What is a very typical southern state/town to travel to?

Not sure exactly what you are looking for when you say typical. Both Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC are supposed to be very nice. Or, do you want a very small more rural place?

It’s not a typical “southern-country” town but Savannah GA is absolutely gorgeous. But keep in mind after May it’s going to be incredibly F-ing hot and super high humidity. Best to go in the spring when all the willow trees are in bloom… One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

Sorry I am so vague but I also don’t know exactly what to say… yes more rural, not something city like at all.

@kb12345 Try searching the net for something that fits your description. Off hand I think you’re going to have the best luck in Texas, or in the more inland areas of Florida. But you could probably find what you’re looking for anywhere from Louisiana all the way to Georgia/South Carolina.

@tedd I have tried numerous times and will keep trying. There are just so many states that could fit the description it’s very overwhelming !

Check out Eufaula, AL and New Iberia, LA. It’s been a while but I remember that they had some charm.

Charleston is wonderful in April and early May. Flowers, birds, architecture, Great-grandpa’s Georgain silver, antique wrought iron and the gardens they fence in.

Here’s a terrific link called Small town gems in America.

You can pick out the ones that you consider southern. I loved Lindsborg, KA and Sedona, AZ but they are not in the south.

@JLeslie – neither Savannah nor Charleston are typical southern towns, although they are both pleasant.

If you want a typical southern town, then go to

1) Muscle Shoals AL
2) Columbus, GA
3) Macon Ga
4) Eufala, AL (someone else said that)

Asheville, NC is a lovely mountain town, and Wilmington, NC is a cute beach town.

Defiance, MO is nice, and not too far removed from civilization. Has a population of perhaps 800. St. Charles is quite a bit bigger, but has a historical downtown from when it was the capital of Missouri.
Eureka Springs, in Arkansas, is very pretty.

Be warned that small towns are characterized by a lack of things to do.

@elbanditoroso OK. I’d rather go to Charleston or Savannah though. Ashville sounds good too.

@kb12345 Why typical? Just to experience it? Sometimes it’s difficult to really get a feel for a town in just a few days, especially if you are there as a tourist. Not sure how long you intend to stay. Most small southern towns are not appealing to me, especially their lodging. But, that’s me.

I just saw @Nullo recommended Eureka Springs, that is supposed to be very nice, and the Ozark Mountains are beautiful. There is a very very good art museum near there, supposed to be one of the best in the nation for something, I can find out if you are interested, we are going to probably go there in the fall.

@gailcalled I like your link.

Why don’t you say what it is that you want or expect to see, and people with some experience of places like that can tell you. There are thousands of small towns across the American South. With a dinner fork and a paper atlas you could pick out four (or more) at a whack.

So… what you you want?

Faulkner story settings? Redneck heaven? NASCAR track towns? Civil War battlefields?

Oh, Oxford, MS is nice. @CWOTUS Made me think of it. You can see the Faulkner house and the university campus there is very pleasant, and the downtown square is very nice. But, you can do it all in a day. Another is Franklin, TN, it’s been growing actually, but still a small town outside of Nashville.

Gatlinburg Tennessee…Dollywood is near by as well as Pigion Forge..Google them all.

I was going to say Ashland, MS or Benton, Ark.

Natchez, MS
“www.visitnatchez.com/”

Savannah epitomizes the South to me. It is so beautiful and the pace of life is slower there.

Dahlonega is a nice place.

I’ve been told Destin, Florida and its Emerald Coast is beautiful. The Outer banks in NC is also a consideration. Savana, GA and Charleston/Kiawah Island, SC are very nice. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, SC and Marco Island, FL are fun places. This website has some good information on these and other locations. http://www.segetaway.com/

What a fun adventure is in store for you should you take on this mission. @JLeslie hit the nail on the head with Charleston and Savannah if you want the 101 course on Southern Hospitality. Both cities are lovely with lots of things to do, but they cater to the tourists.

If you want to dive right in to reality, then just pick a state and go visit the small towns. Since I grew up in Virginia, I’ll use it as an example. Here is a list of Virginia towns with less than 1000 residents. Once you have your travel dates picked, you can look through this list of Summer Festivals in Virginia and see if there are any of interest to target. They are always a good way of experiencing the local lifestyle.

If you drive, then then take some of the “off the beaten track” routes instead of the highways. You’re more likely to run into the Mom and Pop diners, shops, and motels. Avoid all chains, unless you truly need a break from the southern culture. Be brave and try the local cuisine.

Most importantly, take photos and keep a journal or create a blog. It will be one adventure of your lifetime that you won’t forget.

@BosM The Fulf around Destin is beautiful, but Destin itself is full of high rises. It is not a “typical Southern town” at all.

@CWOTUS Okay I think redneck heaven!!!!