10 Picture-Perfect Towns in the Southern United States
The Southern United States is a beautiful expanse of mountain ranges, wooded forests, and white sand beaches. Whether you are a beachcomber or prefer cabins on a freshwater lake surrounded by pine forests, there is something in the Southern United States for everyone. The South is full of charming towns that represent the best definition of "picture-perfect."
The charming towns in this part of the US reflect the topography around them. These ten towns represent the best of the South and are welcoming to visitors to discover just what it is that makes them special. From laidback beach towns to beautiful wooded retreats, here are ten picture-perfect towns in the Southern United States.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the nation and has the rare ability to exude southern charm in a town with predominantly Spanish architecture and appeal. The main historical attraction is the Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Historic downtown embodies Southern charm along cobblestone streets with centuries-old oak trees lining the streets.
Historic bed and breakfasts like the St. Francis Inn exude the charm and grace that makes a Southern town unique. Along with the vintage Spanish architecture, St. Augustine also has beautiful beaches. The best way to see the beaches is by walking over The Bridge of Lions. The bridge is located on historic A1A, and the view is classic "coastal," which adds another scenic layer to St. Augustine.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is a classic southern town with cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum mansions, and horsedrawn carriages. This historic port city is fun to explore on foot, and the popular King Street, The Battery, and the Charleston Market are a short walk from each other. Though the "Holy City" stands out to most as a classic southern town, it has a distinctive European vibe and has been considered Spoleto Italy's sister city for 50 years.
A visit to King Street is almost mandatory when traveling to Charleston. The Holy City was integral in shaping the history of America during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, and this history comes alive at museums like the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Charleston is also home to several haute restaurants, and foodies flock here for the eclectic mix of restaurants.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a charming village on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway named for the immense cliff that rises 4,000 feet above sea level. Besides the natural beauty and breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain, there are southern mansions like the Cone Manor. The mansions give Blowing Rock a classical southern appeal dating back to the 19th century.
Blowing Rock is also the shopping capital of North Carolina, and a stroll through the quaint downtown takes you past wooden buildings and domed roofs that house high-end stores and local artisan shops as well as the "cultural corner" at the end of Main Street. The town is known for its stunning fall foliage and is a prime season to see the town in all its wonder.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama, is a picturesque town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The scenic historic homes on roads lined with ancient oak trees and laidback atmosphere are the embodiment of southern charm. A stay at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa completes the experience. The building was constructed in 1847 and served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War.
Though known as a resort town, Fairhope exudes quintessential southern charm with a pleasant climate, a friendly community, and small cottages on the bay. The walkable downtown makes for a relaxing afternoon filled with art galleries and locally owned shops. Another attraction is the Fairhope Museum of History, and the historic Henry Stuart House in Tolstoy Park is a must-see for history buffs. The eponymous tiny hut in the middle of a parking lot was home to a famous recluse. The Eastern Shore Trail beckons nature lovers and winds between several communities.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee, is just south of Nashville and played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Two historical sites, the Carter House and the Carnton Plantation from the Battle of Franklin in 1864, are available to visit. There is also a historical Civil War cemetery, the McGavock Confederate Cemetary.
The Lotz House, built in 1858, is available to explore and is furnished with a collection of 19th-century furniture. The 16-block downtown area is pure Americana and has been deemed a Great American Main Street. The quaint streets are lined with brick buildings and neon signs reminiscent of a bygone era. The Folk Victorian homes and the historic areas of this town make Franklin a true Southern town.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina, is a charming town on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina's Sea Islands. The town's signature is the abundance of Antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown area. The Spanish moss-draped oak trees accentuate the Southern appeal. A notable mansion is the John Mark Verdier House Museum, an early 19th-century Federal-style home.
The Beaufort Historical District is open to guided tours, and maps are provided at the Visitor Center. Many of the historic homes pre-date the Civil War and were converted to hospitals when the town became the US Army headquarters for the South. Strolling through Beaufort and discovering the centuries-old homes is like going back in time and is one of the main attractions of this coastal town.
Madison, Georgia
Madison, Georgia, is a quaint town an hour east of Atlanta. It is considered one of Georgia's best small towns because of its clean streets, historic district, and charm. This historic district is over 5,000 acres and includes notable homes like the Rogers House, Heritage Hall, and Rose Cottage, all built in the 19th century. It is the best way to discover Madison's history.
The town also has several museums, including the Morgan County African American Museum. Here, visitors can explore the history and art of African American culture. The museum is housed in the former home of John Wesley Moore, a historical figure born in the late 1800s. Madison is an American history buff's dream come true and is a scenic town that is fun to explore.
Maysville, Kentucky
Maysville, Kentucky, is a small town on the Ohio River with a population of less than 5,000. The town was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, as the state of Ohio is just across the river. Maysville also laid claim to the largest tobacco auction warehouse of the 20th century.
The downtown is lined with old brick buildings and includes the Cox Building, a historic Romanesque structure, replete with a spire with a painted cross on the shingles. Notable museums include the Harriet Beecher Stowe Museum and the National Underground Railroad Museum which provide a snapshot of the town's history. The covered bridges complete the Southern aesthetic of Maysville and the oldest one in Kentucky, the Dover, is here.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Jonesborough, Tennessee, in Washington County, is Tennessee's oldest town. The town was founded in 1779 and was the capital of the nation's now-defunct 14th state of Franklin, named after Benjamin Franklin. Main Street is over 200 years old and is the primary thoroughfare through historic downtown. Downtown is also home to the Chester Inn Museum, a state-owned historic site that was built between 1797 and 1799.
The Jonesborough Historic District is made up of the entire downtown area and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. Most of the buildings were built before 1869 and include the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, built in 1847, and the Washington County Courthouse, built in 1913. Jonesborough is also considered the storytelling capital of the world and hosts an annual festival every October in honor of this unique moniker.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi, is home to the University of Mississippi or "Ole Miss". The town is more than a college town, however, and is dotted with tidy brick buildings and oak-canopied streets. Known as the "cultural mecca of the south", Oxford offers small-town appeal along with haute cuisine and a clean and welcoming historic downtown.
The Chancellors House offers elegant rooms and luxurious rooms. The best place to enjoy the nightlife is The Square, the cultural and economic hum of the town. Nielson's Department Store is the oldest running department store in the south and an Oxford staple. This historic town is proud of its roots while also not afraid of progress. If you can only visit one truly authentic southern town, Oxford should be short-listed.
The Southern states are an eclectic mix of beaches, mountains, and natural landmarks. The historic significance is astounding and these ten picture-perfect towns exemplify the best that the South has to offer. These small towns are bathed in history and full of charm.
From centuries-old homes to Antebellum mansions, these towns have it all. The best way to experience what they have to offer is on foot. Walking beneath mossy oaks and exploring history at a leisurely pace is one of life's great joys.
