The South’s Prettiest Towns 2018

By Southern Living Editors
March 20, 2018
Credit: 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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 26

See The Winners

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

1. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

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

3 of 26

2. Aiken, South Carolina

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
Advertisement

4 of 26

3. Sanibel, Florida

Credit: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

5 of 26

4. Sewanee, Tennessee

Credit: The University of the South

6 of 26

5. Fairhope, Alabama

Credit: Benjamin Callahan
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

6. Cashiers, North Carolina

Credit: Stacy Redmon

8 of 26

7. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

9 of 26

8. Southport, North Carolina

Credit: Danita Delimont/Getty Images
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

9. Beaufort, South Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

11 of 26

10. Madison, Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of Madison CVB

12 of 26

11. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

12. Williamsburg, Virginia

Credit: Dennis Johnson/Getty Images

14 of 26

13. St. Michaels, Maryland

Credit: Courtesy Josh Gibson/Orient Express

15 of 26

14. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Credit: Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

15. Middleburg, Virginia

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

17 of 26

16. Beaufort, North Carolina

Credit: Charlotte Observer/Getty Images

18 of 26

17. Mentone, Alabama

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

18. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Credit: Southern Living

20 of 26

19. Islamorada, Florida

Credit: Courtesy of The Moorings Village

21 of 26

20. Hendersonville, North Carolina

Credit: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

21. Key West, Florida

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

23 of 26

22. Franklin, Tennessee

Credit: Courtesy Universal Images Group/Getty Images

24 of 26

23. Charlottesville, Virginia

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

24. Brevard, North Carolina

Credit: Sean Taylor/EyeEm/Getty Images

26 of 26

25. Fernandina Beach, Florida

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors