READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

Southern Living, Jan 2008 by Kwon, Wade, O'Dell, Mary Jo

WE ASKED; YOU RESPONDED.

And responded. And responded. After tallying a landslide of more than 47,000 ballots, we can proclaim winners in 15 categories.

Southern Living readers told us where to eat, shop, and stay all across the region. And our editors weighed in with useful tips when taking these trips.

Congratulations to this year's top choices. And thanks to you, our readers, for your participation. Happy travels!

Walt Disney World Resort: Princesses dine in the Norway pavilion at Epcot. Disney World, along with Orlando, took the crown for top family vacation.

FAMILY VACATION

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World: www.disneyworld. com or (407) 934-7639

Orlando: www.orlandoinfo.com, (407) 363-5800, or 1-800-551-0181

I like to save the best for last when visiting Disney parks. Start at Epcot-picking up a FASTPASS ticket to hold your place for the aerial thriller Soarin'-then spend the afternoon and evening around the World Showcase. Its wonderfilled slow pace eases my family into days of "theme parking." Next, take on the creatures of Disney's Animal Kingdom (grab a FASTPASS for Expedition Everest early) before moving on to the thrill rides and shows of Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly called Disney-MGM Studios (featuring the Stars and Motor Cars Parade, one of my favorites).

Crown the trip with the delights of the Magic Kingdom: Snag a fireworks-watching spot on the edge of Tomorrow-land. Tinker Bell zips overhead, marking the perfect end to a Disney vacation dream. -ANNETTE THOMPSON

2 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

www.myrtlebeachinfo.com, (843) 626-7444, or 1-800-356-3016

3 Destin, Florida

www.destin-fwb.com, (850) 651-7131, or 1-800-322-3319

Walt Disney World Resort: It's a big world after all. Spaceship Earth welcomes you to Epcot-there's a ride inside.

"To see Walt Disney World through my children's eyes was truly priceless."

Alea Bailey, Brandon, Mississippi

SHOPPING

Atlanta, Georgia

www.atlanta.net, (404) 521-6600, or 1-800-285-2682

Atlanta is the shopping mecca of the South. From upscale to funky and boutiques to mega malls, you'll find it all in this city. The key is to plan, plan, plan. Don't try to hit Alpharetta, Midtown, and Gwinnett County in one day. It won't happen, and you'll feel frazzled.

Get a detailed city map, and take your shopping suburb by suburb. Allow plenty of time to wander off the beaten path too. I've found some of my very favorite stores while lost on Peachtree. And heed this advice, even if it seems obvious: Forget about trying to zip along local interstates after 3:30 p.m.

Don't miss Westside Urban Market in West Midtown. In fact, stroll the entire strip of eclectic shops to find all sorts of treasures. Next head five minutes northeast of downtown to the Virginia Highland area where you can make a day of shopping; the offerings there won't disappoint.

Atlantic Station is one of the city's newest shopping destinations. Filled with anchor stores (such as Dillard's) as well as unique finds (for example, K-la), this place promises a workout of your shopping muscles. If you have enough time, make tracks to the Smyrna/Vinings area. see, I've already done some of the work for you! -STEPHANIE GIBSON MINIS

2 Charleston, South Carolina

www.charlestoncvb.com, (843) 853-8000, or 1-800-868-8118

3 Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Gatlinburg: www.gatlinburg.com, (865) 436-4178, or 1-800-568-4748

Pigeon Forge: www.mypigeonforge.com, (865) 453-8574, or 1-800-251-9100

Atlanta: (clockwise from top, far left) LUXE Atlanta offers designer clothes and shoes just off the Georgia Tech campus. Belvedere in West Midtown showcases a little of everything from the mid-20th century. K-la brings ultra-trendy fashion to Atlantic Station. Star Provisions dishes up pastries, seafood, tableware, and other kitchen goodies in Westside. Sprout in the Westside Urban Market stocks outfits, furniture, and toys for wee ones. 1FIVE0 has men's and women's clothing, all for less than $150. (center, left) Star Provisions also carries handbags from noted designers Angela Adams and Orla Kiely. (center, right) Space shows off modern, elegant looks in Midtown.

RESORT/HOTEL

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Asheville, North Carolina

www.groveparkinn.com, (828) 252-2711, or 1-800-438-5800

If you're in the Asheville area, you must visit The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Flames pirouette like skinny dancers in the wide, towering stacked rock fireplace in the Great Hall. They'll mesmerize you as you relax cradled in one of the nearby rocking chairs. Or grab a glass of the inn's own vinted Cabernet or Chardonnay, and slip outside to the Sunset Terrace. Your eye will carry you over the resort's manicured golf course (quite challenging, by the way) and surrounding neighborhood on to the mountains. It's still one of the best, most relaxing views in all of Asheville.

Escape to the 40,000-square-foot spa, wonderfully designed as an underground grotto, and indulge yourself in a treatment. You'll find water, water everywhere, so take a swim beneath the waterfall cascading into a glorious heated pool.