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The world is a vast and exotic place to explore, and the larger metropolises are often the most attractive. Yet it is the small towns that give American culture and character.
This fall is a perfect time to explore a charming town that has more to offer than you might think.
Here are ten quirky, quaint, fun and unique little towns to visit in the South that will make your fall travels unique:
10. Fredericksburg, Texas
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Austin, Texas, this small town offers an array of things to do. Fredericksburg is a city of German heritage and award-winning wineries.
Since Germans settled in the city in the 19th century, the city offers a unique blend of German traditions and Texan culture, especially when it comes to food. You can enjoy traditional German sausages, apple strudel and pretzels. For more of a food adventure, try a Texas-style schnitzel with guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese.
Despite being a small town, the area is lively, with bars, breweries and many historical museums in the center.
9. Folly Beach, South Carolina
With the word beach in the name, it’s pretty clear that one of the main attractions of this southern city is the vast expanses of sand and ocean.
Although fall isn’t optimal beach weather, you can still enjoy relaxing walks along Folly Beach. You might even be lucky and see dolphins known to pass along the coast.
There’s also kayaking and surfing if you want to venture into the water.
The area has a saying: “Relax, slow down, it’s folly.” So when responsibilities start to pile up at the end of the year, Folly can be a great escape from the madness of everyday life.
Although the city has a relaxed atmosphere, it does not lack entertainment. Folly Beach celebrates 50 Years of Folly in the fall. It is an event with street festivals, a vintage car show, discos on the pier and fun for all ages.
8. Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island, a barrier island close to Savannah, Georgia, can easily be overlooked as a place to visit. Yet there is a wide variety of experiences the island has to offer.
The island is known for its delicious and fresh seafood. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can visit The Sugar Shack, which has been in business for over 30 years and serves the best hand-dipped ice cream.
In addition to delicious food, you can take a nature tour to learn more about estuaries and see if you can find a shark tooth or other unique marine finds.
7. Sanibel, Florida
If you don’t know, Florida has more to offer than the Keys, Orlando and Miami. However, without a beautiful beach, Florida wouldn’t be the great state that it is. Sanibel lives up to this standard by offering an assortment of beaches.
A unique aspect of Sanibel beaches is that you can collect a variety of shells and even find sand dollars. Make sure there are no hermit crabs or other creatures living in the shell you want to collect.
If you want more wildlife than the critters you can find on the beach, check it out JN Ding Darling National Nature Reserve. This education center offers visitors the chance to learn about the migration of threatened or endangered birds.
6. Fairhope, AL
Have you heard of the ‘Julibee’? Well, that’s what Fairhope, Alabama, is known for. It’s when shrimp, crabs and flounder swarm the bay in abundance. It is the easiest working day of a fisherman and a sightseeing spot for tourists.
Another hotspot in Fairhope is the Fairhope Brewing Company. In 2012 they opened with just two beers on tap and now they have 14 beers and ciders for guests to try. You can also take part in the brewery’s trivia and live music nights and introduce your taste buds to exotic flavors such as a sour beer.
Fall is a great time to visit Fairhope’s weekly farmers market and art walks.
5. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
If you’re wondering how this town got its name, it’s because of the 4,000-foot cliff that rises above a beautiful gorge and lush forest.
This small town is a great place to admire the fall leaves and host several fall festivals throughout the season.
4. Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega was once known as a literal golden ghost. In 1838, the US Branch Mint minted $6 million in gold. Although gold mining is no longer a way to get rich, panning for gold is often a practice of many locals and tourists in this city.
One of the city’s biggest highlights in the fall is the Gold Rush Days Festival in late October, with more than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, a parade and a gold panning competition. Not surprisingly, the festival was named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.
3. Gatlinburg, Tenn
Gatlinburg is the place to visit if you’re looking for a small town with a big city atmosphere. Perhaps one of the most unique attractions is the Gatlinburg Pinball Museumwhere you can view and play over 100 retro arcade games and pinball machines.
If you’re looking for stimulation outside of an electrical box, try Gatlinburg Adventure Park, which features a zipline, treetop obstacle courses, and gondola rides.
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
Travelers who marvel at design and architecture, prepare to fall in love with the well-preserved mansions and plantations of Beaufort, South Carolina. If you visit Front Street you will find styles such as Queen Anne influenced architecture, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to understand the beauty and history of the city. This way you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you learn how the city came to be.
1. St. Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine is a city that is becoming increasingly popular. One of the main attractions is the cobbled street, St. George Street. You will find restaurants, souvenir shops, historical sites and many more sights.
If you want a unique experience, you can board the Pirate ship Black Raven. This ship sails three times a week for people over 21. Crew members are dressed in pirate clothing and provide fun activities and dancing during the trip.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
