11 Best Small Towns To Visit In The Mid-South
The Mid-South refers to regions within Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Missouri. This informally defined section of the US huddles around the core of Memphis, popularly known as the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock' n' Roll. The Mid-South is bursting at the seams with historical attractions, culture, and astonishing natural beauty. And, amidst the sprawling and growing cities, hidden gem small towns beckon travelers with their unique charms and warm hospitality. From gorgeous landscapes to unforgettable dining experiences, the following towns offer a glimpse into why America's Mid-South region is a must-visit destination.
Paducah, Kentucky
Located along the Ohio River, Paducah is a historic river town with an unforgettable arts scene. Here, the Lower Town Arts District is a must-visit, with its array of art galleries, studios, and workshops. The National Quilt Museum celebrates the town's quilting heritage and also displays exceptional quilt art hand-made by various artists. You'll also find charming storefronts, architecture, and unique shops when strolling through the downtown area.
If you're more of an outdoor person, the Paducah Riverfront is one of the most beautiful places in the US to walk and cycle along the water. You can also book a cruise on a riverboat to learn more about the town's river connection. When it comes time to dine, try Cynthia's Ristorante for excellent Italian dishes or the Freight House restaurant located in a restored 100-year-old freight depot.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is one of the oldest settlements on the Mississippi River and boasts a lineup of antebellum homes and architecture. The town is home to the Natchez National Historical Park and the Melrose Estate, where you'll learn about its port and cotton trading history. The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a scenic drive through evergreen landscapes that provide panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley. Natchez is famous for its lively culture, and the town celebrates this every year with the Natchez Spring and Fall Pilgrimages. During this time, historic homes open their doors to the public for guided tours.
The town is also a haven for birds and wildlife, with the Natchez National Wildlife Refuge providing a home for these animals and the opportunity for visitors to observe them. All the exploring will likely boost your appetite, so indulge in some comfort food at the historic Bowie's Rabbit Hole or enjoy fresh seafood at Magnolia Grill.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If you want to explore a town with Victorian charm, Eureka Springs won't disappoint. Nestled in the magnificent Ozark Mountains, the town's narrow, winding streets welcome visitors to its Victorian buildings and extend a special invitation to artists. Here, you'll find boutiques, art galleries, and colorful houses to amaze your senses. You can also take a guided tour of the Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural marvel in the surrounding woods. For a thrill of a different kind, you can take a walk to the Crescent Hotel, which is known for its haunted history and ghost-filled halls.
If you don't want to bump into an apparition, stay in the bright sunshine and go hiking or zip-lining in the Ozark Mountain region. For an unforgettable experience, take the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, which takes visitors on a journey through the picturesque countryside. Before retiring for the night (you can't visit Eureka Springs for just one day), you'll find a delectable menu at the Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave, known for its rustic ambiance and excellent food.
Tupelo, Mississippi
No visit to the Mid-South is complete without a trip to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. For huge fans of Presley's music, the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum offers a fascinating look at the life and times of the King of Rock' n' Roll and the Tupelo Hardware Company, where he purchased his first guitar.
Tupelo is more than just Elvis, though. The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo makes for a great day out with the family. Here, you can enjoy encounters with exotic animals while learning more about them. Also, the Tupelo Automobile Museum offers something for car enthusiasts in the form of an extensive classic car collection. If you're in the mood to do some shopping, the Tupelo Flea Market, one of the largest in the region, offers local crafts and unique treasures.
To explore the town's natural beauty, head to the Natchez Trace Parkway for scenic drives and challenging hiking trails. Back in Tupelo's town center, you'll find mouthwatering Southern BBQ food at The Neon Pig.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, situated in the Ouachita Mountains, is famous for its, you guessed it, natural hot springs. Bathhouse Row, a collection of stunning historic bathhouses, still stands as a testament to the town's heyday when people flocked there for spa days. Today, you can still take a relaxing soak or two in the thermal waters at Quapaw Baths & Spa or Buckstaff Bathhouse.
The town also offers outdoor activities, including hiking in Hot Springs National Park or boating on Lake Hamilton. The Garvan Woodland Gardens is filled with stunning botanical displays. For a local outing with a difference, you can visit the Gangster Museum of America and delve into the town's history during the Prohibition era. Don't forget to indulge in some of the local food – in particular at The Ohio Club, which is a historic restaurant and bar frequented by notorious figures, including Al Capone.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope sits on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. This beautiful small town exudes charm and a strong sense of community. Here, you can take a day out to relax and explore the coastline or walk the Fairhope Pier, which extends into Mobile Bay. From this viewpoint, you'll experience magnificent sunsets as you stroll past the fishermen out to grab the catch of the day.
In town, the Fairhope Museum of History visualizes the event of the town's founding by a group of utopian-minded individuals. If you want to spend the day birdwatching, the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is the perfect place to do so. However, if you don't want to move away from the beach, you can enjoy a boat tour of the bay while keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. For fresh seafood and coastal-inspired meals, head to Sunset Pointe or the Wash House Restaurant for fine dining in the most stunning setting possible.
Greenville, Mississippi
Situated along the mighty Mississippi River, Greenville is a small town with a big and thriving blues music scene. Visit the Highway 61 Blues Museum to find out more about the history of blues music and its impact on the town and surrounding areas. When the sun sinks over Greenville, it's the perfect time to stroll along the Mississippi River to take in the views.
Like most of the small towns in the Mid-South, you can't stay in Greenville for only one day because there's simply too much to see and do. For history buffs, the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center houses the Greenville History Museum, showcasing the town's history and its contributions to the Mississippi Delta. Also, if you visit during the Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival, you'll experience authentic blues performances. This festival is one of the oldest of its kind in the US. Greenville also doesn't lack in the food department, with Doe's Eat Place offering tamales and steaks and Jim's Café cooking up traditional soul food.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, home to the University of Mississippi, is a haven for intellectuals. Once the residence of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, the Rowan Oak is a must-visit for literary students and enthusiasts. Also, one of the most well-renowned independent bookstores in the South, Square Books, has a home in Oxford.
To make the most of your visit to this part of the Mid-South, visit during a football game day and join the Ole Miss Rebels fans for a tailgate party. Oxford also hosts the Double Decker Arts Festival, which celebrates local arts and music. The fun doesn't stop at the end of the day. At Ajax Diner, you can enjoy classic comfort food or go big at City Grocery with an upscale dinner.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Is bourbon your drink of choice after a long day? Then Bardstown in Kentucky should occupy the top spot on your Mid-South travel itinerary. Bardstown, also known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, has a storied past tied to the bourbon industry. Here you can tour the Bardstown Bourbon Company to learn more about how whiskey is made and visit the nearby Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center to find out more about the history of bourbon.
Further afield, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is famous for its historic mansion and pretty grounds. The annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival celebrates the town's bourbon heritage with several events and bourbon tastings. And, since you can't live on bourbon alone, you will find genuine Southern food at Mammy's Kitchen & Bar or Talbott Tavern, a historic landmark dating to the 18th century.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. The town boasts a blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, which means you will find excellent architecture when you explore the National Historic Landmark District. Furthermore, the Creole plantation history lives on in the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. A unique culture exists in Natchitoches, and it's especially evident during the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. This event is infamous for its spectacular holiday lights, and fireworks display over Cane River Lake.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum also provides a way to explore the state's sports and cultural history. Foodwise, there are many wonderful eateries to choose from, including Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant with its delicious traditional meat pies and the waterfront Mariner's Restaurant.
Cave City, Kentucky
Located near the entrance of Mammoth Cave National Park, Cave City, despite its name, is a charming town with many natural wonders. It's the perfect gateway to the world's longest cave system, Mammoth Cave, which consists of underground passages and stunning rock formations. A guided tour will take you through cave chambers while you learn more about the history of Mammoth Cave.
Outside in the light of day, Cave City offers attractions like Dinosaur World, an outdoor museum with massive dinosaur replicas. If you want to take your family to explore this part of the Mid-South, you can get the adrenaline going with a visit to Mammoth Valley Park, which offers go-karting, mini-golf, and more. When the hunger pangs strike, visit Bucky Bee's BBQ or the restaurant at the Mammoth Cave Hotel for smoked meats and homemade pies. To make the most of your Cave City visit, you can camp out at the Cave City Campground or book a stay at one of the many B&Bs in the area.
Whether you want to learn more about the history of the Mid-South, or just want to experience the arts and culture scene here, these delightful destinations will inspire you to keep exploring more of this region's hidden gems. So, the next time you get the urge to hit the open road, let the Mid-South be first on your list of charming places to explore.
