The Best Small Towns in Mid-South to Chill Out In 2024
If you are looking for a place to chill out and escape the hectic pace of life in the big city, you will find a lot of hidden gems scattered across the mid-south region of America. The mid-south comprises Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Arkansas as well as the northern parts of Alabama and Georgia. Each of these states features wonderful towns full of rich history and scenic landscapes, all while offering something for the adventure seekers in your crew. These places will provide beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and a quiet place to reset and relax. These small towns are the best for those looking for the ultimate chill-out destinations.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The mountains and hills of the area along its winding streets have earned Eureka Springs the name “Stairstep Town.” People travel to the famous Ozark Mountains every year to visit this area, which stands out for its awe-inspiring beauty and the Victorian theme of its architecture. Most homes in the downtown area were built in the Victorian style. Many of the buildings in the business district were made of stone pulled from the region. When you walk down the limestone streets to experience the Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour or discover some handmade jewelry in one of the boutiques, you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
There are a lot of things to see and do in Eureka Springs. Visit the Thorncrown Chapel, an artistically designed chapel based on the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and filled with stained glass. The Blue Ridge Heritage Center offers a relaxing place to take a nature walk or see breathtaking waterfalls. You also will not want to miss seeing "Christ in the Ozarks." This 65-foot-tall statue of Jesus is on top of Magnetic Mountain and marks the site of The Great Passion Play that you can enjoy three nights a week from May through October.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is another town with a rich history to explore. When you visit, you will find a town that fully embraces that history while also offering many modern amenities. Nature lovers will enjoy driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway, which offers many opportunities for natural scenery, hiking, or picnicking. History buffs will like visiting the famous Carter House or Carnton Plantation. For an extra bit of adventure, there is also an adult scavenger hunt that will help you do some sightseeing in an unconventional way!
Oxford, Mississippi
When the leaves start to change color, and there is a crisp coolness in their air, head to Oxford, Mississippi. Not only does it boast some of the country’s most scenic places to observe the season, but you will also get a chance to witness the Ole Miss Rebels in action. The people of Oxford love football, but there is much more than sports to enjoy in this quaint town. Visitors to Oxford will find a historic downtown district, have a chance to listen to live music at the Lyric Theatre, and try impeccable Southern-inspired dishes in the town's many restaurants.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
The town of Hot Springs did not come up with its name arbitrarily. This town is seated among a series of, you guessed it, hot springs that occur naturally in the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains! This hot water boasts serene activities for people who love camping and spending time outdoors. However, there are several other things to see in Hot Springs. For more relaxation that involves some Americana, check out the Gangster Museum of America, the Arkansas Walk of Fame, or the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
If you want a taste of the Creole influence from New Orleans without fighting a crowd of party-goers on Bourbon Street, Natchitoches fits the bill. The architecture uses streets lined with brick and wrought-iron balconies, giving you that atmosphere of the Big Easy that makes you want to curl up with a bowl of crawfish. You will find a lot of exploring to keep you busy, like visiting the old plantations, seeing the town lit up with 300,000 lights for the annual Christmas Festival, or the filming locations used in the 1989 movie “Steel Magnolias.” Don't miss the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. This reconstructed French fort will give you an insight into life from the 18th century you will not find in a book.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you want a nice mixture of nature and nightlife, you only have to go as far as Gatlinburg, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. During the day, you will have many opportunities to see the beauty of the Smokys, with seven different waterfalls, and Cades Cove, a valley with many old frontier structures and wildlife native to that area, such as deer, turkeys, and black bears. At night, choose a low-key activity with the family, like exploring Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, taking a ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, or taking a taste test of some moonshine at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Most people think the gold rush was something that happened out west. However, the first major gold rush in the United States happened in northern Georgia in the town of Dahlonega. History buffs and those seeking a low-key activity can learn all about that time in the town’s history by visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Looking for a more interactive activity? The town is rich with other entertainment like fishing, u-pick orchards, and a chance for you and your family to get gold fever and dig for the mineral yourself. Do not expect to strike it rich, but you will cash in on some fun with your family!
Abingdon, Virginia
If you love reading about the cultures of indigenous people that spread throughout what is now the United States, you will find a lot to love about Abingdon. The Chisca and Xualae inhabited the region until it was mostly occupied by the Cherokee Nation. Abingdon is a wonderful getaway from regular 9-5 life, offering delicious cuisine at places such as The Girl and The Raven where you can get fresh, hot, green tea. You can also see the wild ponies living at Grayson Highlands, a short drive out of town.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Settled by the Bard brothers in the 18th century, Bardstown is one of the oldest cities in Kentucky. It is known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World" because of its reputation for producing bourbon. Naturally, many distilleries are in the area, such as the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center and the Barton 1792 Distillery, both of which offer tours and tastings of genuine Kentucky bourbon. There are also historical attractions, including an opportunity to take a walking tour of the downtown area and the Kentucky Railway Museum. The Civil War Museum is a collection of exhibits that offer unique looks into particular aspects of the war between the states by displaying artifacts from the Western Theater in America or focusing on the role of women.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
If you want to find a great blend of history and modern life, you will want to visit Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Take a walk back in time at several museums that showcase an earlier way of life in the area. The Brown-Pusey House and Hardin County Museum are two of the best choices. There are plenty of places to enjoy some natural scenery as well, such as the lovely Elizabeth Nature Park. You will also find special events happening often downtown, like the Summer Movie Series and the Founder's Day Festival, which allow visitors to partake in community events with the locals!
Most of these towns are secluded but offer the perfect opportunity to hide from the rest of the world for a day or two. They all offer a mix of good food and chances to see historical landmarks. Whether you want to get into a little bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, or to see more tourist attractions like the modern museums you will find in Gatlinburg, you will get what you are looking for with a dash of Southern charm and hospitality.
