8 Picturesque Towns in Mid-South for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
The Mid-South region of the U.S. sits in a region between many states, between the eastern sections of Oklahoma and Kansas and the western edges of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. As a result of this diversity of landscapes, there are many picturesque small towns to explore in this region. In these small towns, you will discover breathtaking Appalachian Mountain trails, curative hot springs, 19th-century-themed amusement parks, and hidden inns in strange places. Not to mention, one of these towns will transport you to the Bavarian Alps. Here are 8 picturesque towns in the Mid-South that will make for a great weekend getaway.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs was one of the original resort towns in American history. It was first founded in 1879 when medicinal spring water was discovered there, bringing in waves of tourists during the Victorian era. You can see the medicinal spring yourself at Basin Spring Park in the downtown area, along with an arched entryway sign. Other than the springs, Eureka Springs is an idyllic place to get fresh mountain air on several trails, including the Black Bass Lake, Lake Leatherwood City Park, and the Beaver Lake Loop Trail. You'll definitely want to bring your camera on this trip as there are many spots you'll want to snap a photo at, ranging from the Rainbow Stairs downtown to Thorncrown Chapel, a unique structure in the woods with 6,000 square feet of glass letting in all of the natural light and wooden beams creating a thornlike shape. The town has several hotels ranging from the Crescent Hotel and Spa to Basin Park Hotel.
Branson, Missouri
This town in the Ozark Mountains has equal parts thrilling entertainment venues, beautiful lakes, and fun attractions for everyone. Branson has three lakes in town: Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake, which make for a great day of swimming, fishing, kayaking, or other water sports. Due to its location by the mountains, it has many picturesque trails as well, ranging from 165 Scenic Overlook to Stockstill Park and the Lakeside Forest Wilderness. You can also go on a horse ride through the mountains with The Clydesdale Experience. For other attractions, consider visiting the 1880s-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City, which has more than 40 rides, or visit the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. If you need a place to stay, consider booking a local cabin such as Cross Timber Lodge or Gypsy Dell Log Cabin.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Tupelo, Mississippi, is a must-visit destination for lovers of pop culture and music, as it was the birthplace of none other than Elvis Presley himself. As to be expected, there are several places you can visit to learn more about the King of Rock n' Rolls early days, including the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, Elvis' 1956 Homecoming, and the Tupelo Hardware Company, where his mother purchased him his first guitar for his 11th birthday. Beyond Elvis, American Civil War history buffs will want to visit the Tupelo National Battlefield Site, fought in 1864. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway, a national park built on an 8,000-year-old Native American trail that has many hiking trails that are not far from town. Children and adults will love seeing animals at the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. You can book a room at Candlewood Suites, Comfort Inn, or other hotels in town.
Nashville, Indiana
The Mid-South also cuts through the bottom half of Indiana, which hides many hidden treasures, including Nashville. This small town is an artisans colony with idyllic stores for a relaxing day of shopping, such as Abe's Too Cute Corner Boutique, 58 South, Antique Gallery, and Bali Makasih Island Imports. Nashville is most well known for Brown County State Park, a serene place with more than 18 miles of hiking trails, nearly 30 miles of mountain biking trails, and 70 miles of bridle trails. You can rent a pony or horse to try out these trails at the Saddle Barn. You can stay within the park by renting a cabin, or you can try out Story Inn, a historic inn located next to a ghost town.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is a fun town located in the Appalachian Mountains that has many mountain-themed attractions for the entire family to enjoy. The best place to visit in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, an amusement park with great rides like Big Bear Mountain, Blazing Fury, Daredevil Falls, and more. The town is also renowned for its fun supper shows like the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Dolly Parton's Stampede, and Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show. If you prefer the quietude of the mountains, you can take a quick drive to nearby Gatlinburg to visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has more than 800 miles of hiking trails. There are several cabin rental companies you can use to find the most picturesque spot to stay, including Fireside Chalet and Cabin Rentals and Cabins USA.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky, is a charming town located in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In fact, Bourbon Whiskey was first created here in the late 1700s, making this town a must-visit for whiskey enthusiasts. You can tour the local distilleries, including Lux Row Distillers, Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Preservation Distillery, and more, to see why this drink took the world by storm. There's more to do in Bardstown than drink. You can also see the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, which has a picturesque 19th-century home renamed in honor of the famous Kentucky ballad. If you'd rather get a hike in, there's no place better than the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, which has trails and forest giants constructed out of recycled materials to find throughout the park. For places to stay in town, try out the Bardstown Motor Lodge or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Mountain View, Arkansas
First incorporated in the 1890s in the Ozarks, Mountain View is a charming destination with a deep connection to folk music and culture. In fact, it is known as the Folk Music Capitol of the World and hosts a yearly Folk Music Festival in April. In addition to music, Mountain View is a favorite place for bikers to visit, with the 50-mile Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail just outside of town. Fishers will also appreciate Mountain View for its several spots to catch rainbow trout, such as at Anglers White River Resort, Mirror Lake, and Sycamore Creek. If you'd rather spend some time underground, you should consider exploring the Blanchard Springs Caverns. For spots to stay at, try The Knotty Squirrel or the Inn at Mountain View Bed & Breakfast.
Helen, Georgia
This small town in Northern Georgia has a distinctly Old World feel to it. In the 1960s, the town of Helen redesigned itself to give it a Bavarian Alps feel, which fits due to its location in the Appalachian Mountains. The town is filled with Bavarian-style buildings, including the Helen Arts and Heritage Center, which has pottery, watercolor, and paintings on display. The town is centered amid many magnificent waterfalls you can explore, such as Dukes Creek Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls. It's also the site of the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, a burial site left by the Native people, and Scarlett's Secret, a plantation house turned museum. For the best lodging in Helen, consider trying out a bed and breakfast at the Alpine Crest Resort.
These welcoming towns are ideal for a weekend retreat. For one, they have great accommodations ranging from mountain cabins to charming bed and breakfasts. In addition, you'll have plenty of things to do to occupy your time. Whether that's exploring mountain trails, following in the footsteps of young Elvis, going fishing at three lakes in a single day, or enjoying a day searching for antiques, you'll never be bored in these Mid-South towns. Consider adding these to your travel plans this year!
