Skip the City and Visit These Southern Small Towns Instead 
By Kellie Walton Benz 

 

The South’s “big cities” have drawn droves of visitors for years. From the impressive corporations housed in Atlanta to the exhilarating nightlife of New Orleans, from the honky tonks in Nashville to the theme parks in Orlando, these major metropolitan areas are bucket list destinations for not only Southern travelers, but for international adventurers as well.  

 

But, lying just outside (and sometimes within) the major metros are small towns just as rich in history and Southern charm, but without the flock of tourists that inhibit their big city neighbors. No matter the destination, we can guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable meal, learn an inspiring story not yet told, or enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that only a small town can provide.  

 

This year, tack on a visit to these small towns when you visit a big Southern city, or skip the major metros altogether for a memorable little getaway.  

 

Clarksville, TN 

Situated only an hour northwest of booming Nashville sits Clarksville, Tennessee, a town perhaps best known for the military base, Fort Campbell. But what you may not know is that Clarksville is also rich in experiences, food, art, and entertainment worth a visit all its own.  

 

With a downtown bordered by the Cumberland River, Clarksville is home to several parks, waterways, and an adorable downtown district packed with historic sites. A stroll through downtown will find one-of-a-kind shopping, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and photo-worthy street art, all interspersed with friendly Southern hospitality.  

 

One of Clarksville’s premier attractions is its locally-made wine and spirits. Visit Beachaven Winery & Vineyards, a pioneer in Tennessee winemaking as a family owned business producing wine from locally grown grapes.  
www.visitclarksvilletn.com  

 

Cartersville, GA 

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in between the two big cities of Atlanta and Chattanooga, Cartersville, Georgia, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. Cartersville in Bartow County is home to some of the state’s most eclectic hidden gems including two Smithsonian Affiliate museums, a classic car junkyard, and even a collection of exotic animals. Intrigued?  

 

During your visit to Cartersville, make plans to visit the Booth Western Art Museum (which boasts the largest permanent exhibition of Western American art in the United States) and the Tellus Science Museum. Then, see the Etowah Indian Mounds, a National Historic Landmark that is considered one of the nation’s most significant Native American archaeological digs. Or, visit the neighboring town of White, Georgia’s, Old Car City USA – the world’s largest known classic car junkyard. And lastly, you may be surprised to find the largest camel herd in Georgia at Pettit Creek Farms, which is not only home to camels, but many exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, capybaras, lemurs, llamas and even reindeer. 
visitcartersvillega.org  

 

Fairhope, AL 

If you squint hard enough while on Fairhope’s water’s edge, you’ll see the city of Mobile, Alabama, in the distance. But, Fairhope is a destination all its own lying on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Over the years artists, writers, and other craftsmen have found Fairhope to be the inspiration for their work and helped make the community what it is today, one that’s filled with lovely parks and panoramic views of the water.  

 

The charming Downtown Fairhope area is filled with art galleries, antique and boutique shops, and upscale dining experiences. And around every turn, stroll through flower-lined streets and beneath moss-covered oak trees throughout the walkable town. When you catch a glimpse of the sun setting beyond the bay, you’ll know why Southern Living named Fairhope as one of the South’s Best Small Towns.  

 

Natchez, MS  

At the end of the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway sits Natchez, Mississippi, a small town known for its southern charm, fascinating history, and significant architecture with more than 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

 

The area’s walkable downtown is filled with eclectic stores like ArtsNatchez and Darby’s, and just beyond the storefronts sits a picturesque riverfront district. Learn about the city’s cultural heritage at the Forks of the Road National Park, foster important but difficult conversations at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, or see three prehistoric Native American burial grounds at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.  

 

The charming town is riddled with cozy bed and breakfasts. Book a stay at the elegant Devereaux Shields House or the high-end, newly-renovated Dunleith Historic Inn.
www.visitnatchez.org 

  

Alexandria, Virginia  

While Washington, D.C., may be venturing beyond the Southern United States, one noteworthy Southern town is found in its metro area, offering visitors a dual visit to the nation’s capital plus a vibrant small town: Alexandria, Virginia.  

 

Recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Places to Travel in 2023 and Best Cities in the U.S. 2022 and voted a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2022, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape on the Potomac River. Founded in 1749, Alexandria is the nation’s third oldest historic district, and its stories can be found in each city street’s restaurants, attractions, and more.  

 

Step back in time with a stroll through Old Town Alexandria’s King Street, a mile-long stretch with more than 200 independent restaurants, boutiques, historic museums, and plenty of happenings along the waterfront. History lovers will enjoy following in the footsteps of George Washington and the Founding Fathers, and learning the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history not only of Alexandria, but the entire United States.  
visitalexandria.com 

  

Cabarrus County, North Carolina 

Located about 20 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte, Cabarrus County encompasses five municipalities: the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and towns of Harrisburg, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant.  

  

Cabarrus County is known as “Where Racing Lives.” Sports and racing aficionados, or those looking to step into the world of Talladega Nights, will enjoy visiting the nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway where portions of the star-studded comedy were filmed. The Speedway hosts exciting events in motorsports like the Coca-Cola 600, ride and drive experiences like the NASCAR Racing Experiences, the Summer Shootout short-track series and two of the nation’s largest car shows and swap meets at AutoFair in spring and fall.  

  

More than motorsports, however, Cabarrus County has a number of noteworthy attractions. Visit the historic Reed Gold Mine, the site of the first documented gold find in the United States, or explore the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame to learn about the legends hailing from the Tarheel State. Cap your visit with a whiskey from a local distillery housed in a former prison, Southern Grace Distilleries. 
www.cabarruscounty.us  

 

Dunedin, Florida  

Tampa, Florida is a bustling hub for sports, business, and entertainment, but a drive in either direction will lead visitors to coastal towns warranting their own visit, one of which is Dunedin. Part of the St. Pete/Clearwater area located about 40 minutes west of Tampa, Dunedin is a small town that feels like a throwback to a simpler, more serene Florida. Here, the pace is relaxed - perfect for exploring the city’s charming downtown - or for relaxing on two of the area’s most beautiful beaches. 

 

For outdoor adventure, visit Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida’s most visited state park, which has gorgeous white sand beaches and clear emerald waters. Or, hop on the Pinellas Trail, a recently completed 75-mile loop perfect for walking, jogging, skating, and biking, providing an immersive view of the area’s natural beauty.  

 

Craft beer drinkers, listen up. Dunedin is not only home to Florida’s first microbrewery (Dunedin Brewery), but embark on your own craft beer tour on foot. Thanks to the town’s small size, there are seven breweries located within only a one mile radius.  
visitstpeteclearwater.com