The South's Prettiest Towns 2018
Southern Living May 2021 Cover
Fairhope, Alabama
Credit: Photo: Benjamin Callahan
There's not just one thing that makes the South so beautiful. It's the breathtaking mountain vistas, beaches that belong in a screensaver, fields of wildflowers that stretch to the horizon, iconic desert landscapes in Texas, and marshes that look like a movie set. Whether you're a lake person or a beach person, prefer the mountains or wide-open plains, the South is full of small towns, filled with charm, nestled among such enchanting scenery. From tropical Key West, Florida, to mountainous Cashiers, North Carolina, our small towns are hidden gems, populated by friendly faces and plenty of reasons to stay longer than a quick pit stop. In Franklin, Tennessee, you can check out a few of its 70 shops (all within 16 blocks) while escaping the bustle of Nashville. In Madison, Georgia, you can witness the power of tireless historic preservation efforts and take in the glory of old Southern architecture—from Greek Revival to Victorian, this town showcases all the great architectural styles. The list doesn't end there. Read on for more of the South's prettiest small towns—chosen by you.
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1. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock and Blue Ridge
Credit: Photo: Courtesy Amanda Lugenbell/Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority
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2. Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken, South Carolina
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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3. Sanibel, Florida
Sanibel
Credit: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
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4. Sewanee, Tennessee
Sewanee, Tennessee
Credit: The University of the South
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5. Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope, Alabama
Credit: Photo: Benjamin Callahan
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6. Cashiers, North Carolina
Cashiers, North Carolina
Credit: Stacy Redmon
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7. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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8. Southport, North Carolina
Southport, North Carolina
Credit: Danita Delimont/Getty Images
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9. Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina Marina
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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10. Madison, Georgia
Madison, Georgia
Credit: Courtesy of Madison CVB
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11. Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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12. Williamsburg, Virginia
College of William and Mary
Credit: Dennis Johnson/Getty Images
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13. St. Michaels, Maryland
St. Michaels, Maryland
Credit: Courtesy Josh Gibson/Orient Express
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14. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Credit: Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
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15. Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg, Virginia
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
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16. Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort
Credit: Charlotte Observer/Getty Images
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17. Mentone, Alabama
Mentone, Alabama
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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18. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Credit: Southern Living
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19. Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada Beach
Credit: Courtesy of The Moorings Village
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20. Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hendersonville
Credit: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images
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21. Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida Sunset
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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22. Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin Main Street
Credit: Courtesy Universal Images Group/Getty Images
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23. Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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24. Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard, North Carolina
Credit: Sean Taylor/EyeEm/Getty Images
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25. Fernandina Beach, Florida
6. Fernandina Beach, Florida
Credit: Robbie Caponetto