7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in the Mid-South

The Mid-South is known for its rich culture, farmland, and historic towns. While the Mid-South is most well known for places such as Nashville, renowned for the music scene, the Mid-South's small towns offer a refreshingly slow pace. The laid-back atmosphere of towns along the Mississippi, such as Natchez, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Other towns, such as Blowing Rock in North Carolina, show off the beauty of serene mountain towns. Here, we explore seven slow-paced towns to visit in the Mid-South.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock is a stunning, slow-paced mountain town full of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The community is small in town, and nearly everything is within walking distance except the famed Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain. The town was named after a rock formation where wind currents cause objects to float upward. Visitors can visit the rock and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The Blowing Rock attraction is near the Blue Ridge Parkway area, making it a great gateway for outdoor exploration. There are many hiking trails in this area. One with great views is The Beacon Heights trail. Here, visitors can expect to see mossy trees, lichens, colorful mushrooms, and mountain views.

While in the area, check out the Grandfather Mountain Bridge. The 228-foot suspension bridge has the nickname "Mile-High Swinging Bridge." Since Grandfather Mountain has such rugged terrain, there is a good chance of seeing a black bear here. After spending a day enjoying Blowing Rock's outdoor sites, relax in the heart of the downtown and shop. Blowing Rock has several cute shops and eateries in the downtown area. Kilwin's Fudge is a great place to stop for a sweet treat. Stop at some historical sites and learn about the town's history at The Blowing Rock Art History and Museum. While shopping, check out the historical plaques on the buildings. The plaques give information about the history of each building. Make sure to stop at the Wishing Tree and leave a wish before leaving the town.

Clarksdale, Mississippi

Clarksdale is another small, must-visit, slow-paced town. It is ideal for music lovers. There is always live music somewhere in the town, whether on the street or at a bar. Delta Blues Alley Cafe, Blueberry Cafe, Ground Zero Blues Club, and Hopson Plantation often have live music. Clarksdale is well known as the birthplace of the blues. Learn more about this aspect of the town's history at the Delta Blues Museum. Clarksdale is full of peaceful scenery and friendly locals. Unwind by taking a canoe ride down the Mississippi River or the Sunflower River with John Ruskey's Quapaw Canoe Company. Stroll through town and admire the vibrant culture. Stop at some of the art galleries to see some amazing art. A couple of local galleries include Against the Grain and Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View is another slow-paced town in the Mid-South known for its art and music. In the downtown square, local musicians play music most evenings. It isn't uncommon to hear Bluegrass in Washington Street Park, this is a timeless tradition. Walk around town and see more of the area's traditions and history in the historic buildings. Visit Ozark Folk Center State Park to hear live Southern mountain music in the summer months. The park is dedicated to preserving the traditions and culture of the Ozarks.

Beyond the town's art and music scene, there is stunning natural scenery to enjoy. Visit Blanchard Springs Recreation Area to see crystal clear springs and a lake and enjoy scenic trails and picturesque bluffs. More adventurous people will enjoy seeing the Blanchard Springs Caverns. There are guided tours that take guests through the active cavern system to see the cavers. While enjoying the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, check out the hike that goes to the Old Mill. The Old Mill functioned in the early 1900s to grind down corn and gin cotton. On the way to the Old Mill, stop at Mirror Lake to enjoy the scenic lake views.

Natchez, Mississippi

Right on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Natchez is a small town with a rich history and culture. The town's historic homes transport visitors back in time. Longwood is one of the most famous historical homes to see. It is the largest octangular house in the United States and has a huge onion-shaped dome. Rosalie Mansion is another popular historic home, renowned for it's Greek Revival style architecture. Visitors can tour the homes and read about their history. Another stunning historic building to see in Natchez is St. Mary’s Basilica. The church has beautiful stained glass windows and an awe inspiring interior. The oldest building in the city is the King's Tavern. Built in 1769, the tavern has a long history and was even the place the town's mail was delivered after the Revolutionary War. Natchez is also home to the renowned Natchez Trace Parkway. This is the place to get away from the town and enjoy some remote scenery and endless stretches of forest. Biking, hiking, fishing, and camping are popular in this area.

Hermann, Missouri

Hermann is a pretty Missouri town that sits on the Missouri River. The area has a long history in wine making. German immigrants first came to the area because it reminded them of Rhine River Valley back home. Today the region's wine business is thriving and is reminiscent of an Old World Charm. Check out the town's best wineries on the Hermann Win Trail. Adam Puchta is one of the local favorite wineries. This is America's oldest continuously owned family farm winery. Learn more about the town's history at the Deutschheim State Historic Site. The brick homes here showcase German traditions. The Hermann Farm Museum is another great spot to visit to learn about local history. The museum also talks about the local, rare Shire horses. Just three miles from Hermann is Katy Trail State Park. The old railroad track is now a 240-mile-long path that cyclists can enjoy.

Mentone, Alabama

Mentone is a slow-paced mountain town in Alabama. The scenery is the main allure of Mentone. The mountains, quiet town and abundance of trees make for an alluring landscape. The nearby DeSoto State Park is one of the best places to enjoy Mentone's scenery. Enjoy the park with a stroll down the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail or drive to discover DeSoto Falls. Mentone is a town with a rich history that is waiting to be discovered. Visit the Fort Payne Depot Museum to learn about the depot that served the area for 85 years. Mentone is also home to the historic Moon Lake School on Lookout Mountain. While the school isn't open today, it now hosts an artisan and craftsman village on the grounds.

Bardstown, Kentucky

If Kentucky is known for one thing, it is bourbon. In Bardstown, experience the charm of a slow-paced small town with the allure of Kentucky's bourbon scene. Visit Willet Distillery, a small family-owned distillery that dates back to 1936. The beautiful property offers guided tours of the distillery. Those who want the experience of bottling their own bourbon should pay a visit to Heaven Hill Distillery. They are the largest family-owned distillery in the United States. Beyond bourbon, Bardstown has a quaint downtown full of history. Visit the downtown Museum Row to stop at the town's museums and learn about the area's local history. Some of the museums include The Women’s Museum of the Civil War, The Civil War Museum, and The Old Bardstown Village. The Old Bardstown Village is a collection of log cabins from the 18th and 19th centuries. Check out the Heritage Museum to learn about the region's African American history.

Experience the Best of Slow-Paced Mid-South Towns

Overall, these seven towns capture the laid-back essence of the Mid-South. Towns such as Bardstown showcase Kentucky's bourbon heritage in a relaxed atmosphere. Other towns, such as Mentone, showcase the quiet allure of the mountains in Alabama. Whether you are looking to relax in a town with a historic downtown such as Hermann or enjoy the southern culture of the Ozarks in Mountain View, these slow-paced Mid-South towns have something for everyone.