10 Picture-Perfect Towns In The Mid-South
Craftsmanship is a fundamental ingredient in what it means to be "Mid-South." Every building is constructed to last with thoughtful elegance, and visitors cannot seem to soak up enough Victorian and Greek revival architecture. So, while the locals of these communities are not afraid of hard work in any trade, there is a high social value in quiet dignities such as history, art, and education.
Altogether, those attributes form a gorgeously maintained region, trails carefully carved out of valley and cliffside, and riverfronts bursting with color and personality. The states of the midsouth, such as Arkansas and Tennessee, share a collective adoration for storytelling and musical celebration. Events celebrating those traditions are worth capturing in film and equally worth participating in. So, what are you waiting for?
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The one and only Eureka Springs. There is a harmony found in this Arkansas nook that is hard to replicate—the music of civilization adjacent to the meandering ways of nature. The Opera in the Ozarks events invite guests to witness the live emotions wrought through the performances of brilliant casts. After engaging in a theater filled with antique costumes, walking home through rows of authentic Victorian architecture has a way of continuing that historical magic.
For a late-night thrill, the 1886 Crescent Hotel (famously haunted) is a grand complex with tours and an overall creepy facade. To follow that up with a more natural horror, the nearby Onyx Cave dazzles explorers with layers of caves and crevices. Regarding spiritual cleansing, for those still shivering from caves and ghosts, the Turpentine Creek Big Cat Wildlife Refuge and the ever-stoic Thorncrown Chapel are great stops to return to the reality of a more picturesque, compassionate world.
Oxford, Mississippi
The appropriately named "Oxford" could be considered a sister city to the famous university it shares a name with. Education, art, and history are the town's well-honed trinity, and much of the credit for this atmosphere is thanks to the formidable "Ole Miss," a nickname for the University of Mississippi that is decorated with an undeniably-regal Roman colonnade. A cozier, quieter place to encounter the pursuit of knowledge is the independent bookstore "Square Books," which tends to host author events.
Rowan Oak, a wooded area in the center of Oxford, is a photographic haven. Within its bosom is the 1930s home of William Faulkner. Symmetrical in nature, the wooded path to this Greek-revival structure captures the aesthetically inclined. An opportunity to show off some of those snapshots appears regularly in the annual Double Decker Arts Festival every April; with any luck, you might even impress some of the folks from the nearby Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches' history, almost impossibly, is longer than its name. The historic district keeps a tab on buildings that are getting close to three hundred years old, and it is clear that our American ancestors had an obsession with well-made verandas. Specifically, the Prud'homme-Rouquier House guards the namesake of Francois Rouquier and his wife, Marie Prud'homme, which they lovingly constructed and inhabited around the year 1790.
Regarding modern pageantry, Natchitoches knows how to 'make a scene' between its Christmas Festival, where participants compete to be the brightest of the bunch, as well as the Meat Pie Festival, which, in both preparation and consumption, is an art form of its own merit. Finally, the Sports Hall of Fame captures some incredible moments and relics from the legends of America's past greats. In all, Natchitoches caters to the historical affections of its guests and residents, and that kind of spirit is key to creating a warmly rooted future.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Bell Buckle, a truly impeccable name for a mid-south community, was named due to folklore about the first settlers discovering a cowbell and buckle carving by an irrigated area—a good omen of sorts. Part of the mid-south charm that Bell Buckle hosts is simply its relaxed way of life, which can be enjoyed on Daffodil Day, a yearly celebration of spring. There is always the option to absorb bluegrass music at spots like the Bell Buckle Cafe, which pairs live artists with quality eats.
Craftsmanship in Bell Buckle knows no bounds, as evidenced in its active antique scene, as well as its model railroad community, which is a follow-up to the town's history as a prominent railroad stop in the past. One can only imagine the peaceful countryside rolling along while taking a locomotive cross-country; luckily, there are several train options in the region today. So, hurry up and book a ticket for June when the Bell Buckle hosts the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival, a quirky event with contests and games centered around the iconic southern fast-food combo of the same name.
Madison, Indiana
Not too many Mid-South villages possess as many cultural and natural gems as Madison. The Madison Regatta, drawing crowds annually for an incredible 73 years, highlights hydroplane racing on the Ohio River. Nearby, Clifty Falls State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with trails and the beauty of natural waterfalls. Historic aesthetics are just as important, and the historic Lanier Mansion, dating back to the pre-Civil War era, offers insights into the architectural genius of the region's forefathers.
Alternatively, for those trying to blur the present as opposed to remembering the past, local vineyards and wineries are connected through a wine trail, which is a brilliant excuse to explore local colors. Speaking of which, the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art brings together artisans and craftsmen to host upwards of 175 exhibitors. In other words, Madison has a little bit of everything for everyone tucked away in its pocket.
Mountain View, Arkansas
In Mountain View, the essence of Ozark culture is overflowing at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, a site that is "dedicated to perpetuating the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks." However, a short drive away, Blanchard Springs Caverns invites adventurers to explore its limestone caverns through guided tours. Unique local events like the "Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races" add a playful character to the town's social calendar, so try that peculiarity this October.
There is one "must" when stopping through Mountain View: The Jimmy Driftwood Barn stirs up the anthem of bluegrass, gospel, country, and more. For outdoor enthusiasts, the appropriately named 'Syllamo's Revenge' trail offers a challenging mountain biking experience in the Ozark National Forest. Now, while there are more spots to discuss, like the White River (legendary for fishing, for the record), one must remember that Mountain View is more than a hub for surrounding activities. Drive-in theaters, pizzerias, pickleball courts, and ultimately, the people are all part of the recipe that cooks up this beautiful town.
Paducah, Kentucky
A waterfront town, even on a river, is a valuable find for the mid-south. Paducah sits right on the Ohio River, and its riverfront main street revels in that view. One stop along that route is the National Quilt Museum, which 'weaves' together a series of rotating exhibits that capture masterwork talent in all forms of textile arts. Similarly, a series of fascinating floodwall murals along the Ohio River narrates the city's historical journey.
Each September, Paducah hosts the annual "BBQ On The River" Festival, where guests can feast on magnificent cuts while also raising funds for a variety of charities: in the past, the event has raised nearly $400,000 after welcoming 40,000 visitors, who regularly manage to consume 80,000 pounds of meat. Additionally, the town has a river discovery center, as well as a solid cinema, for those looking to kick back after a big meal.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega became significant in history as the location of the first major gold rush in the United States in 1828, predating the more famous California Gold Rush. The Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site serves as a marker for that history within the old Lumpkin County Courthouse, and it showcases artifacts and narratives from this era.
Nearby, the Appalachian Trail provides hiking enthusiasts access to miles of trails through natural landscapes. The area's wine production is also notable, with several local wineries conducting tours and wine tastings. Last, the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival is an annual event that focuses on storytelling and music. It is held in the Historic Public Square, which also houses a collection of shops and restaurants in buildings dating back to the 19th century.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown holds the title of Bourbon Capital of the World, which is well-deserved, considering there are 11 distilleries in the local area. Then, there is the Old Talbott Tavern, established in 1779, which is believed to be the oldest western stagecoach stop in the nation. Next on the historical lineup is My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a magnificent grove right in the heart of Bardstown. The park inspired Stephen Foster to write his famous song "My Old Kentucky Home."
A handful of other hotspots keep Bardstown buzzing throughout the year: The Kentucky Bourbon Festival each September, Civil War museums, and a historic railroad that still operates out of a vintage locomotive. There is a lot of heart to be found here in the little town of Bardstown, and the local folk plan to keep it that way.
Leiper's Fork, Tennessee
Leiper's Fork is a community deeply rooted in country music, and its fame comes from being recently voted as one of the best small towns in all of the USA. The tradition of Tennessee whiskey-making is kept alive by the Leiper's Fork Distillery. Art enthusiasts find solace in the town's art galleries, which display works from both local and nationally acclaimed artists.
The town's magic is best summarized through the effort necessary to preserve the calm solidarity of earlier eras in the American countryside. Plenty of trails exist around the town, and the local cuisine is sure to replenish a threatened waistline after a morning of activity.
Final Thoughts
It took a special type of person to wander and settle the once-wild mid-south countryside, and that eclectic personality has withstood the test of time in these towns. Art, music, and good food are truly the cornerstone and common ground that links the people of these otherwise separate states together. Not to mention, of course, how every stop along the way is so undeniably picture-worthy.
