9 Adorable Small Towns in the Southern United States
Known for its accents, cuisine, and fashion, the Southern U.S. is a vast region stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The South, or Dixie, has had an enormous and central role in shaping the American experience and continues to be a defining part of the nation's cultural tapestry today. Experience the South like never before, hamlet by hamlet, and be transported back to a time of hospitality and civility so often forgotten about today.
Duck, North Carolina
Nostalgic and dreamy, this seaside town along the Atlantic is a delightful blend of untamed natural beauty and creature comforts found in the state's Outer Banks. This area is dear to North Carolinians due to its leviathan dunes, tranquil coastal forests, and many beaches. Spend a day on the beach listening to the gentle lapping of waves or in town where there is plenty to do. Visit the Duck Town Park on the town's shoreline for 11 acres and trails through a maritime forest and a willow swamp. The park also grants access to the wooden Duck Boardwalk. Charter a cruise into the Currituck Sound if so inclined for a sunset cruise. The views at dusk from the water are unbeatable.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
This mountain town is a getaway favored by residents in the greater Atlanta area. Spend the night in rustic yet glamorous wooden cabins on the mountainside, meander through the quaint downtown, and enjoy the fresh mountain air the same day. There are 300 miles of hiking trails in Blue Ridge and 100 miles of streams teeming with trout. This mountain town is an outdoor enthusiast's dream thanks to the plethora of activities available such as whitewater rafting. Blue Ridge's downtown core is a streamlined string of shops that run parallel to the Blue Ridge train station railroad. Find delicious, old-style ice creameries and fly fishing rod builders next to a green space perfect for a picnic. Be sure to visit one of the over 40 wineries throughout northern Georgia for a glass of Malbec as well.
Bluffton, South Carolina
The town of Bluffton is known for its great atmosphere and easy access to the water. This resort spot is punctuated throughout by Spanish moss and old-growth oaks, giving it a distinct Antebellum feel. To understand Bluffton's enduring appeal, sit in a comfortable deck chair on a wraparound porch overlooking the river at sunset. The town has several accommodations for visitors looking for an upscale experience. A golf course, luxury spa, and racquet court are all available for VIP visitors, but there is a bevy of activities to do on the cheap as well. The Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve has four miles of trails and firebreaks waiting to be explored. Foodies will want to try the Lowcountry Oyster Trail for a taste of the world-famous Carolina oysters.
Williamsburg, Virginia
No, not the neighborhood in Brooklyn. Visit Williamsburg in Virginia for an engaging journey back into U.S. history. The town is home to the world's largest U.S. history museum, the preeminent center of the nation's colonial history. The museum can be explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Williamsburg is also one of the earliest examples of American civic planning, resulting in the town's orderly and neat feel. Williamsburg is also a sophisticated town. The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra is well-regarded and features internationally acclaimed artists, and coffee roasters, kombucha brewers, and wine-tasting rooms can all be found in or around Williamsburg. Chickahominy Riverfront Park is a whole lot easier to enjoy than, say. With canoeing, kayaking, and fishing all on offer, this 140-acre outdoor facility on the riverbank is fun for the whole family.
Marathon, Florida
Known for having some of the best fishing in the world, Marathon is the ideal coastal destination for anglers exploring the South. The town is one hour from Key West and Key Largo. Thanks to its location, Marathon sits right at the heart of the Florida Keys. Sit beneath the shade of mangrove trees in this lovely beachside town. Marathon is extremely dog friendly, and all of the parks are off-leash except for the soccer and baseball fields. For those traveling without a dog, visit the turtle hospital or the dolphin research center in town. Curry Hammock State Park is chock-full of things to do. Families will want to swing by the lagoon, complete with kids' play area, while the hammock trail and butterfly gardens are a great way to get some exercise while marveling at the amazing Florida flora.
West Jefferson, North Carolina
This town of under 2,000 people is most certainly a small town. The upside, however, is the atmosphere. West Jefferson feels like one of North Carolina's best-kept secrets. Here, locals strike up conversations with each other in line at their favorite cafes and even when passing by on the street. Tourists are also always welcome, and the town's residents are happy to give directions or recommendations. Walking through West Jefferson, one picks up on the boho atmosphere quickly. Murals can be found throughout, as are quality art galleries. Check out the artwork on St. Mary's Church of the Frescoes, one of the town's biggest tourist draws. After exploring the downtown area, make time to visit Mount Jefferson and hike the lush forests surrounding it for a great panoramic view.
Bandera, Texas
Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World™, Bandera is everything it claims to be and more. Northwest of San Antonio by about an hour, this gem nestled in the middle of Texas Hill Country has the spirit of the old west in spades but with all the contemporary amenities visitors need in the 21st century. The Hill Country State Natural Area has more than 5,000 acres of canyons and desert foliage to explore, and the Medina River, which winds through town, can be paddled by kayak. Visit the Bandera Natural History Museum for life-sized exhibits of dinosaurs and Ice Age megafauna, such as mammoths, on display. For great live music, swing by Arkey BLue's Silver Dollar, a honky-tonk bar where country music and bourbon are never in short supply.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Pronounced Knack-a-tish, Louisiana's oldest town is a beauty by all metrics. Two-story buildings in the French Creole style, complete with wrought iron railings, can be found throughout the town and are a feast for the eyes. Magnolias and their broad canopies loom over the red brick roads. Natchitoches has Southern charm by the bushel and has great food to boot. Natchitoches Meat Pies is a legendary eatery, and its meat pies are now synonymous with the town itself. Perhaps influenced by Spanish empanadas or French pate, Natchitoches' European roots are a delicious history to explore. The town's Front Street is reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter and runs parallel with the Cane River. This 33-block area has plenty of boutique shops to see and is incredibly aesthetic as well.
Inman, South Carolina
The town of Inman is known for its quaint, stylish neighborhoods, its mild weather, and its central location. This town in the Upstate South Carolina foothills always has something going on. Outdoor music events like Music on Mill are a regularity, while the annual Harvest Day Festival brings the entire town out for a day of amusement park rides, farmers' markets, and good food. The Blue Ridge Mountains are nearby and waiting to be trekked, and Inman is also a quick 15-minute drive to Lake Bowen. This 1,500-acre body of water with 33 miles of shoreline is perfect for a day of boating and fishing.
The American South is so full of charm and whimsy it is hard to go wrong when picking a small town to visit. Whether riding horseback through a maritime forest or sipping a chilled drink on a white sand beach, from the Texan desert to the dunes of North Carolina, Dixie has boundless variety and appeal. Stop by one of the previously mentioned towns and discover the famed Southern hospitality alive and well.
