7 Towns in Mid-South with Vibrant Downtown Areas
In a fast-paced world, where it is often difficult to find a moment to slow down, the mid-south offers a sense of warmth and comfort, almost like a cozy blanket. Southern hospitality, slow-smoked barbecue, and folk tunes are just a few of the region’s traits that keep residents rooted and visitors coming back for more. Additionally, despite their small size, many mid-south towns have very active history, art, and culinary scenes that help preserve the region's rich culture. Whether you are craving some down-home cooking or a weekend of live music, these seven mid-south towns have plenty to keep you coming back for seconds!
Paducah, Kentucky
In southwestern Kentucky, along the Ohio River, is the vibrant, artsy town of Paducah. In fact, because of its influence in design, gastronomy, crafts & folk art, film, literature, media, and music, Paducah is officially a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, designated in 2013. Visitors passionate about the arts can catch an independent film at the Maiden Alley Cinema & Gallery, attend a live music event or comedy show at Clemens Fine Art Center, or enjoy some quality classic music at the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
Travelers also must take a stroll through the Lower Town district; there are always rotating gallery exhibitions popping up as well as periodic festivals that liven the neighborhood. The culinary options in Paducah are just as creative as the art scene. Visitors wanting to try out the famous western Kentucky barbecue can grab some smoked meat at one of the town’s specialty barbecue restaurants, such as Backwoods BBQ.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Affectionately known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” visitors will feel history come to life as they walk down Jonesborough's cobblestone streets, observing its 18th-century architecture. The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum on Main Street tells the story of Jonesborough and its origins, starting in 1779. Other landmarks in town include the Oak Hill School, dating back to 1892, the Christopher Taylor House, from the 1770s, and the Mansion House, constructed in 1843.
Due to its rich agricultural scene, Jonesborough is also filled with restaurants and markets with the freshest farm ingredients one could imagine. The seasonal Saturday Farmers market is a wonderful way to try out some of this food, offering produce, honey, jam, and other farm fresh products, and also allows visitors the chance to experience the small town’s community!
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Home to John Brown University, Siloam Springs is a lively college town, home to many creative restaurants and shops, and frequently hosting events. The Dogwood Festival is one of the town’s most popular festivals, drawing in over 40,000 people annually, showcasing exhibitors from countrywide and over 200 stands with varying crafts, gifts, handmade items, food, and more.
City Lake Park is another local favorite, featuring 165 acres of land for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and paddling. Visitors will also enjoy a relaxing stroll through Siloam Spring’s historic district, home to lots of beautiful architecture, fountains, and well-maintained green spaces. Cafe on Broadway is just one cozy cafe with delicious treats and fresh-brewed coffee that travelers will enjoy visiting in the heart of downtown.
Neosho, Missouri
Neosho embodies the charm of a mid-Southern town amidst clear springs, with lush parks and historic buildings. At the heart of Neosho’s downtown stands a historic 1936 courthouse, surrounded by a shady, green lawn highlighted by colorful flower boxes. Flower boxes are a central feature of the town’s culture, which boasts a 66-foot-long railroad car flower box in Morse Park decorated with a vibrant array of flowers, trees, and shrubs.
The town is also speckled with colorful murals, such as the Newton County Courthouse mural, Centennial Mural, and the Skaggs Tile Mural, which provide a bit more insight into the town’s culture! Those who enjoy learning about US history must stop by the George Washington Carver National Monument, which honors the scientific accomplishments of George Washington Carver, a prominent African American agricultural scientist.
Corinth, Mississippi
As a major landmark during the American Civil War, many sites and points of interest remain in the city. Civil War Interpretive Center, featuring interactive exhibits and educational videos, is a good starting point to learn the town’s general history. Crossroads Museum & Historic Corinth Depot and Corinth Contraband Camp are fascinating points to visit as well.
Corinth is also the perfect spot to try the famous regional slugburger, a fried meat patty typically mixed with potato flakes, flour, or soybeans, served with classic condiments on a bun. Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain is one of the most popular places to grab one! Shoppers looking for a memorable souvenir will find plenty of boutiques and shops to explore. Clausel Jewelers, for example, offers custom-made jewelry, perfect for a unique keepsake.
Madisonville, Kentucky
About an hour and 20 minutes drive from Paducah is Madisonville, a town popular with outdoor enthusiasts that also has a lively arts and culinary scene. The town always seems to have an event going on, ranging from classic car shows and trivia nights to live music concerts. It is also home to a number of distilleries and breweries for those who arrive in town thirsty. Casey Jones Distillery and Tradewater Brewing Company are two worthy of a stop.
While you may have never gone on a trashcan appreciation tour before, you will want to in Madisonville, as strange as it sounds! The city has an ARTcan Walking Tour, where visitors can walk through town, appreciating the sculptures that local artist Tim Corum has placed on the area’s trash cans. For a fun and unique experience, visit Mad Axes Throwing Bar to try your hand at axe throwing, or head to MadCity Crafts DIY Studio & Café to create and take home your own handmade craft.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Situated in the Ozarks, Eureka Springs is a small, scenic town with an impressive district and beautiful mountain views. The best place to start a trip in town is at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and Visitor Center, which has an array of both temporary and permanent exhibits that tell Eureka Springs’ story. The town also holds a weekly farmer’s market on Thursday, which not only has a variety of products available to purchase but also has live music from local musicians!
For a population of a little over 2,000 residents, Eureka Springs has an impressive number of cultural activities in town to explore. The Museum of Eureka Springs Art showcases 140 years of art through more than 400 works. In the summer months, the town also performs a local opera. Wilson & Wilson Folk Art is a local folk art gallery owned by a mother-daughter artist-duo that draws in numerous visitors as well.
Discover the Charm of Mid-South Towns
Through its thriving music, food, and art, the mid-south region has managed to preserve a lot of its quaint culture in a way that is hard to do in an ever-changing world. Folk art, history museums, and regional dishes like the slugburger continue to thrive, ready for visitors to enjoy themselves. Next time you find yourself looking for a vacation off the beaten path, away from the city or crowded beaches, do not hesitate to plan a fun-filled trip to one of these seven towns!
