10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in the Southern United States
If not for its food, rich history (the Southern United States is home to some of the oldest towns in the nation), hospitality, or pleasant weather — you will still love the Southern United States for its delightful array of beautiful towns. Although Charleston, South Carolina, known for its pastel-colored houses and moss-draped oaks, can effortlessly win a beauty contest, the Southern United States is home to other smaller towns, many of which are quaint, charming, and just as pretty. Starting with Abingdon, Virginia, discover below the 10 prettiest towns to visit in the Southern United States.
Abingdon, Virginia
If West Virginia is almost heaven, then Virginia is paradise. Abingdon, with a rich history to boot, is among the prettiest towns in the South. It is here, for example, that hundreds of men embarked on the history-defining march to Kings Mountain, which Thomas Jefferson would later describe as marking "the turn of the tide of success." Abingdon Muster Grounds, the go-to spot for Colonial history, is among Abingdon’s most sought-after attractions. It is also where the 330-mile Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail starts. There is Barter Theatre as well, the longest-running professional theater in the United States. Abingdon also claims to have more restaurants per capita than New York City. The town’s food scene features stand-outs such as Summers Roof and Cellar, whose huge windows open out to beautiful views of the mountains and the beautiful downtown area.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez reclines next to the Ol' Man River and steals the limelight with its dramatic bluffs, from where first-time visitors get to inhale some of the most majestic views of the Mississippi River in the country. The trick is to be on the bluffs in the final minutes of daylight because sunsets on the river are often an electrifying experience. A filling breakfast at Natchez Coffee Co., or a bomb pizza at the Natchez Brewing Company, right next to the Mississippi River — should set the pace for a day full of fun and adventure. The bridge connecting Natchez and Louisiana, Natchez Under-the-Hill, and Natchez Museum-African American Culture, with its thought-provoking exhibits, are all worth squeezing into an itinerary. For art aficionados, Silver Street Gallery & Gifts, a small quaint souvenir shop close to where river boats dock — would be worth every minute.
Spartanburg, South Carolina
It is worth knowing that Spartanburg is an area that boasts the highest per capita college student population of any major city in South Carolina. So, the fellow in crocs down the street may turn out to be a college student. But that is one side of Spartanburg. Beauty comes from just about every space here, including spots such as Cleveland Park, which has a promenade on the water, nice walking trails, and green, soft lawns. Spartanburg is framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a setting that elevates its look and appeal. Mary Black Rail Trail is short but sweet — and links downtown to nearby neighborhoods. That said, first-time visitors often enjoy chilling out at FR8yard, a massive open-air biergarten with a big-party atmosphere and good food.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Some describe it as “warm and lively.” Others as “personable.” Whichever way it makes visitors feel, Dahlonega, Georgia, is hands-down among the prettiest towns in the South. A charming downtown, a historic square, beautiful mountain vistas (Dahlonega is framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains), and then some. Start by indulging your taste buds at Bourbon Street Grille, which is loved for its New Orleans-style food and balcony seating. Ready to hit the streets? The Dahlonega Gold Museum, which focuses on the area’s gold rush era, should be up next. Taking the cue, Consolidated Gold Mine whisks visitors underground, where they hear all about the everyday life of a gold miner. Just don’t miss the University of North Georgia’s Dahlonega Campus, one of a handful of senior military colleges in the United States.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi, was named after its European namesake, which was associated with names such as Albert Einstein, Adam Smith, and J. R. R. Tolkien. With its setting in the hills of North Mississippi, a neat and pretty square, and a campus often rated one of the most beautiful in the United States, your average Southern town has nothing on Oxford. Plus, Oxford has a rich literary heritage. William Faulkner, the recipient of the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature, penned some of his greatest works here, including “As I Lay Dying.” Neilson's, the South's oldest department store, has been a staple of Oxford for more than 180 years. Crown your adventure at Lamar Park, a beautiful lakeside park with tree-lined footpaths and grassy lawns. Just don’t forget to check out the university as well.
St Augustine, Florida
There is beauty in a rudy face — just as there is beauty in a wrinkle. St. Augustine was founded in 1565. Its settlement history, therefore, goes back more than 450 years. Its Old-world feel, consequently, is unmatched. It is not just anywhere that you will find 400 years peering at you. The town’s line-up of Gilded Age relics includes the Oldest House Museum Complex, where one can walk inside the oldest house in the Sunshine State, which dates back to the 1700s. The Surf Culture Museum is located on the bottom floor of the Tovar House. That said, have a camera when visiting St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum because the views here are simply unmatched. If you are still interested in old stuff, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is on St. George Street. It is arguably the oldest wooden school building in the United States.
Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg, just an hour from D.C., is among the South’s prettiest towns. It is in Virginia's wine country, a region known for its heart-stirring natural beauty. One can start by sipping her way through the area — enjoying what the Ancients called “the nectar of the gods.” Boxwood Estate Winery, for example, is just south of town. Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, which is loved for its beautiful scenery, is just about 7 minutes east of town. A shopper’s paradise, Middleburg’s Washington Street features a decent collection of antique shops. As its name implies, Creme de la Creme could be the cutest boutique in downtown Middleburg. There is the Middleburg Antique Gallery as well, known for its horse-themed pieces. Speaking of horses, Middleburg is the Horse and Hunt Capital of the nation, a side of the town celebrated at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
There is a lot that makes Jonesborough pretty, including its tree-lined downtown area, charming architecture, well-preserved Main Street, and beautiful brick buildings. Jonesborough’s storytelling heritage is unrivaled by any town in the South; no — by any town in the world. What Vegas is to gambling, Jonesborough is to storytelling. The National Storytelling Festival, for example, is a highly anticipated event that takes place in town every October. Plus, Jonesborough hosts the International Storytelling Center, founded on the belief that stories broker peace and boost business. Yet Jonesborough wears many hats. It was founded in 1779 and, hence, is the oldest town in Tennessee. The Historic Eureka Inn, right on Main Street, was built when John Adams was president of the United States. That said, a good story often comes with a hearty laugh, which is the reason Jonesborough Repertory Theatre should be on everyone’s itinerary.
Fredericksburg, Texas
A rich German heritage (It is in the name). A fantastic visitor center. A welcoming atmosphere. And the beautiful Texas Hill Country backdrop. These are some of the attributes of Fredericksburg, a Texas gem frequently mentioned in vacation circles. The Enchanted Rock alone, known for its mystical aura, would make Fredericksburg deserve to be on a travel bucket list. Yet one should expect a well-curated lineup of attractions, including the Museum of the Pacific War, which is known to provide the most comprehensive account of World War II, especially in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. At Altstadt Brewery, melt-in-the-mouth pretzels are washed down with German-style beers. Just don't forget you are in wine country, meaning venues such as Grape Creek Vineyards should be high on your list.
Eureka Spring, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is in the Ozarks, and the soul-moving beauty of the region rubs off on it, earning it a spot among the prettiest towns in the South. But it is not just natural beauty — as a stroll along Spring Sreet — one of the most beautiful in the town, quickly reveals. Several attractions are along this swoon-worthy stretch, including the Eureka Springs Historical Museum, whose exhibits tell the story of the area in a fun and engaging style; the downtown proper, with its lively taverns and quirky shops, Basin Spring Park, an ode to the town’s water-healing heritage, Nibbles Eatery, which serves hearty breakfasts hot and fresh, and Adventure Art. Crescent Hotel and Spa, though not on Spring Street, would be a mistake to miss. It is famous for its storied past and paranormal experiences. Peel your eyes for the town’s Victorian architecture, the other defining feature of Eureka Springs.
Downtown explorers have much to like about the Southern United States — just as outdoor enthusiasts have glittering lakes, sparkling waterfalls, white-sand beaches, and pine-speckled forests. Although Charleston, South Carolina, will be hard to beat or rival, it is hardly the only option. There is St Augustine, Florida — for example — the oldest town in mainland America to be inhabited continuously since its establishment by European settlers. So start packing some light clothing, a good camera, and sunscreen. But be warned: Some Southern towns make for jaw-dropping revelations.
