6 Little-Known Towns In The Southern United States
Chock-a-block full of popular travel destinations like Orlando with its theme parks and Hilton Head Island with its magnificent beaches, the Southern United States is home to countless small towns that are worth visiting but are all too often missed. From Virginia down to Louisiana, these hidden gems offer fascinating histories and unique local cultures for those curious enough to go that extra mile or two for an authentic taste of the South.
Whatever you enjoy doing, these towns provide a great cross-section of Southern experiences. From historic sites and spectacular natural wonders to cultural festivals and attractions, these six lesser-known towns in the Southern United States are definitely worth getting to know.
Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, a picturesque town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is steeped in American history. Established in 1778 and home to two prestigious institutions, Washington and Lee University (founded 1749) and the Virginia Military Institute (1839), Lexington continues to play an important role in Virginia's historic legacy. The Jackson House Museum, built in 1801, was the home of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and now serves as a museum chronicling his life and times. Another must-see historic site is Lee Chapel, constructed in 1868 between the university the military college and the final resting place of another Confederate general, Robert E. Lee.
Historic Downtown Lexington is a wonderful place for a stroll with its quaint streets leading to picturesque scenes of well-preserved architecture. It’s also where you’ll find The Gin Hotel, built with art deco flourishes in 1926 and offering classy boutique-style accommodations in the heart of downtown Lexington. Even if you don’t stay, the hotel’s Juniper Lounge restaurant offers great food and drink menus; and if the weather’s warm enough, opt for a place on the balcony overlooking Main Street.
For a great way to see the town (complete with running commentary), book a horsedrawn carriage ride with the Lexington Carriage Company; the fun hour-long rides depart just across the road from the Visitor Center of Lexington. Finally, the nearby Natural Bridge State Park is a dramatic 215-foot limestone arch that offers incredible photo opportunities from its base.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Established 1in 1711, Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and is steeped in history. Located on Port Royal Island in the state’s Lowcountry region, you’ll enjoy a unique glimpse into the past in the Beaufort Historic District. Designated a National Historic Landmark back in 1973, highlights include many fine examples of antebellum architecture such as John Mark Verdier House, built in 1804 and now a museum. Though a few miles away from downtown Beaufort, the Old Sheldon Church, constructed in 1745 and now in ruins after being burned down during the Civil War, offers a haunting reminder of the region’s turbulent past.
Every October, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival celebrates the town’s coastal heritage with local seafood dishes, live music, and craft vendors. Also check out the 10-mile-long Spanish Moss Trail, a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts to bike or walk while taking in great views of tidal creeks and moss-draped oaks.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, perched high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, was established in 1716 and is one of the oldest settlements in the state of Mississippi. The town’s historic district boasts over 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, among them Stanton Hall, built in 1857 in Greek Revival style and offering guided tours. Another must-visit is the Natchez National Historical Park which includes the Melrose Estate, an elegant antebellum plantation home dating back to 1845.
Natchez is also the site of the annual Spring and Fall Pilgrimages, a unique opportunity for visitors to tour private historic homes not usually open to the public. And for those looking for a superb Southern road trip, the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route, begins near the town and ends in Nashville, following the mighty Mississippi River.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a well-preserved town in the Ozarks that’s known for its Victorian-era architecture and therapeutic springs. Established in 1879, the entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features winding streets lined with 19th-century buildings. One of the most interesting is the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886, it offers both a high-end stay and fun ghost tours that reveal some of the many interesting secrets about its fascinating past. Thorncrown Chapel, designed by architect E. Fay Jones (an apprentice of the great Frank Lloyd Wright) in 1980, is a stunning glass structure made up of 425 windows that blend in seamlessly with its wooded surroundings.
Of the town’s more than 60 springs, Basin Spring is probably the best. Located close to downtown Eureka Springs, Basin Spring Park was well-known to Native Americans long before the arrival of European settlers and is still considered to have therapeutic properties. Need an excuse to visit? The May Festival of the Arts is always fun and features city-wide art exhibits and demonstrations, theatrical performances, parades, free music, and a colorful street party thrown by the community’s more than 350 working artists.
Eufaula, Alabama
Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River and renowned for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, Eufaula was founded in 1834 and has much to commend it. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Shorter Mansion, built in 1884 and now serving as a museum with exhibits and artifacts relating to local history. Another must-see is Fendall Hall, an elegant Italianate-style home built in 1860 which features original hand-painted murals and period furnishings.
Enjoy Mother Nature? The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is a major geographic landmark spanning 11,184 acres that’s excellent for birdwatching and hiking, while nearby Lake Eufaula, aka, the Walter F. George Reservoir, offers excellent fishing and water sports. If you do visit, April features the Eufaula Pilgrimage, an opportunity to tour private historic homes and gardens, while a similar event in December opens up these buildings before Christmas.
St. Francisville, Louisiana
St. Francisville, established on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Louisiana in 1809, boasts a rich history and is a treasure trove of Southern antebellum architecture. The Myrtles Plantation, built in 1796, is one of the best-known attractions here and is believed to be haunted, adding an interesting layer to its guided tours. Another historic site worth seeing is the Rosedown Plantation, established in 1835 and featuring beautifully maintained gardens inspired by French design, while the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse into the area's cultural heritage through exhibits and artifacts.
Fun things to do in St. Francisville include participating in March’s Audubon Pilgrimage and celebrating naturalist John James Audubon's time in the area with costumed reenactments and tours of four historic homes. Wrap up your St. Francisville adventure with a visit to the nearby Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area for its hiking and waterfalls.
The Final Word
Exploring some of the smaller towns in the Southern United States certainly presents travelers with refreshing alternatives to the region’s larger, better-known destinations. Each of these six communities provides a fascinating glimpse into Southern history and culture, with everything from elegant old homes to well-preserved historic districts and fun festivals to explore. In fact, visiting these lesser-known destinations will lead to your discovering the stories and traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Whatever your interests, these six little-known towns in the Southern United States will deliver unforgettable travel experiences.
