4 Small Southern Towns You’ll Want to Visit This Summer

sponsored content The South is home to destinations fit for all types of travelers, whether you’re looking to unwind on white-sand beaches or get active and explore. With so many getaways to choose from, we’re highlighting four Southern towns to add to your travel bucket list this summer. Each one is unique in its offerings and has something for everyone — from families to groups of girlfriends and couples. Take a look, and then start planning your next summer vacation!

Blue Ridge, Georgia

From pristine mountain waters to unique shopping excursions and some of Georgia’s best wineries and breweries, there are many opportunities to find “cool” in Blue Ridge, GA — and we’re not just talking about temperature. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this charming mountain town! Originally known as a railroad town, one of the most unique ways to embrace the beauty of Blue Ridge is to take a trip on its scenic railway. The train departs from the old depot downtown and takes travelers on a scenic journey through the Appalachian foothills, visiting the sister towns McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. We also recommend spending a day driving to the outskirts of Blue Ridge to explore its wineries. Many offer live entertainment and sweeping views of the mountains and vineyards, including Bear Claw Vineyards, Serenberry Vineyards & Winery, and the tasting room at Mercier Orchards. Beer drinkers can also enjoy Blue Ridge’s craft beer scene by heading to Grumpy Old Men Brewery, Fannin Brewing Company, Copperhill Brewery, or Buck Bald Brewing.

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Another fantastic way to take in the mountain scenery is from the water. The Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers are the perfect place to bring the family for tubing, whitewater rafting, paddling, or enjoying a riverside picnic. Lake Blue Ridge offers water-related fun, with everything from paddleboarding to swimming and boating. Blue Ridge is also home to many outfitters who rent everything you need to enjoy a day on the water, including tubes, canoes, kayaks, and pontoons. You can view a complete list of outfitters HERE. If you’re looking to take in more of the pristine local beauty, Blue Ridge offers 16 waterfalls within a short driving distance. Local favorites include Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, Sea Creek Falls, Amicalola Falls, and Helton Creek Falls. You can take a free self-guided waterfall tour by using this easy map! After a day on the water, stop by one of Blue Ridge’s many outdoor restaurants. In addition to the largest outdoor bar and covered restaurant patio in town, The Black Sheep is known for its delicious raw bar and craft cocktails. Or, for dinner with a side of waterfront views, head to Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, Burra Burra on the River, or Boat Dock Bar & Grill.

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In addition to delicious restaurants, Blue Ridge is home to plenty of eclectic, locally-owned shops. From charming art galleries to a handful of antique stores, visitors can find anything from handmade crafts to home furnishings. Local favorites include spots like Multitudes Gallery, The Sweet Shoppe of the South, Out of the Blue, Blue Ridge Cotton Company, Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, and Huck’s General Store.

South Walton, Florida

In addition to 26 miles of sugar-white sand and turquoise water, South Walton, FL, allows travelers to customize their vacation thanks to its 16 unique beach neighborhoods, which include Miramar Beach, Seascape, Sandestin, Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove, WaterSound, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach. No matter which neighborhood you choose, there’s no better way to take in the beauty of South Walton than by spending a day with your feet in the sand. To make your trip even more enjoyable and luxurious, South Walton is home to a handful of businesses that rent everything from beach chairs and umbrellas to bicycles, paddleboards, and more. Outfitters include favorites like La Dolce Vita, YOLO Board Adventures, Good Pedals, and more. Click HERE to see a complete list of outfitters that offer equipment rentals. In addition to Gulf views and adventure, South Walton is also known for its 15 rare coastal dune lakes that span 26 miles of coastline. If you’re a fan of fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, or wildlife in general, a trip to one of these lakes is truly remarkable. Beyond Florida, the only other places to experience dune lakes are Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest.

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We also recommend spending a day at Point Washington State Forest or one of South Walton’s four state parks — Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park. Each park invites travelers to take in the sights of South Walton’s unique ecosystem, including scrub oak and pine trees and bird species like prothonotary warblers and great horned owls. Be sure to also explore South Walton’s award-winning culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for coastal cuisine, Italian comfort food, or fine dining, there is something for every type of palate. Popular restaurants include Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill, Stinky’s Fish Camp, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, Red Fish Taco, and more. You can explore more South Walton restaurants by clicking HERE.

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The art scene in South Walton is also booming. Home to a diverse collection of art galleries, musicians, and performers, be sure to stop by hotspots like Saczynski Gallery, The Art of Simple, and the Underwater Museum of Art. Click HERE for a complete list of art-related destinations. Of course, you can’t leave South Walton without picking up a souvenir or two. Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag or locally crafted goods, you can find souvenirs ranging from fashionable footwear to handmade jewelry and home goods. Standout shops include Summer House Lifestyle, WaterColor® Store, and Cabana by The Seaside Style®, Clay 30A, among many others. To view an extensive list of South Walton shopping destinations, click HERE.

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Ridgeland, Mississippi

Offering 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, Ridgeland, MS, is an outdoor recreation hub for those seeking an adventure fix. Whether you’re traveling with your family or significant other, or flying solo, there are so many ways to enjoy Mother Nature in this exciting Southern town. Perhaps one of the greatest draws of Ridgeland is that it’s the perfect basecamp to explore the Natchez Trace Parkway. From its beautiful scenery to its rich history, you’ll want to take your time and explore every milepost, overlook, trailhead, and river bend that you can on this historic trail. A fun and scenic way to do so is via the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, as the 10-mile paved path is nestled within the National Park’s boundary. For adrenaline seekers, Ridgeland offers nine miles of some of the best single-track mountain biking in Mississippi. If you’re craving even more of a thrill, take a trip to the Mag Ridge BMX Track, a bicycle motocross park that hosts the USA BMX Gold Cup Qualifier every year. SB TIP: Don’t have a bike? Bicycle Revolution offers easy pick-up, delivery, or on-site cycling service and rentals!

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The Barnett Reservoir (affectionately known to locals as “The Rez”) is another can’t-miss outdoor attraction in Ridgeland, offering activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. After a fun-filled day on the water, you’ll likely build up a hearty appetite, so head to one of the area’s nearby restaurants to cool off and fill up on delicious food. Standout dishes include the mahi-mahi sandwich from Pelican Cove Grill, golden fried catfish from Cock of the Walk, raw oysters from Shucker’s Oyster Bar, and shrimp and grits from Crab’s Seafood Shack Ridgeland. The Ridgeland Wildflower Field is another great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Mississippi. Free and open to the public, the field features a walking trail, zinnias and other native plants, and sculptures made from recycled materials. Plus, visitors are encouraged to cut flowers and create their own bouquets! If strolling through an open-air mall is more your speed, you’re in luck, as Ridgeland is home to some of Mississippi’s best shopping. You can spend the day exploring the Ridgeland Retail Trail, which offers everything from fashionable clothing and accessories to antiques, home goods, and more. Shopping centers on the trail include the Township at Colony Park, Renaissance at Colony Park, and Northpark Mall. Don’t forget to stop by the Bill Waller Craft Center to explore its retail art gallery! SB TIP: Visit Renaissance at Colony Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on any night — it’s home to a one-of-a-kind show fountain with audio, lighting, and visual effects. 

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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

In addition to 32 miles of awe-inspiring beaches, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL, make a fantastic summer getaway. Offering a calendar chock-full of summer events and outdoor activities, this is an ideal destination if you’re looking to make lasting memories with the whole family. Music lovers should consider paying a visit to one of the biggest music venues on the Gulf Coast: The Wharf Amphitheater. The 10,000-seat, open-air music venue hosts some of the biggest names in music, and this year’s summer lineup includes artists like Crowder (Thursday, June 9), Chris Stapleton (Friday, July 15), and Keith Urban (Saturday, August 6). To see the full lineup, click HERE.

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The Alabama Gulf Coast is also a popular destination to celebrate the Fourth of July. The main celebration begins at 9 p.m. and includes a stunning fireworks display shot from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. In addition to the main event, many local businesses host their own celebrations, including Flora-Bama’s Fourth of July Party and The Wharf’s seventh-annual Shark Run. Turquoise Place also hosts a day full of live music, a foam party, face painting, and more. If you’re seeking a bit of adventure, the Gulf Coast offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, too! One of the best ways to explore Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is via bike. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the beach or a more challenging ride through a park, trails include Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Fort Morgan Trail, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and Shelby Lake Loop.

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For a more leisurely activity, the Alabama Gulf Coast is a great spot for birding. Travelers can get up-close views of species like egrets, herons, loons, and woodland hawks. Some of the best off-the-beaten-path trails on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail include the Weeks Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, Meaher State Park, and Graham Creek Nature Preserve. In addition to birds, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also offer diverse marine life. This makes the area popular among locals and tourists alike for shelling. Popular shelling areas include Alabama Point, West Beach at Little Lagoon Pass, Gulf State Park Beach, and Fort Morgan beaches, where you can find everything from ark clams to Florida fighting conchs and sand dollars. Of course, no trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is complete without spending a few hours on the beach. Travelers can enjoy 15 public beaches in the area that offer everything from boating and parasailing to sunrise yoga and snorkeling. Plus, many outfitters provide everything you need for activities like fishing, kayaking, or even just enjoying a day lounging on the beach.

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Happy travels! This article is sponsored by Blue Ridge GA Chamber of Commerce, Visit South Walton, Visit Ridgeland, and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All photography provided unless otherwise noted.