Over the years, we've visited several Southern towns, each with its own character and charm. From historic districts to beautiful gardens, here are some places that left an impression.

Charleston, South Carolina - Gardens, History, and Lowcountry Charm

Charleston is elegant and walkable. The food scene here is incredible - from Lowcountry classics to innovative restaurants.

A carriage ride through the historic district is a popular way to see the area and learn about Charleston's history. The Battery and White Point Garden offer beautiful harbor views, and the antebellum mansions along the waterfront are stunning. The Charleston City Market and Rainbow Row are worth checking out too.

We took the Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry, which was really interesting. The ferry ride itself is nice, and learning about where the Civil War started adds context to Charleston's history.

We also visited Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, both about 30 minutes from downtown. Middleton Place has the oldest landscaped gardens in America, dating back to 1741. The terraced lawns that slope down to the Ashley River are beautiful. The Middleton family lived here for generations - Arthur Middleton even signed the Declaration of Independence. The site shows the reality of plantation life, including the enslaved people who built and maintained these grounds. You can watch craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades like blacksmithing and pottery.

Magnolia Plantation has been in the same family since the 1670s, making it one of the oldest plantations in the South. The gardens have a more romantic, naturalistic feel with walking paths through acres of azaleas and camellias. They also address the plantation's history of enslaved labor. The swamp garden is unique and worth exploring.

Savannah, Georgia - Historic Squares and Spanish Moss

Savannah feels like stepping into a different era. Historic squares draped in Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and beautiful antebellum homes create an atmosphere that's hard to beat. We took a trolley tour to get oriented, which was a good way to see the main sights and learn about the city's history. We loved walking through Forsyth Park. The Historic District is where you'll spend most of your time.

We also drove out to the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which is about 20 minutes from downtown. One evening, we ate at a restaurant that had belly dancing - a fun and unexpected experience in Savannah.

Williamsburg, Virginia - Living Colonial History

Williamsburg is all about living history. Colonial Williamsburg is a massive restored 18th-century town where costumed interpreters bring colonial America to life. You can watch blacksmiths, wigmakers, and other tradespeople demonstrate their crafts, and the historical buildings are fascinating to explore. We ate in one of the historic houses where the staff dress in colonial attire and serve food in period style - it really takes you back in time.

We also visited Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield, which are both nearby. Together, they're called the Historic Triangle and cover key moments in American history. We also went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which was a fun addition to the historical sites.

St. Augustine, Florida - Spanish Colonial Heritage

St. Augustine claims to be the oldest city in the US, and you can feel that history everywhere. The Spanish colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and massive fort right on the water give it a unique character. We took a trolley tour to get an overview of the city and its history.

Castillo de San Marcos is the star attraction - this massive stone fortress has been standing since the 1600s. Walk down St. George Street, a pedestrian-only historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and museums.

New Bern, North Carolina - Riverside Tranquility and Tryon Palace

New Bern doesn't get as much attention as some of these other towns, but it's a real gem. This small town is situated where the Trent and Neuse Rivers converge, with a lovely, peaceful waterfront that's ideal for relaxation. We took both a trolley tour and a carriage ride to explore the town and learn about its history.

The Tryon Palace, North Carolina's first state capitol, is beautifully restored and worth a visit. The gardens are gorgeous, especially in spring. We also visited the Tucker House on the palace grounds. Downtown New Bern has a nice collection of antique shops and local restaurants.

Fun fact: Pepsi was invented here! You can visit the Pepsi Store and Museum on Middle Street to learn about its history.

Tips for Visiting

These towns stretch from Virginia to Florida, so you can easily string them together for a road trip. Savannah, Charleston, and Williamsburg each need 2-3 days. New Bern and St. Augustine work well as 1-2 day stops.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit - nice weather and fewer crowds. Summer gets hot and humid, and winter means some attractions have shorter hours.

Each town offers something different, from historic gardens to colonial villages to Spanish forts. Pick what interests you most and enjoy exploring.

Exploring Charming Southern Towns