in

5 Southern Towns That Are Highly Underrated

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty

The Southern United States has places to enjoy live music, savor delicious food, and experience warm hospitality. Certain cities like New Orleans, Atlanta, and Nashville often steal the spotlight, but there are smaller towns that deserve just as much attention. Here are five underrated Southern towns that are perfect for your next trip.

St. Augustine, Florida

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty

This beautiful city was established in 1565 and proudly holds the title of America’s oldest town. Each September 7, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and Mission Nombre de Dios stage lively reenactments to honor the anniversary. Beyond its historical significance, St. Augustine excels as a culinary and artistic hub. The Spanish Food and Wine Festival showcases local flavors at venues like the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum in Flagler College every year during spring.

Fairhope, Alabama

Cavan Images/Getty

Another underrated city in the South is Fairhope. Here, you can start your day with a hearty breakfast at Panini Pete’s, famous for its flaky beignets. Then, walk through Copper Room Antiques to find vintage treasures. Just a 30-minute drive from Fairhope, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is perfect for canoeing or paddleboarding along the Bartram Canoe Trail. The town’s historic French Quarter, cobblestone courtyard, and the largest crape myrtle tree in the South make it a must-visit.

Richmond, Virginia 

Farragutful/Wikipedia

Many history enthusiasts love this city, but it remains surprisingly underrated. You can visit the Virginia Black History Museum and Cultural Center to explore Black history and culture. Moreover, the White House of the Confederacy, built in 1818, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Civil War era. After your tour, head to Carytown, known as “The Mile of Style,” for a Carytown Food Tour. The tour includes up to six stops, featuring spots like Can-Can for French cuisine and New York Deli.

Greenville, South Carolina

Sean Pavone/Getty

Often overlooked, this smaller city in the Blue Ridge Mountains still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. At Greenville, you can stroll across a suspension bridge that spans a stunning waterfall, visit several impressive art museums, and even hang out in an underground coffee shop. The city also has an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, various breweries, and unique public art installations to browse while taking a stroll. After an exciting rafting trip, you can enjoy Greenville’s rich art, food, and entertainment offerings. Greenville’s nightlife is always lively, thanks to the influx of students from nearby Clemson University. 

Lafayette, Louisiana

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve/Facebook

Lafayette sits at the heart of Creole and Cajun Country. The food alone is worth the trip; you shouldn’t miss trying dishes like jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo with andouille sausage. You can learn about the French-speaking Acadian people from Canada who settled in Louisiana in the 1700s at the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center and LARC’s Acadian Village. It has a nightlife that is buzzing with music and dance. Take a boat tour through Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp and wetland in the U.S., where alligators, egrets, and other wildlife can be found.

Written by Jace Lamonica

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *