The South’s Prettiest Towns 2018

By Southern Living Editors
March 20, 2018
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

Credit: Photo: Courtesy Amanda Lugenbell/Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority

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2. Aiken, South Carolina

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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3. Sanibel, Florida

Credit: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

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4. Sewanee, Tennessee

Credit: The University of the South

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5. Fairhope, Alabama

Credit: Photo: Benjamin Callahan
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6. Cashiers, North Carolina

Credit: Stacy Redmon

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7. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

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8. Southport, North Carolina

Credit: Danita Delimont/Getty Images
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9. Beaufort, South Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

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10. Madison, Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of Madison CVB

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11. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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12. Williamsburg, Virginia

Credit: Dennis Johnson/Getty Images

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13. St. Michaels, Maryland

Credit: Courtesy Josh Gibson/Orient Express

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14. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
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15. Middleburg, Virginia

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

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16. Beaufort, North Carolina

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17. Mentone, Alabama

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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18. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Credit: Southern Living

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19. Islamorada, Florida

Credit: Courtesy of The Moorings Village

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20. Hendersonville, North Carolina

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21. Key West, Florida

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

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22. Franklin, Tennessee

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23. Charlottesville, Virginia

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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24. Brevard, North Carolina

Credit: Sean Taylor/EyeEm/Getty Images

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25. Fernandina Beach, Florida

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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By Southern Living Editors