If you’re craving some old-fashioned hospitality and charm, it’s time for a weekend getaway south of the Mason-Dixon line. These favorite southern towns are the perfect way to spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of your hometown. They’re also great spots for top dining, luxury entertainment, and culture. Here are the best southern cities for a weekend getaway!

Visit Atlanta, Georgia, the Athens of the South

Atlanta didn’t used to be as big of a destination as it is today. In recent years, it’s bloomed into a mecca of culture, art, and entertainment. With some of the best dining and nightlife in the country, you’ll have plenty of fun ways to spend your weekend away from home. With everything from luxury condos in a trendy neighborhood to the best museums in the South, there’s truly an endless number of things to do here.

Visit Blowing Rock, North Carolina, a mountainous playground

If your idea of a weekend getaway involves exploring nature trails and enjoying breathtaking views, you need to visit Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This beautiful small town has heart stopping sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning mountain drive dubbed the best in the country. You can opt to stay in one of the many quaint inns along the Blue Ridge Parkway or lounge in the sauna at one of the many upscale resorts.

Step back in time in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is one of the best kept secrets in Florida. This coastal city is actually the oldest in the nation, but it’s more than a collection of old homes and museums. The St. Augustine beach is perfect for lounging in the sun without hoards of tourists, and the city itself has a stunning historic district. Get lost along the cobblestone streets and hidden cafes all bursting with old-world charm. You might even encounter some ghosts along the way since this is one of the most haunted cities in the south!

Enjoy a beach retreat at Jekyll Island, Georgia

Located a short distance from Savannah, Jekyll island is the ultimate beach getaway. With miles of state park protected from development, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in crowds of beach tourists. There are wildlife adventures, wine tours, and more, as well as some of the best seafood in Georgia! Book a stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a luxury resort with a number of unique packages, in order to stay right in the heart of the island.

Skip Nashville and head to Knoxville, Tennessee

The most popular city in Tennessee might be Nashville, but the real fun is happening over in Knoxville. Known for its plethora of outdoor activities like biking, zip-lining, rafting and more, there’s more to this quaint city than meets the eye. As the home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a bustling downtown district including a number of top-notch restaurants and bars, as well as lovely boutiques and day spas. If you’ve ever wanted to try moonshine, this is your chance! Knoxville is home to several moonshine distilleries to suit every taste!

Have a getaway you’ll never forget in one of these cities!

Sometimes you just need to get away somewhere new. These southern cities give a whole new meaning to southern charm and hospitality! Experience the best of the south by venturing to one of these cities, whether you choose Atlanta or St. Augustine. These places might not be the most well-known, but they’re well-worth a visit! There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be counting the days until you can go back!

Samantha Tetrault is an influencer marketing pro with brownboxbranding.com who is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping businesses connect with their ideal online audience. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving digital marketing world by writing on the latest marketing advancements and focuses on developing customized blogger outreach plans based on industry and competition.