The South’s Prettiest Towns 2018

By Southern Living Editors

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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See The Winners

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1. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Photo: Courtesy Amanda Lugenbell/Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority

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2. Aiken, South Carolina

Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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3. Sanibel, Florida

Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

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4. Sewanee, Tennessee

The University of the South

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5. Fairhope, Alabama

Photo: Benjamin Callahan
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6. Cashiers, North Carolina

Stacy Redmon

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7. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Robbie Caponetto

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8. Southport, North Carolina

Danita Delimont/Getty Images
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9. Beaufort, South Carolina

Robbie Caponetto

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10. Madison, Georgia

Courtesy of Madison CVB

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11. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Robbie Caponetto
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12. Williamsburg, Virginia

Dennis Johnson/Getty Images

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13. St. Michaels, Maryland

Courtesy Josh Gibson/Orient Express

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14. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
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15. Middleburg, Virginia

Peter Frank Edwards

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16. Beaufort, North Carolina

Charlotte Observer/Getty Images

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17. Mentone, Alabama

Robbie Caponetto
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18. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Southern Living

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19. Islamorada, Florida

Courtesy of The Moorings Village

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20. Hendersonville, North Carolina

Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images
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21. Key West, Florida

Robbie Caponetto

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22. Franklin, Tennessee

Courtesy Universal Images Group/Getty Images

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23. Charlottesville, Virginia

Peter Frank Edwards/Redux
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24. Brevard, North Carolina

Sean Taylor/EyeEm/Getty Images

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25. Fernandina Beach, Florida

Robbie Caponetto
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