8 Cozy Towns To Visit In Mid-South
The Mid-South region is a vast area in the United States, consisting of more than ten states. It includes Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Indiana. The stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures of these states contribute to the beauty of this region that presents itself as a wholesome destination loved by tourists from far and beyond. The best way to discover the Mid-South’s charm is through the many towns scattered throughout, each showcasing a unique set of attractions. From the historical landmarks in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to the natural springs of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, these Mid-South towns are full of cozy opportunities.
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Welcome to Dyersburg, where all the charm of a small town is still very much a reality. This cozy town features many noteworthy landmarks for history enthusiasts, including Courthouse Square, which consists of 45 contributing buildings showcasing late Victorian period architecture. Another beautiful outdoor place to visit in the town is the Trimble-covered bridge. This bridge is the perfect place to take pictures amidst big trees and take a lot of memories back with you.
Apart from these places, Dyersburg offers the nearby Reelfoot Lake State Park for nature enthusiasts. The view of the lake is breathtaking, and strolling along the forested path gives a different sense of serenity. It's a great place just to sit back and admire the beauty of the lake while spotting some waterfowl and bald eagles. Moreover, Dyersburg gives visitors a strong sense of community. The downtown area is filled with numerous eateries and charming small stores, perfect for shopping while strolling and enjoying the cozy town vibe.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, Arkansas, is a paradise for music lovers, titled the “Folk Music Capital of the World." One popular destination is Ozark Folk Center State Park, dedicated to perpetuating the Ozarks' music, crafts, and culture. Various art and music events, such as the Stringband Music & Art Festival and the Mountain View Fall Bluegrass Festival, take place frequently, so visitors can select events based on their preferences.
The town is most often recognized for its outdoor recreation, including the nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns and trout fishing on the White River. Alternatively, visit the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area to experience a stunning waterfall amidst the rich outdoors. Enjoy swimming, hiking, and camping facilities for a wholesome outdoor adventure.
Paducah, Kentucky
Bestowed with the title of “Unesco Creative City,” Paducah is the hub for the art of quilt making. It has a reputation for conserving the art of quiltmaking and turning it into a highly developed art form. Numerous shops and emporiums sell beautiful quilts, perfect to take back home as souvenirs. To learn more about the art of quilting, visit the National Quilt Museum. This nationally recognized art museum is visited by quilters and art lovers from around the world.
A short walk away is the Paducah Historic Waterfront. The River Walk here is awe-inspiring as the walk goes along the beautifully painted concrete murals depicting a bit of history about the Paducah community. Misty Pond Alpaca Farm & Store is a must-see attraction for kids. The alpacas are gentle enough to allow feeding and taking pictures with them, each with its special name. The connected shop also offers a great selection of items to buy, making them impeccable souvenirs.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Witness the charm of the original French colony in this vivacious town of Louisiana. The central attraction here is Cane River National Heritage Park, which conserves the region's resources and cultural heritage. The entire area is stunning, with old live oaks, lawns, fields, and beautiful homes. The area’s other significant natural attractions include Gator Country Louisiana Alligator Park, which has alligators, snakes, turtles, chickens, and goats. It is fun for adults and kids as well. They are also allowed to hold smaller alligators and some snakes.
Besides the natural attractions, Natchitoches is also home to Prudhomme-Rouquier House, originally built in the early 1800s and showcases life examples in Natchitoches during the bygone era. There is no disappointment for sports and history buffs, as they can also have a good time exploring the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
Oxford, Mississippi
Hailed as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford’s rich history inspires numerous creative artists. If music is your passion, then be ready to immerse yourself in many wonderful performances happening at the Square. Have a delicious start to the day with breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast and advance to explore Lamar Park for an outdoor experience, which features over 1.5 miles of trails, a quiet lake, lush greenery, and garden features. Check out the Historic Downtown Square to explore local businesses, historic buildings, and stunning greenery. Upscale stores and fine dining are there to be enjoyed on the trip. Walking up and down in the downtown area here is an experience in itself, as everything looks so welcoming and warm.
Visitors are invited to the University of Mississippi Museum featuring a gripping collection of ancient Roman artifacts and science instruments which are very interesting to explore and have a good learning experience.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown charms visitors with all things bourbon and a bonus slice of Americana on the side. For a long period, the historic town was home to the most distilleries per capita of any other city in Kentucky, earning it the tag of the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” While in town, it makes perfect sense to start the visit on a high note by taking a day-guided tour exploring Bourbon-making history. Visitors can choose from over a dozen listed distilleries to visit on this tour, and the best part is that you get to sample quite a few bourbons from each selected brand at the end of every hour.
For a serene experience the next day, head to the Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral. This historic basilica’s artwork is wonderful, and the architecture is truly noteworthy. To enrich the memories of this cozy town, tour the Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum; it is a must-visit for history buffs. The site features many historic items for visitors to look at and learn about the Civil War, making it a perfect place to add to the itinerary.
Franklin, Tennessee
A captivating town with a southern charm and exciting past awaits to welcome tourists from all over the country. Franklin was a key site of the American Civil War, featuring many properties that portray its past. The Civil War tour is phenomenal for taking visitors back in time, and history buffs will especially cherish learning about American history. Guides at each one of the properties are knowledgeable and make visitors relive the War of Franklin. For a different side of town, there is the Jack Daniels Smooth Distillery Tour, where visitors can experience handcrafted wines and enjoy the wine tasting. Candy and souvenir shops also keep the kids engaged on this tour. For more shopping, you can spend a whole day strolling on the quaint streets of the town, browsing through various galleries, boutiques, and gift shops.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This small town nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas is a place of outstanding natural beauty and an ideal destination for all kinds of nature lovers. The best way to see this charming town is by Eureka Rocket, a city tour by golf cart. It is the perfect way to go around “The Stairstep Town” without wearing oneself out from walking. This charming town is also a blast for fans of magic, as they can witness various shows at Intrigue Theater featuring world-renowned magicians like Sean Paul and Juliana Fay. The show is a perfect combination of comedy, magic, and fun, and visitors highly recommend going to the show. After a magically hilarious show, enjoy an exciting day at the Enchanting Eureka Springs Scavenger Hunt. Here, visitors discover hidden gems off the beaten trail by creatively interpreting culture, arts, and history clues.
Wrapping Up
All of these towns in the Mid-South make this region a magical place to plan a vacation, as visitors get the best mix of fun places to go to. These cozy towns are small but have so many exciting activities to choose from. From the inspiring Courthouse Square to the Eureka Springs Scavenger Hunt, this region will keep visitors of all ages happy and delightful. Regardless of which one of these eight towns is the first choice for upcoming vacation planning, having a vacation to remember for a long time is a given when the destination is the cozy towns of the Mid-South. So pack your bags and be ready to experience the joyride.
