9 Secluded Towns in Mid-South
The Mid-South is a unique region in the US, dipped in fascinating scenery, amazing cultures, great food, and rich history. Comprising Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky, among others, it occupies a sizable portion of the landmass in the US, and there are many towns where it feels empty due to their small populations and remote locations. These small towns are secluded but also embody the quintessential characteristics of the Mid-south in culture, history, cuisine, warmth, and lifestyle. From the charming and less-crowded beaches in Folly Beach, South Carolina, to dramatic rock formations in Blowing Rock, here are nine secluded towns in the Mid-south to visit today.
Hermann, Missouri
Hermann is a quiet town South of the Missouri River, renowned for its rich German heritage. History and cultural buffs would love it here as the town hosts a few cultural attractions that mirror its deep roots. Start with the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which houses exhibits of the town as a pioneer Missouri settlement steeped in German culture. The Historic Hermann Museum is another top draw inside the 1871 German school building, featuring guided and digital tours of the town's history. Visitors can also check out the Hermann Caboose Museum, a distinctive exhibit that traces Hermann's railroad history through memorabilia and photography. Away from the history, visitors can always head to the Hermann Riverfront Park to enjoy picnics, boating, and fishing on the river. Later, stop by Hermann’s Attic Antiques Mall to grab souvenirs before leaving.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus is arguably the most unique town in Indiana, acclaimed for its Christmas-themed attractions corresponding with its name. Visitors can explore this Christmas town, especially with the kids to revel in its themed attractions. Santa’s Candy Castle is a worthy mention, with its distinctive red brick and green roof castle, featuring a Toy Village, Santa's Workshop, and exciting activities for kids. While strolling through town, stop by the Back 9 Grill to enjoy a tantalizing lunch and proceed to Christmas Lake Village. This gated community is centered around three lakes - Lake Noel, Christmas Lake, and Lake Holly, where visitors can swim, fish, sail, and tub, especially on Christmas Lake, the largest at 200 acres. Afterward, visit Santa Claus Museum & Village to send letters to Santa and also learn about the town’s roots through exhibits.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock might not be a crowded town bustling with life and activities, but it appeals with its striking natural attractions. This beautiful town on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to Blowing Rock, a dramatic rock cliff famed for its resilient vertical winds that send objects back to its thrower. The cliff has an observation deck for tourists to throw objects down and savor the charming natural scenery around the Blue Ridge Mountains. Still outdoors, visit the Blowing Rock Memorial Park in the downtown area to enjoy play and enjoy picnics. Nearby, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park invites visitors to hike, ride horses, and fish or boat in Trout and Cone Lakes. Meanwhile, the history of the town and its Appalachian heritage comes alive at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, which also features American art exhibits. Don’t forget to shop for antiques and pottery at Bolick and Traditions Pottery on the main street before leaving.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach is a cozy beach town on Folly Island, with just above 2,000 people, making it more laid-back. For visitors here, the beach is always a delight as it offers striking views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as opportunities for picnicking, and beach walking. Additionally, the beach is a famous surfing destination, while its pier that stretches 1,049 feet into the ocean offers great opportunities for fishing. History buffs can get on a boat and head to the offshore Morris Island Lighthouse to see the iconic and towering light. Alternatively, head to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve to see the lighthouse from the shore, watch wildlife, relax or stroll on the sand, and enjoy surf fishing. In the meantime, another boat trip off the island leads to Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired by the Confederacy. After all the exploration, head back to town to enjoy some well-deserved sensational American fares at Rita’s Seaside Grills.
Granville, Tennessee
Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, Granville is a picturesque town that’s mostly secluded but always worth a visit due to its interesting draws. Once here, head to the Granville Museum to learn about the town's history from its pioneer days through exhibits and interpretive displays. Proceed to the Pioneer Village to learn more about the area’s early days while exploring various antique automobiles, a pioneer cabin, a grist Mill, and a blacksmith shop. Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy a refreshing breakfast, snack up with sandwiches, and savor irresistible ice cream at T.B. Sutton General Store close to Cordell Hull Lake. For art lovers, the store is home to the Granville Artists Gallery, hosting creative handmade items from local artists. Adventurers can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle on the charming Cumberland River.
Helen, Georgia
Helen is a secluded tourist town along the Chattahoochee River in White County, designed to look like an Old Bavarian village. The town’s population is a little over 500, accounting for its serenity and peaceful allure. Visit this town and start an adventure by visiting Helen Tubing & Waterpark which has a pool with high slides and offers tubing rides down the Chattahoochee River. Next, head to nearby Unicoi State Park to kayak, fish, and swim on the 53-acre Unicoi Lake. Visitors can also zip line over the lake, while hikers can explore 12 miles of trail. Away from the outdoors, the Helens Art and Heritage Center invites art and history lovers to explore its art gallery and local history museum in a Bavarian-style building. Later, shopping lovers can purchase jewelry at the Outpost Gold & Gem Mining Co.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is as secluded as they come in the Mid-south with just above 200 people in Jefferson County. However, what this town lacks in population, it more than compensates for it in natural splendor as it is positioned at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town is also home to the Harpers Ferry National Historic Site, centered around John Brown, a failed abolitionist, who built a fort at the river confluence. Today, the Fort is the most visited historic site in the state because it saved John Brown from the raids of the Marines. White Hall Tavern is another historic draw in the park, representing a former gathering place for locals in the 1850s but now a house museum. For outdoor adventures, gear up and kayak or boat in the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. When it’s time to dine, head to the Rabbit Hole for sensational meals.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Broken Bow is a secluded town steeped in enchanting natural beauty with the Ouachita Mountains high up the horizon and the Red River Basin below. With a small population of around 4,000, tourists can explore this charming town without the crowd. Start with a visit to the nearby Beavers Bend State Park to kayak, fish, and boat on the Broken Bow Lake, or hike a lush forest to watch eagles and enjoy stunning lake views. Proceed to enjoy an immersive wildlife experience at Beaver Bend Wildlife Museum, featuring displays of animals including African animals like Zebra and Elephants. The park also has a heritage center where visitors can learn about the endemic sprawling forest within its domain. Later, purchase vintage items for souvenirs at Broknbo Vintage Market, enjoy some sweets at Okie Girls Coffee & Ice Cream, and relax at Steven’s Gap Restaurant with delicious American-style comfort foods.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs might be a bit scanty, with a population of just above 2,000 in Carroll County. However, this Ozark Mountain town is one of the most unique destinations in Arkansas, renowned as the Staircase Town due to its hilly landscapes. The town is also home to some charming attractions like the Blue Springs Heritage Center, a botanical garden preserving Native American history, and the Blue Springs. This spring produces 38 million gallons of water daily into the lagoon filled with trout, while the 33-acre garden is home to meadows, woodlands, trees, and hills. Eureka Springs also hosts Lake Leatherwood Park, offering great opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, paddling, and camping. For history lovers, the Eureka Springs Historical Museum is in town offering an immersion into the town’s past through photography, artwork, and artifacts. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts can stop by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to see rescued lions, tigers, bears, cougars, and other big cats. Before leaving, head to the Local Flavor Cafe in the heart of the historic downtown to enjoy creative dishes with great views.
With such an abundant natural beauty and a rich, storied past, the Mid-South requires serenity to make the most of a visit. Thankfully, these beautiful towns stand out for their low population, making them serene and perfect for a laid-back experience. Visit these small and isolated towns today to soak in the charms, scenery, history, food, and all the incredible features of the Mid-South at an unhurried pace.
