Charm and hospitality are just some of the characteristics that attract visitors to these 10 small towns in the South, voted as the best by readers. Even better, they also offer plenty of history, culture, attractions and, of course, delicious Southern food. Here are the 10 best small towns in the South for 2023.
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No. 10: Beaufort, South Carolina
Located on Port Royal Island (part of the state’s Sea Islands), Beaufort is one of the few places to experience Gullah culture up close via festivals that incorporate dance, music, storytelling, local cuisine and more. To further pique your interest, Beaufort has an enchanting historic district and plenty of other opportunities to experience the city’s past, including at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.
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No. 9: St. Augustine, Florida
You won’t find another town in Florida with as much Spanish history as St. Augustine – known as the nation’s oldest city. Founded in 1565, you’ll find plenty of notable sites to take in, from Castillo de San Marcos, to Fort Matanzas, to Ponce de Leon’s supposed “Fountain of Youth." Given its history, there’s also plenty of spooky ghost tours to take in, plus the Medieval Torture Museum for those who love a touch of the macabre while on vacation.
Photo courtesy of Charles Davis Smith
No. 8: Marfa, Texas
This quirky Texas gem was once home to minimalist sculptor Donald Judd, who helped create the artsy vibe that remains in Marfa today. But unique celebrations also draw tourists to this Southern town, including the Marfa Lights Festival (which revolves around an unexplained phenomena of colorful lights that appear in the evening sky at a certain time of year), the Marfa Open Arts Festival, and the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, which features live music, workshops, sandlot baseball and more.
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No. 7: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This picturesque community is anything but sleepy, boasting plentiful activities and attractions, from the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to the Intrigue Theater and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of fun hiking or zip lining around the Ozarks or exploring War Eagle Cavern, while others can enjoy art galleries, a historical museum and even opera in the summertime. Bonus: Eureka Springs is heralded as an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly destination.
Photo courtesy of Liz Nance
No. 6: Bryson City, North Carolina
This serene mountain town welcomes visitors from all over to explore its eclectic shops, local artist galleries and all things nature, thanks to its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drop by the Swain County Heritage Museum to find out more about its past, or learn more about local culture at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians. Afterwards, you can choose your own adventure, from perusing the works at Sawmill Creek Pottery, to hiking at Deep Creek, or simply having a beer at Mountain Layers Brewing Company.
Photo courtesy of Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism
No. 5: Pauls Valley, Oklahoma
The small hamlet that is Pauls Valley is big on heart and simple delights. A visit to the Toy and Action Figure Museum can amuse children and the young at heart, while history buffs and train fans will love checking out the Santa Fe Depot Museum. Just don’t forget to stop and pick up some sweet treats at Field’s Pies Factory before heading to Pauls Valley Lake for some boating under the sun.
Photo courtesy of Sam Dean
No. 4: Abingdon, Virginia
This historic Virginia town is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a quiet getaway with plenty of charm. Stay at the Martha Washington Inn and Spa (once the Martha Washington College), walk along their historic 20-block Main Street and do a little shopping, or get yourself a guide and enjoy learning about the town’s past via a History Alive Tour. And for the theater lovers, nothing beats a performance at the Barter Theatre, open since 1933.
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No. 3: West Monroe, Louisiana
You may recall hearing about West Monroe some years back, thanks to the popular television show "Duck Dynasty," but there’s so much more to this northern Louisiana community. Among its surprising delights are Landry Vineyards, as well as the nearby Biedenharn Museum & Garden. A number of parks and wetlands make this an excellent, family-friendly getaway.
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No. 2: Alexander City, Alabama
Just north of the sprawling Lake Martin reservoir, Alexander City is a quiet Southern town with plenty of shoreline for a lakeside getaway with family or friends. Swimming, fishing and boating are favorite local pastimes, and local Chimney Rock has become a hot spot for cliff jumping. Main Street also draws in locals and tourists, with boutique shops, restaurants, a summertime farmer’s market, and the Wellborn Muscle Car Museum, home to the nation’s largest high-performance Dodge collection.
Photo courtesy of City of Maysville
No. 1: Maysville, Kentucky
This charming riverside hamlet is home to plenty of small-town delights, from the Russell Theatre and Washington Opera House, to numerous art galleries, restaurants and the Old Pogue Distillery. A must-see for any visitor to Maysville is the KSB Miniatures Collection at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, one of the largest collections of museum-quality miniatures in the world.
