8 Of The Most Charming Towns In The Southern United States
The famed American South has long attracted visitors with its hot climate, intriguing history, and loads of cultural charm that continue to distinguish the region from other parts of the nation. With several States comprising the Southern United States, it can indeed be challenging to decide exactly which locale to explore. This list highlights several wonderful smaller towns across seven Southern States, all with their unique features but united in their intrinsic natural and historic beauty. So come visit the Southern United States on your upcoming vacation and experience these fine towns ready to charm all ages of visitors with a wide range of interests.
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Located in St. Martin Parish, Breaux Bridge is also lovingly known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” Indeed, there may be no better Louisiana destination to enjoy some of the best in Cajun cooking, and this modest community of just over 7,500 residents is ready to welcome guests throughout the year. Enjoy such outdoor settings like Lake Martin or take a local swamp tour where sightings of herons and alligators surely create a most photogenic set of memories! Meanwhile, even just a stroll through Breaux Bridge’s charming downtown area and its fine assortment of local diners, shops, and businesses make for a most pleasing experience. And, of course, one cannot forget about the Crawfish Festival in the early summer. Here, delectable seafood and Cajun specialty dishes are in abundance, making for a tasty outing that is sure to have the taste buds tingling.
Paducah, Kentucky
The town of Paducah is located in Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase Region, and it is scenically situated along the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. The seat of McCracken County, just over 27,000 inhabitants, calls this 19th-century town home, which has a history dating back to the early 1820s. Explore several preserved landmarks and buildings here, including the St. Francis de Sales Church (1899) and the Whitehaven Mansion (1865), among others included on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, a series of beautiful murals populate the town, and guests can learn more about the region’s history through panels depicting indigenous peoples, European settlement, and the 20th century. Finally, as a river town, outdoor lovers will certainly appreciate Paducah and find opportunities to go fishing, swimming, and sailing remain popular in this most charming Kentucky locale.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America, established by the Spanish in 1565. A most special and immersive place of living history, St. Augustine is indeed unlike any other town in Florida. Home to a modest population of just over 14,000 residents, this seat of St. Johns County is beautifully situated on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Awesome opportunities for swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and walking along the coast make it a most naturally pleasing destination, while its century's worth of history fascinates. Explore such landmarks like the Fort Matanzas National Monument, the St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum, the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and the Castillo di San Marcos, amongst many others that are included on the National Register of Historic Places And, of course, with loads of hot weather and a great variety of tasty beachside restaurants and shops, St. Augustine is a beautiful snapshot of the past meeting the present in a most delightful way.
Magnolia Springs, Alabama
Home to just over 800 inhabitants, the town of Magnolia Springs is a most peaceful community in southern Alabama where small-town charm and natural beauty come together. Scenically located at the headwaters of the Magnolia River, guests can enjoy fantastic opportunities to go swimming, fishing, and sailing, while even just a relaxing stroll along the water may be all that is needed. With its early 19th-century foundational history, visitors to Magnolia Springs can also appreciate its historic character and several landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Historic District and the Sunnyside Hotel (1897), amongst others, there is indeed a feeling of the old world when visiting this most quaint and charming Alabama town. And with its small population, it is common to see folks greeting one another by their first name while a cute assortment of local shops and restaurants fill out the panorama.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Also known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” Beaufort is a magnificent town on South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. Situated on Port Royal Island, the town was chartered back in 1711, making it one of the State’s oldest European settlements. A most charming and stunning destination where natural splendor and fascinating American history meet, Beaufort and its population of just under 14,000 remain a most welcoming Southern hot spot. Known for its humid climate that includes hot summer and mild winter temperatures, spending time outdoors is always a delight here. Take in such activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, and sunbathing, or simply walk along the boardwalk area at the Sands in Port Royal. In addition, living history can be experienced here, and strolling through Beaufort’s streets gives a true vibe of life in the 18th and 18th centuries. Visit the Historic District and marvel at many landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take in all the sounds and sights of this most special South Carolina town.
Cordele, Georgia
Very hot summers and warm winters characterize the climate of Cordele, lovingly known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World.” Home to just over 10,000 inhabitants, this seat of Crisp County is a most charming community where natural splendor and American history can be found in abundance. Explore the inviting Lake Blackshear and enjoy outdoor activities like camping and swimming while an afternoon at the Georgia Veterans State Park is an immersive place of living history. Chronicling the story of American warfare through the centuries, guests can marvel at a number of preserved weapons, military vehicles, and other artifacts spanning the Revolutionary War to the Second World War. Finally, no visitor will want to miss the early summer Watermelon Festival, which celebrates everything about the delicious fruit. From watermelon products to live entertainment and fun for the whole family, this is truly one of the most charming outings in the “Peach State”.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is beautifully located along the path of the famed Mississippi River, and it serves as the seat of Adams County in the southern portion of the State. With a population of just under 14,000 residents, Natchez can trace its history to the early 1700s when French colonists founded it. Today, many colonial landmarks remain, and guests can explore a number of well-preserved mansions, plantations, and antebellum buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And as a major center of the cotton collection, Natchez’s economic importance to the Southern United States during the 19th century continues to shape its character. Meanwhile, with its hot summers and warm winters, spending time outside is always popular here. Spend time along the riverfront, enjoy scenic walking trails, go for a swim, or simply rest under a shady tree, and visiting Natchez will surely leave any guest with some very charming memories.
Venice, Florida
Named for its famed Italian counterpart, the town of Venice, Florida, was established in the late 1800s, and today, it boasts a population of just over 27,000 inhabitants. Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast and affectionately known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” Venice boasts beautiful beaches that attract tourists throughout the year. With very hot summers and warm winters, there is never a wrong time to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors. Take in the golden sands and sparkling blue waters at beaches like Venice and Caspersen, or dive into the ocean to explore splendid coral reefs. One might even discover some fossilized shark teeth in the sand, hence the town’s nickname. Finally, history lovers can also appreciate Venice, and several buildings and neighborhoods in town are listed as historically significant. These include the Eagle Point Historic District, the Venezia Park Historic District, and the Triangle Inn (1927) amongst others. Add in beautiful palm tree-lined streets and Italian architectural styles galore, and this is one of Florida’s most charming and welcoming communities.
The Southern United States is a diverse cultural, geographic, and historical region where guests with a wide variety of interests can find something to enjoy. From natural beauty and ocean-side vistas to cultural events, festivals, and historic landmarks, the American South is one of the nation's most beautiful components. So come visit this part of America, and a special set of memories will be sure to follow for many years to come!
