Sweet Southern Hospitality
The southern states each have their own flare and claims to fame but the one thing they all have in common is the southern hospitality visitors have come to admire and expect. When visiting the small towns in each state you’ll find locals so sweet it gives the pitcher of tea a run for it’s money. The southern cuisine will perk up your taste buds and you’ll want to be stealing the recipes to try to re-create them at home. Speaking of home, be cautious when you visit — it’s quite possible to fall head over heels and decide to start calling a southern state home for yourself.
Tennessee
Due to Tennessee being known as “The Volunteer State” it’s without question that they have some of the best southern hospitality and charm you’ll ever find. Strangers become friends and life becomes sweet in this heartland of the south.
Tennessee’s Sweetest Small Towns
Jonesborough
Nothing says Tennessee quite like it’s oldest town, Jonesborough. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in this small southern town packed full of historical and artistic charm. From historical tours and antique shopping, to theatre performances and art museums, Jonesborough can certainly satisfy your desire for a southern getaway.
jonesborough.com
Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg is nestled in the heart of the scenic Tennessee Valley. It’s known as the home of southern gospel music and where David Crockett once lived. Visit the thriving Amish community and find an abundance of handmade goods and eats or attend one of the many local events throughout the year and experience what home feels like. You won’t find friendlier faces or more southern hospitality around any other corner in the south.
lawrenceburgtn.gov
Tennessee’s Best Southern Cuisine
Loveless Café
For more than 65 years, the Loveless Cafe has been offering families and friends a place where they can enjoy a scratch-made southern meal and reconnect with each other around the table. Stop in for a bite and fall in love with the most famous biscuits in Nashville, they make up to 10,000 of them per day! Stroll through the multiple gift shops and get some delicious goodies and southern souvenirs to take back home.
lovelesscafe.com
Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer
Not just a good meal, but food for the soul. Myrtle’s is a tribute to the heroes of Southern cooking who have created classic comfort food since the 1800s. Expect innovative items such as Myrtle’s Original Fried Chicken Sandwich with General Neyland’s Hot Honey Aioli and Crunchy Pickled Fresno Chile & Lime Slaw as well as southern favorites such as Chicken & Waffles Behind the bar you’ll find house-infused syrups and mixers, local craft beers, artisanal whiskeys, and a rotation of 30-day barrel-aged classic cocktails.
myrtleschickenandbeer.com
Georgia
In the great peach state, Southern Hospitality isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a way of life. That’s probably the secret behind why so many Hollywood big shots choose this state to film some of the biggest productions. Thankfully they treat every visitor like family and finding a great place to explore and a dinner to get full on is no problem!
Georgia’s Sweetest Small Towns
Toccoa
The moment you arrive in the small city of Toccoa Georgia, you instantly notice the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Distinctive brick buildings ooze character and charm. The Currahee Military Museum is devoted to the soldiers who trained at Camp Toccoa and the Stephens County Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the area's past. Enjoy the outdoors while visiting Toccoa Falls, Currahee Vineyards, Henderson Falls Park, Paul Anderson Park or Traveler's Rest State Historic site.
cityoftoccoa.com
Milledgeville
Capitals, columns, and culture are three words that mesh perfectly when describing Milledgeville, Georgia. This antebellum capital has an eclectic mix of locally owned shops, attractions, events for visitors and locals alike, and excitingly unique dining options. While you are there hop aboard the trolley for a guided tour through the historic district, visit the 1839 Old Governor's Mansion, now a Smithsonian Affiliate, or kayak the Oconee River.
visitmilledgeville.org
Georgia’s Best Southern Cuisine
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
For over 70 years Mary Mac’s has been setting the standard for Southern cooking and is one of the last sixteen tea rooms that dotted Atlanta in the 1940s. Families, celebrities, and world travelers all dine at Mary Mac’s and feel right at home because the restaurant focuses on serving made-from-scratch true southern fare served with genuine southern hospitality. Make sure to save room for dessert, they offer the most delectable and fresh cobbler in the south.
marymacs.com
The Lady and Sons
One of the most well-known Southern chefs in the world is Paula Deen, and lucky for you she has a restaurant in Savannah. The Lady and Sons’ history dates back to 1989, when Paula started a lunch delivery service out of her home. Her sons, Jaime and Bobby, helped to deliver the meals, and a full-service restaurant eventually came into existence. The best way to taste a bit of everything is to get Paula’s Southern Buffet with fried chicken, homestyle veggies, a salad bar, and even desert. The featured buffet foods change daily but it’s always worth it.
ladyandsons.com
Kentucky
Take a seat at the Kentucky table, where some recipes are as old as the state and others are at the culinary cutting edge. Hot brown to cheese grits to gourmet dining, from hole-in-the-walls to innovative culinary experiences, you’ll want to try it all. Better yet, it’s all available with genuine good company and a big helping of adventure.
Kentucky’s Sweetest Small Towns
Georgetown
A small town bursting with charm sitting in the midst of Horse Country, Georgetown is the disputed birthplace of bourbon and hometown of numerous horse-centric attractions. Witness a Toyota automobile constructed from the ground up at the largest Toyota Manufacturing plant in the world. Meet one of the South’s sassiest and brassiest belles at Ward Hall and share in Kentucky’s love of horses at the Kentucky Horse Park.
georgetownky.com
Elizabethtown
Welcome to Elizabethtown, or more aptly known as “Etown.” The “E” stands for everything because they have a thriving downtown, restaurants, lodging, and all of Kentucky’s best-known attractions. From the birthplace of Lincoln to the birthplace of bourbon, from the world’s largest cave system to world famous Fort Knox, when you visit Elizabethtown, you’ll discover a new surprise everywhere you look and no sweeter destination in the south.
touretown.com
Kentucky’s Best Southern Cuisine
Moonlite Bar- B- Q
Over the past five decades, Moonlite Bar-B-Q has become a Kentucky legend. People come from miles around to feast on their world famous buffet that includes an abundance of barbecue and other meats, country style vegetables, their special recipe corn muffins, salad bar, and classic southern desserts like warm cobbler and soft serve ice cream. Don’t forget to try the mutton! Each piece of meat is basted several times with their vinegar based pit dip and after 12 hours you get the pot roast tender barbecued mutton they are famous for.
moonlite.com
The Bluebird
At the Bluebird, they take great pride in being a restaurant where fresh comes first. They make their own desserts and dressings, cut their own homegrown vegetables, and hand pat every burger. It doesn’t get more southern than that! Enjoy delicious seasonal dishes like smokehouse pasta and a fried green tomato BLT. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a refreshed palate when you taste the Bluebird difference.
bluebirdnatural.com
Experience the sweeter side of life in the southern states with plenty of opportunities for adventure, comfort, making new friends, and so much more. Your vacation should be as special as you are so make sure to choose a destination known for unforgettable experiences.
Even Sweeter Options
Sweet on Sumner
Filled with historic sites, entertainment and more, Sumner County is a fantastic destination for your next getaway. The meticulously preserved mansions of the area hold rare trea-sures and the Wynnewood State Historic Site, once a mineral spring resort, is one of the largest log cabins still standing in the Volunteer State. The Sumner County Museum contains artifacts from Native Americans and pioneers, and the elaborate Palace Theater is the only former silent movie theater still in operation in Tennessee. Whether it’s history, entertainment or delicious local cuisine, Sumner County has it all.
visitsumnertn.com
Hollywood of the South
With its historic Downtown and scenic landscape, it’s easy to see why Covington has been the backdrop for more than 120 films and television productions, and is lovingly referred to as “The Hollywood of the South”. Unique dining, shopping and entertainment options, plus its close proximity to the interna-tional hub of Atlanta, delight residents and tourists alike. Named one of the Prettiest Small Towns in Georgia, Covington offers its guest unparalleled comforts, beauty, and Southern charm- creat-ing a perfect sense of community.
gocovington.com/mainstreet
Yukon’s Best
At night, a message glows atop a historic flour mill: YUKON’S BEST. This is Yukon’s statement of purpose, whether it’s crafting kolaches from Czech bakeries, organizing award-winning festi-vals or welcoming visitors. Where Route 66 meets the Chisholm Trail, Yukon’s diverse shopping and restaurants attract guests from across the region. It’s even home to some of the most famous Clydesdale horses. Yukon just brings out the best in people. And that’s worth putting in lights.
yukonok.gov
A Picture Perfect Inn
An early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in 26 acres of manicured gardens, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Natchez, Mississippi. Reflecting all that is charming about the South, expect gracious hospital-ity, luxury lodging, excellent cuisine, historic tours of the house, and a lovingly restored garden. Enjoy mint juleps or a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in the Quitman Study or Lounge and follow it with dinner in the award winning Restaurant 1818.
monmouthhistoricinn.com
Kentucky Distilled
Deep in the heart of the Bluegrass State and perfectly posi-tioned on the shores of the Kentucky River between Louisville and Lexington, Frankfort embodies everything that makes Kentucky special. Rising high above the city, Frankfort’s Capitol Grounds offer a stunning look into history and architecture. Overlooking the winding Kentucky River, Frankfort is the literal and figurative heart of this gracious southern state. From world-renowned bourbon to the natural charm and beauty of rolling pastures and historic homes, Frankfort is Kentucky distilled.
visitfrankfort.com
Welcome Inn
Indulge the senses with the natural beauty of the land at The Red Horse Inn. Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this country inn offers respite from the normal hus-tle and bustle of life. Relax, recover, and rejuvenate in one of the most spectacular areas of the country. Savor the view with a glass of wine on the Grand Terrance. A truly magical experi-ence, serenity and comfort welcome you at The Red Horse Inn.
theredhorseinn.com
Remember Romance
Discover the romance of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conven-tion Center this winter. Stroll the stunningly lit and expansive interior gardens of the hotel. With winding paths, riverboat rides, and catwalks providing a birds-eye view of the fun, The Gaylord Opryland is an enchanting backdrop for a romantic getaway. Unwind at the ultra-luxurious Relache Spa. Indulge in a fabulous meal at the hotel’s several restaurants, stroll through the retail shops, and be swept away with the view of cascading waterfalls.
gaylordhotels.com
Expect the Unexpected
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the “Star City” of Eastern Kentucky – Prestonsburg – is full of adventures waiting to be had. Attend a concert at the state-of-the-art Mountain Arts Center, or kayak the Levisa Fork River for an 8-mile paddle ride. Grab some binoculars and wait to catch a breathtaking glimpse of an elk walking through the thicket. Whether it’s playing a round of 18 – on a mountaintop – or rounding up the kids for a picnic and playtime at the park, there is plenty to do in Prestonsburg!
prestonsburgky.org
Beguiling Batesville
A small community located in North Central Arkansas, Batesville is the oldest existing Main Street in the state. With residential architecture from every decade since the 1840s, Downtown Batesville is a destination to be visited by all. Relax at the medi-tation garden and waterfall at Maxfield Park or enjoy a movie at the Melba Theater. With antique stores, clothing boutiques, one of a kind dining experiences, and its quaint tree-lined streets, Downtown Batesville beguiles all.
mainstreetbatesville.org
