The Best Small Town In Every Southern State 2024
For the South's Best Awards this year, our readers once again voted on their all-time favorite small towns in the South. And wow, did they deliver. These towns may be small in size, but they’re big on charm. Whether it’s a beautiful and walkable downtown, a thriving arts scene, a unique historic district, or a bounty of adventurous outdoor offerings, each of these communities has something truly special to recommend it. From Alabama’s favorite beach town to Kentucky’s bourbon capital, Maryland's Eastern Shore hideaway to North Carolina’s mountain escape, there’s a town here for every personality.
These small towns are home to special and welcoming communities, and they have a host of unique offerings: ancient thermal waters, the Gulf Coast’s favorite frozen beverage, and the Hill Country’s most legendary Oktoberfest, to name just a few. The one thing they have in common? They’re all worth a trip, so put them on your bucket list and plan a road trip this year. Who knows? The next small town you visit might just become your new favorite vacation destination—or the place you’ll dream of retiring to someday. Every Southerner has a favorite small town—did yours make the list?
South's Best Voting Process
An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South for the South's Best Awards 2024. The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents.
Alabama: Orange Beach/Gulf Shores
This beach-town duo comes by its popularity honestly—it has long been Alabamians’ favorite coastal destination. From the famous bushwhacker at the Flora-Bama to the abundance of fresh seafood you can find at area restaurants like Doc’s Seafood Shack, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are the epitome of beach-side relaxation.
Explore Orange Beach/Gulf Shores
Arkansas: Eureka Springs
Folks have been flocking to this resort town in the Ozark Mountains since the 19th century thanks to its namesake natural springs. The stunningly preserved Victorian architecture makes downtown a destination unto itself, and quirky shops selling everything from kaleidoscopes to quilts can entertain you for hours.
Florida: St. Augustine
ROBBIE CAPONETTO
St. Augustine has a long and storied history that can be seen in
the city’s architecture. Sites like the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose
Historic State Park, Colonial Quarter, and Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth
Archaeological Park explore that history and invite visitors to learn more
about the Ancient City’s rich past.
Georgia: Tybee Island
Courtesy of Visit Savannah.
The Georgia coast is an oft-unsung treasure of the state, and Tybee Island is a fantastic spot to take in the sun and the sand. A stone’s throw from Savannah, it has a coastline of great beaches, a historic lighthouse (that is Georgia’s tallest and oldest), and a charming downtown with stops like The Sugar Shack, The Crab Shack, and Sting Ray’s Seafood.
Kentucky: Bardstown
Bardstown is a standout in the Bluegrass State. Long considered the heart of Bourbon Country, this small town has a concentration of stellar breweries including Bardstown Bourbon Company and Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., as well as a rich history—The Old Talbott Tavern, which is located downtown, was once a stagecoach stop.
Louisiana: Covington
Towns don’t get much more charming than Covington. It’s surrounded by water—Lake Pontchartrain as well as the Bogue Falaya, Tchefuncte, and Abita rivers are nearby—and its downtown has a concentration of excellent local shops and restaurants. Abita Brewing Company (everyone’s favorite spot for a local brew) and Tammany Trace (a walking and biking path) are must-visits around town.
Maryland: St Michaels
Maya Oren
The Eastern Shore of Maryland has many charms, and St Michaels is one of its brightest gems. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, it’s a destination for tasting Maryland crabs (don’t miss an opportunity to have a meal at The Crab Claw), meandering downtown, and sailing the bay. Excellent local inns and boutique hotels like The Wildset Hotel invite you to make a weekend of it.
Mississippi: Ocean Springs
City of Ocean Springs
One of Mississippi’s artsiest towns, Ocean Springs has long been a favorite stop along the Gulf Coast. Its walkable downtown is resplendent with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries, which always make for a fun browse about town. Don’t miss the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, and Shearwater Pottery, a business that's nearly a hundred years old.
North Carolina: Blowing Rock
Western North Carolina is full of great mountain towns, and this year Blowing Rock was voted the best of the best. Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway for beautiful mountain panoramas, or stay in town for ice cream from Kilwin’s and your choice of laid-back dinner spots. Legend has it that author Jan Karon based her Mitford series on Blowing Rock—visit, and experience the charm for yourself.
Oklahoma: Broken Bow
Courtesy of McCurtain County Tourism Authority
Outdoor adventures abound in Broken Bow, a town in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. From winery tastings (at Fish Tales Winery & Bistro or Knotted Rope) and local brews (at Mountain Fork Brewery) to hiking and fishing (at the 3,400-acre Beavers Bend State Park), there’s always something to enjoy in this corner of the Sooner State.
South Carolina: Beaufort
The Palmetto State has a number of wonderful small towns, but Beaufort is regularly voted the best. That’s because of the abundance of moss-draped oaks, historic homes, proximity to quiet beaches, and winding nature trails found at Hunting Island State Park. Bay Street’s stretch of restaurants, cafes (like Lowcountry Produce Kitchen, pictured above), and boutiques doesn’t hurt its charm, either.
Tennessee: Gatlinburg
Everyone seems to have a story about Gatlinburg. It’s a place where you can plan your own adventure, from walking the Gatlinburg SkyBridge to settling in at bustling restaurants and distilleries for local fare. And for more adventure in the mountains, there's always Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa (pictured). This town is a Smoky Mountain village teeming with fun (and plenty of tourists), and it has Appalachian charm to spare.
Texas: Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg’s German history runs deep. This Hill Country town is filled with German landmarks, biergartens, and local shops and restaurants. It’s also surrounded by wineries–there are more than 60 in Gillespie County alone. In addition to the historic downtown area, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is another nearby spot that’s well worth a visit.
Virginia: Chincoteague
This fishing village may be best known for the population of wild horses that calls the beaches of next-door Assateague Island home (and their annual pony swim through the channel), but it’s also a coastal destination boasting excellent seafood, a bustling shopping district, and plenty of family fun. Hop a 50-cent trolley ride to explore the island and see the sights.
West Virginia: Harpers Ferry
Rob Shenk
Appalachian charm abounds in Harpers Ferry, a place with history as well as a strong sense of place. The natural beauty of the area is remarkable, with scenic spots like Thomas Jefferson’s Rock, a section of the Appalachian Trail, and trails winding through the National Historical Park drawing outdoor enthusiasts. In town, eateries like Bolivar Bread Bakery, Country Cafe, and Kelley Farm Kitchen offer sustenance for the day’s adventures.
For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Southern Living.
