9 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in the Mid-South This Summer

Spreading across sixteen states, the Mid-South is a diverse region of the United States. All of Tennessee and Kentucky are classified as part of the Mid-South. Still, parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are part of the region as well. Known for its warm weather, beautiful geographic formations, including the Ozarks and the southern Appalachians, and bourbon, the Mid-South has enough variation to attract all sorts of tourists each summer. Whether you're looking for a getaway in your home state or eager to explore the whole region from abroad, there is ample culture and nature to bring excitement to any and every explorer.

Branson, MO

Known for its three lakes, live music, and world-class live music, Branson is one of the most eclectic towns to visit this summer in the Mid-South. Located in the Ozarks, this Missouri community embodies vacation living at its best, with its small town feel and large attitude. The Titanic Museum, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, and Hollywood Wax Museum will keep the whole family busy for a weekend. There are also countless spaces to get outdoors, including the Wonders of Wildlife and Flying Prospector Zipline Tours. No visit to Branson is complete without a visit to the Thousand HIlls Resort Hotel or the Ozarker Lodge, that are ideal for all tourists ranging from young families to honeymooners.

Eureka Springs, AK

Also part of the Ozarks, this Arkansas town is home to the May Festival of the Arts, Basin Park Concert Series, and the Original Ozark Folk Festival. Eureka Springs is home to a historic downtown district featuring a Historical Museum and opera house. The Onyx Cave Park explores underground rock formations, offering 30 minute tours suitable for the whole family. Consider a stay at the Crescent Hotel and Spa to maximize relaxation while on your Ozarks summer vacation.

Fort Scott, KS

Home to the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum, and the Museum of Creativity, this Kansas town is a great getaway for anyone who enjoys non-stop learning. The Courtland Hotel & Spa is one of the town's nicest accommodations and is certainly worth crashing at for a night. The town's motto is "Relax. Renew. Reconnect. Relive," all of which you can be certain to experience during your stay. Fort Scott is also known for its agri-tourism. Consider visiting the Lavendar Patch, Shead Farm, or the Anderson Elk Ranch to make the most of Fort Scott's rural setting.

Tahlequah, OK

This small Oklahoma town is home to both Northeastern State Univeristy and Beauty Technical College. The high density of students in this small community has helped keep the historic town young and vibrant. Known as one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America, Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation. While in town, you can tour a recreated ancient Cherokee village of Diligwa, canoe along the Illinois River, or spend the day on Lake Tenkiller. Grab a bite to eat at Double Barrel BBQ or Linney Breaux's Cajun Eatery to soak in some southern flavours to cap off your visit!

Metropolis, IL

Home to the World's Largest Superman Statue, Metropolis is a must-stop on any Mid-South summer vacation. Visit the Super Museum to explore what this Illinois town is passionate about. Located on the Ohio River, Metropolis is "where heroes and history meet." Not a superhero fan? Use Metropolis as your gateway to the Fort Massac State Park to hike, camp, or swim in the River. This town is also home to some excellent antiquing, with some local favourites including the 606 Market, ReFind, and Super City Antiques.

Santa Claus, IN

Santa Claus, Indiana, is one of the best places in the Mid-South for families of all ages to escape to. Where Santa goes to work during the summer, consider an afternoon at Santa's Candy Castle or a night at the Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. Some other major attractions in the town include the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, and the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. For the adults in the party, the Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery and the Santa Claus Brewing Co. offer some of the best local wine, beer, and spirits to sip your way through.

Pigeon Forge, TN

Also known for its summer family fun, Pigeon Forge is one of Tennessee's best summer getaway spots. Set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, there is no shortage of sites to see, mounts to explore, and things to do in and around this town. Some of the best things to do in town include visiting Dolly Parton's Stampede, attending a Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and spending a day at the Dollywood theme park or Dollywood's Splash Country. Every summer, Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival takes over the town with thousands of flowers, tertiaries, and displays covering the town's core.

Danville, KY

Home to the Great American Dollhouse Museum, Pioneer Playhouse, and Constitution Square Historic Site, this Kentucky town is a great hidden gem for summer travel in the Mid-South. The historic downtown is home to 20 restaurants and 17 shops, including La Costa Nostra, GLASS National Art Museum, and Maple Tree Gallery. Danville is just a short drive from the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site and Camp Nelson National Monuments, making it an ideal resting place for those looking to explore the greater region in Kentucky. There are countless major chains available for accommodations including a Quality Inn and Super 8, meaning affordable rooming options will always be available on a short-notice vacation.

Hiawassee, GA

Located on Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald, this mountain town on Lake Chatuge is one of the most beautiful areas in the Mid-South for a summer vacation. Nearby outdoor attractions, including Bell Mountain, High Shoals Falls, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, and the Hamilton Gardens, keep tourists returning year after year. In town, the ArtWorks Gallery & Gifts features artwork from 45 local artists and craftsmen, and the Hag Wild BBQ & Catfish House serves some of the best local catches. The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge overlooks the water, offering horseback riding, boating, fishing, and boat rentals with its scenic lake-in-the-mountains backdrop.

The Mid-South is chock full of good food, ideal weather, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking to sit on a lake for a weekend, explore historic downtowns, or visit some eclectic museums on a grand tour of the region, there is no shortage of areas, towns, and world-famous sites to explore. The region is best explored by car and is worthy of an extended road trip that allows for the flexibility to get out and discover many of the Mid-South's gems.