
Another excellent camping site is Guist Creek Marina & Campground, which offers 30 RV campsites and 13 tent sites. It’s also home to the locally owned Channel Cat Fish House.
Another locally owned favorite, Claudia Sanders Dinner House is a staple in the area. Opened by Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC to honor his wife, the restaurant still serves Colonel Sanders’s original fried chicken recipe!
For a mixture of fine dining and authentic Southern hospitality, the Bell House Restaurant is known for its famous Kentucky Hot Brown — smoked turkey covered in signature mornay sauce and topped with bacon and a tomato slice — and Bob’s Burger — a black Angus beef patty topped with onions and cheese.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Kiawah Island, SC
In addition to its miles of pristine beaches, South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Golf Resort is known for world-renowned golf facilities and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Below are some ways to make your guys’ weekend an unforgettable one!
For an oceanfront stay, book a room at The Sanctuary hotel. This luxury hotel offers Forbes Five-Star service and has 225 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Amenities include six on-site food and beverage options, a fitness center, and multiple pools.
Perhaps its biggest draw, Kiawah Island offers five world-class public golf courses. Located on the easternmost end of the island, The Ocean Course is known for its unobstructed views of the nearby coastline. (Note: This course sits higher than most, so the wind can cause up to an eight-club difference on holes.)
Another course offering serene views is Oak Point Golf Course. Sitting near the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek, you and your friends can enjoy views of the maritime forest as you tee off.
Renovated in 2017, Cougar Point Golf Course is another sought-after destination, as it’s been meticulously designed by the legendary Gary Player Design.
Known for its nearly perfect condition and luxurious clubhouse, we also recommend playing a round at Osprey Point Golf Course. Designed by architect Tom Fazio, the course includes four par-3s, four par-5s, and 10 par-4s.
Last but not least, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Turtle Point Golf Course is known for its three oceanfront holes, narrow fairways, thoughtfully placed lagoons, and paspalum playing surfaces.
Anglers of all skill levels will enjoy Kiawah Island’s multiple fishing charters and tours. Options include near coastal and reef fishing, inshore fishing, shark fishing, and river creek fishing. Depending on when you visit, you can catch species like red drum, trout, and flounder.
Clarksdale, MS
Clarksdale, MS, offers an authentic blend of deep Delta blues and rich Southern culture. With a guy’s getaway in mind, we suggest starting at the Delta Blues Museum, which pays homage to local legends like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. This spot isn’t just a museum; it gives insight why Clarksdale is a blues mecca with more blues musicians per capita than anywhere in the world.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Abe’s BBQ at the historic “Crossroads” serves up some of the best BBQ in the South. Dining here is not only delicious, it also connects you to a pivotal location in blues lore, where Highways 61 and 49 intersect.
Another must-visit is Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, a treasure trove of blues music, artwork, and memorabilia — perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
As evening falls, Clarksdale’s live music scene comes alive with authenticity at venues like Ground Zero Blues Club and Red’s Lounge, where you’ll experience live blues music first hand. Clarksdale is renowned for having live blues music seven days a week all year long.
The Quapaw Canoe Company offers a world class experience on the Mississippi River in handmade wooden canoes. Owner John Rusky is a mix of Daniel Boone and Tom Sawyer. These professionally guided canoe trips provide not only a unique experience but also a deep dive into the river’s ecological and cultural stories.
We suggest staying at the Shack Up Inn on the historic Hopson Plantation. This unique b’n’b (beer and bed) features renovated sharecropper shacks, combining rustic charm with modern comforts. It’s unlike anywhere you’ve ever stayed before.
Clarksdale’s culinary landscape compliments its musical offerings, with local spots serving everything from soul food to contemporary Southern dishes. The Bluesberry Cafe stands out for its live music and local brews, providing a perfect backdrop for late-night storytelling.
Here, you’re not just visiting a location; you’re stepping into a living narrative. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, every meal is a feast, and every night is a new adventure. Clarksdale doesn’t just sing the blues — it invites you to become a part of its rhythm.
We hope we’ve inspired your next guys’ weekend! Happy travels!
All photography provided unless otherwise noted.
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This article is sponsored by Selwood Farm, South Carolina’s Old 96 District, and ShelbyKY.
