These 8 Towns in the Southern United States Have Bustling Main Streets
The Southern United States is chock full of charming, rustic towns with thriving downtown districts. Many historic towns offer cultural landmarks, and a community spirit celebrated with festivals and other live events. There are also excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife options, and quaint boutiques, especially in college towns like Oxford, Mississippi.
The local boutiques, notably antique markets, tell the town's story and provide a window into its core. These landmark towns conjure images of Americana and nostalgia, part of their charm. Whether it is a foodie-worthy road trip, a shopping excursion, or an adventure somewhere new, these eight towns have bustling Main Streets.
Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi, is home to the University of Mississippi and has a rich literary history. William Faulkner famously used the town as inspiration for a fictional county, Yoknapatawpha County. His house, Rowan Oak, is available for guided tours. The downtown is vibrant, with shops, restaurants, and bars filling up on college game night.
The Square has been the cultural and community epicenter of Oxford since 1837, the year it was founded. The historic square is home to Neilson's, the oldest department in the south, other shops, and fantastic restaurants. Boure Restaurant and Ajax Cafe are two notable eateries on the Square. Oxford boasts one of the finest downtown districts in the South and has something for every taste.
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy is the childhood home of the famous actor Andy Griffith. It is essentially the real Mayberry, which many believe inspired the Andy Griffith Show. This charming town has many Mayberry-themed attractions, including lodging at Andy Griffith's childhood home and a ride around town in a Mayberry squad car.
Main Street is home to Floyd's Barber Shop, the Old Mayberry Jail, and Snappy Lunch. The landmark Snappy Lunch has been open since 1923 and is famous for its pork chop sandwich and hearty meals. Andy Griffith even mentioned it on an early episode of his show. Mount Airy is a slice of Americana and, with all the Mayberry replicas, has one of the most bustling Main Streets in the south.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina, on Port Royal Island, is a small coastal town with a laidback atmosphere. It is famous for its Antebellum mansions, specifically in the historic district. The historic district comprises Neoclassical, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectural styles. New Street contains many vintage homes, including the Thomas Hepworth house, which many consider the oldest in Beaufort. There are also many art galleries and performing art theatres downtown.
Notable galleries include the L. Pinckney Simmons and the Mystic Osprey galleries. Beaufort has two theatres: the Beaufort Orchestra and Beaufort Performing Arts. Shopping is another favorite pastime in Beaufort, including boutiques like Cabana 22 and Marshview Mercantile. Beaufort has one of the best historic districts in the South, and the bustling downtown makes the town even more attractive.
Madison, Georgia
Elegant Madison, Georgia, was established in the early 19th century and is noteworthy for its brick storefronts, architectural styles, and charming downtown. The historic district has many cultural attractions, perhaps none as prominent as the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. The performing arts theatre is housed in an 1895 Romanesque Revival Building and includes historical exhibits, including a restored 1895 classroom.
Other downtown attractions include the 1811 Heritage Hall and the Rogers House, the oldest structure in this historic town. Madison's four landmark cemeteries are "Madison's oldest Art Museum, open to the public for more than 200 years." The Morgan County African-American Museum, housed in a house built in 1895, preserves local cultural history.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Many natural and manmade structures make Eureka Springs, Arkansas, unique. Set in the Ozark Mountain range, the area is surrounded by stunning vistas and natural springs. The downtown area is exceptional, with underground springs, a bustling entertainment district, and even an underground restaurant. Downtown centers around the Flat Irons Building, where Center and Spring Streets converge. The iconic building is part of the many downtown walking tours, including sidewalk tunnels.
The history of the sidewalk tunnels is ambiguous, but the intertwining passageways are available to tour. A spectacular example is the Mud Street Cafe, which is set underground and includes a viewing room into an underground spring. Downtown usually has a large crowd because of the unique shops, carriages, and the Historical Eureka Springs Museum.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is a historic town with a Landmark District featuring French Creole homes and a Minor Basilica with stained glass windows. The architectural structures with black balustrades are complimented by natural beauty, notably the Cane River, which connects the historic district to the Cane River National Heritage Area. The town also boasts a 33-block downtown area along the river.
The historic downtown is centered around Front Street and strongly resembles the famed French Quarter of New Orleans. A landmark is the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, one of the oldest in Louisiana. As the oldest town in the state, there is no shortage of sites, homes, and shops to discover in this fantastic slice of historic significance.
Monroeville, Alabama
The historic town of Monroeville, Alabama, is notable as the childhood home of two literary giants, Truman Capote and Harper Lee, in the 1930s. The town exudes southern charm and makes for a pleasant visit. The historic downtown district has guided tours starting at the Old Courthouse Museum, the inspiration for Lee's landmark To Kill a Mockingbird. The Main Street community offers many other historical sites to explore.
The Old Monroe County Jail, also on the walking tour, inspired Capote's novel In Cold Blood. The 40-acre downtown area revolves around the courthouse square and includes several architectural styles like Modern and Classical Revival. Cultural attractions include the Birdhouse Trail, which showcases 25 birdhouses crafted by local artists. This bustling downtown is chock full of history and inspirational structures, making it one of the best in the South.
Staunton, Virginia
Historic Staunton, Virginia, is an eclectic town with a charming downtown and colorful brick architecture. In tandem with its historic structures, it offers many modern and artistic attractions. Historic sites include the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum, an homage to one of their most famous residents. A stroll through the Main Street designated downtown feels like walking through time and includes much to see.
The downtown skyline features several prominent steeples belonging to Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Francis of Assisi. The classic landmarks guide visitors around unique shops and a great dining scene. Byers Street Bistro and Charlotte's Kitchenette are two popular spots, among many others. Staunton is both historic and beautiful, with a vibrant downtown area that always has something to do for the entire family.
The Southern United States has fascinating towns full of history, beautiful architecture, and fun attractions. Charming towns like Mount Airy, North Carolina, include television history and are like visiting the real-life Mayberry. Historic towns like Monroeville, Alabama, take visitors to the places that inspired some of the greatest literature of the 20th century. Other towns are centered around prestigious universities, and the bustling downtown reflects this atmosphere.
Oxford, Mississippi, not only has a fantastic literary history, it has a vibrant downtown that caters to the college crowd. For an authentic walk through history, Staunton, Virginia, tops the list. These eight towns exemplify the best of the South, and the downtown scenes are among the bet in the region.
