There are dinners you remember because the food was incredible. And then there are dinners that stay with you because they meant something bigger. This spring and early summer, a new travel-worthy experience is blending both in a way that feels especially meaningful, particularly for those of us who appreciate travel with heart, story, and just a touch of indulgence.
Introducing Liberty & Legacy: An All-American Dinner Series, a multi-city culinary experience that is as much about honoring service as it is about savoring exceptional food. Created by Mainsail Lodging & Development and Sub-Zero Group, this series invites travelers to explore some of the South’s most stylish destinations while supporting a cause that truly matters.
Four Destinations Worth Packing a Bag For
This is not your average “dinner event.” It is practically a curated mini travel series, with each stop offering its own flavor, personality, and reason to linger a little longer.
Tampa Florida
Hosted at Epicurean Hotel on May 23, this stop is a dream for food lovers. Tampa has quietly become a culinary hotspot, and this hotel leans all the way in with its food-focused concept. Think rooftop cocktails, walkable neighborhoods, and a dinner that feels like a behind-the-scenes chef’s table experience.
Fort Myers Florida
On May 30, the series heads to Luminary Hotel & Co., where waterfront views and warm Gulf breezes set the tone. This is the kind of place where you come for dinner and end up turning it into a full weekend getaway.
Atlanta Georgia
June 6 brings the experience to Epicurean Atlanta, perfectly positioned in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Atlanta always delivers when it comes to food, and this stop adds a layer of sophistication with its culinary theater setting.
Fayetteville Georgia
The final stop on June 13 takes place at Trilith Guesthouse, a boutique property that feels like a hidden gem. Located near Trilith Studios, it has a creative energy that makes the entire evening feel a bit more immersive and unexpected.
What Makes This Dinner Series So Special
Each evening is designed as an intimate, multi-course experience for just 40 to 60 guests, which means you are not just attending a dinner, you are part of it. The menus are crafted by the host hotel’s executive chef alongside corporate chefs from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, showcasing regional flavors with precision and creativity.
But what truly sets this apart is the storytelling woven throughout the night. Between courses, guests will hear real stories from veterans and military spouses about their journeys, their transitions into civilian careers, and the challenges and triumphs along the way.
It is the kind of evening that makes you pause between bites and appreciate not just what is on your plate, but the people and purpose behind it.
Travel with Heart and Give Back While You Go
Let’s talk about the part that makes this feel even better. Proceeds from each dinner benefit Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit that helps veterans and military spouses successfully transition into the civilian workforce.
And this is not a small impact story. Since its founding, Hire Heroes USA has supported over 115,000 clients and generated more than $970 million in economic impact. That means your ticket is not just a seat at a beautiful dinner. It is part of something that genuinely changes lives.
Why This Belongs on Your Travel List
If you are someone who loves planning trips around experiences, this is exactly the kind of event to build a getaway around. It checks all the boxes:
- A reason to visit or revisit some of the South’s most charming cities
- A built-in luxury dining experience without having to research reservations
- A meaningful cause that adds depth to your travel
- An intimate setting that feels exclusive but still welcoming
And let’s be honest, for those of us who have reached the stage where we want our travel to feel a little more intentional and a little less rushed, this hits the sweet spot.
You can turn any of these stops into a long weekend. Arrive early, explore the local restaurants, maybe sneak in a spa appointment, and then cap it off with a dinner that feels like the highlight of the trip.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of It
Book early. With only 40 to 60 seats per dinner, these will sell out quickly.
Make it a stay. Each of these hotels is worth experiencing beyond just the event, so consider booking a room and enjoying the full property.
Dress the part. This is elevated but not stuffy. Think stylish dinner attire with a relaxed, confident vibe.
Take your time. These evenings are meant to be savored. Do not rush in and out. Stay, listen, connect.
There is something really special about travel that feeds both your curiosity and your sense of purpose. Liberty & Legacy does exactly that. It brings together incredible food, beautiful destinations, and meaningful storytelling in a way that feels thoughtful, elevated, and genuinely memorable.
And in a world where we are all looking for experiences that matter just a little bit more, this one feels like it was made for us.
