6 Undiscovered Small Towns In The Southern United States
The Southern United States is a vast geographic area spanning more than a dozen States. However, while the cultural history and natural landscapes may differ from place to place, what unites them all is a genuine charm that can only be attributed to that special characteristic of Americana. Although the major cities of these Southern States remain the most well-known, there are plenty of smaller and often “undiscovered” destinations here that are filled with great wonder and beauty just like their larger counterparts. From island coastal settings to riverside havens, the wonderfully charming small towns of the Southern US are indeed hard to beat. So come see this part of the country by sampling these delightful towns and the charming culture and nature that reside there!
Dauphin Island, Alabama
The town of Dauphin Island is a splendid Gulf of Mexico destination situated on the same named barrier island. Lovingly known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” this most delightful community brings together fascinating American history and stunning natural scenery for a truly special vacation experience. Founded by Spanish and later French colonists in the 16th century, this Mobile County village is home to just under 2,000 inhabitants. Dauphin Island is an outdoor lover's dream, known for its abundance of warm sun, pretty beaches, cool ocean breezes, and great opportunities to go sailing and swimming.
This little coastal paradise is also a treat for the historically-minded guest. Explore the preserved Fort Gaines (1821), which in 1864 saw action as the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. One can also take a ferry to the nearby Fort Morgan, which was constructed in the years following the War of 1812, and learn more about the tactics of naval warfare in the 19th century. Finally, make sure not to miss the beautiful Alabama Aquarium, which is dedicated to marine research and the preservation of numerous species in the Gulf Coast area.
Moultrie, Georgia
Moultrie is a most charming historic town with modern foundational roots dating to the 1870s. Today, this seat of Colquitt County, near the border with Florida, is home to a modest population of nearly 15,000 inhabitants, where an inviting flavor of the 19th and early 20th century continues to charm guests and residents alike. Indeed, a visit to the Moultrie Commercial Historic District is like stepping into another time, and the neighborhood as a whole has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amongst the landmarks of note include the County Courthouse (1902), the James Coleman House (1903), and the County Jail (1915).
In addition, as a southern town, there is plenty of warm temperatures to be enjoyed in Moultrie, and guests can expect to find a most pleasing outdoor atmosphere for most of the year. Travel to the nearby Reed Bingham State Park, where fun opportunities for biking, hiking, sailing, and fishing remain ever popular. One might even catch a glimpse of wildlife like tortoises and snakes!
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort was chartered way back in the year 1711, making it the second oldest town in South Carolina, behind only Charleston. Today this seat of the same named county is home to just under 14,000 inhabitants, where splendid natural scenery and fascinating American history come together. Lovingly known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands”, Beaufort is stunningly located on Port Royal Island along the Atlantic Coast, and hot summers and warm winters delight all who visit. Enjoy fun chances for swimming and sailing, while even simple sunbathing on the beach shores may be all that is needed for a relaxing holiday outing. And do not forget about the Sands in Port Royal Boardwalk, where panoramic vistas and alluring ocean breezes are hard to beat.
Finally, as a historic center, Beaufort is indeed a must-see for anyone interested in America’s past. Explore the Historic District, where several 18th—and 19th-century landmarks continue to stand, many of which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the William Barnwell House (1816), the Laurel Bay Plantation (1779), and the Tabby Manse House (1786), among many other pre-Civil War edifices.
Abbeville, Louisiana
Established by a French priest in the 1850s, the town of Abbeville is a historically charming locale that serves as the seat of Vermillion Parish in southern Louisiana. Home to a modern population of just over 11,000 residents, hot summers and warm winters characterize the town’s climate. Well known for its historic ambiance, many landmark buildings in Abbeville are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has several historic districts. Explore the early days of this French missionary settlement through visits to properties like St. Mary Congregational Church (1905) and other homes. Also, make sure to take a drive on the Vermillion Loop, a scenic byway that features great opportunities to view local bird species in a hot, natural setting.
Natchez, Mississippi
Named for a Native American tribe, the historic town of Natchez was founded way back in 1716 by French colonists. One of Mississippi’s oldest places, today, this seat of Adams County is home to a modest population of just under 14,000 inhabitants. Scenically located along the path of the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez is the perfect place to enjoy both the hot Southern sun and fascinating stories of early America. Spend time along the River, while numerous jogging and cycling trails are a pretty outdoors activity for all ages.
With its decade's worth of history, guests can expect to find a wide assortment of 18th and 19th-century landmarks in town, including former plantations, mansions, and other antebellum homes. Once one of Mississippi’s major cotton centers, among the landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Dunleith Inn (1865) and the First Presbyterian Church (1828). Add a welcoming array of local businesses and eateries, along with plenty of hot weather, and the charm of Natchez shines in abundance.
Islamorada, Florida
Meaning “Purple Island” in Spanish, the spectacularly scenic Florida Keys village of Islamorada is indeed a uniquely beautiful Southern destination. Home to just over 7,000 residents and known for its hot summers and winters, stunning beaches and sparkling ocean waters characterize Islamorada and its paradise setting. A great place to go fishing, sailing, swimming, and, of course, sunbathing, this tropical delight is amongst Florida’s prettiest places.
And when not enjoying the sun and the ocean, there are a number of great activities to entertain the whole family. Stop by the History of Diving Museum or the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park, while at the Theatre of the Sea fun dolphin shows and opportunities to swim with them is a remarkably unique memory ready to happen. And do not forget to take photos with Betsy the Lobster, a 30-foot high fiberglass sculpture!
Although such major cities in the Southern United States like Atlanta, Miami, Montgomery, and New Orleans, remain the most well known, there are a number of equally inviting smaller communities that reflect some of the best of this region. Indeed, loads of hot sun, splendid natural surroundings, fascinating American history, and, of course, genuine Southern charm can all be found in these “undiscovered” gems. So when visiting the Southern United States, consider traveling to the smaller towns where the best of Americana can be found, in often less crowded centers. From Louisiana to Mississippi, South Carolina, and Florida, the sampling of charming towns on this list is a great way to get a snapshot of the Southern US that the entire family can enjoy.
