There’s so much to love about the South, it’s home to some of the most charming small towns. With a wide variety of landscapes, from beaches, mountains and everything in between, the South has great charm.
Not to mention the people. There’s something about southern hospitality. If you grew up in the South, you more than likely have it ingrained in your blood! And if you’re not from the South, we’re sure you have caught on to that hospitality (and maybe even joke about it– it’s okay, we do too). The South welcomes you in with a big ole glass of sweet tea, a “yes ma’am” or “yes sir,” some of the best home cooking, and most of the time we’re quick to offer help or directions.
Stick around the South long enough, and you may even find yourself saying “Bless your heart” and mixing up some sweet tea too.
And for those folks from Georgia, you know there’s so much to love about the Peach State. Beauty abounds from Savannah, up to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s no shortage of small towns throughout the state that each boast a story. Georgia is filled with history and culture.
In fact, Georgia has 3 towns featured in WorldAtlas.com‘s list of the 13 Most Charming Small Towns in the South.
We’ve put the 3 Georgia small towns at the top of the list. Scroll down to see what other small towns in the South made the list!
13 Most Charming Small Towns in the South
Dahlonega, Georgia
Known for the gold rush of 1828, and home to many wineries and vineyards. The town’s name is actually derived from the Cherokee word for yellow or gold. Dahlonega is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with beautiful, scenic views.
Photo: Jen Wolf/Shutterstock
Helen, Georgia
A quaint little mountain town modeled after a Bavarian-style village. They host a yearly Oktoberfest. Helen is home to many vineyards, the Chattahoochee River where you can going tubing, and many trails and parks to check out too.
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Marietta, Georgia
This town has a rich history with a cotton warehouse that dates back to 1845, which is now the Marietta Museum of History. There’s also a Gone with the Wind Museum as well. There are many hiking trails, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and many local boutiques and cafes.
Photo: Rob Hainer/Shutterstock
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
This town features an enormous cliff high above the Johns River Gorge. You can find plenty of outdoor adventures here with Grandfather Mountain, Moses Cone Memorial Park, caverns, falls and more. It’s also home to Tweetsie Railroad.
Photo: Cvandyke/Shutterstock
Boone, North Carolina
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountain, this town has many scenic views. It’s home to the renowned Hickory Living History Museum. The town is also named after world-known explorer, Daniel Boone.
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Manteo, North Carolina
This coastal location is exceptionally charming. It’s a great place to learn about the nation’s history, along with checking out Roanoke Island, Elizabethan Gardens and the Kill Devil Hills Rum distillery.
Photo: William Silver/Shutterstock
New Bern, North Carolina
The town has survived two hurricanes in recent years. It’s located where the Neuse and Trent Rivers converge. It’s a great summer getaway. It’s also the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola soda.
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Charlottesville, Virginia
This town is home to many historical landmarks, and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains with picturesque views, and is home to the University of Virginia.
Photo: Kim Kelley-Wagner/Shutterstock
Covington, Louisiana
Enjoy an authentic Cajun experience here. The town was founded in 1813. Many of the old, tree-shaded cottages remain. There’s also many water activities to enjoy in the summer. You can also find some of the most amazing beignets in the region.
Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
A little known place for those of us outside of Louisiana, but it’s known and loved by many, especially for their strawberries. They even have a Strawberry Festival each spring. You can find many unique goods and handmade crafts at their markets as well.
Photo: SevenMaps/Shutterstock
Guthrie, Oklahoma
This town has some great shopping and dining experiences. The downtown area boasts their Victorian-era history. It’s known as the largest contiguous Historic Preservation District in the US.
Photo: RaksyBH/Shutterstock
Rugby, Texas
This small town was founded by an English writer, Thomas Hughes, in 1880. It has well-preserved Victorian architecture, original homes plus a gothic church and library.
Photo: Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock
Boerne, Texas
For a taste of nostalgia, this is the place to go! With an old-school sweet shop, and a cold river to jump in on a hot summer day, it sure to take you back. It’s surrounded by rugged limestone countryside and has many antique and specialty stores for tourists.
Photo: Kollertheworld/Shutterstock