6 Most Idyllic Small Towns in the Mid-South

The Mid-South provides an unmatched diversity and cultural identity found nowhere else in the United States. Any visitor is sure to be pleasantly surprised by the varied opportunities and charm, from the waterfalls in Morganton, North Carolina, to impressive natural landscapes, like the rock formations bordering Makanda, Illinois. For the best in culture, history, and activity, check out the six most idyllic small towns in the Mid-South.

Morganton, North Carolina

Morganton is a serene small town of inland North Carolina, home to both a unique culture and impressive natural attractions. The town's most prominent image is of the Historic Burke County Courthouse, but it's more popular to learn of the storied region at the History Museum of Burke County.

Other important activity centers include the Marquee Cinemas, the town's charismatic movie theatre, and the COMMA Performing Arts Center, perfect for enjoying any nightly live event. Many visitors to Morganton, however, are instead drawn to the magnificent hills of South Mountains State Park, where hiking trails follow rocky waterfalls up lush mountain terrain. Most hikers trek towards the tranquility of High Shoals Falls.

Cookeville, Tennessee

Cookeville, Tennessee offers the ideal combination of mid-Southern identity in its downtown atmosphere and a fantastic natural oasis in its immediate vicinity. Dogwood Park is the nucleus of town activity, serving as both a greenspace for daily relaxation and escape as well as the consummate center of night live in special events, festivals, and concerts.

In the surrounding downtown area, it's popular to eat at the 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar or to learn regional history at the Cookeville History Museum. Any travelers wishing to escape the activity of the town will find calm refuge in the nearby Cane Creek Park, perfect for easygoing strolls through tall woodlands and picnicking. Those more ambitious natural explorers, however, may want to spend time in the nearby Edgar Evins State Park, home to top-quality hiking, kayaking, and camping opportunities.

Hermann, Missouri

Hermann makes a strong impression as a utopia for wineries and tranquil farmlands, but often misses popular attention, remaining a best-kept secret of Missouri. In this modest town neighboring the Missouri River, brick buildings like the Herzog Mansion constructed in 1885 and the Stone Barn at Hermann Farm make a memorable architectural identity. This architectural character continues in the Deutschheim State Historic Site, significant for its connection to German heritage, a history usually learned in the Historic Hermann Museum.

Those searching for the region's impressive wineries often begin at the Hermann Wine Trail, continuing to the Hermanhoff Winery, the Hermann Farm Museum, and the Reserve Cellars of Hermann. Stone Hill Winery is another, equally impressive option.

Makanda, Illinois

Makanda, Illinois, is most renowned amongst travelers wishing for a rewarding getaway in nature, owing to the town's proximity to Giant City State Park. In this state park, lush and full forests give way to impressive rock structures and bluffs, best experienced on trailheads like the Devil's Standtable Nature Trail, the Giant City Nature Trail, or the Trillium Trail.

For the best combination of outdoor exploration and luxurious relaxation, hike to the spectacular view atop the Giant City Observation Tower, and dine at the neighboring Giant City State Park Restaurant, housed within the memorable rustic, stone-built Giant City Lodge. The Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery also offers a memorable and relaxing evening for any traveler, while the nearby Shawnee Cave Amphitheater adds a twist to any live event.

Townsend, Tennessee

Lesser known than the popular neighboring Gatlinburg, Townsend is the idyllic, secluded small town gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Townsend's activity is concentrated around the rushing waters of Little River, where the Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum teaches the stories of the surrounding area, and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center offers an interactive exhibit of period buildings.

Townsend's character, however, is best experienced through the various amenities that line its quaint downtown, including the charismatic Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, or the architecture of The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel. For a relaxed stroll through the town's most character-filled streets, take the path of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum.

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Berkeley Springs displays the best of West Virginia's cultural identity. The small town's cultural significance is most commonly recognized in Berkeley Springs State Park, where a historic mineral spa — often referred to as 'America's First Spa' and uniquely warm spring waters are best experienced through the park's Old Roman and Main bathhouses. Also of popular notice is the site of George Washington's Bathtub.

Activities away from the springs include a popular hike along the Potomac River to the panoramic view from Prospect Peak, or a trip to the artwork of the Frog Valley Artisans. For the best in food and dining, visit the Naked Olive Lounge and the Berkeley Springs Brewing Company.

The Mid-South region offers opportunities like no other in the central United States. Visitors are often astounded by the area's natural diversity, ranging from the famous hills of the Great Smoky Mountains near Townsend, Tennessee, to the fantastic waterfalls in Morganton, North Carolina; or by the culture and identity surrounding them, like the historic wineries of Hermann, Missouri, or Cookeville, Tennessee's vibrant nightlife. For a full variety of opportunities and activities, be sure to check out these idyllic small towns on your next trip to the Mid-South.