The South’s Best Main Streets
By Kellie Walton Benz
Have you ever wondered why seemingly every town has a Main Street? The explanation is simple and likely obvious: during settlement, the primary street for business and gathering was designated Main.
Now, Main Streets across the United States are some of the most historic, charming stretches of road in any given city, though throughout the years, “Main Street” has evolved from a physical roadway into a nostalgic idea of the small town American dream.
From picturesque architecture to the history preserved within those walls, a stroll down a good downtown street provides an escape from the clutter of everyday life, transporting you to a place where a glass of sweet tea and a good park bench feels like it may be enough to right the world’s wrongs.
Step back in time at some of the most charming, transcendent Main Streets in the South.
Franklin, Tennessee
Topping the list is “America’s Favorite Main Street,” located a few miles south of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee. With a beautiful square at its center, Franklin’s Main Street alone has put the town on the map thanks to its postcard-perfect storefronts, delightful Southern restaurants and some of the friendliest residents in existence.
One could surpass a day and spend an entire weekend strolling through Main Street alone, shopping at boutiques like Hester & Cook and Jondie, stopping for a treat at Triple Crown Bakery or Sweet Haven, grabbing a bite at Gray’s on Main or Meridee’s Breadbasket, or enjoying a libation from O’ Be Joyful or JJ’s Wine Bar. If opting to stay all weekend long, the Harpeth Hotel is a fantastic option, elegant yet understated with food and beverage outlets onsite.
To round out the full Downtown Franklin experience, book a walking tour (or a ghost tour!) through Franklin on Foot or Franklin Walking Tours, where all of Franklin’s history unfolds. If a tour on wheels is more your speed, book a private experience through Franklin Driving Tours or climb aboard the brand-new Franklin Hop trolley tour.
visitfranklin.com
Dahlonega, Georgia
North Georgia’s Dahlonega may be known as the heart of Georgia wine country, but its historic downtown district is a destination all its own. An award-winning Main Street City, Downtown Dahlonega has plenty of vibrant parks, historic streets, and, of course, wine.
The town is connected by brick sidewalks leading to shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment, all housed within buildings erected in the 19th century. Altogether, the downtown footprint (with Main Street at its center) has 90 retail stores, 20 restaurants and plenty of lodging for visitors looking for a multi-day stay.
At the town’s center sits the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which details its place during the gold rush in the 1800s. Here, visitors can watch education films about mining and detailing life in the 19th century. Then enjoy one of the many dining options along Main Street, from the New Orleans-style Bourbon Street Grill to Shenanigans Irish Pub.
www.dahlonega.org
Bentonville, Arkansas
The small town of Bentonville, Arkansas, has a robust history that may surprise you, including being named the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, and being the birthplace of one of the largest retail chains in existence. In 1950, Sam Walton opened a variety store that soon became known as Walton’s 5 & 10. Today, we know the chain as Walmart.
The original Walton’s 5 & 10 is now the Walmart Museum and is available to visit within the Downtown Bentonville footprint. While a definite draw, the area itself is worth making a vacation out of. Downtown is a vibrant district home to plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and museums. In addition to the Walmart Museum, make plans to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson House, and the Scott Family Amazeum.
It’s Arkansas, after all, so plan to spend plenty of time outdoors. In Downtown Bentonville, enjoy the square park in the town’s center, or head just beyond the downtown footprint for a hike.
visitbentonville.com
South Main, Memphis, Tennessee
Beale Street may steal the show in downtown Memphis, but just a short walk or even shorter drive away sits the South Main district (which comprises, you guessed it, Memphis’ Main Street). The one-square-mile arts district is rooted in music, history, and culture. Most notably, South Main is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, a must-visit while in Memphis.
Music is the theme woven throughout all of Memphis, and the same is true for the South Main district. Pay a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which offers a journey through the history of soul music and is a stop on the Civil Rights Trail.
A cable trolley runs through the South Main district, transporting visitors throughout the region and the city as a whole. Directly across from the South Main trolley stop sits the iconic Arcade Restaurant, the oldest café in Memphis and a regular haunt for none other than Elvis Presley.
Stay in the heart of it all at the Central Station hotel, a renovated train station with a dedication to channeling Memphis music – whether through a nightly DJ or a Memphis-inspired playlist pumping through guest rooms.
gosouthmain.com
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest city (even older than New Orleans!), and arguably one of the most charming. Pronounced “Nack-a-tish” and first established in 1714, Natchitoches has preserved its history along the beautiful brick-paved downtown streets, which include Main Street and the booming Front Street only a few blocks away.
The downtown shops and restaurants are mostly locally owned and operated, including a handful of options serving incredible Cajun and Creole cuisine. Grab a meat pie (a Natchitoches staple!) at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen, or a Cajun baked potato from Merci Beaucoup. During your visit, be sure to stop in Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the oldest general store in the state.
While historic storefronts line one side of Front Street, the opposite is bookended by the Cane River and its picturesque riverbank. The landscape of Natchitoches has served as the setting for famed films, most notably “Steel Magnolias,” “Man in the Moon” and the John Wayne classic, “The Horse Soldiers.”
natchitoches.com
Staunton, Virginia
An award-winning Main Street community in Virginia, Staunton is home to some 270 businesses, 30 restaurants, and 80 specialty stores within its historic footprint in a sea of Victorian architecture.
There are plenty of attractions to explore along the way. Catch a show at one of Staunton’s theaters, including the Blackfriar’s Playhouse at The American Shakespeare Center (which has received national acclaim), the Visulite and the Dixie. Or, make plans to visit a museum or institution like the Antique Fire Engine Museum, the R. R. Smith Center for Arts and History, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Birthplace or the Mary Baldwin College.
Visiting on a Saturday from April through November? Get to know the locals and local artisans at the downtown Farmer’s Market.
visitstaunton.com
DeLand, Florida
DeLand was the first community in Florida to become a Main Street America Accredited program, and has since won accolades including the Great American MainStreet Award, and has been voted the best Main Street in Florida five times.
Although it doesn’t border a major waterway like many of Florida’s most famous towns, Downtown DeLand has several water features, including a unique fountain and pool situated beneath the Historic Volusia County Courthouse surrounded by murals depicting local history. To the east sits Chess Park, a charming outdoor respite with a “water wall” feature.
Spend the day in DeLand browsing the many eclectic shops and galleries and dining at noteworthy restaurants. Or, make plans to stroll the Stetson University campus at the heart of DeLand’s National Historic District.
Feeling extra adventurous? Venture off Main Street to freefall with the world-renowned Skydive DeLand. Fun fact: it’s one of the busiest dropzones in the world, with 98% more activity than others in the United States.
discoverdeland.org
mainstreetdeland.org
