The Mid-South is home to some of the most charming small towns in America. While Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia are known for their Southern hospitality, the Mid-South offers a unique blend of rodeos, hot tamales, Blues music, biker rallies, and stunning landscapes.
From flat fields and pretty beaches to rolling hills and lush valleys, this region is full of delightful destinations perfect for a charming getaway. Here are nine of the most adorable small towns in the Mid-South to visit in 2024.
Lewisburg, West Virginia
Tucked away in southeastern West Virginia, Lewisburg is near the Greenbrier River and the Greenbrier State Forest. This town, known for its agriculture, has a vibrant downtown filled with attractions.
Enjoy farm-to-table French cuisine at The French Goat, gourmet sandwiches at Stardust Cafe, and pizza and wings at Hill and Holler.
The town also boasts Lewisburg’s Carnegie Hall and Greenbrier Valley Theatre, both vibrant performing arts venues. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the Greenbrier River Trail, which features 38 bridges.
Dandridge, Tennessee
Dandridge, founded in 1783, is the second-oldest town in Tennessee. Named after Martha Dandridge, President George Washington’s wife, the town’s historic downtown is a registered National Historic District. The Jefferson County courthouse, one of the oldest in the Mid-South, offers a peek into the region’s past.
Visit in September to enjoy the Scots-Irish Festival, celebrating the region’s heritage with Celtic food, Irish dance, and drum competitions. Douglas Lake provides year-round boating, fishing, and water skiing.
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Fayetteville, named one of the 15 Best Small Towns to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine in 2021, is the gateway to the New River Gorge National Park.
Enjoy whitewater rafting on the New River, rent a bike at Arrowhead Bike Farm, or explore Long Point Trail for stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Don’t miss Pies & Pints for their thin-crust pizzas and craft beer.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, with fewer than 4,000 residents, is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drawing over 13 million visitors annually. Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Stay at Jack Huff’s, close to downtown attractions.
Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken’s charming streets lined with magnolias and oak trees make it one of South Carolina’s most adorable towns. Known for breeding thoroughbreds, Hitchcock Woods offers 70 miles of trails for riding, walking, or jogging.
Hopelands Gardens feature beautifully maintained gardens with ponds and walking paths. Stay at the romantic Willcox Hotel, a favorite of guests like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
As Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough attracts heritage tourists with its live music and fantastic shopping. The Jonesborough International Storytelling Center hosts the National Storytelling Festival every October.
Enjoy Music on the Square, a weekly music festival from May through October. In November, visit the Made Around Here Market for handcrafted items and unique crafts.
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Lynchburg, with fewer than 7,000 residents, is famous for the Jack Daniels Distillery, the first registered distillery in the U.S. Take a tour of the distillery, explore historic Lynchburg Square, and visit the Lynchburg Old Jail Museum. The Lynchburg Winery offers artisan wines made from local ingredients.
Staunton, Virginia
Staunton, Virginia, is filled with charming attractions like the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum and the Camera Heritage Museum. The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse and the Frontier Culture Museum offer rich cultural experiences. Don’t miss the delicious pastries at Giancarlo-Fine European Pastries.
Abingdon, Virginia
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon is perfect for exploring galleries and museums along Main Street. The Arts Depot features resident artists’ studios and beautiful crafts.
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace offers markets for local artisans, a wine bar, and dining options. The Barter Theater, the nation’s longest-running professional Equity theater, and the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail are must-see attractions.
Explore the charm and culture of the Mid-South with these nine adorable small towns, each offering rich history, scenic landscapes, and unique attractions.