7 Darling Small Towns in the Southern United States

For many outside the Southern United States, the region has become synonymous with Southern charm and country culture. While these things certainly flourish here, this only scratches the surface of what the South has to offer. Sprinkled in between the region’s spotlight cities like Nashville and Austin, you will find some of the most charming small towns in the country. Boasting everything from waterfall hikes and alpine vineyards to spirited festivals and one-of-a-kind museums, some of these towns may fly under the radar, but that does not make their beauty and hospitality any less compelling. With that being said, if you are hoping to branch out and explore a different side of the Southern United States, look no further than these seven darling small towns.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg ranks as one of the nation’s premier wedding destinations, second only to Las Vegas. But wedding bells are not the only reason to visit this darling mountain town. Despite being home to less than 4,000 locals, Gatlinburg welcomes millions of guests every year who use the town’s multiple entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 850 miles of hiking trails and some of the state’s prettiest mountain vistas, it is easy to see why this Tennessee treasure is the most-visited national park in the United States. Whether hiking to Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the park, reaching over 6,600-feet) or trekking the 5.4-mile round-trip Rainbow Falls Trail for views of the 80-foot namesake cascade, this legendary park offers some of the most memorable sights and experiences in the country.

Thanks to free park admission, visitors can easily transition between the park and attractions found right in downtown Gatlinburg. The Anakeesta nature theme park is one of the star attractions, featuring activities for the whole family, like zip lining, a treetop skywalk, and mountain coasters. Other highlights include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the European-style Village Shops. But no matter where you end up, Gatlinburg’s greatest souvenir is the memories you will bring home from your time here.

Helen, Georgia

In the heart of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the alpine town of Helen is one of the most-visited destinations in the state. Despite its small size and population (2.1 square miles and just over 600 locals), over a million people make their way to this darling Appalachian town every year. Nature is one of its main draws, offering adventures like ziplining through the lush canopies of Unicoi State Park and scenic hiking trails through Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Here, visitors can marvel at Anna Ruby Falls, a jaw-dropping twin cascade that plunges over 150 feet.

Much like Gatlinburg, Helen's standout feature is its stunning natural beauty, but the town itself has equally worthwhile charms. It is especially known for its Bavarian-style architecture, offering visitors a delightful glimpse of Old Germany. Guests can immerse themselves in this enchanting slice of Europe at authentic eateries like Bodensee Restaurant, riverfront pubs like The Troll Tavern, and Helen’s renowned Oktoberfest celebrations. While the Oktoberfest parade has already passed, other traditional celebrations are set to continue on September 26th to 27th, 2024.

Dahlonega, Georgia

About a 40 minute drive from Helen in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is another Georgia gem famous for its alpine vistas, Gold Rush history, and world-class wineries. Dahlonega, derived from the Cherokee word “taulonica,” meaning “yellow metal,” takes pride in being the birthplace of America's first major Gold Rush. Attractions like the Consolidated Gold Mine and the Dahlonega Gold Museum commemorate this history in an exciting way, inviting visitors to learn more about this significant part of their country’s past.

For wine lovers, this Georgia Wine Country town is worth its weight in gold for a different reason. Boasting eight wineries and 12 tasting rooms, visitors can expect some of the region’s best wines paired with exquisite mountain views. Whether booking a Dahlonega Wine Tour or flying solo to award-winning spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards, the tastes and sights will not disappoint.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

For a town dubbed “Crown of the Blue Ridge,” you will have to make your way to North Carolina. Named after a geographical formation known for being “North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction,” the hospitable town of Blowing Rock takes pride in its natural beauty. And while this alpine town is gorgeous in every season, locals will tell you fall is one of the best times to visit.

The breathtaking scenes start at the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national parkway renowned for its scenic views, especially when the leaves change color. Once in town, the beauty extends to attractions like Annie Cannon Gardens, home of the beloved Glen Burney Trail. The path itself is a beautiful trek, guiding hikers to two spectacular cascades, Glen Burney Falls and Glen Marie Falls. Autumn is also an especially favorable time to visit Blowing Rock’s popular greenspace, Julian Price Park, a 4,200-acre recreation area centered around Price Lake.

Mount Dora, Florida

For a change of temperature and scenery, in central Florida, Mount Dora is an easygoing lakefront town known for its festivals. With more than 30 events hosted each year, this “Festival City” not only keeps its residents engaged but also attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state. One of the town's most cherished events, the Mount Dora Craft Fair, will be held in downtown Mount Dora on October 26th and 27th, 2024. Earlier that same month, the free-admission Fall in the Field event will kick off the autumn season, inviting visitors to pick a pumpkin and browse antiques.

If you find yourself in Mount Dora outside its festival dates, this darling town still has tons to see and do. Its namesake lake, Lake Dora, is gorgeous year-round and can be enjoyed aboard a Premier Boat Tour or back on land at spots like Gilbert Park. If you miss out on antiquing at the Fall in the Field event, Mount Dora is also famous for its plethora of antique shops, including spotlight stores like the Village Antique Mall, Mount Dora Vintage, and Fallen Barns Antiques.

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Despite being one of the oldest settlements in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is also a college town with a youthful spirit. Shepherd University's presence brings an artistic and academic flare to the area, from shows at the on-campus Contemporary American Theater to artistic attractions like the Dickinson & Wait Craft Gallery. From September 27th to 29th, 2024, visitors can attend the annual Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, featuring 180 artisans and live bluegrass performances.

This cultured West Virginia town is also known for its attractions blending past and present, like the town’s historic Opera House, a cozy place to catch a movie or live show. Other highlights include the town’s popular Rumsey Monument, a scenic park overlooking the Potomac River in commemoration of James Rumsey, inventor of the jet-propelled steamboat.

Maysville, Kentucky

For the introverted nature lover and history enthusiast, Maysville, Kentucky, promises beautiful riverfront views and a fascinating history. Along with picturesque waterfront strolls at Limestone Landing Park and hikes through Maysville’s 110-acre Cummins Nature Preserve as beauty extends to every corner of this 1800s-era river town.

As one of the first Ohio River ports, Maysville once thrived transporting whiskey, hemp, and tobacco. But Mayville's true pride lies in its history as a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. With the free state of Ohio just across the river, Maysville was one of the final stops in this journey to freedom. Visitors can learn more about this captivating past at attractions like The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Museum.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a new getaway spot, vacation destination, or road trip route, why not give the South a chance? Whether savoring wine with an alpine view in Dahlonega or joining the 14 million using Gatlinburg as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the region has something for everyone. While each of these seven towns offers its own quirks, scenes, and attractions, they all share that classic hospitality the South is renowned for, making your time here that much more memorable.