The 15 Most Adorable Small Towns For A Summer Getaway

Downtown road with flowers — Photo:
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce

There are some things that are universally “aww”-inducing. Kittens, puppies, bunnies, and basically any other species of tiny mammal are at the top of that list. Watching a baby discover the joy of ice cream for the first time is also pretty high up, as is every single one of these swingy dresses. For many Southerners, one less-expected thing often lands on the coveted cute list: small towns. But not all small towns are built the same. To be a truly adorable small town, several boxes must be checked. A walkable and charming main street or downtown are requirements. An old-fashioned ice cream parlor or candy shop is a nice touch. And finally, excellent community and friendly locals are a must. Each of the following Southern small towns has all of the above–and so much more–rendering it an ideal place to visit this summer...or maybe even move to one day (retirement ideas, anyone?). From sunny beach towns to nostalgic mountain communities, keep reading for our list of adorable small towns that are ideal for a dreamy weekend getaway.

Boone, North Carolina

The restored Appalachian Theatre in downtown Boone.
Cameron Reynolds

This tiny village in northwest North Carolina is as nostalgic a destination as it gets. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone offers an alluring mix of old-school Appalachia intermingled with modernity thanks to notable places like Mast General Store, boutique stay The Horton Hotel, and Doe Ridge Pottery.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida

Colorful Adirondack chairs and umbrellas are set up in this cheerful South Florida town’s main square that overlooks the gorgeous beachfront. On weekends, free dance or yoga classes are held in the same place. Just steps off the beach, you’ll find excellent local restaurants like piano bar Mickey’s Downtown and French bistro Frenchy’s Table in place of run-of-the-mill seafood chains. Retro, family-owned stays replace mega high-rise condos.

Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay, GA — rodclementphotography / Getty Images

North Georgia’s small towns are all winners, but we’ve got special love in our hearts for Ellijay, which is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia. While this place begs for a fall retreat, it’s just as lovely in summer, when you can spend time on Carters Lake, stroll the quaint downtown, and find fresh peaches and watermelons galore at roadside stands and produce markets.

St. Michaels, Maryland

There’s no place like this coastal charmer on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, about an hour and a half east of D.C., you’ll feel worlds away from our nation’s busy Capitol. Businesses along South Talbot Street like Olde Town Candy Company and The Shops at Sea Captain’s Cottage are must visits. For the full experience, book a stay at the historic Inn at Perry Cabin, the enigmatic resort that provided the backdrop for pivotal scenes in the classic rom-com Wedding Crashers.

Seaside, Florida

All of South Walton County’s 30A beach communities have a certain palpable sparkle, but there’s a reason Seaside is its most well-known. The idyllic beachfront community seems to exist in a bubble where only happiness and joy can survive. From the iconic white-washed post office to the rooftop patio of Bud & Alley’s to the quirky Sundog Books to the parade of airstream food trucks surrounding the town’s central amphitheater, every scene in this coastal community is more perfect than the next.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Shot of iconic street in Ocean Springs — City of Ocean Springs

The arts are alive and well in this coastal Mississippi town that was once the home of famed painter and writer Walter Anderson. You can see his nature-inspired works at the Walter Anderson Museum downtown, then spend the rest of your afternoon getting to know the town’s current roster of talented artists at places like Shearwater Pottery and Hillyer House. Well-designed boutique properties like The Beatnik, The Roost, and The Hemingway further make the case for Ocean Springs as the cutest town you’ll ever meet.

Beaufort, South Carolina

beaufort sc — Beaufort Convention and Visitors Bureau

Charleston is as charming a place as can be, but you wouldn’t exactly call it adorable. Its down-coast neighbor Beaufort, however, is more than deserving of the descriptor. Beaufort’s Waterfront Park is positively dreamy. Its historic homes along Craven Street are dripping with romantic nostalgia. And downtown businesses like Lowcountry Produce provide the perfect place for an aesthetically pleasing cafe lunch or morning pastry.

Dripping Springs, Texas

Dripping Springs is exactly the kind of hidden-gem, under-the-radar place you’d expect from Texas’s renowned Hill Country. Hike to the sparkling blue Hamilton Pool with its 50-foot waterfall. Stay in a scenic glamping resort or hill country ranch, and prepare to add this one-of-a-kind destination to your list of favorite places in the world.

Black Mountain, North Carolina

Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is just 15 miles East of Asheville, making it an ideal day trip for anyone looking for their new favorite small town. — Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce

For those who love Asheville but want a quieter experience, its neighbor just 20 minutes east is the darling mountain town of your dreams. Spend a day strolling the walkable downtown where you’ll find local art galleries and ceramics shops, an old-school general store, laidback breweries, and ice cream shops. On Saturdays, you can hang with locals at the Tailgate Market (a farmers market), or sit down to brunch at Open Oven Brunch & Bakery. Need a minute to stop and smell the roses? There are hand-painted rocking chairs situated all over town that are perfect for exactly that.

Fairhope, Alabama

This is the kind of place where every street corner is more swoon-worthy than the last. Rent a bike and pedal through the historic neighborhoods or along the gorgeous coast. Visit funky antique shops, well-curated boutiques, and a memorable book shop where you can sip on a literary-inspired cocktail while you hunt for your next read. Nothing’s more charming than Fairhope’s quaint downtown during parade days; come for Mardi Gras or Fourth of July for the full experience.

Mount Airy, North Carolina

Fans of the The Andy Griffith Show who have fantasized about a real-life Mayberry will find that their dreams can come true with a trip to Mount Airy. Andy’s hometown and the real-life inspiration for the show’s beloved setting provides exactly the kind of old-school escape from reality that transcends generations. Visit places like Opie’s Candy Store, Snappy Lunch, and Walker Soda Fountain for a heavy hit of nostalgia.

Oxford, Mississippi

Square Books in Oxford, MS — Robbie Caponetto

If you want to discover the heart of Oxford, head to the Square. The historic center of town is home to a bevy of must-visit local businesses, from bookstores and museums to art galleries and restaurants. Notable spots include Square Books (one of the South’s favorite bookstores), Neilsen’s (the South’s oldest department store), and City Grocery (a landmark restaurant in Oxford’s surprisingly wonderful dining scene). There’s a reason so many Ole Miss students make Oxford their permanent home after graduation, and it’s because the beloved college town has that special something.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs Tram — Courtesy of the Eureka Springs City Advertising & Promotion Commission

This eclectic mountain town nestled in the Ozarks got its start as a Victorian-era spa town, so it’s got charm in spades. Among the natural hot springs (which you can still take advantage of today), you’ll find all kinds of wonders along downtown Eureka Spings’s hilly streets. One of the best ways to get acquainted with the town is to take the Eureka Springs Tram Tour. Hop aboard and enjoy the ride as you learn about the historic town and get a crash course in architectural history dating back to the 1800s and ranging from Victorian to Craftsman to Gothic Revival.

Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard Music Center — Peter Frank Edwards

Surrounded by the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is a popular summer camp destination thanks to its gorgeous natural setting in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. Adults can–and should–create a summer getaway of their own here, starting with a stay at a beautiful bed and breakfast like the Bromfield Inn. Begin your days chasing waterfalls, hiking to excellent view points, and plunging into secret watering holes. In the afternoons and evenings, downtown Brevard is more than ready to assist with excellent shopping, dining, and lots of live music.

Abingdon, Virginia

All the hallmarks of a great small-town vacation are found in the rolling green hills of Abingdon. Make home base at the stunning Martha Washington Inn & Spa, then expand your radius to explore the surrounding area. You can cruise down a mountain on two wheels by following the Virginia Creeper Rail Trail. You can see a play in a historic theater, and spend the rest of your days shopping along tree-lined Main Street and deciding which of the town’s many excellent restaurants to try next.