Are you craving the small town life? Look no further than these Southern gems, all within 3 hours of major cities. Just pick a state. I compiled some of my favorite posts on the region, so enjoy, especially if you’ve never visited my South before.
Athens, Georgia, known as the Classic City, is home to the University of Georgia, a vibrant music scene and more bars than anyone can handle. Heard of REM, Of Montreal or the B-52s? They all got their start here. Read more here.
Beaufort, South Carolina (pronounced BYOO-FURT, not to be confused with BOW-FURT in North Carolina) is a coastal town in South Carolina about an hour from Charleston. It is home to Parris Island, a Marine Corps base, and author Pat Conroy. Nearby Bluffton is also a necessary stop. Read more here.
Boone, North Carolina is a sleepy mountain town that has been home to miners, moonshine distillers and Appalachian State University students. There are lots of hippie shops and hiking trails.
Chattanooga, Tennessee has gone from tourist spot to hip city in only a few years. Home to the Tennessee Aquarium, Chickamauga Battlefield and lots of great shops and restaurants. It’s more than just a quick stop. Read more here.
St. Simon’s Island, Georgia is a cute island town on Georgia’s Golden Isles. The beaches are gorgeous and the food is delicious. But be careful what you say, because this is Bulldog country. Read more here.
I am so intrigued by Southern cities–I'm a Southwestern girl. I would love to go on a big road trip through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. I almost went to Athens and Savannah with a friend of mine who was living in Atlanta, but then she moved. One day…
i didnt know REM was from Athens, Georgia. the place sounds great i would love to visit there
Good list but as a Tennessee native, I'd replace Chattanooga with Knoxville. Go Vols! =)