13 of the Most Quaint Small Towns in the Mid-South
The mid-south region of the United States of America consists of towns in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, Northeast Arkansas, Missouri Bootheel, Western Kentucky, and Northwest Alabama. Each of these towns has a rich history. Despite their small sizes and populations, these quaint towns have unique southern charm and hospitality that attract visitors worldwide. Visitors will enjoy a fun mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities while delighting in the cute atmosphere of each town. Pack some comfy footwear and sunglasses, and explore these 13 quaint small towns in the Mid-South.
Germantown, Tennessee
Germantown is a small suburb town in Shelby County with a rich German culture. Founded in 1841 by German settlers, this town in the mid-south region boasts many festivals celebrating its German heritage year-round, so no matter the time of year visitors land here, there is a good chance to experience one! The town has many historical sites, such as the Nelson-Kirby Farm House and the Germantown Train Museum, where visitors can learn about the town's history. Folks can also visit Thornwood Community to see the 73-foot-tall Clock Tower. For outdoor pursuits, hikers and cyclists will enjoy hiking and cycling around Germantown trails, like the Wolf River Trail and Riverwoods State Natural Area. The town hosts horse shows and other festivals, the most popular being the Annual Germantown Festival in September.
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Seventy-nine miles northeast of Memphis on the Forked Deer River lies Dyersburg in Dyers County, which features many notable landmarks. The Historic Courthouse Square comprises the Dyer County Courthouse and 45 other outstanding buildings. Other renowned sites include the Trimble Covered Bridge, located a short 16 miles from Dyersburg. The bridge is one of the only three left in Tennessee. Another is General Strahl’s Cannon, a must-see for those curious about the Civil War. For less history-based activities, visit the Dyersburg Main Street for a pleasant shopping experience. Enjoy melodic music by local artists and have a feel of what Dyersburg looked like in the 1800s with Main Street’s well-preserved historical buildings, which are quaint in their own right.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Tupelo is a center for commercial, industrial, and ethnic activities in North Mississippi—not to mention it is the birthplace of music icon Elvis Presley. Tupelo was initially settled as the “Gum Pond”; however, the town was later renamed “Tupelo,” after the Tupelo Trees here that supplied construction timber.
One of the most profound landmarks in Mississippi can be found in Tupelo: the simple two-room house where the King of Rock and Roll spent his younger days. The house is on a 15-acre park dedicated to the singer. In the park, visitors will see a statue of Elvis Presley, his church, and a museum that tells of his rise to stardom. The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is a 210-acre park that boasts over 260 animals and an endless list of fun activities for people of all ages, like exploring the different species of animals with the Buffalo Trail Ride and going Horseback Riding. The Annual Pumpkin Patch, held through October, is usually organized in the park.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford (named after Oxford in England!) is Mississippi's 14th most populous city and is a very quaint destination, while being very student-centric. The town has significant sites such as Lyceum - The Circle Historic District, a renowned district in the University of Mississippi that encompasses eight historical buildings and several monuments. The University of Mississippi Museum, located on the University’s main campus, consists of scientific instruments and personal collections of Kate Skipwith and Mary Buie. Rowan Oak, the home of author and Nobel Prize winner, William Faulkner, is now a national landmark. Get inspired by this Greek home William lived for 40 years. Or perhaps take a nice bike ride at South Campus Rail Trail. For more upbeat adventure, check out the nightlife at Bar Muse or Blind Pig; a pleasurable way to spend any evening.
Marion, Arkansas
Marion is a small town in Crittenden County, Arkansas, named after Marion Tolbert in 1837. In April 1865, the Sultana Steamboat, transporting over 2300 passengers, of which many were Union soldiers who had just been released, exploded near Mound city, east of Marion. Over 1167 passengers were lost in this explosion. This explosion is the greatest maritime disaster in America. The Sultana Disaster Museum was put up to commemorate the lives lost during the explosion. This town offers access to the Mississippi River. From kayaking to fishing, the Mississippi River is filled with endless outdoor activities for visitors.
West Memphis, Arkansas
Directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, is West Memphis. It was founded in 1910 as a logging camp called Bragg’s Mill until 1927, when it was incorporated and renamed. One of the most popular trails in this town is the Big River Trailhead. Whether cycling or biking through the trail, travelers can take in the breathtaking skyline view over downtown Memphis.
The Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi. This bridge connects the main street of the charming town of West Memphis, Arkansas, to the main street of the busy city of Memphis, Tennessee. This bridge offers various outdoor activities, from biking to cycling. Another favorite thing to do in West Memphis by locals and visitors is listening to cool blues in the quaint downtown area.
Ellijay, Georgia
Situated at the confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers is Ellijay, popularly known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia.” However, apples aside, tourists are primarily attracted to the countless outdoor activities in the mountains around the town and the whitewater kayaking. The downtown area of Ellijay is like taking a journey back in time through a time portal. Learn more about American Civil War history while visiting the Tabor House and Civil War Museums open from March to December. The museum has a lot of materials and resources to educate people about the Civil War. From books to videos on the Civil War, there is much to learn about US history in this cute town.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a mountain resort town resting along the Northern borders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This town is a perfect tourist hub. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a fun way to get to the top of the Crockett Mountains. Ober Mountain, Gatlinburg, is the only ski resort in Tennessee, but is a perfect destination to indulge in the snowy sport. The resort has eight ski trails, three chair lifts, and a wildlife encounter area. It is a significant attraction in Tennessee, yet resides in a quaint town and not a metropolis! Another famous place to visit in this town is the Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers, home to over 20,000 shakers.
Holly Springs, Mississippi
Holly Springs is a pleasant town in Marshall County with many exciting and unique antique buildings. This town is a hub of historical sites; founded in 1836 by European settlers, it was developed as a cotton plantation. The Southwest Holly Springs Historic District is 50 acres of history. About 53 houses in this region are hundreds of years old and speak to the town's historical role. Construction of these buildings ranges between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s. Another prominent historical site in Holly Springs is the Hillcrest Cemetery. The Hillcrest Cemetery is a notable cemetery and the burial place of five Confederate Generals. It is popularly called the “Little Arlington of the South.” Visitors can take a guided tour along the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker. This trail tells the story of blues legends through texts and images
Tunica, Mississippi
Twenty miles south of Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, is the picturesque town of Tunica. Until the introduction of Casino gambling in the early 1900s, this town stood as one of the poorest towns in the United States. After the development of a gambling resort area nearby, the fortunes of this town improved tremendously. Now, the city attracts visitors from across the state.
Times may have evolved, but downtown Tunica has retained its cute atmosphere. Visitors get to experience genuine Southern hospitality in this place. The Tunica Veterans Memorial is a popular historical site. Visitors can also take a guided walk tour around this charming town with any of the guides in the town, like Travelocity.
Earle, Arkansas
The town of Earle was named after an English-born, Josiah Francis Earle, who owned lands in this area. The town has a rich history and a plethora of monuments to commemorate Earle, like the Earle Mural painted by Bryan Speed, a principal at Earle Elementary School, and other members of the Delta Art Society. The mural shows the steam era, during the Civil War, with soldiers coming down from the train. Another significant person in Earle’s history is George Berry Washington, a black American born into slavery who became a successful landlord, providing other blacks with a means of livelihood. In 1928, his wife and family constructed an “Angel in the Field” monument to honor George’s memory.
Adjacent to the Gibson Bayou Methodist church is one of the oldest cemeteries in Crittenden County. The Gibson Bayou Cemetery has markers dating back to the 1800s. Carroll Cloar, a famous artist, immortalized this cemetery by making a painting where the dearly departed were standing by their markers. This painting was inspired by the time Carroll spent at the cemetery as a young boy.
Wynne, Arkansas
Wynne is cuddled between the Arkansas Delta and Crowley’s Ridge. It is a renowned town named after Captain Jesse Watkins Wynne, who achieved the rank of Captain during the Civil War at 21. Wynne was founded in 1882 as a railroad town.
The town is the closest to the second-largest state park in Arkansas. The Village Creek State Park is 7000 acres of land offering camping, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding opportunities. The famed downtown area is worth visiting and helps visitors better understand this great town's history while surrounded by quaint buildings of yore. Other notable places to visit in Wynne include the Jesse Wynne Museum, the Cross County Museum, and the Cross County Library.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia, played a significant role in the first major U.S Gold Rush by supporting 15000 miners during the peak of the rush. The town is known as the “Heart of the North Georgia Wine Country.” The Historic Downtown Square is a popular destination for tourists; the street is lined with restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms.
A popular festival that attracts many visitors is “Bear on the Square,” an annual festival held three days in April to commemorate the day a Black Bear wandered around the town. The Chattahoochee National Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading adventures to visitors. The forest is also a perfect place to plan a romantic picnic!
The Mid-South region is filled with small towns from different states in the country, and each of these towns has a unique charm and warm reception that keeps tourists coming back. There is no better place to spend your next vacation than in these quaint and charming small towns. Offering activities for people of all ages makes a trip to this region ideal for a family getaway or a solo trip. Book some flights or pack the car, go shopping for travel essentials, and get ready for an exciting time at any of these quaint small towns in the Mid-South.
