8 Little-Known Towns In The Mid-South
Were you aware that the Mid-South is full of fascinating communities rich in natural beauty and historical significance? The Mid-South includes Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, a region shaped by the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, along with its rolling hills and diverse landscapes. Given its shared rich history of the Civil War, blues music, and agricultural creativity, it has served as one of the main foundations of American progress. These small towns provide a peaceful yet interesting refuge, hidden away from their often livelier neighbors. Gather your belongings, and let's explore some of these places as we uncover the Mid-South's beauty.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Lodged in forests and waters of the Ozark Foothills, this quiet getaway is the place to be. The Greers Ferry Lake - one of the cleanest waters in the nation - invites visitors to try boating, fishing activities, and swimming. For anglers, the Little Red River is a haven as it is home to world-class trout fishing opportunities. Nature lovers will enjoy the Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail, which has views of all sides from the summit. Downtown Heber Springs is lined with small boutiques and quaint cafes that make up the small-town feel. The Yellowbird Market is for shoppers looking for experiences that are a little bit different, offering a selection of gifts and clothes with a little sass and fun. During the year, Heber Springs hosts events like the Annual Springfest celebrations filled with local arts, crafts, and music. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or just simply a quiet getaway, Heber Springs simply combines natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Little Sweden is in the heart of Kansas. Start with a visit to the Swedish Pavilion, a historic structure from the 1904 World's Fair now part of Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. Every odd-numbered year brings magic into October, as Svensk Hyllningsfest-which roughly means Swedish Festival of Praise-is an enchanting biennial event filled with traditional music, midnight dancing, and authentic Swedish food. A short drive northwest brings you to Coronado Heights, where, at the top of a hill, a sandstone castle-like structure offers a panorama of prairie Kansas—ideal spot, right? Then, stroll through the city center and see numerous Dala horse sculptures, each creatively decorated by artists to celebrate the town's Swedish roots. Art lovers should not miss the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, showcasing renowned Swedish-American painters and various local artists. For the outdoorsy experiences, the Valkommen trail is a 4.5-mile path in stunning Lindsborg perfect for strolling or biking amidst the town's lovely scenery. Briefly, Lindsborg is the place to be.
Hermann, Missouri
The German influence is strong in this town. Hermann has a fascinating mix of American and German heritage. Visit the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which has a complex of preserved buildings and artifacts of 19th-century German-American culture. Visitors join the locals in enjoying an array of colorful festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest, which celebrate the town's roots in style. Accessible by Amtrak, Hermann makes for a great weekend trip. On the Hermann Wine Trail, sample vintages from family-run wineries. Each winery has a unique appeal. Adventurous folks will like the Katy Trail, a lovely trail for bicycling and hiking along the Missouri River that provides stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Take an afternoon stroll through downtown to discover boutiques and lovely cafés. Hermann has something for everyone, from wine tasting to historical lessons to outdoor activities.
Holly Springs, Mississippi
Holly Springs, Mississippi, takes visitors back to times of calmness and graciousness in nature and history. Each year, during April, the town has the Holly Springs Pilgrimage, during which people tour historic homes such as Walter Place and Montrose, which are examples of antebellum architecture. History enthusiasts will want to visit Hill Crest Cemetery, dating from 1837, where five Confederate generals lie buried, including Samuel Benton and Edward Walthall. For outdoor enthusiasts, Wall Doxey State Park offers over 800 acres of hiking and fishing. Not far out of town, the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center has over 2,600 acres of varied habitat that draws bird watchers by the dozens. A visit to the requisite Phillips Grocery is a must-see. The local café has been serving up celebrated burgers since 1948. Holly Springs combines tranquility and plenty to see, making for a highly recommended retreat.
Corinth, Mississippi
Rich in heritage and local culture, Corinth has much to offer. The Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center provides an interactive experience into the pivotal role of the town during the Civil War, with preserved earthworks and interactive exhibits. Downtown, take a walking tour to find Borroum's Drug Store, established in 1865, Mississippi's oldest pharmacy and restaurant and soda fountain. Not just that, inside, the museum space explores original cobalt blue dispensing bottles with gold leaf labels and a vast collection of Native American artifacts that Col. Lannes Borroum collected directly. Each July, the Slugburger Festival brings the community out to celebrate a peculiar local delicacy: deep-fried patties composed of beef and soy grits. Gorgeous landscapes greet the opposite of their historical worth at the Shiloh National Military Park Corinth Interpretive Center. Rich history and community combine in Corinth to make the community friendly for tourists visiting the town.
Paris, Tennessee
This small town in Tennessee commands attention with its excellent mix of delight and entertainment. The iconic Eiffel Tower replica, sitting in the Eiffel Tower Park for the city, provides humor to its French namesake and offers a backdrop for strolls and family picnics. Every April, the annual World's Biggest Fish Fry makes Paris the region's party hot spot, with parades, catfish dinners, carnival rides, and live music drawing visitors from far and wide. Just a scenic drive away, the peaceful waters at Kentucky Lake are perfect for boating, fishing, and sunsets. The Paris Winery, open since 2008, invites you to relax with wine tastings of locally crafted wines amidst beautiful vineyards for a quiet retreat for any wine lover. History lovers will love the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center for its magnificently restored 1916 mansion, now a museum that outlines exhibits of times past in this area. Recreation, heritage, and tranquility come together in Paris.
Camden, Tennessee
In this small town in Benton County, something is waiting for everyone. From Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park to the sights and views over Kentucky Lake from the top of these trails curling over the dense wood. It is in the park's visitor center, where the recreational era of the place meets up with some point in Civil War times. Fishing enthusiasts and kayakers alike will have much to explore, from the nearby Tennessee River place of calmness away from bustling city life. A touch of rural character is also added to Camden's Farmer's Market every Saturday, with fresh farm produce, homemade delights, and handicrafts by the locals. The Patsy Cline Memorial, which is textured around the site of her tragic plane crash back in 1963, is a must-see for any music lover as a touching tribute to the country star. Indeed, Camden is where quiet streets, friendly folk, and a load of things to do create just the setting for seclusion and getting hitched.
Pontotoc, Mississippi
Right in the middle of Mississippi lies a Native American heritage-laden town begging to be discovered. The Pontotoc County Historical Society Museum gives insight into the lives of the Chickasaw Nation and some early settlers through artifacts curated at the museum. Those with a wild streak can drive and hike along the scenic drives and trails of Natchez Trace Parkway nearby, which cuts through rich landscapes. Cyclists will find smoothly paved roads begging them to ride along the Tanglefoot Trail, a 43.6-mile path through picturesque rural settings. The town square comes alive during seasonal festivals and markets where one can find handmade crafts and taste Southern treats. For a quiet afternoon, Howard Stafford Park invites picnics and quiet reflection in a peaceful environment. It is this combination of history and natural beauty that makes the town a tranquil retreat for those who seek to get away in silence.
The towns of the Mid-South have a fabric of history, nature's beauty, and a community lifestyle of contrasting shades. All from the antebellum beauty of Holly Springs to the quiet, serene beauty of Heber Springs. Corinth speaks to history in the formative years of the nation during its greatest internal conflict, while Paris, Tennessee, fills the region with an almost European touch. The proximity of Camden to the Tennessee River and several historic landmarks make it in demand. For Pontotoc, Native American heritage mixed with outdoor adventure is quite appealing. These small Mid-South towns, each with less than 50,000 people, can offer an authentic experience to many visitors who perhaps have never been so far away from the hustle and bustle of a city. From being a history buff, a nature lover, or one who wants some quiet time out, the small towns in the Mid-South have something special in store.
