9 Most Hospitable Towns In The Southern United States
The Southern United States has always had a reputation for hospitality. This extends to its many small towns scattered throughout the diverse area. Even if you're used to the North, you'll want to come down south to take in the sights such as a German pioneer town, the birthplace of Elvis, quiet mountainside retreats, and even a European-style castle in Georgia. Read on to discover the 9 most hospitable towns in the Southern U.S.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
When entering Harpers Ferry, one is instantly struck by how beautiful the area is and how intriguing its history is. During the late 1850s, abolitionist John Brown attempted to lead a slave revolt by raiding the federal armory here. Although his efforts failed, his actions were a critical spark to the American Civil War. Within the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, history buffs can explore John Brown's Fort or go to later American Civil War sites like Bolivar Heights, which saw the largest surrender of Union troops during the conflict. Everything is walkable here, even the beautiful Virginius and Hall's Islands, industrial areas that have been transformed into rich animal habitats. Right next to these historic locations, visitors can shop for cute, locally made goods at the Tessoterica artisan shop or the Vintage Lady boutique store.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country is the lovely town of Fredericksburg. Settled in 1846, this town has a rich German cultural heritage, which shines through in its local attractions. It invites guests to experience this German heritage with places like the Vereins Kirche Museum, which over its long history has served as multiple churches, a school, a fortress, and others. This museum is part of the larger Pioneer Museum, which also includes a full pioneer village. For anyone wanting to see a beautiful place, Fredericksburg enchants with the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a 425-foot pink granite batholith with multiple hiking trails and rock-climbing opportunities. Lastly, Fredericksburg welcomes visitors with many wineries as well like the Texas Heritage Vineyard.
Tupelo, Mississippi
The most welcoming towns tend to have larger-than-life stories. In Tupelo, their big story is that this humble town was the birthplace of the King of Rock' N' Roll, Elvis. Fans from around the world descend on Tupelo to learn about Elvis' upbringing, which includes his humble family home at the Birthplace and Museum and the Tupelo Hardware Company, where he received his first guitar as a birthday present. Tupelo invites the whole family to see one of the tallest giraffes in the world, as well as a big buffalo herd at the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. If you're up for a scenic drive, check out the Natchez Trace Parkway. Its central feature is a two-lane road that extends 444 miles (715 km) from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This town in the Ozark Mountains is a charming destination that was named after its spring waters. After the Judge. J.B. Saunders and Dr. Alvah Jackson claimed the waters had curative properties, and people descended upon it to try out the water itself. These springs are all over town, both above ground at the Basin Spring Park and underground at the Grotto Cave and Spring, right in the downtown area! There's also the Civil War Cave, which was used as a hospital. To learn more about how Eureka Springs changed over the years, you'll need to check out the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. If you want to see something special in Eureka, you have to drive out into the woods to see the marvelous Thorncrown Chapel, a church made of 425 windows to let in the natural light.
Townsend, Tennessee
While most think of Gatlinburg when they think of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are a few other, less busy places to go, especially if you're looking for some hospitality in the mountains. Townsend, Tennessee, is just the place. Within the small town, you can breathe in the mountain air while enjoying some food at the East Cuisine Café or check out the history of the Little River Railroad at the Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum. Natural beauty is everywhere, and the most peaceful place in the Smoky Mountains is close to Townsend: Cades Cove. Within this area, you can catch sites of black bears, go for a scenic drive, and see 19th-century Appalachian churches like Cades Cove Methodist Church and Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a hidden destination in Virginia that has all manner of experiences. As an island destination, you're sure to have a lovely ocean view on Virginia's Eastern Shore, such as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can relax on the beach and observe plenty of birds like the American oystercatcher. Speaking of animals, if you venture off into Assateague Island nearby, you might run into the native Chincoteague ponies. The best part about Chincoteague is how many ways there are to explore the nearby islands, from going horse riding at Queen Hive Farm to taking a boat tour or even traveling the 16 miles of biking trails, you're in for a treat no matter what. Don't forget to grab a good read while relaxing here, which Sundial Books can provide.
Helen, Georgia
Residents have turned this town into something very special indeed. The Appalachian town of Helen, Georgia, will transport you into the Alps with its Bavarian structures and style. Traveling through this village, you'll find several welcoming German-style shops ranging from Christoff's Caramel Corn and Coffee to the Hansel and Gretel Factory. Helen inspires many local artists as well, who display pottery, watercolor, and more at the Helen Arts and Heritage Center. The entire town is a magical place, which is especially apparent at the Uhuburg Castle, a Bavarian-style castle offering tours, sword fighting lessons, and more. Lastly, the beauty of the surrounding countryside has to be seen to be believed, with trails and waterfalls in every direction, such as the Mt. Yonah trail or the Anna Ruby Falls, which is a rare double waterfall!
Paducah, Kentucky
The most hospitable places find creative ways to keep guests entertained. As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah, Kentucky, aims to delight all visitors with its rich heritage. Its most prestigious destination is the National Quilt Museum. The museum gathers traditional and nontraditional quilts from expert artisans, while also offering lessons for anyone wanting to learn. Paducah is also a patron of the performing arts, with both the Carson Center and the Market House Theatre available for big and small productions. Even going for a stroll is an artistic experience here, as you can see 50 Paducah Wall-to-Wall Murals telling the story of Paducah at the waterfront with the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers serving as a magnificent backdrop.
Georgetown, South Carolina
Founded in 1729, Georgetown is the third oldest city in the state of South Carolina, and naturally has a lot of knowledge and wisdom to share. It's an inviting place with an accessible Harborwalk just beside its downtown area. Some of its best attractions are Georgetown's many museums. You can spend a day learning the entire story of Georgetown such as how rice fueled the town at the Rice Museum, see an old lighthouse lens at the South Carolina Maritime Museum as well as see how the wealthiest residents lived at the Kaminski House Museum, which still has a massive collection of 18th century antiques on display. For anyone looking to go fishing, the Harborwalk Marina is a lovely destination to go out on the water.
Conclusion
These hospitable towns will keep you entertained for days as you travel through the Southern United States. There are all manner of ways these towns share experiences with guests. Paducah, Kentucky, will teach you the beauty of Bluegrass creativity with its quilts, while Chincoteague will reveal hidden treasures with its rich wildlife and biking trails. The mountain towns of Helen and Townsend will help you refresh with their fresh mountain air and picturesque scenery. The next time you find yourself in the South, consider visiting these hospitable towns.
