Let’s start with what is meant by sensational. For the purposes of this article, it simply means amazing and exciting places which arouse the senses. This does not depend on the land size or population, but on the friendliness of the people or the charm of the place. Or perhaps the true reason you call a place a sensational Southern town is due to how it makes you feel.
Three Top Spots (USA)
Hopefully, most of us will agree that three of the top sensational spots that quickly come to mind across the South (USA) would be Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The commonalities include huge oak trees with flowing moss, fabulous architecture, fascinating history, and a full calendar of activities such as festivals and parades. Here is an article I wrote about Parks in Charleston; https://charlestongateway.com/features/lose-your-cares-in-charleston-parks-and-squares/ and a great source of info https://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/ .
Here’s a link for Savannah; https://visitsavannah.com/events .
And here’s a link for New Orleans; https://www.visitneworleans.com/ .
Exceptional Side Trips
Sometimes though, one singular and exceptional item can make a smaller town just as memorable. For instance, a tiny town (Cleveland, Alabama) with a covered bridge or a medium-sized town (Tupelo, Mississippi) with a famous landmark that helped to change the world. These make great side trips during a longer road trip.
Here’s a link about the Swann Bridge; https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/swann-covered-bridge .
Here’s a link about the Elvis birthplace; https://elvispresleybirthplace.com/ .
Friendly People
What else contributes to making a place a sensational Southern town? Let’s not forget the friendly people, the great food, and a variety of arts. The Murray family runs a goat farm in Pavo, Georgia, and are some of the most friendly and awesome folks I’ve ever met. Even the smallest farm town most likely has fine folks who leave a huge positive impression. Here’s a link about the goat farm; https://www.gratefulhillfarm.com/ .
Great Food
Did you know that Florence, South Carolina is a fantastic foodie town? This taste of heaven on earth at Victors includes potatoes, asparagus, steak, and shrimp with a bit of Cajun Cream. Can you say “yum, y’all” !?!?! Also, Florence is on the South Carolina Pecan Trail and has loads of delicious pecan specialties all over town…oh so good. Link here; https://visitflo.com/ .
Variety of Arts
Columbus, Mississippi
The childhood home of playwright Tennessee Williams is now a National Literary Landmark and the official Welcome Center of the town of Columbus, Mississippi. There visitors can appreciate historical art, furnishings, clothing, and learn many reasons why this house and this town are well worth a tour. While the original Angel of Grief is in Italy, ask the locals for directions to Friendship Cemetery to see one just like it. Link; https://visitcolumbusms.org/ .
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Down along the relaxing Gulf Coast, check out Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and its thriving art scene. Shown here is a stage setting of A Streetcar Named Desire (a Tennessee Williams play) which was performed at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. There you can find out how the legacy of the artistic Anderson family still continues to enrich the area, even after 100 years. Learn more here; https://oceanspringschamber.com/about-us/ .
Bainbridge, Georgia
If you prefer live music instead of live theatre, head for the annual Jazz & Blues Festival in Bainbridge, Georgia. Talented regional and national musicians play in multiple venues just a short walk from the lovely Willis Park fountain and gazebo. Foodies will find satisfying seafood, barbecue, and more while browsing the shops and art galleries. More info about Bainbridge here; https://visitbainbridgega.com/ .
TWO Great MURAL Towns !! Yep, I said it!
Dang y’all, I have a real soft spot for murals and love sharing them with you. Joplin, Missouri has several great murals. Here is part of one called The Butterfly Effect that has a multitude of gorgeous colors. You could spend hours discovering all the murals in two of my favorite towns filled with them… (Joplin, Missouri https://www.visitjoplinmo.com/ ) … and the town which I currently call home (Tallahassee, Florida https://visittallahassee.com/visitor-guide/ ).
New murals are always being added to the Railroad Square Art District in my current home town of Tallahassee, Florida. As we say down South, we’ve got more murals here than you could shake a stick at… and y’all need to come on down to see for yourself. We will treat you so many ways that you’re bound to like some of them!
Look how much AMAZING INFO you now have about SENSATIONAL SOUTHERN TOWNS! You should probably start planning your next great road trip right now. Wonder how long it will take you to enjoy all twelve stops in these seven states? And by the time you’ve been there and done that… well, dang y’all… I will have more to share!
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