Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Go to a Small Town for Your Next Vacation

They are full of charm and so much, much more.

The small towns scattered across the South, whether they are on the coast, mountains, lakesfront or somewhere in between, are full of storybook charm. They offer history, culture and hospitality as well as beauty. If a small map dot isn’t atop your travel bucket list now, these reasons to visit will change your mind.

No matter your desire for a delicious meal, romantic escape? toes-in-the-sand trip?, or a destination that does it up at Christmastime, there’s a small town that’s just right for a visit. You may even be asked to join the community and put down roots.

Here are 9 reasons why you should take a vacation to a small community.

The Slower Pace

Although small towns might have a reputation for being sleepy, there are many ways to keep busy. There are farmers’ markets, festivals, and fairs in the area. A small town’s calmer energy can be a refreshing alternative to bustling cities or crowded beaches. With fewer people and less traffic to contend with, you’ll be in for a soothing getaway without the commotion of a bustling destination.

It can be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Walking down the street is enough. Aiken, South Carolina’s Living oak-lined streets, or along Beaufort, North Carolina’s You can go from being stressed to feeling blissful on picturesque boardwalks.

The Reasonable Price

You could end up spending a lot of money on a weekend in big cities, whether you are looking for high-end hotels or expensive meals at trendy restaurants that charge astronomical prices. You can often find affordable accommodations in a small town and memorable meals for a fraction the cost of big-city prices. Also, admission to local attractions is free or at a reasonable price.

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The Sense of Discovery

There’s something invigorating about exploring a new place, especially one that’s a bit under the radar. You can feel the thrill of visiting a new location for the first time and the anticipation of sharing your experience with family and friends. Memories made during a charming getaway will last a lifetime, whether you listen to the local blues at Clarksdale’s juke joint or reminisce about your trip. MississippiTo watch hot air balloons Take flight over Morgantown, West Virginia at the Balloons over Morgantown festival.

Natural Beauty and its Proximity

Small towns are great for exploring nature because there aren’t as many tall buildings or rivers of asphalt blocking access. Just about every destination has a natural area it’s known for, whether a scenic park, paddling trail, or meandering hike.

Ask for recommendations from your local outdoor shop to find the best fresh air fun. Apps such as AllTrails For hiking and Strava Outdoor adventure inspiration can also be found in running, biking, or paddling.

You can find it near the charming mountain village of Abingdon, VirginiaThe Appalachian Trail runs above wild ponies fields. Grayson Highlands State Park. High Springs is located 15 miles from High Springs in North Florida. Ichetucknee Springs State ParkHere you can discover eight magical freshwater springs, and the Ichetucknee River is lined by cypresses.

Your Community Support

We’ve all heard about the importance of tourism dollars in resort towns, but the same is true for any destination. Independent businesses will continue to prosper if they are able to open their wallets in small towns.

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Celebrations and Festivals

There are many small-town events that offer a variety of entertainments, from holiday-themed celebrations to arts-and-craft celebrations and everything in between.

Local festivals are not only a good time, but because they’re often rooted in history and tradition, they can act as a kind of crash course in getting to know a town. The Folk Art Magic is available for you to enjoy at the Kentuck Festival of the ArtsYou can find it across the river from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Get ready to dive into the holiday season at Dahlonega, Georgia’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival that is Hallmark worthy; or, peruse fields and barns awash with vintage treasures at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair Round Top, Texas

Shopping, Art, and Local Food

Those tangible, tasteable, and wearable tokens of a small town’s character are one of the most poignant draws. The chance to experience cuisine that’s rooted in a place, like Gulf Shores, Alabama’s royal red shrimpThese savoury bourbons taste like lobster and scallops or barrel-aged Bourbon from Bardstown (the first stop on this tour). Kentucky Bourbon Trail This is one of the best ways to celebrate and understand a place with 11 distilleries.

The same is true for local artists and artisans, whether you’re window shopping, on the lookout for a memento, or hunting for a forever-piece for your home or closet.

The History of the Place

While it might sound boring and tedious to get to know your destination’s origin story, it can be very informative and provide a deeper experience. Visiting public spaces, like visitors centers, libraries, post offices, courthouses, and art museums, can give you clues about the town’s evolution. To get a deeper understanding of the town, you might consider a walking tour. This could be either led by a professional or self-guided.

Small-town Strangers are kind

There is something about the warm welcome you’ll get in a small town. Even just a smile can make your day brighter. And you may even end up making new friends.

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