6 of the Most Walkable Towns in the Mid-South
The Mid-South is a region of the United States that roughly covers the state of Kentucky and large swathes of many of the states surrounding it, including Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and even Mississippi. It is a popular destination for road trips, with its many notable parks, towns, and cities full of things to see and do. However, for those who do not like to rely on cars too much and would prefer to stick to easily walkable locations for an ideal vacation, there are plenty of options in this region. Uncover the most walkable small towns in the Mid-South, where a decent selection of worthwhile stops can be easily navigated on foot.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, has an exceptionally walkable downtown area that is filled with attractions of all kinds. Many flock here for the hot springs, of which the town is named. Begin your visit at Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight historic bathhouses that now host a variety of museums, shops, and galleries. The Fordyce Bathhouse, serving as the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, provides fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area.
A short walk from Bathhouse Row leads you to the Gangster Museum of America, where you can learn about the town's colorful past as a hideout for notorious criminals during the early 20th century. Continue your stroll along Central Avenue to find a diverse selection of shops and restaurants, like Rod's Pizza Cellar, a hugely popular pizza joint.
Just north of town, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower will give you a panoramic view of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, accessible via a scenic hike or a quick car ride.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi, is a quintessential mid-southern town that is surprisingly walkable. Be sure to visit the historic Oxford Square, a main hub of activity surrounded by neat shops, restaurants, and cafes, a perfect way to start your day of adventure. The Lafayette County Courthouse, an architectural highlight, sits at the center of the square and is a picturesque starting point for your walking tour.
Just around the corner from the square, you will find Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. The maintained grounds and historic home offer a look into the life of one of America’s literary giants. Oxford's downtown streets are dotted with other cultural landmarks, such as Southside Gallery, where you can admire local artwork that is regularly on rotation. Don’t miss Square Books too, an iconic independent bookstore that has been a staple of the community since 1979.
See if you can catch a game here too, with both Swayze Field (for baseball) and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (for football) located nearby.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Kentucky is known around the world for its bourbon, and Bardstown is the place to be to try this spirit right at its source. A visit to The Old Talbott Tavern, one of the oldest bourbon bars in the world, dating back to 1779, completes any trip to this town. The tavern is located right on Court Square, a central point from which many of Bardstown's attractions are easily accessible on foot. Nearby, the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History will give you a deeper look at the history of bourbon, with a wide range of artifacts and exhibits celebrating the drink.
Just a short walk from the square is the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, a stunning example of early American religious architecture. You will also find the dowtown area around it to be filled with a good selection of restaurants, hotels, and other amenities.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Deep in the Ozarks, the town of Eureka Springs is best known for its historic Victorian architecture and easy access to nature. Basin Spring Park, a central gathering spot that often hosts live music and community events, is a great place to take an afternoon walk. From here, the town’s winding, hilly streets lead to an array of landmarks, like the City Auditorium or Harding Spring, another little park with a gorgeous spring seemingly leaking out of a natural rock wall.
A short walk from the park takes you to the historic Crescent Hotel, often referred to as America’s most haunted hotel, where you can enjoy a guided ghost tour or simply admire views of its intricate design from the hilltop. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum, located within easy walking distance, also contains fascinating exhibits on the town’s long-standing history. Another must-see is St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, notable for its unique entrance through an ornate bell tower.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Jonesborough is the oldest town in the state of Tennessee, having been incorporated in 1779, close to the nation's founding. The International Storytelling Center, situated on Main Street, is a must-visit for its captivating storytelling and spoken word performances and events that celebrate the town's history.
For more about this old town's historical significance, head to the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, where you can explore exhibits detailing Jonesborough’s early days and other significant events that happened in and around the area. Continuing along Main Street, the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre hosts a variety of live performances in an intimate setting on a regular basis.
Mill Spring Park, just a few blocks from the town center, is a peaceful spot for a walk or a relaxing picnic while basking in the pleasant wilderness around you.
Georgetown, Kentucky
Georgetown, Kentucky, offers a compact and walkable downtown with several notable attractions. Begin your visit at Royal Spring Park, the historic site where Kentucky bourbon was allegedly first produced. From the park, it’s a short walk to the Scott County Arts & Cultural Center, which hosts rotating exhibits featuring local artists and is fun to visit either before or after a trip to one of the local distilleries.
On Main Street downtown, you will find Fava’s Restaurant, known for its classic American fare. A few blocks from Main Street, you will find the Georgetown and Scott County Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the region’s history, from Native American settlements to modern times. Other nearby attractions include the Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, a serene Japanese Friendship Garden.
See Where You Can Go Without a Car in the Mid-South
Whether it is a bourbon tour or a simple walk in a park you are looking for, these six towns offer a good selection of landmarks that can satisfy any kind of traveler. Leave your vehicle at the hotel as each destination has been carefully picked with walkability and ease of access in mind. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you never know how far your travels may take you!
