8 Overlooked Towns In The Southern United States Worth Visiting
The Southern United States comprises sixteen states that offer everything from authentic Southern hospitality to rich history and excellent cuisine. Not to mention that the Southern states are home to parts of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic beaches, and several national and state parks. There is so much to see and do here that people often overlook some of the small towns in between the big attractions. It is in these towns, however, that some of the most memorable adventures await. If you are longing for a Southern vacation, the following towns should take up some time on your itinerary, especially if you are in search of something unexpected alongside the familiar.
Palatka, Florida
The pretty town of Palatka is located in the Northeast region of Florida alongside the St. Johns River. The town’s history is brought right up close to visitors from the start, with 25 murals depicting past events and modern culture. When you have explored the murals, you can head down to St. Johns for bass fishing, boating, or kayaking. There are also approximately 22 trails in the river area for walking or biking.
At the beautiful Ravine Gardens State Park, you will find hundreds of azaleas in magnificent colors, even during late winter. There are also two ravines in the park that are up to 120 feet deep, and a creek called Whitewater Branch that never dries up. The park was built during the New Deal era and spans nearly 60 acres, featuring fieldstone terraces and several suspension bridges. If you visit Palatka over Memorial Day weekend, you can also catch the Blue Crab Festival. The festivities include excellent seafood, on-stage entertainment, fireworks, and a petting zoo.
Frostburg, Maryland
Frostburg is a scenic mountain town in Allegany County, in the Appalachian Mountains. The town is home to Frostburg State University’s Cultural Events Series, which brings both exhibits and performances to the area every year. You will find more exhibits at the Frostburg Mining Museum, where you will learn about the town’s mining past. You can even explore old mining tunnels and fossil displays.
After a couple of educational hours at the university and museum, you can take a drive to the nearby New Germany State Park to look at the wildflowers along the hiking trail. There are also several lookout spots here that offer wonderful views. At the nearby Casselman River, you can have a relaxing day out watching the ducks and herons or just enjoying the calm river atmosphere. When you return to Frostburg, remember to stop by the Palace Theatre to catch a movie or a local show.
Magnolia Springs, Alabama
Magnolia Springs in Alabama is widely considered the state’s prettiest town, but it is also one of the most overlooked. The town sits on the Magnolia River in southern Alabama, and many travelers pass by without stopping on their way to Gulf Shores. What they are missing out on is seeing the only river route for mail delivery in the U.S. and seeing the stunning St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel in person.
You can bring a kayak or canoe and launch right from the town, or spend a day on Orange Beach. There are lots of shells to collect here, a pier to explore, and fish to catch. If you do not want to walk everywhere, you can rent a bike, but look out for alligators if you follow the Rosemary Dunes Trail at Gulf State Park, around 15 miles outside of town. If you decide to stay for a while, you can go glamping at Orange Beach in a safari-style tent that is fully furnished and comes with an en suite bathroom.
Pikeville, Kentucky
Pikeville, in eastern Kentucky, was not accessible to most people until the Cut-Through Project was completed in 1987. The project saw a channel built through Peach Orchard Mountain to reroute the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. The project also included a four-lane highway that connects Pikeville to other towns. If you visit Pikeville today, you can see the growth this project has driven and sustained. In the downtown Creative Arts District, you will find Umbrella Alley, a nostalgic public art installation. You can also walk across the historic Pauley Bridge, completed in 1940, which features sandstone towers at each end.
If you want to explore the outdoors, there are ample opportunities at Bob Amos Park. You can enjoy thirteen miles of hiking trails, go horse riding or zip lining, or play a game of soccer on one of the sports fields. Thirty minutes away lies Breaks Interstate Park, or the ‘Grand Canyon of the South.’ The park boasts one of the deepest gorges on the eastern side of the Mississippi River, and you can also book an elk tour or hike one of the ten trails.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Another stunning trail awaits in the charming town of Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi. The Twelve Oaks Natural Trail is only a half-mile loop, but you will get to see swamps, oak trees, a tidal wetland, and an observation deck. In downtown Ocean Springs, you are close enough to Front Beach to walk there. Try to time your walk just before sunset, so you can catch the last rays illuminating the bridge. If you go earlier in the day, you can play some volleyball or even do a workout on the sand using the available fitness equipment.
If you have never been to a speakeasy, visiting The Wilbur will be a real treat. There is a bookcase that opens and reveals a hidden lounge. There is also an Al Capone mural, in honor of his once owning a local estate. Other places to see include the Walter Anderson Museum, dedicated to Walter Anderson, who painted colorful murals throughout the town.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs lies in the Ozarks and was founded in the late 1800s. The town became known for its ‘healing springs’, with people traveling from far and wide to experience the natural waters. This sparked significant growth in the town, leading to the construction of elaborate Victorian homes, shops, and hotels. Many of these buildings still stand, making Eureka Springs one of the best-preserved Victorian towns in America.
If you visit today, it will not be for the healing waters as such, but to see the stunning Thorncrown Chapel in the woods or to visit America’s Most Haunted Hotel, the Crescent Hotel and Spa. At Black Bass Lake, you can look out over the peaceful water while strolling along the forest paths. At nearby Beaver Lake, you can also go kayaking or canoeing and then camp overnight. And, of course, your trip will not be complete without seeing at least one of the over 60 cold springs throughout the town. At least fifteen are walkable so that you can fit in more than one during your visit.
Chelsea, Oklahoma
If you have been itching to go on an authentic Route 66 road trip, why not explore the section in Chelsea, Oklahoma? There are two classic landmarks here listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the Pryor Creek Bridge and the Chelsea Motel. The bridge, completed in 1926, spans Pryor Creek. The motel opened in the late 1930s and is still visible from the road. It is now used for storage and is privately owned.
Underneath the highway, you will find the Chelsea Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass. There are several Route 66 murals here, making it a great place to take photos and selfies. Chelsea is also home to the Hogue House, which is the first Sears kit home in the state of Oklahoma. When you move on from Chelsea to your next stop in the Southern states, remember to stop in nearby Foyil to see Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park. The park features the world’s largest concrete totem pole, standing 90 feet tall.
Bastrop, Texas
You cannot plan a well-rounded Southern United States small-town trip without visiting at least one Texas town. In the underrated town of Bastrop, you can visit the Firefighter Memorial Statue and the Old Iron Bridge, which reflect the history of the area. You can also stop by the historic Bastrop Opera Theatre and catch a local performance or two. Bastrop is becoming a music town in its own right, so if you visit in September, you can enjoy the Bastrop Music Festival featuring around 40 bands and musicians.
For an outdoor outing, visit Bastrop State Park, which sits at the edge of the Lost Pines. This thirteen-mile-wide loblolly forest offers shade, beauty, and the opportunity to hike or drive along a stunning trail. Plus, you can fish the day away at Lake Mina. You do not need a fishing license, and you can keep up to five fish per visit.
Discovering the Unexpected in the South
Genuine hospitality and good food are a given in the South, but in these small towns, you will find the unexpected, too. You may be after natural beauty, history, or culture, and you will experience all of that and much more in each town. So, exit the main highways and start exploring these lesser-known or lesser-traveled destinations. You will find that a local festival, small historical site, or just a stroll along a beautiful river can hold so much more meaning than fighting your way through the crowds at the bigger landmarks in larger towns and cities.
