Southern Main Streets
Stroll down these picturesque main drags and take in the beguiling scenery, full of charming shops, local cafes, and iconic architecture. With celebrated histories and endearing locals, these Southern Main Streets are sublimely enchanting.
Historic Downtown Hartselle, Alabama
Decatur Morgan County
Tucked into the woods of North Alabama and situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, Hartselle is known as the City of Southern Hospitality – and a visit to Hartselle’s Downtown Historic district makes it clear why. The perfect place to start discovering the area, Downtown Hartselle’s sixty-nine historic buildings are filled with friendly local businesses, enticing dining options, and inspiring architecture – like Downtown Hartselle’s Historic Depot. From antique stores to gift boutiques to specialty food shops, Hartselle’s Main Street is an inviting and timeless walk through the downtown district.
decaturcvb.com
Helena, Arkansas
Phillips County
Under striped awnings and historic storefronts, Helena’s Cherry Street transports visitors and locals to a different era. A visit to the Helena Museum of Philips County is an afternoon filled with enthralling portraits and lavish antique furnishings. With tours by appointment, St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the finest architectural designs by acclaimed furniture maker Charles Eames. The history of the region can be explored at the Delta Cultural Center, home to the longest-running Blues radio broadcast in the world, King Biscuit Time. Located near the Helena River Park, Helena’s historic Cherry Street his home to hotels, the local favorite – the Helena Tavern, and numerous boutiques – featuring antiques, jewelry, children’s clothing, and much more.
mainstreethelena.org
Thomasville, Georgia
Thomas County
This award-winning downtown is a testament to the community’s integrity to historical accuracy while creating a welcoming and modern big city feel. Enjoy a weekend retreat at one of the area's grand Victorians, now-turned travelers' rest , like the exquisite 1884 Paxton House Inn or the stunning Thomasville Bed and Breakfast. Built as a winter cottage for prosperous shoe merchant Lapham in 1894, the Lapham-Patterson House is a pillar of Victorian ingenuity, fantastic imagination, and exceptional quality craftsmanship. Dine on farm-to-table American cuisine at the Chophouse on the Bricks. Enjoy sustainably sourced oysters or Georgia creamed corn with crispy country ham and fall in love with the taste of Thomasville.
thomasvillega.com
Paducah, Kentucky
McCracken County
A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is a sophisticated river city, a blend of unique cultural heritages, and a destination for authentic experiences. A city of crafts and folk art, Paducah is rich in small-town atmosphere, natural beauty, and vibrant and vintage art and architecture. Nestled along the Ohio River, the picturesque and historic downtown of Paducah is a sight to behold. Behind every storefront and restaurant exterior, lies the creativity, strong entrepreneurship, and innovative spirit of Paducah. Stand in awe of the world-class fiber artistry at the National Quilt Museum. A charming trolley or carriage ride around town lets you discover the lower town arts district and the revitalized Coca-Cola bottling plant that now houses the town’s first craft brewery, Dry Ground Brewing Company.
paducah.travel
New Iberia, Louisiana
Iberia Parish
Located in the heart of Cajun country, New Iberia is a diverse melting pot of cultures blending together to create a special and unique community. Discover the alluring attractions along the live oak-lined Main Street, winner of the 2005 Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Within the historic district, explore the communities and their history at the Bayou Teche Museum or the Conrad Rice Mill/Konriko Company Store, the oldest rice mill in the United States. As you travel along Main Street, pop into local boutiques like Alex Malay or Allain’s Jewelry for some timeless, classic, and chic southern style. Savor life in New Iberia with a visit to Preservation Bar and Grill for tasty eats and live music from some of Acadiana's best musicians.
iberiatravel.com
Tupelo, Mississippi
Lee County
Bike the Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail connecting downtown to the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum and explore the history Tupelo’s most famous residents. Delight in a shopping excursion at downtown’s famous Reed’s Department Store — family owned and operated since 1905. Update your beau’s wardrobe at MLM Clothiers. Purveyors of men’s clothing since 1940, MLM Clothiers offers several acclaimed brands – Burberry, Tom Ford, Barbour, Southern Tide, and many more – and provides in-house alterations to create the perfect fit. Round out the day with a refined Southern-inspired dinner at Park Heights Restaurant, featuring outdoor rooftop dining with one-of-a-kind views of downtown Tupelo.
tupelomainstreet.com
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Forsyth County
A convenient drive from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains or the North Carolinian coast, Winston-Salem is full of unforgettable experiences. Create your own walkable craft brewery crawl while discovering the historic character and neighborly charm of Winston-Salem. Taste the famously thin, molasses-based, Winston-Salem treat: the Moravian cookie. Discover the birthplace of Winston-Salem at the Historic Bethabara, the first European settlement in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. Home to 183 acres of wildlife preserve, historic gardens, and over 10 miles of trails, Historic Bethabara also includes a reconstructed colonial village and the 1788 Gemeinhaus Church. The historic church is the oldest standing place of worship with an attached residence in the United States. Enjoy your home away from home at the Zevely Inn, meticulously restored to its 19th-century glory.
visitwinstonsalem.com
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Logan County
In the picturesque city of Guthrie, the independent frontier spirit can be found around every corner. The first capital of the Oklahoma Territory, Guthrie’s history is showcased by a wide range of museums. At the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, visitors can explore the lives of the area’s indigenous people, its settlers, and the historic preservation of Guthrie. With an antique soda fountain and an Apothecary Garden, discover the history of frontier pharmacies, early drugstores, and the medical arts at the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum. After a long day exploring the historic district of Guthrie, spend the night in a refined, elegant, luxury suite at the Dominion House. A hotel, restaurant, and event venue, the Dominion House is a historic property with eye-catching architecture designed to encourage rest and relaxation.
guthrieok.com
Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken County
A place unlike any other, Aiken boasts a thriving downtown with abundant restaurants, attractions, and outdoor recreation. With award-winning hotels, historic museums, and art galleries, Aiken is a splendid Southern destination designed for everyone. Hop on one of the Aiken Trolley Tours trolleys to experience the historic homes, churches, and sites in Aiken. Spend a sunny afternoon strolling under the 100-year-old oak trees in Hopeland Gardens. The 14-acre estate includes a rock fountain, labyrinth, and a reflection pool – the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic.
visitaikensc.com
Hico, Texas
Hamilton County
With incredible downtown shopping, a riverfront of walking trails, and one-of-a-kind activities, Hico is bursting with small-town Texas charm. Wander down the shady Pecan Street while browsing through antique stores, boutiques filled with farmhouse décor and hill country fashions, and specialty shops like the award-winning Wiseman House Chocolates. Experience history at the Midland Hotel. Built-in 1891, the Midland Hotel offers 14 rooms of luxury accommodations, a private membership Saloon, and the scratch kitchen and steakhouse, The Chophouse.
visithicotexas.com
Staunton, Virginia
Nationally recognized historic downtown, more than 100 independently owned retail shops, Staunton is a charming community of artists, entrepreneurs, and academics. Discover the timeless magic of the theatre at the American Shakespeare Center, home of the world’s only authentic recreation of the Blackfriars Playhouse. At the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, explore the life of America’s 28th president. With programs designed for all ages, the museum features artifacts from World War I, family heirlooms and artwork, and Wilson’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine. At the family-owned Sunspots Studios, be stunned by the art and craft of glassblowing with live demonstrations in the studio four days a week and revel one of Virginia’s most unique experiences.
visitstaunton.com
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Fayette County
A vibrant shopping district, delectable in-town dining, and a lovely town park, Fayetteville has it all, providing small-town charm and world-class attractions. Stay at the Historic Morris Harvey House Bed and Breakfast, located in the heart of town. Peaceful and charming, the Morris Harvey House is a perfect place to unwind and rest after a day spent exploring the town or white water rafting down the New River Gorge National River.
visitfayettevillewv.com
Historic. Welcoming. Exceptional. These Southern Main Streets delight locals and visitors every day. With a plethora of museums, a variety of eclectic boutiques, and acclaimed gardens, these charming Southern cities and towns are unique, beguiling, and full of hospitality.
