Then and Now: Hip and Historic Southern Cities

 By Kellie Walton 

Travel in the southern United States has always been synonymous with historic destinations, educational museums, memorial landmarks, and cities and small towns seemingly preserved in time. While you can certainly visit a major metropolitan area brimming with corporations and thriving tourism, a short drive in any direction from those major metros will often lead you to smaller towns that feel like you’ve hopped in a tricked out DeLorean and traveled back to a heyday.  

We’re always encouraging friends, family, and readers to make space in their travel schedule for lesser known destinations, and this time we’re spotlighting those noteworthy, yet not-so-new. Add these seven storied destinations to your list.  

Sebring, Florida 

Central Florida may be known as the home of a very famous mouse, but a drive south will lead you to historic Sebring, a small town that promises an opportunity to breathe in open air and revel in timeless charm. Its historic district is a key attraction, home to unique boutiques, impressive restaurants, and lively entertainment spread across its 20-plus historic buildings. The downtown district earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a 1920s Historic District. You may be seeing Sebring on the map soon, as Erin and Ben Napier, hosts of HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” have set the third season of the popular show in town. The pair is renovating a handful of homes, public spaces, and local businesses throughout the season’s run—be on the lookout for Sebring’s debut in early 2025.  

If you’re looking for historic spots within an already historic spot, a few highlights include the Sebring International Raceway, North America's oldest permanent road racing facility that opened in 1950. It’s hosted celebrity racers over the years, including Gene Hackman, James Brolin, Lorenzo Lamas, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, David Carradine and Patrick Dempsey. Additionally, visit Florida’s oldest state park, Highlands Hammock, which opened in 1931. Fun fact, Sebring’s nickname is “the City on the Circle” thanks to its unique round design. 
visitsebring.com/   

Jekyll Island, Georgia 

Savannah, Georgia has long been touted as one of the most unique historic destinations in the South, with its bustling River Street district, centuries-old buildings, and oak tree-covered parks every few street blocks. While Savannah will certainly scratch the historic destination itch, be sure to take a sidestep to buzzy Jekyll Island an hour and a half south. It’s small but mighty, once housing one-sixth of the world’s wealth. Don your best and mingle where notable figures throughout history nuzzled their toes in the sand. Since its purchase back in 1886, the pristine Jekyll Island Club has welcomed the likes of J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt and Marshall Field.  

The Jekyll Island Club Resort remains as opulent as ever, as it’s a AAA, Four Diamond resort with premier accommodations and amenities to match. Guests can even tour the same Victorian cottages those high society members once owned, as well as enjoy a round of croquet and relax on island time.  
jekyllisland.com/  

Natchez, Mississippi 

As one of the oldest continuous European settlements on the Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi, is a culmination of southern charm, rich history, and striking architecture. Many know Natchez as the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which winds its way through stunning landscapes all the way to Nashville. But, the city proudly houses more than 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there are plenty of points of interest to visit during your stay. 

The downtown district is charming and walkable, home to eclectic stores to peruse like ArtsNatchez and Darby’s. There’s also a picturesque riverfront district lined with stunning historic buildings like pre-Civil War mansions to religious sites. Among them: the state’s oldest Jewish congregation, Temple B'Nai Israel, and Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States.  

Visitors can learn more about the state’s vast history at institutions like the  Forks of the Road National Park, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.  
visitnatchez.org/  

Port Aransas, Texas 

Head to coastal Texas for a dose of history in Port Aransas, an island thought to be formed some 4,500 years ago. It didn’t receive its name until 1910, and then in a 1919 storm, the town was virtually wiped out. Still, there are a number of historical markers present throughout the town, including the Lydia Ann lighthouse and historical cemetery, the Aransas Pass C.S.A., World War II Coastal Defenses, and Mustang Island, among others.  

For a truly historic experience, book a stay at the quaint Tarpon Inn. Its cottage-style accommodations have been welcoming travelers and collecting stories for more than a century. The walls were built using lumber from Civil War barracks, and the architecture nods to the city’s coastal setting. The Inn holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and has welcomed notable guests like  Ernest Hemingway and Zane Gray. 
portaransas.org/ 
thetarponinn.com/  

Old English District, South Carolina  

This destination isn’t a singular town, but rather seven counties strung together in the northern part of South Carolina. The Olde English District earned its name because of an English settlement that called it home in the 1770s, but today, the counties combine to offer outdoor recreation, excellent shopping, culinary hotspots, and plenty of adventure. Explore the Revolutionary War Visitor Center (South Carolina had more battles than any other state), take to the skies with a skydiving adventure at Skydive! Carolina, or visit the plantation-style Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues B&B. Movie buffs may enjoy exploring Historic Brattonsville, where the blockbuster film The Patriot was based.  
oldeenglishdistrict.com/  

Galveston, Texas 

Located just 50 miles from bustling Houston, Galveston is a vibrant beach town situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s long been a popular vacation destination thanks to its 32 miles of beaches, which have evolved the historic city from its founding in the 1830s to the sweeping destination it is today. While many venture to the city to board a cruise, be sure to stay put before or after to explore the historic inns, architecture, and landmarks sprinkled throughout town.  

On your list should be a number of Victorian structures that are dubbed National Historic Landmarks, visits to lively amusement parks Moody Gardens and the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, and a visit to The Bryan Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to the American West, with 70,000 rare items spanning more than 12,000 years. Additionally, guests should plan to visit 1892 Bishop’s Place, a popular historic mansion available to tour daily.  

Stay in the heart of the history at historic hotels including the Tremont House, which was built the same year Galveston was founded, the Grand Galvez, a grandiose luxury property with a spa and meeting rooms, or Hotel Lucine, a 61-room boutique property right on the city’s beachfront (note: there’s a rooftop bar with a 180-degree view of the Gulf!).  

While Galveston has preserved its history over the years, it continues to make more. It’s the birthplace of Juneteenth, with the complete history accessible through the Juneteenth Freedom Tour.  
visitgalveston.com/  
thebryanmuseum.org  
galvestonhistory.org 
thetremonthouse.com 
grandgalvez.com 
hotellucine.com