Small Town, Big Charm
Quaint and inviting small towns in the South worth visiting
by Katie Jevin
Be prepared to be overloaded with Southern hospitality! Everyone knows that the South is filled with small towns offering local shops, delicious restaurants, and scenic strolls. So how do you know which one is right for you? We’ve found some of the most captivating Southern spots, with each offering a unique experience. Grab a sweet tea and get ready to discover your perfect small town adventure.
Brevard, North Carolina
Considered the cultural center of Western North Carolina, Brevard is a beautiful and exciting town about an hour from Asheville. Kids of all ages will love mining for gemstones at Crystal Mountain Gem mine, where you get to keep everything you find. Visit the stunning Looking Glass Falls, where you can marvel at the natural beauty and even take a dip in the plunge pool. Not far from Looking Glass is Sliding Rock, a waterfall so named because visitors can slide all the way down the waterfall. After your outdoor explorations, take a stroll through the lively Downtown Brevard, which is lined with local boutiques, delicious eateries, and spots for live music. Be sure to stop into the White Squirrel Shop- named for the adorable critters that roam Brevard.
explorebrevard.com
Guntersville, Alabama
Escape to the lake at the scenic town of Guntersville, Alabama. Book your stay at the picturesque Lake Guntersville Bed and Breakfast, where you can sip on your morning coffee on the front porch overlooking the lake. This bed and breakfast features a daily happy hour with free wine and beer. Golf enthusiasts will love Gunter’s Landing, an 18-hole course offering gorgeous views and difficulty ranging from moderate to tough. Also at Gunter’s Landing is a clubhouse with tennis courts and a pool. For dinner, try some delicious southern food at the lovely Rock House Eatery. This Guntersville restaurant features a large selection of food ranging from pizza to steak and seafood and has an emphasis on combining upscale dining with southern comfort.
marshallcountycvb.com
Natchitoches, Louisiana
While the name may be unusual (it’s pronounced nack-a-tish), this small town offers visitors no shortage of fun activities. Natchitoches is the original French colony in Louisiana and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The town’s European flavor is visible through its architecture, heritage, and lifestyle. Start your trip with a free guided walking tour of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, where you’ll gain knowledge of the town’s European beginnings as well as the Creole and Catholic culture that is embedded in the town’s history. Next, stop by Beau Jardin, Natchitoches’ stunning garden and water feature with a wooden bridge for visitors to cross from one section to another. End your day at the famous Lasyones Meat Pie Restaurant, a local favorite serving authentic Creole cuisine.
natchitoches.com
Lynchburg, Virginia
The peaceful town of Lynchburg offers the perfect weekend getaway for those seeking a quiet trip. Take a moment to reflect at the Awareness Garden, which is dedicated to the families, friends, and caregivers whose lives have been touched by cancer. Brick lined paths, stately trees, colorful blooms and deep green leaves fill this garden along with a spirit of hope and love. If you’d rather pick up the pace, visit Liberty Snowflex, a mountaintop recreation center featuring year-round skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Even in the summer, you can tube down slopes and reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour! End your evening at the Skyline Grill, the only rooftop dining in Downtown Lynchburg. Offering exceptional views of the city, you won’t find a better spot to dine.
lynchburgvirginia.org
Lexington, South Carolina
Lexington, a suburb of Columbia, provides easy access to the city while maintaining its small town charm. Learn about the rich history of the town at the Lexington County Museum, which is made up of 36 historic houses and outbuildings. Enjoy fascinating demonstrations and hands-on experiences during your visit to the museum. Spend a quiet morning at The Haven Coffee House, the only locally owned coffee shop in Lexington. With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu including smoothies, sandwiches and desserts, it’s a local favorite. If you’d prefer adult beverages, stop by the Mercer House Estate Winery. This incredible 12-acre vineyard features an assortment of delicious drinks you can enjoy while taking in the beauty of the luscious gardens and animals that roam the area.
lexingtoncountymuseum.org
Berea, Kentucky
Berea is a quaint town south of Lexington that’s best known for its local art scene. Start by visiting the Kentucky Artisan Center, a 25,000 square foot art destination. More than 700 Kentucky artists are featured, and the facility holds special exhibits and events year round. Berea is dedicated to sustainability, and you can witness this in action at the year-round Berea Farmer’s Market. This is a “growers only” market, meaning everything sold here is grown by the farmer who is selling it. Experience coffees from around the world at Berea Coffee and Tea, where everything is harvested and brokered through sustainable and fair trade practices.
visitberea.com
Laurel, Mississippi
Get ready to feel right at home in the lovely town of Laurel. Start your morning like a local with Lee’s Coffee and Tea, where you’ll find the best omelette around. Art lovers will fall in love with the work at The Pinehurst Rathskeller, a gallery owned and operated by HGTV Home Town star Amy Luker. In addition to unique artwork, you’ll find painting supplies, note cards, and information about local artists. If you want to feel the community spirit, take a stroll down Main Street, the center of a bustling destination with quaint shops, delicious restaurants and fun events throughout the year such as the annual Chili Cook Off. This small town is always growing with new businesses popping up rapidly, offering a different experience each visit.
downtownlaurel.com
Rome, Georgia
Experience Southern hospitality at its finest when you visit Rome, Georgia. Check out 50 historic markers in Downtown Rome and learn about the town’s history while experiencing the charm of the downtown area. Grab a beer at Rome City Brewing Co., the first brewpub established in Rome. The historic building has live music and televisions showing various sporting events. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Honeymoon Bakery, a delightful dessert spot that specializes in cakes, gelatos and homemade bread. If you stop by in the morning, they also have a breakfast menu. Music lovers will enjoy the Rome Symphony Orchestra, the oldest of its kind in the region which showcases top notch musicians at the Rome City Auditorium.
romegeorgia.org
The Captivating Cumberland Gap
Natural beauty, art, music, history and adventure, bring the Appa-lachian experience alive in the Cumberland Gap Region. A des-tination for all tourists, the Cumberland Gap Region consists of 10 counties in three states — Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Spanning mountains, rivers, lakes, and woods, The Cumberland Gap Region is home to a mild climate, nurturing environment and welcoming, inviting locals. This year on vacation, drive to the Cumberland Gap, not through it.
cumberlandgapregion.com
Pony up to Chincoteague
Home to world famous Chincoteague Ponies, this Virginia resort island is the eastern shore’s gateway to the beauty and bounty of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague Is-land National Seashore. Spend idyllic days on the shore splashing in the waves and searching for shells. Enjoy fresh-from-the-sea oysters while experiencing a sunset unlike any other. Whether a sunrise over the surf or a crystal-clear view of a NASA rocket launch, in Chincoteague, the perfect view awaits. chincoteaguechamber.com
Cheer of Cheraw
Experience one of South Carolina’s oldest and most picturesque inland towns. Lovingly called, “The Prettiest Town in Dixie,” Ch-eraw began as a small trading post along the Great Pee Dee River. In the late 1700’s, the town’s wide streets and central green were laid out, now part of the 213-acre Cheraw Historic District. Rich with gardens and parks and the architectural legacy of more than 200 years, Cheraw inspires, educates, and enchants visitors from all over the world. cheraw.com Fun Adventures in Franklin Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, the town of Franklin is an idyllic retreat just waiting to be explored. Surrounded by babbling streams and wondrous waterfalls, the quaint town delivers a never-ending supply of activities. Offering great boutique shopping, Down-town Franklin offers a change of pace for visitors. Inviting locals, spectacularly breath-taking vistas, and outdoor adventures like kayaking, hunting, and rafting, will please every visitor of this enchanting town.
franklinnc.com
The Heart of Asheville
Discover the timeless beauty and culture of Downtown Asheville at the Grove Arcade. With a wide variety of local shops, bou-tiques, and dining options, Grove Arcade is the embodiment of Asheville’s unique style. Savor a mouth-watering meal, sip on a robust red, and relax in one of Asheville’s most iconic historical buildings. Built in 1929 by E.W. Grove, the Arcade celebrates the rich history, ornate architecture, and eclectic culture and lifestyle of the great city of Asheville.
grovearcade.com
Reidsville
Do you seek out small towns that have an Americana feel and reminds you of simpler times? Reidsville is small town living with big city conveniences. Ranked 30th out of 425 towns in the “Best Towns to Live in North Carolina” by the website, Rent Applica-tion.com, top attractions include Lake Reidsville, downtown, art galleries, market square, historic homes and much more. The locals look forward to welcoming you to #TeamReidsville!
riseupreidsville.com
The Bounty of Polk County
Rich in natural beauty and steeped in cultural heritage, Polk County is an idyllic destination at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Three rivers weave through the Tennessee country-side offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether it’s high adventure or the serene solitude found only in nature, this breathtaking area has something for everyone. Expe-rience Southern hospitality at it’s very best and leave with memo-ries to cherish for a lifetime.
ocoeecountry.com
Everything’s Gravy in Greeneville
From pioneers to presidents, Greeneville has always been an important part of our country’s history since its establishment in 1783. Greeneville’s rich history has led to a vibrant modern-day culture in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and towering trees are interspersed with historic sites, museums, and modern conveniences. While Greeneville offers the amenities of a bigger city, its uniqueness and natural charm remains in its small-town atmosphere.
visitgreenevilletn.com
Every Family’s Friend
Located on six peacefully quiet and wooded acres in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Zoder’s Inn & Suites captivates guests with homespun hospitality and gracious warmth. The magic of Zoder’s has been fine-tuned throughout the years, with over three generations of family ownership. Whether enjoying the stream view from the balcony, warming up by a glowing, crackling fire, or noshing on bedtime cookies and milk, Zoder’s Inn creates memories visitors will treasure for years to come.
zoders.com
A Rocking Good Time
Just 15 miles from Asheville sits the captivating town of Black Mountain. Home to over 200 businesses, including restaurants, shops, bed and breakfasts, and several breweries, Black Moun-tain is a designated “Entrepreneurial Friendly Community”. Stroll through Black Mountain’s beautifully landscaped Town Square. The surrounding mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and photography. Sit in one of the many rocking chairs that line the streets of Black Mountain and take in the magical, rejuvenating mountain air.
exploreblackmountain.com
Happy in Hendersonville
Escape from life’s hectic pace in Hendersonville. The stunning scenery and southern hospitality are the perfect backdrop for making memories. This charming mountain town is pet friendly and a prime location for adventure. Whether an adrenaline-filled white-water rafting trip, a sampling of local libations at one of the towns many breweries, or a hike to a scenic waterfall, Hender-sonville has it. Be a wizard at the Appalachian Pinball Museum or stroll through historic Downtown Hendersonville.
visithendersonvillenc.org
A Tri-Star City
In the northwest of Wayne County sits the City of Clifton. On a bluff overlooking a section of the Tennessee River known as Horseshoe Bend, Clifton has always been tied to the river. Today, Clifton’s Main Street is lined with quaint shops and businesses. Enjoy the riverfront view from Downtown, stroll past the mural of Clifton’s Riverboat Era or take note of the Tennessee Civil War Trail Marker – Clifton is rich is history, charm and beauty.
cityofclifton.com
The Star City of Eastern Kentucky
As the first town established in eastern Kentucky, Prestonsburg‘s history is as storied as the mountains themselves. Whether you’re looking for leisurely, scenic quiet time or you are ready to break a sweat and a personal record, there are several easily accessible trail systems for hiking and biking and Lake-lovers can boat, swim and fish at Jenny Wiley State Park’s Dewey Lake and then take in a theatrical performance at the state park’s own Jenny Wiley Theatre.
prestonsburgky.org
The Best of Rugby, Tennessee
Grey Gables Bed and Breakfast provides guests with a four-course dinner and a full and hearty family style country break-fast. The ten bedrooms and eight bedrooms are decorated in county and Victorian antiques. The Inn serves as a hub from which to tour the surrounding venues like the R.M. Brooks Store, a step back into the remembrance of a more-simple time. Fourth generation Tiffany Terry is keeping the ambiance of yesteryear with a modern touch.
rugbytn.com
Apalachicola Bay, Florida
In the Florida Panhandle you’ll find the idyllic Apalachicola Bay The coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, and Eastpoint make up the heart of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, rich with small-town charm and big-hearted hospitality. These com-munities feature unspoiled nature, historic downtowns, local shops, unique art galleries, and fresh local seafood, all influenced by a maritime culture that has lasted for centuries. Relax on miles of unspoiled beaches, or in a charming B&B or inn.
apalachicolabay.org
Tennessee’s Hidden Gem
Poised as being both a historic and antique shopping district, families can find fun around every corner in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Explorers can take a leisurely stroll to find unique points of interest and the diversity of downtown shops and eateries is unmatched. Enjoy local evening activities such as classic car shows, motorcycle rallies, karaoke, and open mic nights. Whether you are seeking an adventure or just a moment to slow down and take it all in, Elizabethton is a must-see!
tourcartercounty.com
Summersville Adventures
Centrally located in the mountains of West Virginia, Summersville offers endless opportunities for fun-filled days enjoying beauty, adventure, history and relaxation. The city is the home of the state’s largest lake, Summersville Lake, which is a beautiful clear water lake stretching over 60 miles of shoreline and 2800 acres of water. After a day on the lake enjoy primitive shops, antiques, local dining favorites, and more in downtown Summersville. Easy to navigate and full of variety, this is the place to be!
summersvillecvb.com
