5 must-visit towns in the South

For ages, foodies have flocked to cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, for its mouthwatering Creole dishes and to Memphis, Tennessee, for tangy barbecue that slaps. But the American South has more on the menu when it comes to top destinations for food lovers — to include several nationally ranked USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards winners. Here are five must-visit foodie towns serving up big flavor in the South.

Abingdon, Virginia

Among the 10 best small town food scenes in the country, this Appalachian frontier town of less than 10,000 people has more restaurants per capita than New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco! Rooted in history and bluegrass in a bucolic setting, Abingdon serves up good grub, craft brews, and plenty of live music.

Start your day off right with a perfect espresso and Bluegrass Biscuit at The Girl and The Raven Café. No matter when you visit Abingdon, you can shop the farmers market, which operates year-round. “Buy local” is a popular mantra in this small town, and the market makes it super easy to do so. From fresh flowers and handmade crafts to fresh produce and baked goods, the Abingdon Farmers Market is a feast for the senses. Come time for lunch, Jack’s 128 Pecan is a must for “simple, good food.” Don’t let their humility fool you, though. Sure, you can order a patty melt or a classic cobb salad, but this small town café also serves up roasted cauliflower with curried mayo and an orange chicken salad with ramen, mandarin oranges, and cashews.

For happy hour, treat yourself to a cider tasting at Tumbling Creek Cider, which is proudly “Appalachian to the core.” Here, you’ll always find some kind of entertainment on tap, whether it’s game night, trivia night, or a musical guest.

Of course, no trip to Abingdon is complete without cocktails and dinner at the oldest bar in Virginia (and the eighth oldest bar in the nation). The Tavern serves up fascinating history alongside an exquisite menu of oysters Rockefeller, rack of lamb, and other equally indulgent dishes. Built in 1779, this historic structure has been many things to the community over the centuries (i.e., a makeshift hospital during the Civil War), but it began as a tavern and inn for stagecoach travelers. Guests include the likes of President Andrew Jackson and Louis Philippe, king of France.

Greenville, South Carolina

Our country loves to name a town Greenville, but in this instance, we’re talking about Greenville, South Carolina’s happening food scene. An entrepreneurial spirit flows through this city like the Reedy River, resulting in quirky, cool restaurants on nearly every block in town. Plus, the founder of Duke’s Mayonnaise is from here, so you know Greenville isn’t one to count calories.

For a nice sampling of Greenville’s culinary talent, head over to Gather GVL in the city’s West End. This food hall repeatedly ranks among the 10 best food halls in the nation. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and your four-legged furry companions are welcome. You truly can’t go wrong at Gather GVL, but we recommend the lobster rolls at The Lob Father. Connecticut or Maine style. You choose!

Another great way to experience Greenville’s food scene is through Greenville History and Culinary Tours, which has ranked nationally in our Readers’ Choice Awards for best food tours. Choose from a half dozen themed tours that highlight everything from low country breakfasts to the city’s most notable chefs. If you can time your visit to attend Fall for Greenville, you’ll definitely fall for this foodie town. One of the 10 best city food festivals (and best fall festivals) in the country, this three-day event showcases an incredible slate of Greenville restaurants, breweries, and winemakers.

Naples, Florida

Championship golf courses? Check. Gorgeous beaches? Yup. One of the best small town food scenes in America? You betcha.

With its coastal setting, you know Naples’ seafood restaurants and waterfront dining are [chef’s kiss], but this small town food scene delivers beyond the obvious. For instance, you’ll find SOFRA Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, one of the best hotel restaurants in the country — not only for its eastern Mediterranean cuisine, but for its impeccable service and attention to detail. There’s also chef Vincenzo Butelia’s culinary stars: Osteria Tulia for Italian fare and The French Brasserie Rustique for a plate of steak frites that’s très magnifique.

If seafood is what you’re after, slurp fresh oysters and order a bowl of seafood bouillabaisse at the wildly popular Swan River Seafood. Not sure what sounds good? Take a stroll along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, where you’ll find an impressive lineup of dining hot spots of all culinary persuasions.

January is a great time to visit Naples, as the town hosts its nationally ranked Winter Wine Festival. This annual event, which draws top chefs and vintners, offers a full social calendar of wine tastings and intimate dinners for those with a distinguished palate. Even better, this is a mission-driven festival, with those in attendance raising their glasses to raise money for children’s charities.

In addition to its gorgeous white sands, Orange Beach, Alabama, shines brightly on the Flora-Bama line as a nationally ranked golf destination with a thriving arts scene. It also boasts one of the 10 best small town food scenes in the U.S.

Here, you’ll find an eatery for every occasion. For those with an adventurous spirit, Zeke’s Restaurant is the place to be. With a “hook and cook” format, patrons can grill, blacken, or fry whatever they catch on a chartered fishing trip with Zeke’s Landing. Feeling fancy? With its white tablecloth ambience and panoramic gulf views, Voyagers will take you on a foodie journey you won’t soon forget. Enjoy an award-winning wine list, locally caught seafood, and dry-aged steaks. The Gulf is a family favorite with the freshest seafood and plenty of outdoor seating and views of Perdido Pass. If you’ve had your fill of seafood, Moe’s Original BBQ will treat you right.

Time your visit so you’ll get to experience the top-ranked art festival in the U.S. for 2025: Orange Beach Festival of Art. This waterfront festival showcases regional and local talent in the literary, visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts.

Thomasville, Georgia

Situated near the Florida-Georgia line and less than an hour north of Tallahassee sits Thomasville, Georgia, a small town with big taste. This Georgia community of approximately 20,000 people is widely known for its roses and award-winning flower festival. Among the 10 best small towns in the South, plenty of snowbirds love to spend winters here.

But Thomasville also boasts a vibrant food scene that ranks among the 10 best in the country. Here, you’ll find classic Southern dishes that inevitably involve grits and gravy (hello, SASS!), alongside seasonally driven menus with European panache (we’re looking at you, Liam).

The best way to sample all that Thomasville has to offer is to book an experience with Taste of Thomasville, one of the 10 best food tours in the country. These walking tours introduce you to the best culinary destinations in town while also serving up fascinating insight into Thomasville’s history, architecture, and local culture. Have a budding foodie in your family? Taste of Thomasville offers a children’s food tour that’s truly fun for all ages. Stops include a bagel shop, a sweets shop inside an independent bookstore, and (obviously) a pizzeria!