Best Southern Small Town (2017)

Set on the banks of the scenic Tallahatchie River, New Albany is the gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi's longest Rails to Trails path. The vibrant downtown area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has just about everything you'd want in a small town – galleries, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and an old-time soda fountain.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Nichols / Flickr

Located in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs has ample outdoor pursuits – hiking, fishing, and camping – while in-town attractions run the gamut. A resort town since the 1800s, it’s a haven for lovers of Victorian architecture as well as those with a passion for the paranormal. Its 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is widely lauded as “America’s Most Haunted.” Amid its famously winding streets, visitors will find myriad shops and restaurants where they can soak up its small-town charm.
Photo courtesy of Eureka Springs / Flickr

A popular stop along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway since the 1880s, the town of Blowing Rock feels like a quiet New England village, complete with bark-sided buildings, an ice cream parlor and a picture-perfect town park.
Photo courtesy of Blowing Rock

Situated just a few minutes north of Greenville along the scenic Swamp Rabbit Trail, the town of Travelers Rest – TR for short – is home to several excellent restaurants, breweries, antique and specialty shops, all clustered at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recent revitalization efforts have further enhanced this South Carolina small town.
Photo courtesy of Josh Tremper / Flickr

Situated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the town of Lexington is home to both the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. This lends it the cultural vibrancy of a college town despite its small size. Attractions of note include Stonewall Jackson House, Lee Chapel and the George C. Marshall Museum.
Photo courtesy of Steve Shires / Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism

Despite its small size, this town an hour east of Atlanta boasts more than 45 specialty shops and 160 antique dealers, all with a distinct Southern small town feel. The historic district's oak-lined streets, Antebellum homes, gardens and churches make Madison one of the prettiest small towns in the South.
Photo courtesy of Madison CVB

Leisurely and laid back Sanibel Island, a barrier island off Florida's Gulf Coast, is renowned as one of the world's best destinations for shelling. It's common to see early-morning beach goers doing the "Sanibel Stoop" in search of treasure. The island is equally well-known among bird watchers and naturalists, who come to explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and spy manatees, dolphins, otters and rare birds. Almost half the island is set aside as wildlife preserve and night skies are blissfully dark.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Built around a natural spring in 1872, the town of Lewisburg draws visitors with its Civil War connections, historic downtown, cozy B&Bs and excellent shopping. The town is also home to its very own Carnegie Hall, one of four performance halls built by Andrew Carnegie that's still in use today.
Photo courtesy of Justin Brockie / Flickr

Founded during the late 19th century, the town of Wilson sits along Arkansas's portion of the Great River Road. Visitors staying in or passing through town can enjoy some local flavor at the Wilson Cafe or brush up on regional history at the worthwhile Hampson Archeological Museum State Park.
Photo courtesy of Wilson, Arkansas

Aptly named Highlands, one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi, has served as a cool mountain escape for travelers for over a century. Excellent restaurants, shopping and a thriving art scene mean there's plenty to do in the picture perfect town itself, and the surrounding region offers a multitude of outdoor activities.
Photo courtesy of Diligent Terrier / Wikimedia Commons