7 Southern United States Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets

Whether you love a downtown strip that awakens a deep love for the past or one that stirs the soul with a delightful array of handsomely preserved architecture, you will find a select few in the South that stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest in the world. In some, beautiful cobblestoned streets are framed by noble, moss-draped oaks, and in others, mind-calming waterfronts make the environment feel soft and soothing. Starting with Franklin, Tennessee, discover 7 towns in the Southern United States with unforgettable Main Streets.

Franklin, Tennessee

It is difficult to find a Main Street that stirs the heart with emotion such as Franklin’s. No wonder it claims the title of “America’s Favorite Main Street.” Yet, this is not a catchy line by a chamber of commerce keen to bring in the crowds. Franklin won the “Great American Main Street” honor in the first year the National Trust for Historic Preservation presented the award in the United States. And while several years have since elapsed, the beauty of the 16-block stretch may have just gotten better. Expect handsomely restored Victorian architecture, old‑school lamp posts, and hanging flower baskets. The Franklin Theatre is an intimate space with a lot of charm and has been providing entertainment to area residents since 1937. A plate of delicious cinnamon rolls at Triple Crown Bakery should pave the way for some time at the Williamson County Archives and Museum, a free-to-visit site that provides a fascinating glimpse into the town’s beginning years.

Beaufort, South Carolina

You don’t really experience the essence of Beaufort until you have spent some time in Bay Street, the town’s colorful core. You will find trails of Spanish moss and stately Antebellum residences framed by live oaks. Beaufort's Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Four years later, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Stroll through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a swoon-worthy stretch that doubles up as a great location to watch the sunset over the marina. Several restaurants here have patio seating, meaning you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view. Beaufort History Museum tells Beaufort’s story through several interesting displays, while the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, just a whisper away, chronicles crucial Post-Civil War events. End it with a plate of shrimp po' boy at the Plums, an iconic restaurant that offers incredible views of the river.

Oxford, Mississippi

It may be the Literary Capital of the South, but that only means that Oxford knows a bit about art, culture, and what a downtown strip should look like. Oxford hosts the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss. It was founded in 1848 and is one of the oldest public institutions of higher education in the southern United States. In the town, Main Street buzzes with college-town energy and spots a look that is instantly endearing. The Lafayette County Courthouse, the centerpiece of the historic Oxford Square, is a stellar exhibit of Greek Revival architecture. Keep in mind that Square Books is a scandalously charming space for reading, drinking cappuccino, or sipping views of the Town Square. End the day with some outstanding meatloaf at Ajax Diner, a cherished name that has been voted Oxford's best plate lunch every year since opening.

Brevard, North Carolina

There is a reason Brevard is routinely ranked among the most scenic towns in North Carolina. While part of Brevard’s appeal is the access to Pisgah National Forest, which has 500,000 acres of trails to explore, the town’s Main Street can also hold its own among the South’s best. It is a slow-paced stretch framed by delicious mountain views and peppered with galleries, locally owned restaurants, and a cozy theatre venue. Co-Ed Cinema, a classic single-screen theater from the Great Depression Years, offers some of the most unique and nostalgic movie experiences in the South. Silvermont Mansion and Park is a peaceful place with a trail to walk, while the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas keeps a mind-boggling collection of military memorabilia, especially from WWI to present-day conflicts.

Collierville, Tennessee

About 10 years ago, readers of Parade.com nominated over 2,000 Main Streets for the Best Main Street prize in America. From the list, editors selected 16 Main Streets based on a laid-out criteria and resubmitted the final list for a vote. Collierville's Main Street emerged as the winner. If you have been to Collierville, you know the timeless appeal of the downtown area, especially with its old-fashioned bandstand and brick-paved sidewalks. Although slightly more vibrant than you would expect (Collierville is home to about 50,000 residents), scenes around the Collierville Square, where residents gather around a gazebo for free summer concerts, are some of the most homey and beautiful you will find anywhere in Tennessee. Silver Caboose Restaurant & Soda Fountain, loved for its home-style Southern cooking, is a nice spot to comfort the soul with some sumptuous pies. You can then amble through the Shops of Collierville to pick or admire a variety of knick-knacks, before stepping back into time at the well-curated Morton Museum of Collierville History.

Georgetown, South Carolina

Although Charleston is among the most beautiful cities in the world, and Beaufort is no pushover, wild beauty awaits at Georgetown, a soothing coastal getaway with a roster of things to keep one happy and entertained. Front Street, Georgetown’s nerve centre, features an array of handsomely preserved buildings, some of which date back to the 1700s. Your heart will be stirred by the decorative woodwork, cast iron balconies, and ornamental cornices that dot the stretch. You can traipse through the Harborwalk, inhale tasty waterfront views, see the historic homes that grace the Georgetown Historic District, and then indulge in a bit of local history at the Kaminski House Museum. If you want to double down on the area’s history, the Rice Museum tells the story of Georgetown’s early plantations and how rice farming shaped the town’s growth and development.

Abingdon, Virginia

With its lush brick sidewalks, wrought-iron fences, and Colonial Revival homes, Abingdon’s downtown strip is the truest definition of charm. The town itself feels genuine and authentic, although far-flung in the southwestern corner of the state. Barter Theatre, one of the truest testaments to the adage that “necessity is the mother of invention,” has been entertaining patrons since the Great Depression years. You can chat with talented creatives at the Arts Depot, a non-profit art gallery and studio filled with beautiful artwork. If you are an outdoor lover, you will want to explore a section of the Virginia Creeper Trail, one of the most popular biking and hiking routes in the United States.

The Takeaway

Imagine strolling through cobblestoned streets, with music trickling from nearby patios, and the aroma of shrimp po’ boys wafting in the air. On your left side is an Indie bookstore with an outstanding selection of Classics, while on your right is an antique store that brims with unique finds. There is the glimmer of water ahead, and views that are best captured on a postcard. Is it possible to find such Main Streets in the South? You now have the answer.