Where to go, and what to see, are the two biggest decisions to make when you start planning a getaway. There are always the standard big cities you can explore - and here in the South we have some great ones. Atlanta, Charleston and Nashville are all great destinations to explore, but what if you want to explore some unknown corner - a place that is special, offers a unique allure? If it’s in the South, you can bet that the locals will be welcoming and curious to know just as much about you as you are about them. After all, isn’t that what travel is all about? It isn’t just about capturing that great photo, but creating connections to others through their community and cultural offerings. Join us as we uncover some fantastic choices for your next adventure through the South.

Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee

This rural village south of Nashville, owns a creative climate thanks to a quiet, distinguished force of local artists. Galleries such as The Copper Fox, Leiper’s Creek Gallery and David Arms draw visitors from around the world. Antique lovers and collectors will find area shops a refreshing, regional mix of history, story, and style. The Fork’s curious mix of swank and come-sit-a-spell charm is contagious and echoes in boutiques like Serenite Maison, West and Company, and Suzanne Fitch. Enjoy finger lickin’ meat and three at the original Puckett’s Grocery. Leiper’s Fork Lawnchair Theatre is the hub of the community buzz. Catch a movie under the stars, sample the local heat of our chili cook-off, or enjoy live music and events all year round. While you're in Leiper's Fork, check out Williamson County's newest distillery, Leiper's Fork Distillery. visitfranklin.com/see-and-do/leipers-fork

Highlands, North Carolina

Aptly named Highlands, one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi sitting at 4,118 feet. It has served as a cool mountain escape for travelers for over a century. Excellent restaurants, shopping and a thriving art scene means there is plenty to do in the picture perfect town itself, and the surrounding region offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Situated atop a primitive plateau in a temperate rainforest, the Highlands are lush and offer eco treks, some of which are right off of Main Street. The Highland Nature Center and the Highlands Greenway both offer a network of fun and easy hikes through verdant flora around the downtown area. Whiteside Mountain and Sunset Rock reward you with awe-inspiring views when you conquer their magnificent peaks. highlandschamber.org

Lewisburg, West Virginia

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. Artists and craftspeople energize the community with an eclectic mix of performance theaters and music venues, art and fine craft galleries. 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. The Greek-Revival Carnegie Hall, built in 1902, offers plays, comedy acts, dance performances, and concerts from bluegrass to the Vienna Boys Choir, and jazz to the state symphony orchestra. It also has three art galleries and pottery, art, dance, and weaving studios. visitlewisburgwv.com

 Madison, Georgia

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. Pick up a brochure from the visitors center and begin your self-guided walking tour of the more than 50 antebellum sites in the city's downtown historic district. Relax in some of the South’s most amazing inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels. The historic district's oak-lined streets, Antebellum homes, gardens and churches make Madison one of the prettiest small towns in the South. visitmadisonga.com

Lexington, Virginia

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 the area a cultural vibrancy of a college town despite its small size. Worthy attractions include Stonewall Jackson House, Lee Chapel and the George C. Marshall Museum. With power lines hidden underground and Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute flanking the downtown core, the historical architecture looks much as it did in the 1860s. The museums and cultural events on these campuses are open to the public, offering visitors world class speakers and entertainment. Lined with historic buildings, farm-to-table eateries, bright galleries and inviting boutiques, downtown Lexington is easy to love. And with red brick sidewalks tying it all together, it's easy to leave the chaos and congestion behind and explore on foot. lexingtonvirginia.com

New Albany, Mississippi

Set on the banks of the scenic Tallahatchie River, New Albany is known as The Gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi's longest Rails to Trails path. The vibrant downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has just about everything you'd want in a small town – galleries, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and an old-time soda fountain. Biking and hiking trails meander through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. The trail begins in downtown New Albany and continues for 44 miles through additional scenic villages and countryside. Don’t miss a unique opportunity to visit the Wolf Howl Animal Preserve, it features wild wolves and wolf pups. Tours are offered at this preserve where you will get to view wolves and learn about habitat, behaviors and more. visitnewalbany.com