The south of the United States, known for its friendly people, slower-paced lifestyle, and breathtaking landscapes, entices visitors with its abundance of outdoor activities, historic sites, and delectable cuisine. Additionally, smaller Southern communities have a lot to offer tourists in addition to the busy hubs of Nashville and Houston. These are some of the nicest tiny towns in the South, ranging from Texas to Tennessee.

In addition to opulent vacation houses dotted along the Atlantic Ocean, the little hamlet of Duck, North Carolina's Outer Banks, offers waterfront eating and retail options. Along 11 acres of maritime dordle forest and willow swamp pathways, vacationers may enjoy wide beaches, shady bike routes, and quaint wooden boardwalks. For a sunset worth toasting, a ride over the bay's shallows is perfect. In addition, Duck is one of the most pet-friendly beach towns in the nation; well-mannered dogs are welcome off leash, and the town has full with dog water fountains.

Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest at an elevation of 4,118 feet lies the quaint mountain village of Highlands. The surrounding area is ideal for a nature-loving vacation since it has the tallest waterfall (Whitewater Falls), the deepest canyon (Linville canyon), and the highest peak (Mount Mitchell) in the eastern United States. Within a few hours' drive are two well-known parks: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the meanwhile, Highlands' Main Street is a haven for unique stores and eateries, and it's also home to The Old Edwards Inn and Spa, one of the nation's most charming Relais & Châteaux resorts in the European tradition.

The traditional weekend escape from Atlanta is Blue Ridge. Its charming downtown is centered on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and is lined with independent ice cream shops, restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. In fact, you may stop for tastings and live music at over forty independent wineries in northern Georgia, all of which are easily accessible. Take a hike through the Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest and the Appalachian Mountains. You may also pick your own apples, blueberries, and sunflowers during the agricultural seasons. In Blue Ridge, there are also many of quaint, family-owned bed & breakfasts where you can relax on the veranda, take in the crisp mountain air, and have a bottle of Georgian cabernet franc.