6 Whimsical Towns to Visit in the Southern United States
It’s no wonder 126 million people call the southern United States home. Warm breezes, endless blue skies, and that famous southern hospitality are just the beginning. The region is also full of small towns, each with its own personality—whether it’s hosting lively performing arts, throwing Mardi Gras celebrations, or offering relaxing white-quartz sand beaches. With so much variety, there's no need to look beyond the southern U.S. for a world of experiences waiting right here.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, in the Smoky Mountains, is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers, offering just about every type of recreational activity imaginable. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding with Sugarlands Riding Stables along trails that wind through the national park, birdwatch for over 200 bird species in the Smokies, white water raft down one of the nearby rivers, or hike popular trails like Abrams Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and the Appalachian Trail, among others. Golfers should not miss out on a visit to the Gatlinburg Golf Course; the mountain views from the course will be memorable!
The cuisine options are endless in Gatlinburg as well: Visitors can try out Tennessee barbecue at Bennet’s Pitt Barbecue or enjoy a pizza at Mountain Trail Grill & Pizza, a local favorite! Gatlinburg Brewing Company, a local microbrewery, is a great option for those craving a cold craft beer.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
With miles of pristine coastline, Gulf Shores gives visitors the feel of a Florida beach, but with an added touch of southern Alabama charm. The town has numerous beaches with white quartz sand where visitors can spend their afternoon, including Branyon Beach, Lagoon Pass Park, and Shell Beach. Gulf State Park is a wonderful place to spend the day as well, with plenty of coastal wildlife and ecosystems to see, spread out across 6,150 acres of land and 28 miles of trails. Want to see the shoreline from above? Adventurous travelers can hop on a helicopter with Lost Bay Helicopters and enjoy a sunset flight, beach tour, or even a flight lesson!
Want to try some fresh gulf seafood? Stop by one of the town’s many restaurants, such as Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, a waterfront, open-air restaurant with fresh seafood to enjoy. For those wanting to try some homey southern food, The Ugly Diner offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as shrimp and grits!
Wimberly, Texas
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Wimberly is home to just under 2,000 residents and has an eclectic, artsy atmosphere. Wimberly Square is a must-see in town, featuring colorful storefronts, historic architecture, and a diverse selection of shops, including antique stores, specialty boutiques, and art galleries. The town also has a thriving breweries and winery scene. Community Pizza & Beer Garden, with a cozy and rustic patio, is just one great place to sip a cold craft beer!
Various beautiful natural parks and landmarks lie beyond the city center as well. Blue Hole Regional Park is unmissable, featuring 100 acres of land with a natural swimming area, crystal clear water, and giant cypress trees. Within the park, visitors can go for a hike, have a picnic, or swim in the swimming hole. Patsy Glen Refuge is another great nature stop, specifically for birdwatchers, home to a number of migratory and native bird species.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Located on the southern Mississippi coast, Ocean Springs thrives by the water and celebrates its art and history with a vibrant blend of museums, galleries, outdoor murals, and historic state parks. Fort Maurepas Park, for example, was the first site of French settlement in the area and has a variety of hiking trails, a museum, a playground, and more. The Bridge Mosaic Mural and Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial are two wonderful outdoor murals to stop by as well, to learn more about the town’s history and local artists.
For a unique way to explore the town, visitors can rent a golf cart to cruise through town with the ocean breeze or rent a boat to enjoy the waves and do some fishing. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon as well, full of opportunities to hike, bike, fish, bird watch, camp, or even participate in a ranger-led program.
Hartsville, South Carolina
Although Hartville only has a population of a little over 7,000 residents, it seems to have a little bit of everything. Visitors can start off their trip to Hartsville by stopping by the Hartsville Museum, established in 1980, which hosts a variety of local art and history exhibits that will give visitors a great idea of the town’s culture. Make sure to check out the Center Theater’s Calendar as well, a beautiful venue from 1936 that” hosts performing arts events and has seen a variety of famous performers over the years, including Johnny Cash, the Von Trap Family, and the Three Stooges.
Hartsville is full of parks as well. One excellent option is Kalmia Gardens, a public Botanical Garden with various trails passing through the woods exhibiting the area’s native plants and wildlife. After strolling through the park, hungry visitors can treat themselves to a variety of dining options, including tapas, soup, or a sandwich from the cozy Rooster. For a cocktail with a view, they can head to The Rooftop Bar at the Mantissa and enjoy the best views in the city as they watch the sunset.
Covington, Louisiana
Situated between three rivers and surrounded by parks and nature, stepping into Covington feels like a breath of fresh air. Visitors have many nature trails to choose from, including Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail, Covington Trailhead, and St. Tammany Trace. Those who enjoy getting out on the water can kayak or boat in the Falaya bogue as well. A visit to H J Smith's Son General Store and Museum is a good way to gauge the town’s history, hosting a general store that has been open since 1876 which exhibits hundreds of items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Covington is also unique for its many festivals. Antique collectors will love the annual springtime Antiques & Uniques Festival, while families will love being able to participate in the family-friendly Krewe of Bogue Falaya Mardi Gras event! From March through October, the town also has a monthly block party event on the last Friday of each month, showcasing a variety of classic cars with plenty of food, drinks, and live music.
Final Thoughts
The southern U.S. offers an unbelievable range of experiences, much of which visitors can experience by traveling to its small towns. These towns in particular have a special charm to them, ranging from Smoky Mountain exploration to relaxing on a Gulf Coast beach. When you need a break from life’s stresses, consider visiting one of these whimsical towns that will remind you of life’s simple pleasures.
