8 Towns in Mid-South With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Many travelers have seen the appeal of the American Mid-South. You can step into some of the most enchanting small towns in the country and experience all the charm and wonder they have to offer. Big cities have a lot to offer, but the quaint way of life in these towns can captivate travelers from all parts of the world. Even though the way of life may be slower than the hustle and bustle of New York or Chicago, there is still a lot to experience in the downtown district of the Mid-South. These eight towns are redefining what it means to have a vibrant downtown without sacrificing timeless appeal. Bustling markets, whimsical boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and fun music festivals await you on your journey into these hidden gems. Add some of these eight towns to your vacation itinerary in 2024 to experience culture, class, and magic in their downtown areas.
Brenham, Texas
Like many places throughout the country, Brenham’s history is steeped in that of the indigenous people who lived there before the Louisiana Purchase. Much of that history can still be found throughout the area, as well as the German influence that has thrived since then. The downtown area has retained many of the nineteenth-century buildings that constructed it, keeping the rich heritage but allowing contemporary trends to flourish.
If you are looking for places to eat or shop, you will find many as you walk down Main Street. You can get delicious meals at Brenham Grill or BT Longhorn Saloon and Steakhouse. There is even a vibrant nightlife if you want to get a drink at Legends Billiards and Bar or Carol’s Ice House. You can also find places to see work by local artists at galleries and shops like the Tegg Art Studio and Downtown Art Gallery. There is seemingly no end to places to explore in Brenham.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford is a college town, home to the University of Mississippi. It is also filled with literary history because it is the hometown of William Faulkner. You will find many events and locations around the town square, called the Square, that are literary-themed. The downtown area is almost always filled with activity. Historic buildings house modern businesses, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped back in time when they walk down the street.
There is plenty to do, including visiting the home of William Faulkner or visiting the town’s art scene at Southside Gallery or the Oxford Treehouse Gallery. Delicious food is around every corner at places like B’s Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Q or the Beacon Restaurant. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere at Heartbreak Coffee. You will also see that Oxford’s calendar of events is filled with things happening all year, such as conferences with some of today’s best writers. The Yokona International Folk Festival will display the area’s culture with folk music and dancing. You will get an experience that transcends the Mid-South by visiting Oxford.
Germantown, Tennessee
Located outside Memphis, this small town has a rich history that is older than the Civil War and has now become a town known for its southern elegance as well as its rich sense of culture. Germantown has focused on building an environment for its residents and visitors that is engaging, inviting, and walkable. This has contributed to its reputation as one of the most charming towns in the Mid-South.
When you are hungry, you will find plenty to choose from in downtown Germantown. At Soul Fish, you can get the best blackened or fried catfish for miles. You can also try a Mediterranean dish like gyros or falafel at Petra Cafe. You will also find a lot of boutiques to shop, such as More than Words and Wish, where you can get treasures for yourself and the folks back home. Germantown is the perfect blend of old and new. Be sure to add this small town to your list of stops.
Searcy, Arkansas
A beautiful downtown district that combines history with modern charm will meet you in Searcy. Beautifully restored buildings that hold modern local businesses wait for you when you walk down Searcy’s storied streets. This small town has a lot to offer in dining and shopping, but it has also made an effort to give residents and visitors gorgeous public spaces. Local events and festivals are frequent there, making Searcy a destination even for people who live in surrounding towns.
Stop by Daisy’s Lunch Box, where you can get a massive burger or delicious salad or choose from an array of pastries and cakes. When you are finished with lunch, head over to The Soda Jerk for an ice cream cone. After that, you will have a chance to see the best of Searcy with the Mural Tour. Download a brochure and explore the streets of downtown, seeing all of the art and history available in the town’s public spaces. It is a great way to learn more about this vibrant small town and see more of it.
Cleveland, Mississippi
With a population of less than 12,000, many people think Cleveland would not have much to offer. However, it is the home of the Delta State University campus, making it a vibrant college town. The town’s historic downtown district is full of culture with a lively arts scene and plenty of historic beauty and charm. The Mississippi Delta Community Arts Festival brings even more exposure to the art community of the area, making Cleveland a destination for people from all over the world to enjoy the local art scene.
If you are a foodie, you will love finding all of the unique places to eat in Cleveland. Have a huge steak in a quaint setting at 5 O’Clock on Deer Creek, or enjoy some farm-to-table offerings of steak and seafood at 8 West Grille. You will also find shops, art, and bookstores up and down the downtown area. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Cleveland while enjoying a charming look back at small-town America.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
The French began settling in the area that is now Poplar Bluff in the 18th century. Since then, it has become a place of welcoming charm filled with rich history. You will find plenty of modern buildings in the downtown area, but many of the downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find new businesses housed in historic buildings, bringing a unique look to the downtown area. You will feel like you are looking at a town from decades ago but with many contemporary things to offer.
Poplar Bluff is dedicated to the community, meaning there are plenty of public spaces for the town to offer for events and festivals. Residents and visitors love the Iron Horse Festival and Oktoberfest that comes every year. Plenty of great places to eat can be found throughout the year, such as Lemonade House Grille and The Fishin’ Pig. There are places to shop downtown that you will not find elsewhere, like La Boutique Gift Shop and Bluff Town Mercantile. There is a treasure on every corner of Poplar Bluff.
Dyersburg, Tennessee
Character and charm are what you will find in abundance in Dyersburg. You will also find a lot of modern appeal. Old buildings filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques line the streets of Dyersburg’s downtown area. In addition, Dyersburg has made an effort to keep downtown bustling so that you will find activity all the time. Plenty of work has gone into offering public spaces for visitors to enjoy, as well as places to hold annual events like festivals and concerts.
When you are hungry, you will find delicious food on every corner. Restaurants like Alvino’s Pizza and the Mustard Company Store offer unique and quaint places to grab a bite. Do not miss out on an opportunity to shop downtown at shops like Pennington and Buff City Soap. Plan your trip ahead of time to catch events like the Downtown Spring Fling, the Fall Festival at the Market, and Christmas on the Square. You will find everything you need in Dyersburg, along with help from Southern hospitality.
Lebanon, Tennessee
Nicknamed “Cedar City” due to the abundance of cedar in the area, Lebanon is a textbook example of small-town America. It is filled with charm and Southern hospitality. The downtown area contains the historic town square. The streets are lined with nineteenth-century buildings containing shops, cafes, and other businesses. Lebanon also blends business space with plenty of open areas for crowds to gather for the many festivals, concerts, and other events that frequent this small town.
Have a delicious cup of coffee at Basic, or enjoy a plate at the famous BJ’s Hot Chicken. Stroll down the street and shop at Dreams Boutique and Two Bronze Dogs. You will find that Lebanon’s dedication to its history while giving its downtown area room to grow and thrive makes it a wonderful place to visit.
The Mid-South is full of small towns offering downtown areas with vibrant communities and unique places to eat and shop. You can find the history and charm of the South without feeling you have veered too far from the beaten path. When you are planning your next road trip, be sure to visit some of these Mid-South towns and enjoy the delicious food and quaint living that their downtown areas have to offer.
