7 Small Towns in Mid-South to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
There is just something about that southern charm: the romance, the atmosphere, the rusty sky hanging over a crisp mountain range. Blend that with the humility and sweetness of a small town that upholds simple and respectable values, and visitors will indeed have an inspiring getaway. The charming Mid-Southern states boast a wealth of small towns waiting for visitors!
Whether travelers want to meander with a lover or engage in a torrid, exploratory quest, a small southern town exists for every countenance. With amenities, quaint inns, gourmet restaurants, vintage products, rich historical sites, and a space to sink back into the enchantment of nature, it is no surprise that romantic partners and families alike are flocking to the cute towns listed below!
Beaufort, North Carolina
The first on our list of unique getaways lies in North Carolina, a charming waterfront town with a tiny population of 4,789. Not only is it one of the oldest towns in the state, having been settled in 1709, but it is also an aesthetic marvel, bursting with activities that will keep visitors busy all weekend long.
Walk along the gorgeous seaside and learn about the town’s rich history, eat and shop along the coast till your heart's content, or, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the wild horses that gallop along Carrot Island. Begin at the Welcome Centre as a launching point for regional tours, then stroll to several unique structures such as the 1732 Russel House (one of the oldest homes in the town), the 1796 Carteret County Courthouse, and the ‘Old Jail,' built-in 1829. There is an assortment of water sports available if history interests you, as well as several cute coastal-style inns along the shoreline. Try the Beaufort Hotel for a luxurious, romantic, unforgettable getaway. Travelers will be stepping into a Nicolas Sparks novel in no time!
Oxford, Mississippi
Whether looking for a getaway with friends and family or some extra particular time with a budding romance, visitors flock to Oxford. Oxford, Mississippi, offers a plentiful history and options for relaxation and hungry-for-adventure tourists. Oxford is one of the larger towns on this list, with a population of approximately 25,000, but comfort will be preserved, and quirky experiences will stay with travelers for years to come.
Unwind in an opulent setting rich with Southern charm, and check out The Chancellor’s House. Get pampered at the Epicure Day Spa, or try retail therapy at the Square across the street. This is the town's cultural hub, bustling with modern boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and even the South’s oldest department store! Dip into the town’s history along the day by visiting various archival sites such as the Burns-Belfry Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial, or Rowan Oak, the home to Nobel-Prize-winning author William Faulkner.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
For folks looking for a single extraordinary and unparalleled experience of a getaway in a small town in the Mid-South, look no further than Jekyll Island in Georgia. This town is meant for those with a sense of exploration and an interest in preserving the natural environment. The island has received numerous awards recognizing its conservation work. It is a part of the National Trust for Historical Preservation (an organization seeking to maintain the well-being of historical buildings and institutions).
When finished indulging in historical intrigue, try out a horse carriage tour, the Sea Turtle Center, Horton House, or stay in one of the many restored historic homesites like the Jekyll Island Club Hotel! Be sure to take in many beach experiences, whether roaming the ten miles of pristine shoreline or observing the ancient driftwood monuments on Driftwood Beach; your visit will feel tropical!
Wimberley, Texas
Wimberley is all about that Southern charm. From swimming holes and wineries to lounging in authentic ranch resorts, this small town of nearly 3,000 will surely satisfy that pesky getaway bug.
The natural wonders of the town are sure to inspire all who visit. The core of the aesthetic beauty of Wimberley lies at the convergence of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, a gorgeous cascade of water fresh enough for a little dip. The stunning views of Lone Man Creek call for the creatively inclined and those simply seeking to slow down in the natural marvels of the Texas wilderness. Beyond nature, the town offers endless unmatched activities, such as sipping at the Cypress Creek Reserve (a rum distillery known for creating vanilla, crystal, and barre-aged rum) and zip-lining through the sublime Wimberley skies. Wimberley is also home to beautiful and fragrant lavender fields. Try Glamping at Yurtopia, which offers a scenic stay with an outdoor kitchen, bathroom, bot tub, and fire pit. Visit the Cowboy Museum or the Bullock Texas State History Museum for local chronicles to indulge in the city's storied past.
Duck, North Carolina
Duck is the place to visit for a magical getaway with an extra coastal vibe. As the name implies, there exists an assortment of coastal activities within this cute little town, from paddle-boarding and parasailing to boat tours that take tourists across scenic Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards. Explore eclectic eateries that range from roadside seafood to decadent romance. Wander around the expansive shoreline along the beach that has been nationally recognized as one of the "Top 15 family-friendly Beaches in America!" Stay at one of the many peaceful vacation rentals that sit seaside, or quench your thirst for luxury at the Four Seasons. Natural beauty abounds in The Duck Town Park, which features eleven acres of trails, maritime forests, willow swamps, lush open green space, and access to the Duck Boardwalk. A calm atmosphere with all the amenities required for a comfortable escape and seaside splendor awaits!
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Fog rolls along lush forestry and majestic mountainsides in this small railroad town. Blue Ridge is a getaway destination. Whether that be a romantic venture or a family vacation, this town offers those seeking an outdoorsy adventure will love its quiet solace. The region contains over 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest and 300 miles of hiking trails, all set along the sublime landscape of babbling river streams and lofty mountains. Luxury cabins, quaint bed and breakfast locations, and the ease of franchised hotel spots are available mountainside. Arts and culture fuse flawlessly in Blue Ridge, with an abundance of options for the creativity inclined, such as live theater and musical performances in several of the town's wineries and breweries. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway tour is available to anyone intrigued by history which travels along the pretty Toccoa River. Pick from an authentic indoor car, open rail car, or Premier Class. Either way, memories will indeed be made.
Leipers Fork, Tennessee
Rolling fields and horse farms blend with musical history and modern sophistication in this town of nearly 650 residents. Leipers Fork is one of the south’s most fascinating small towns, only 45 minutes southwest of the state’s capital, Nashville. Located on the scenic Natchez Trace Highway, Leipers Fork only has one main road, where you can drive through and observe the various bouquets and homegrown shops. Props Antiques is bursting with vintage furniture, home items, retro toys and gifts, and locally sourced goods. Look along the road to a tiny house that may make you think of a Tolkien story, the Tennessee Turquoise Company. This establishment sells a wide range of vintage jewelry strung together with glistening bright blue gemstones. It is owned by Morgane Stapleton, wife of country musician Chris Stapleton, with proceeds to support the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre. The entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is protected by the Land Rust for Tennessee, which maintains the authenticity of several historical buildings, such as the Lotz House, Carter House, and Carton Plantation.
Excitement and solace await in these small-town delights in the Mid-Southern states. Drink in the surrounding beauty and history with a weekend getaway in any of these southern gems, embrace the natural beauty, make memories with family, and return to the region for years.
