8 Old-World Towns to Visit in the Southern United States

The southern United States abounds with unique, quirky towns that are as interesting as they are historic. They came to be in different ways, but often exist because something about their landscape, location, or history reminded town founders of their homelands. Whether French, German, Spanish, English, Greek, or a combination of countries, the Old World influences are clearly present. From the Civil War crossroads of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to the steep, stepped landscaping of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, any visit to one of the eight old-world towns in the southern United States is a special trip to another place and time.

Havre de Grace, Maryland

Lafayette himself is credited with inspiring the name of this picturesque town situated where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It reminded him of France's port city Le Havre, formerly called Le Havre de Grace, meaning "graceful harbor." HdG, as locals fondly call their town, demonstrates its proud history with Washington, Adams, and Lafayette streets, Congress Avenue, and Bourbon Street to honor France's royal House of Bourbon. Today, HdG is a vibrant community, complementing its historic downtown with regular events like art exhibits and workshops, the Great Havre de Grace Oyster Feast, and a thriving farmers market held Saturday mornings from early May into December. Visitors can also walk the self-guided, narrated Lafayette Trail loop through downtown, and visit the historic Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper's House. Residents also have a sense of humor; the statue of Lafayette is often dressed for the season.

Helen, Georgia

Escape to a bit of Bavaria without the need for a passport or German dictionary by visiting Helen in northeast Georgia on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. With business in a slump in the 1960s, three ingenious businessmen concocted the idea of turning the town into a German village. The resulting downtown is a scene straight out of a postcard, the buildings carefully built to resemble a German alpine village with stone and wood facades, charming balconies, reddish-brown roofs and spires all bedecked with gingerbread trim and colorful wooden store signs. There's even a castle that will take you back to the Renaissance. German food and drinks are all around town, but international fare is abundant, too. Outside of downtown is pure mountain Georgia. Go ziplining through the trees, tubing down the river, or ride a mountain coaster. Hike the steep but paved trail to Anna Ruby Falls, rare twin waterfalls just a few miles outside of town. Oktoberfest is big here, as is Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition held at the end of November and into early December. Helen is also known for hot air balloons, with the annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race lifting off in late spring (weather permitting).

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

The Civil War figures prominently in West Virginia's oldest town. Situated on the Potomac River at the West Virginia-Maryland border, Shepherdstown in the 1860s was still part of Virginia. Although Virginia was a southern state, Shepherdstown had both Union and Confederate sympathizers. During the war, and especially after the bloody Battle of Antietam, almost every building in Shepherdstown was filled with wounded Confederate soldiers, which could be why local lore claims the town is haunted. Many of these buildings, both businesses and homes, have been preserved and are on the town's nearly 60-point, self-guided walking tour. Shepherd University is a big part of the town and its arts scene. The school sponsors the Contemporary American Theater Festival every July and draws people from all over the region.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Opa! Visit the sponge capital of the world for exciting Greek culture, food, and of course, sponges. In the early 1900s, Greek sponge divers were brought to the area to harvest the natural sponges that flourished in the Anclote River. Word got around, more sponge divers came, and today Tarpon Springs has the largest community of Greek Americans in the United States — more than 10% of the population. Greek community and culture, therefore, thrive here. Restaurants and shops line the sponge docks where visitors can find Greek delicacies (baklava cheesecake, anyone?), antiques, boutiques of all kinds, and the ever-present sponges. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which was designed in part to resemble the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, holds a large celebration of the Greek Epiphany each January, attended by people from all over the US. Take a picnic of spanakopita and a Greek salad to Fred Howard Park on the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy water sports along its white sand beach.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Louisiana's oldest city (pronounced "NACK-a-tesh") is renowned for its incredible Christmas lighting. The picturesque town, where the movie "Steel Magnolias" was filmed, has also been designated one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations and received a Great American Main Street Award, both courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. All of this means Natchitoches has a lot to show you! The town's National Historic Landmark District is 33 blocks of places to stay, eat, shop, and explore. Here French, Creole, Spanish, African American, Anglo and Indian influences are distinctly visible yet blended for an experience unlike any other. The Christmas Festival of Lights runs from late November until just after the New Year; it features 300,000 lights, plus parades, Santa appearances, live music and Saturday fireworks on the banks of the Cane River. Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival takes place in the spring, showcasing local and regional artisans. Visit Beau Jardin (French for "pretty garden") on Cane River Lake, with its stepped landscaping and water features. Free guided tours of the historic downtown explain the town's history, distinct eras, cultures, and architecture.

Oxford, Mississippi

Named after Oxford University in England, city founders hoped to start a great university here. And they succeeded. The town is the proud home of the University of Mississippi, aka Ole Miss. The town and the university share many connections and interactions. Double-decker buses and red phone booths bring English charm to Oxford, Mississippi, as well. Businesses, shops, art galleries, restaurants and more surround the Square, the town's hub of activity for residents, students, and visitors. Oxford is known for its vibrant arts community, and it is worth touring its many galleries. The oldest, the Oxford Artists Guild, hosts spring and fall shows featuring artisans from potters, painters, and photographers to fabric artists and glass workers. University Museum on the Ole Miss campus holds permanent collections and hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year. The annual Double Decker Festival is held every April; it's an arts extravaganza with demonstrations and vendors, live music, food, and 5K, 10K, and fun runs/walks. William Faulkner, who grew up in Oxford, used the town in his writings and is, therefore, a local hero, in addition to his international fame. His restored home, Rowan Oak, is open to the public, and his grave is in St. Peter's Cemetery, not far from the Square.

Fredericksburg, Texas

German immigrants settled the town in 1846 and named it after Prince Frederick of Prussia. They laid out the town like the German villages they knew, with one long main street and smaller streets branching off from it. Fredericksburg hosts more than 400 events and festivals every year. From November to December is the Christmas Wine Affair; the Peddler Show in late November; and the Hill Country Auto Swap Meet & Flea Market and the annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, both in early December. Trade Days, which are a combination trade show/flea market, are held monthly. Summer brings a number of horse-related events, plus frequent racing meets. The Gillespie County Fair, the oldest in Texas, takes place in late August. During October, the town hosts an Oktoberfest, a Food & Wine Festival, and the Knights of Columbus Bestfest, celebrating polka and craft beer. The Hill Country Film Festival and the Stonewall Peach JAMboree and Rodeo are not-to-be-missed events, as well.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Sometimes called the Little Switzerland of the Ozarks, the town is famous for its supposedly healing springs and that it is built into steep hills. Buildings were constructed to fit into their surroundings literally; they were built right into the mountains around them. Throughout the town are steep stone steps that take visitors up to the next street. In the 1890s the town was a wealthy resort believed to have healing springs throughout the town. Early on, several fires destroyed the simple wooden structures, which were then rebuilt with stone and other durable materials. Many of these buildings are now recognized on the National Register. Most are Victorian styles such as Queen Anne, Craftsman, Gothic Revival, Stick, and Neoclassical, a mix that Architectural Digest called "Eureka Victorian." Take a tour of downtown architecture or the various springs. Some 300 artists call the town home and give it its quirky, artsy feel. Eureka Springs is proud of its inclusive reputation of making everyone feel welcome, too.

Conclusion

The founders of these eight old-world towns to visit in the southern United States towns had the insight and courage to lay claim to and give names to their holdings; they're often remembered and honored for doing so. However, they could not have known how far into the future their charming cities and towns would last. These eight towns each uphold the vision and preserve the legacies of their founders, regularly updating what the towns offer in order to continue to make them appealing to today's travelers. But the past remains alive in the historical walking tours, art fairs, live music, performances, and festivals that make these old-world southern towns some of the most lively and endearing places in the country.