What are the best new restaurants, hotels, and attractions?
Each year, 10Best teams up with a panel of travel experts to nominate the best new openings (or reopenings, as the case may be) in each of multiple categories: Best New Hotel, Best New Attraction, Best New Restaurant, Best New Theme Park Attraction, Best New Festival, and Best New Museum.
Over a period of four weeks, our readers voted for their favorite new arrivals, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best New Attraction: Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Have a high seas adventure at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay — Photo courtesy of Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay An Epic Golf Adventure
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay is a unique mini-golf destination for families, featuring 18-hole indoor and outdoor courses. Live mermaid and pirate actors bring the adventure to life as families navigate through pirate ships, enchanted lagoons, and more. Beyond mini-golf, the attraction offers a retail shop, a candy store, interactive photo ops, and concessions (featuring the signature Pineapple Dole Whip Float), making it a must-visit experience for all ages.
Full list of winners: Best New Attraction »
Best New Festival: Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, South Carolina
Don’t miss the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Charleston — Photo courtesy of Marc Fiorito/FOOD & WINE
This three-day Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, South Carolina, featured over 50 chef demos, wine seminars, and panels with celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmerman and Maneet Chauhan. Guests enjoyed more than 100 foods, spirits, and wines in the Grand Tasting Pavilion.
Full list of winners: Best New Festival »
Best New Hotel: Madison Resort Wildwood Crest in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey
Enjoy a beachfront stay at Madison Resort Wildwood Crest — Photo courtesy of Madison Resorts
Situated on the beautiful shores of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, the Madison Resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Boasting gorgeous beachfront views, a fantastic restaurant, and spacious rooms, this resort is a comfortable coastal paradise. With top-notch amenities and impeccable service, including a free shuttle around town, this resort is an ideal getaway, and it’s just steps away from the Wildwood Boardwalk.
Full list of winners: Best New Hotel »
Best New Museum: The Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia
Dive into culture and history at The Columbus Museum — Photo courtesy of Visit Columbus GA
Recently reopened, the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia, features art and regional history. Highlights of the new space include expansive views, abundant natural light, and restored links to the Bradley Olmsted Garden with revitalized history and art galleries, as well as an interactive children’s gallery and garden, an inviting public courtyard, and a new café.
Full list of winners: Best New Museum »
Best New Restaurant: Tootles & French in Astoria, New York
Make a reservation at Tootles & French — Photo courtesy of Brooke Self
Known for its refined dishes and elegant ambience, Tootles & French is a wine bar and cafe located in the heart of Astoria, New York, featuring a carefully curated selection of wines. Food pairings feature charcuterie boards, small plates, and paninis, resulting in a sophisticated dining experience.
Full list of winners: Best New Restaurant »
Best New Theme Park Attraction: Good Gravy! at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana
Good Gravy! at Holiday World puts a new spin on Thanksgiving — Photo courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Holiday World has some magical attractions, including Good Gravy!, the Thanksgiving-themed family-friendly roller coaster. It’s 1,500 feet long, seven stories tall, and features a fun and thrilling story-based track.
Full list of winners: Best New Theme Park Attraction »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers’ Choice Awards.
