‘Must See’ Southern Neighborhoods

Ever wonder what the best and most historic southern neighborhoods are? Of course, the one you live in is great but here are six others worth visiting. Cleo De Laney at StyleBlueprint has done a great job with this profile.

The South is steeped in rich history like no other place in the nation. A stroll around any historic neighborhood will tell tales of days long gone, stories of growth and struggle, hard times and triumphs. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the South’s most intriguing, quaint and just plain amazing historic neighborhoods. Take a brief tour here, then get out and explore them for yourself.

South Main

Memphis, TN

Unincorporated until the railroad boom, South Main was a part of the residential suburb of South Memphis. The opening of several railroad stations in the area transformed the neighborhood into a bustling area of commerce. Remnants of the boom, most of the buildings that line South Main were built in the early 1900s. Businesses were thriving, and with the success of the railroad, other industries, such as manufacturing and even film, excelled. Many of the major film production studios such as Paramount, Warner Brothers and MGM even relied on South Main as the epicenter of distribution, and Second Street was known as Film Row. Because of a period of decline in the ’50s and ’60s, punctuated by the nearby death of Martin Luther King, South Main lay untouched for many years. An influx of artists in the ’80s and a nod to the perfectly preserved architecture by the film industry has resulted in a new era for South Main, a renaissance that has brought about countless art galleries, boutiques and restaurants aplenty. Memphis’ oldest cafe and iconic retro-style diner, The Arcade Restaurant, or Earnestine & Hazel’s infamous soul burger are excellent options, but the list goes on. Learn more about the fascinating history of South Main hereand here.

Cabbagetown

Atlanta, GA

A former mill town that dates back to the 1800s, this east Atlanta neighborhood is characterized by a plethora of restaurants and street art and is an artists’ refuge. Since its revitalization in the 1990s, Cabbagetown has transformed into a bustling neighborhood. Although named for the cabbage the Irish mill workers would grow and cook in their homes, you won’t find much cabbage there these days. More common in Cabbagetown is the abundance of living street art, especially in and around the Krog Street Tunnel, connecting Cabbagetown and Inman Park. The art is managed by a neighborhood committee, and though some of the art has sprung up organically, several pieces were commissioned as well. The mill itself is no longer in operation, but it has been renovated into an expansive residential loft community, home to artists and young professionals alike. Surrounding the mill is a tightly knit network of narrow blocks with shotgun-style homes and cottages, cementing Cabbagetown on the National Register of Historic Places. Hot spots are diverse, but all have a real sense of identity simply being in the neighborhood. For a bar with attitude housed in an old mill grocery store, try 97 Estoria, or grab a burger at local favorite, Little’s Food Store. Those seeking Southwestern fare should check out Agave for a full tequila bar and an eclectic menu. Read more about Cabbagetown here and here.