Meet Me on Main Street: Pour on the Small-Town Charm
We all love those quintessential towns. Walking along the streets and shops almost feeling like make-believe Mayberry. We've got 15 for you to choose from with no reason other than the destination!
Auburn in Alabama
In a country where small towns seem to be few and far between, Auburn makes you feel like they are alive and well again. Bright and well-kept there are specialty shops, dining, and nightlife. From candle companies and bookstores to spas, you may never leave Auburn. The absolute must is a visit to Toomer’s Drugs a tradition since the late 1800s. Famous for their fresh-squeezed lemonade and souvenirs.
Toomers.com
Bell Buckle in Tennessee
Downhome Tennessee if there ever was. A former railroad village with beautiful Victorian homes and a sweet downtown. It’s known for its real Southern hospitality, quilts, and its delicious home cooking. They are most famously known for a festival comprised of two truly southern treats – RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival to which they pay homage to almost year-round A perfect place to get a little lost for an afternoon antiquing. And don’t forget to stop into the Bell buckle Café for some of that real home cooking.
Bellbucklecafe.com
Elizabeth City in North Carolina
On the northeastern corner of North Carolina by the Intercostal Waterway and the rolling Pasquotank River, Elizabeth City is just outside the Outer Banks. Known as "The Harbor of Hospitality" it has the heart of a small-town people look for. Main Street is dotted with adorable lamp posts and the local stores seem to compete for the most festive window displays during any holiday. The Culpepper Inn and Breakfast is the perfect small-town spot to drop your bags. While strolling along the water and exploring the waterfront is plenty to keep one occupied the Museum of the Albemarle is the hottest ticket in town for those wanting to dig a little deeper into the heritage of North Carolina and the Albemarle Region
Culpepperinn.com
Museumofthealbermale.com
Madison in Georgia
One of the most well-preserved towns in the South, Madison was miraculously spared the destruction of General Sherman during the Civil War. There are historic cottages and halls along with beautiful cemeteries and a tiny, single-block, railroad town of Rutledge to explore right outside of town. While the history of Madison is deep and rich, the current day Madison is just as special. Combined with Rutledge there are more than 230 unique and sweet boutiques specializing in antiques and local items. Madison Produce is a darling grocery and restaurant that specializes in unique gourmet sandwiches and salads. While in Madison, it’s almost a requirement to stay at one of the charming Bed and Breakfasts. The exquisite James Madison Inn is simple, chic, and relaxing. The rooms are sizable and are decorated in a sleek Southern elegance perfection.
Rutledgega.us
Jamesmadisoninn.com
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia
At the union of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers is Harpers Ferry a town full of stories and history of early America. Thomas Jefferson wrote that Harpers Ferry is "one of the most stupendous scenes in nature." Built-in the 1830s, St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, came out mostly unharmed during the Civil War and is a sight. Set at the highest point Lower Town, it does have several beautiful stone steps leading up to it and leads you a view that is well, worth it, possibly the best in town. For those into hiking, the trek can be continuing to Jefferson’s Rock.
Wvtourism.com
Eureka Springs in Arkansas
Set in its own cozy little corner of the Ozark Mountains is Eureka Springs. Unlike any other town in the South, you’ll end up meandering through mountain streets lined with storefronts set in the Victorian era. With over 20 restaurants and bars, tons of local shops, and hotels this tiny town is alive! Live music is not a rarity and can often be found at one of the open-air stages. After all the excitement, drop your bags and relax at Basin Park Hotel right in the middle of downtown for easy access to all the things.
Basinpark.com
Argenta District in North Little Rock, Arkansas
Sometimes the best small towns are found among the larger ones, the Argenta district in North Little Rock is a vibrant hub of historic architecture and culture set around a wonderful main street. Stroll through an art gallery or even take a class, grab a beer at a brewery or have lunch. After spending a day exploring main street stay at one of the new concept Bed and Breakfasts, The Baker.
Stayatthebaker.com
Columbus in Mississippi
The “city that has it all” Columbus is the perfect place for anyone wanting to see classic Southern architecture and have a strong dose of hospitality with it. The ideal town for strolling all travelers can begin their morning with a complimentary cup of joe from the first home of Pulitzer Prize-winning, Tennessee Williams at Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center. Then the town is yours- carriage rides, historical tours, shopping, architectural sightseeing, hike, golf, fish – the city really does have it all!
Visitcolumbusms.org
Natchitoches in Louisiana
The oldest city in Louisiana, the original French colony, and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches is about as rich in heritage as you can get in this country. From romantic weekend getaways to trips with the kids, its picturesque setting is on the bank of the Cane River with its Creole architecture, brickwork, wrought iron live oaks, and sweet shops travelers are transported. For those wanting a little more modern history mixed in, stop by the American Cemetery and find the spot where Steel Magnolias was filmed.
Natchitoches.com
Vero Beach in Florida
Set on the Eastern Coast in what is known as Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is a lovely historic oceanside town. Everything – fresh food, shopping, and lodging- is within walking distance in this small coastal charmer. Set in Indian River, famous for citrus, one of the most unique things to do outside of strolling around the quaint downtown is to visit a citrus farm, Schacht Groves, which is a place.
Schachtgroves.com
Waxahachie in Texas
Just outside the Dallas suburbs, it's authentic small-town Texas. Infamous for its pink crepe myrtle-lined streets in the summer, it's not to be outdone the rest of the year with festivals and holiday activities galore. A visit to Waxahachie is ideal 365 days a year. And like most fabulous small towns, a stay at a local Bed and Breakfast is a requirement; try The English Merchant’s Inn, but be prepared to never want to leave!
Theenglishmerchantsinn.com
Winter Garden in Florida
A picture-perfect example of old school Florida, Winter Garden is set along the sparkling Lake Apopka and was a citrus town when it was incorporated in 1908. A darling downtown speckled with shops and history is thanks to a historical commission preserving the once “juicy” citrus town in 1996. Perfect for bikers or walkers, the main street, Plant Street, is always bustling with events, farmer's markets, and tourists.
Downtownwg.com
Pendleton in South Carolina
Located on Lake Hartwell, this picturesque town has small-town charm and then some! Home to one of the largest historic districts in the region, follow in the footsteps of former vacationing plantation owners and become immersed in the town's deep southern charm and relaxation. One of the best parts of this town is its love of all things BBQ, there are a few great spots in town but rumor has it The Smokin’ Pig is pretty tasty!
Thesmokinpigs.com
Bristol in Virginia
Though listed in Virginia, Bristol straddles the Virginia and Tennessee state lines. One of the loveliest and sincere small towns, it is often referred to as “the true heart of America”. From music festivals to motorsports to underground caverns, this warm and authentic city will keep anyone occupied. One city, two places is tossed around a lot about this charming place. Not lacking in luxury, a night or two at The Bristol Hotel will round out any trip.
Thebristolhotel.com
Lewisburg in West Virginia
Unlike any other small town, Lewisburg has a heartbeat of its own. It makes a simple main street and small-town feel alive, electric, and chic. Vibrating with energy the modern and thriving arts culture plays happily among the storied and hallowed locations. Home to only one of the four Carnegie Halls left in operation in the world, taking in a show is what memories are made of. Spend the rest of the trip shopping, dining, or immersed in the artistic culture of this vibrant city.
Carnegiehallwv.org
