These Towns in the Mid-South Come Alive in Winter
Defining the Mid-South can be a bit of a challenge and varies from person to person, but the region's character and appeal are something everyone can agree upon. The Mid-South extends outwards from Memphis and typically ranges from Kentucky to Oklahoma, though some include parts of the Midwest in this region. Encompassed in this region is some of the finest bourbon on either side of the Mississippi, Southern hospitality, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Some of the mid-south's small towns, which are lovely the least of times, come alive in the winter and are popular tourist destinations. Consider these towns if you plan a trip to the area this winter.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
The "Antique Capital of Middle Tennessee" is an absolute gem in winter. This town packs a Christmas parade that is not to be missed, featuring festive floats, live music, and marching bands. The famed Carnton Plantation is always a treat to see, and it is dutifully dressed up in Victorian Christmas decor each year. A visit to Bell Buckle would not be complete without some antiquing. There is so much treasure to find at Phillips General Store and other smaller shops around town.
The highlight of this town is the town square, which uniquely incorporates a railroad strip along which the town's shops are erected. This is the town's beating heart, and exploring the buildings around The Webb School after a snowfall is a magical way to spend an evening. Plenty of architectural gems are hidden in this lovely mid-south town, just waiting to be found.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a fantastic winter oasis and a getaway to the Smoky Mountains. The Christmas season is popular for winter tourism thanks to its many light displays. There is no better way to view the town's light displays than from the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Lights Over Gatlinburg is the top holiday lights event in the state, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Walk the Gatlinburg Skybridge and check out the Tunnel of Light for one of the best winter displays in Tennessee.
If you love winter sports, Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski area in the state, is for you. The ski resort and amusement park features ice skating, a scenic chairlift, and more. Visitors to Gatlinburg will enjoy the sprawling Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. The diversity of its animal and plant life, its 850 miles of hiking trails, and its many waterfalls attract over 10 million visitors annually.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Rand McNally and USA Today called Bardstown the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America," and other publications have marveled at its beautiful town square. While the town is found in a section of Central Kentucky best known for its bourbon, the winter is a definite highlight. The city comes alive during Christmas, especially when Bardstown's Main Street area transforms into the Bluegrass State's version of the North Pole. You may even catch Santa Claus darting between appearances around town.
The Old Nelson County Courthouse is lit each night at sundown, while the festive decorations strewn across the window sills and doorways along North Third Street are a sight to behold. Nature lovers looking to work off that extra cup of cocoa will appreciate the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest nearby and its nearly 16,000 acres of natural wonder and hiking trails to explore not 20 minutes from downtown Bardstown.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs may be the best town in Arkansas for catching that Christmas cheer. Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is bursting with charming Victorian architecture and festivities in the winter. Families from across the state and beyond visit to enjoy snowy strolls through the town's historic sites with piping hot chocolate in hand. The light displays around Eureka Springs are spectacular, and even Grotto Spring, a favorite spot in town, gets decorated with lights around this time.
More than 60 natural springs are in and around the city limits, making great places to sit back and catch your breath. For a more active way to spend your day, Lake Leatherwood City Park is a hiker's paradise and not to be missed. The park has over 25 miles of trails to explore, including the Beacham Trail, which rings the lake and offers excellent views of the lake and the nearby hills. For a more significant challenge, experienced hikers will want to swing by the Miner's Rock Trail, which passes through dense woods and past interesting rock formations.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a veritable winter wonderland in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. There are few better places to enjoy the snowy scenery of Missouri's mountain ranges than in a secluded cabin, and Branson has plenty of these for everyone. The town's Grand Village Shops are home to retailers such as Kringles Christmas Store, which, at 9,000 square feet, is one of the largest Christmas-related stores in Missouri.
Fishing is a lifestyle around Branson, and the angling does not stop when the weather drops. With three world-class fishing lakes, nearby Branson is a popular winter fishing trip destination. Nature enthusiasts will love Table Rock Lake at the top of the Rock for its gorgeous sunsets, cave, and hiking trails.
Mountain View, Arkansas
The town of Mountain View is famed for its trout fishing, its mountain biking, and its beautiful forests. This town was established in the 1870s, and its traditional folkways and music have been lovingly preserved. Ozark Folk Center State Park was established nearby in 1973 and is a great place to stretch your legs.
If you love mountain biking, the Syllamo is for you. The miles of mountain biking trails are world-class. The White River is the go-to destination for anglers as well. There are also over 100 miles of river from which to hook brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area in the Ozark National Forest is another magical place to get lost amongst the majestic mountain trees and soak in the beauty of nature.
One of the strengths of the Mid-South is its variety. The region strikes a beautiful balance between temperate zones, allowing for diverse winter experiences. At its southernmost tip, vacationers will be glad for Tennessee's more moderate temperatures. In the Ozarks, snow is plentiful, and white Christmases are easy to come by. There are several holiday displays and events in the Mid-South each winter, so consider the region when planning your next winter holiday.
