Off the Beaten Path: Great Historic Airbnbs for Unique Southern Getaways

You know, the South gets a bad rap. While there might be some things I would change about this region, I have had the great pleasure to live in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas and the South will always be home to me!

One of the great privileges of living in the South means I also get to travel throughout the South. From New Orleans to Nashville to Atlanta to Charleston, we boast some of the world's most incredible cities to explore, dine, and play in. Outside of our most famous cities, you will find plenty to see, do, and eat off the beaten path. Here are some of my favorite Airbnbs to from which to explore this unique and remarkable region of the United States.

Macon, Georgia

This stunning loft in Downtown Macon, Georgia, plays host to us whenever we visit my alma mater university. With a rooftop patio, outstanding amenities, and a gorgeous main bedroom and bathroom with plush bedding and a deep-soaking tub, this place ranks right up there with some of my most comfortable stays ever.

With a kitchen that would please any chef and a second bedroom to travel with friends, this downtown loft makes for an incredibly pleasant stay.

While in Macon, you will not find yourself running out of things to do. Visit The Big House Museum for a taste of Southern rock history or tour Hay House to experience Southern luxury at its finest. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park shouldn't be missed, and Tattnall Square Park makes for a pleasant picnic or place to play with your children.

For eats, I recommend Ingleside Village Pizza, Pho Saigon, Chico & Chang, Medi's Mediterranean Fusion, and Ocmulgee Brewpub.

PRIVATE 2 bedroom Loft With Rooftop Macon, $200 a night

Shaw, Mississippi

Are you looking to get entirely off the beaten path and unwind in the most pastoral, peaceful setting imaginable? If so, a farmstay at Peacock Cottage in the gorgeous Mississippi Delta might be exactly what the doctor ordered!

This studio-style, historic cottage has all the amenities you need, including air conditioning, a darling kitchenette, charming decorations, and beautiful views. As guests of friendly owner, Lars, you have access to the farm grounds, a tennis court, and a great swimming pool right outside your front door to cool off in!

During your Mississippi Delta stay, check out heritage sites along the Mississippi Blues Trail. A short drive to Indianola will take you to the famous B.B. King Museum and great souvenir shopping opportunities at the Indianola Pecan House. A short drive north to Cleveland and you can enjoy learning about Blues history at Dockery Farms, as well as some of my favorite restaurants in this area, including The Senator's Place, Mosquito Burrito, Hey Joe's, and Lost Pizza Co.

Interested in a longer day trip? Try to visit all of the legendary crossroad sites where Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil, check out the Winterville Mounds near Greeneville, or do yourself a favor and catch some authentic Blues music at Red's Lounge in Clarksdale.

Peacock in the Delta/ Mississippi Delta Cottage, $121 a night

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham is one of my favorite underrated cities in the world, and this absolutely charming casita-style home near Ruffner Mountain is one of my favorite stays ever! Perched on a hillside, inside of this unique home you will find comfortable furniture, a dedicated work-from-home area, and beautiful, curated artwork and furniture that will make you feel like you're staying in a museum.

In the back, you'll find ample lighting and seating to enjoy time outdoors with your loved ones. There is a full kitchen well equipped with the basics to prepare a meal to enjoy indoors or out!

While in Birmingham, visit the Vulcan Park & Museum and view beautiful flora at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is informative and powerful, and catching a show at Mom's Basement makes for a fantastic evening.

For eats, I love Birmingham's Chinese food scene. Red Pearl Restaurant & Super Oriental Market is a shopping and dining experience wrapped into one, and New China Town has some of the best vegetarian eats I've ever tried (great for omnivores, too)! Alabama Biscuit Company makes a great breakfast out of the iconic buttermilk biscuit, and for drinks try Black Market Bar & Grill.

1925 Charming Casita at Ruffner Mountain, $86 a night

Livermore, Kentucky

Are you looking for a private getaway with a large group of family or friends? Do you prefer to spend vacations cooking together, playing board games, and just enjoying each other's company over going out? This expansive home in quaint Livermore, Kentucky might be exactly what you're looking for!

This gorgeous historic home has three bedrooms with ridiculously comfortable beds, three bathrooms, a half bath, and several large areas for gathering with group, including a large den, full eat-in kitchen, sunroom with board and card games, and a basement featuring ping pong, air hockey, and foosball.

My favorite part about this place? The host has the world's most delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and a sourdough bread loaf ready for you when you arrive for snacking or breakfast the next day. Both treats were outstanding and it's almost worth the trip just for those!

Though Livermore is a small and quiet town, you can enjoy biking on rural roads, local canoe and kayak rentals, and Misty Meadow Winery a short drive away in Owensboro. We enjoyed cooking together during our time in this stay, but we did pick up some pizzas one night over at Matia's Pizza & Wings in Beaver Dam. Local Moon River Coffee is a great stop during your mornings!

River Trails Inn, $150 a night

Jackson, Tennessee

In Jackson you will find a stunning plant-themed loft over a garage attached to a family home. This studio-style loft has a comfortable bed, a designated office area, a kitchenette, and the best part...mature, live houseplants all over!

There is great natural light and plenty of privacy. A short walk downstairs and you'll find your own bathroom and garage access to park your car away from the elements.

Though Jackson is a mid-sized town, there are plenty of things to see and do. Visit the Samuel T. Bryant Distillery for a nip, Cypress Grove Nature Park to appreciate natural beauty not found in many other places in the world, and the N.C.& St. L. Depot and Railroad Museum to learn about railroad history in this region. Immerse yourself in Tennessee's rich music heritage at the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum at the Carnegie.

Rock'N Dough Pizza and The Blacksmith Restaurant provide great casual eats. You can also experience life in historic times at Casey Jones Village, which features a buffet, cafe menu, ice cream parlor, museum, and farm activities.

Rosenbloom Plant Loft in historic LANA district, $85 a night

Whether you choose a laidback weekend in Mississippi or a jam-packed vacation in Birmingham, I hope that these suggestions help you plan your perfect Southern getaway! Happy travels!

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