9 Towns in the Southern United States with Vibrant Downtown Areas
The southern United States is home to some of the most charming and culturally rich towns, boasting vibrant downtown areas showcasing history and modern creativity. From the Delta blues of Greenville, Mississippi, to the historic architecture of Franklin, Tennessee, these towns offer a blend of unique attractions, from art galleries and museums to beautiful parks and local festivals. Whether strolling through the historic streets of Georgetown, South Carolina or exploring the artistic heart of Abingdon, Virginia, each town promises an experience that captures the essence of southern hospitality and culture. This article highlights nine such towns, perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the lively energy of the South.
Greenville, Mississippi
Perched on the eastern shore of the mighty Mississippi River in the Delta region, Greenville, Mississippi, serves up a surprising variety of attractions. Known for its role in the creation of blues music and a hub of African American creativity, visitors can begin to acquaint themselves with the history of the Mississippi Delta at the EE Bass Cultural Center on South Main Street. The Center is home to performance spaces for music and theater, gallery spaces for displays of local arts and artisanal offerings, and even studio spaces for collaborative and individual expression in painting, pottery, music, and several other media. A short walk away, the Greenville History Museum offers a look at the evolving lifestyles of locals on the delta from pre-colonial Indigenous times to the antebellum South and slavery, Jim Crow, and modern small-town Mississippi.
For a touch of nature, the 1.7-mile Levee hiking trail circles Lake Ferguson and showcases much of the delta’s natural beauty. The Downtown Farmer’s Market features a selection of locally grown produce, crafts, and live music. And if you want more excitement, the Tropicana Casino offers all your favorite games. Come for the beautiful delta scenery; you may just leave a little heavier in your pockets.
Abingdon, Virginia
Located in Southwest Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, Abingdon contains innumerable historical and contemporary, natural and cultural points of interest. Most downtown travelers head straight to the Barter Theater, which opened in 1933. It is one of the oldest continually operating theaters in the U.S. and is named for its early practice of charging 35 cents per ticket or an equivalent amount of goods. This practice came to be known as “Ham for Hamlet.” On Academy Drive, The William King Museum of Art offers insight into the history of local art and a focus on Appalachian culture. After exploring downtown, the Wolf Hills Brewing Co. provides a variety of microbrews of all manner, as well as live music and events just off East Main Street. If all that sounds tiring, take a load off at the historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa; opened in 1832, it now serves as a luxury hotel downtown.
Those looking for some outdoor adventure also have options in Abingdon. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile trail from Abingdon to Damascus, Virginia, and is a sublime slice of Appalachian terrain that remains manageable for average outdoor enthusiasts. The trail follows the Whitetop Laurel Creek and offers swimming holes, hiking, and biking, with exceptional accessibility, including shuttles to trailheads.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama, is a small shore town on Mobile Bay, offering numerous natural attractions near the waterfront and cultural attractions. Located within just a few central blocks, visitors can enjoy the Fairhope Municipal Pier, an ideal spot for casting off or just absorbing the beauty of the waterfront. Other amazing spots are North Beach Park, home to a long beach, large green spaces, and the Fairhope Beach Pavilion.
Downtown Fairhope offers all the charm of a quaint southern downtown, featuring an eclectic assortment of shops, galleries, cafes, and unique restaurants specializing in locally caught seafood. Initially intended as a local transit hub, 8 North Church Street is now known as Arts Alley. Here, visitors will find the free parking and public facilities supremely convenient, and the myriad sculptures, murals, and art installations will provide plenty of eye candy. The Eastern Shore Art Center and the Fairhope Museum of History are just a few blocks to the northwest, beckoning those interested in some food for thought.
Georgetown, South Carolina
Founded in 1729, Georgetown is the third oldest town in South Carolina and a charming waterfront destination nestled between Winyah Bay and the Sampit River. Despite its small size, Georgetown offers abundant history and culture in its Historic District, adjacent to its downtown commercial hub. Begin your visit at the Kaminski House Museum, a stunning Georgian-style home reflecting the town's architectural heritage. This well-preserved antebellum mansion showcases exquisite 18th-century furnishings and offers daily tours that transport visitors back in time.
Not far from Kaminski House, the Rice Museum provides a fascinating look at Georgetown's history as the heart of the South’s rice industry. Its exhibits dive deep into the region's agricultural past, with artifacts like old farming equipment and maps detailing the area's significance. Between these two historical gems lies Winyah Bay Brewing Company, where you can sip locally crafted beers while enjoying views of the nearby Sampit River. Head to Front Street, Georgetown’s bustling downtown stretch, featuring local boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes to round out your day. Finally, take a peaceful stroll along the Georgetown Harborwalk, where you’ll be treated to serene views of the waterfront and the surrounding landscape—a perfect way to end a day of exploration in this historic gem.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, located in north-central Mississippi, is known for being home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), but beyond the university, this town offers rich culture and history that make it a vibrant destination year-round. In the fall, Oxford swells with fans attending Ole Miss football games, yet the other 350-plus days a year, the Courthouse Square Historic District buzzes with activity, offering something for visitors of all ages. Anchored by Square Books, a renowned independent bookstore, the Square is surrounded by local boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
Literary enthusiasts will particularly enjoy visiting nearby Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, Oxford’s most famous resident. Faulkner’s white-columned Greek Revival home, surrounded by towering trees, offers an intimate look at his life and creative process. Visitors can also pay respects at Faulkner’s grave in Oxford Memorial Cemetery, located just across town. For a taste of local flavors, the Oxford Community Market on University Avenue provides a delightful experience every Tuesday afternoon. This vibrant farmers market showcases local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts, allowing visitors to engage with the community and sample what Oxford offers.
Staunton, Virginia
Located just a short drive northwest of Charlottesville, Staunton, Virginia, is a humble burg with a unique charm and varied attractions. Its beautifully preserved downtown is home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, where visitors can explore the life and legacy of the 28th U.S. President, who was born in Staunton. Uncover the history that made the man and learn about the hardships and triumphs of the man who guided the U.S. through the First World War. Not far from the Wilson Library, amateur and professional photographers alike will love the Heritage Camera Museum, a curated space open to public self-guided tours. It boasts a collection of cameras spanning the entire history of photographic arts and sciences from daguerreotype to digital.
For those seeking a chance to soak up the clean mountain air, the Frontier Culture Museum gives visitors a look at one of the oldest towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Described as an “outdoor living history museum,” this site features period-accurate houses, workspaces, and guides robed in 18th-century garb to help you understand what life would have been like in Staunton 300 years ago when it was a modest frontier town.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee, located just outside of Nashville, is a town brimming with Civil War history, but its vibrant downtown offers plenty for modern-day visitors too. The Downtown Franklin Historic District boasts an impressive collection of 19th-century buildings, now home to unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. For history buffs, Franklin’s Civil War heritage is palpable at sites like the Carter House, which served as a vital headquarters during the Battle of Franklin. Across the street, the Lotz House Museum offers a sobering look at the battle’s devastation and the town’s resilience. Nearby, the Carnton House and its Civil War cemetery provide further historical context, making Franklin a must-visit for those interested in America’s past. After a day of exploring the town’s history, visitors can unwind at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, located a short drive outside downtown. This artisanal distillery is known for its small-batch Tennessee whiskey, crafted using traditional methods that date back to the town’s early days.
Brevard, North Carolina
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is a small town known for its stunning natural beauty and bustling downtown. A gateway to the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest, Brevard offers endless outdoor adventures, from hiking to mountain biking and white-water rafting. One of the town’s most iconic natural attractions is Looking Glass Falls. This 60-foot waterfall attracts visitors year-round, particularly in the winter when its icy surface resembles a looking glass.
Beyond its outdoor splendor, Brevard’s downtown is equally inviting, offering boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that showcase the best local flavors. A highlight for craft beer lovers is the nationally renowned Oskar Blues Brewery, known for its innovative brews like Dale’s Pale Ale. Downtown Brevard also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively hub of activity. The Halloweenfest 2024 is one you shouldn’t miss, with a costume contest, bounce houses, and trick-or-treating in central Brevard. Further stroll along East Main Street for many downtown activities and attractions, from pizza at Big Mike’s to a historical Silvermont Mansion and Park tour.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Perched in Northwest Louisiana between the Red River and Sibley Lake and bisected by the Cane River, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is quintessential Creole living. The town's large Historic District is 33 blocks of astonishingly preserved late 18th-century homes, from Queen Anne-style Mansions to Art Deco Buildings and Creole-style homes, bursting with colorful paint jobs and archetypal ironwork. The Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile store sits downtown, right off the river, and remains the oldest general store in the Louisiana Purchase. It now offers visitors unique and hard-to-find items indicative of the area. Another notable landmark downtown is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, an iconic church built in the 19th century.
There is no shortage of classic Creole dining spots, but Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant is among the local favorites. Sports enthusiasts should be sure to enjoy the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates the accomplishments of Louisiana’s great sports legacies like the New Orleans Saints and various legendary LSU teams over time, as well as the careers of the state’s native sons and daughters including Terry Bradshaw, Bill Russell and more recent stars like Justin Jefferson. Interestingly, the 1989 hit film Steel Magnolias was filmed in Natchitoches, and movie enthusiasts will enjoy tours around town to see familiar sites from the film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nine towns highlighted in this article exemplify the vibrant spirit of the Southern United States, each offering unique attractions and rich histories. From the musical roots of Greenville, Mississippi, to the historical charm of Georgetown, South Carolina, and the Civil War legacy of Franklin, Tennessee, these towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience Southern hospitality and culture. Their lively downtown areas, filled with local shops, art galleries, and festivals, make them ideal destinations for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure in the heart of the South.
