The 10 Coolest Mid-Markets in the South

By Rick Farmer

We spend a lot of time and ink discussing the finer business aspects of locations, but with so many great places to choose from in the South, the decision often falls to what's unique, unusual or just plain cool. At this stage of the game, the objective morphs into the subjective. Communities are judged not by stats on a sheet, but by the word on the street.

So what makes a community "cool?" In our judgment, it's the unusual and the unique. It's style, flair and reputation. It's festivals, nightlife and culture. It's history, opportunity and access.

Doing business is always important, mind you, and each of the communities listed below would make an excellent place to start and grow a business. But just this once we take a look beyond the facts and figures, the dollars and cents, and examine the things that make these communities stand out, the things that make these communities "cool."

With that, we bring you the 10 Coolest Mid-Sized Markets in the South.

Savannah, Ga. -- Georgia's First City, Savannah (pop. 132,000 with 300,000 in the MSA) is called the sultry "Belle of the South." America's first planned city, Savannah projects Southern charisma like few others. On the southeastern coast of Georgia, Savannah exudes old world charm with numerous town squares and parks lined with massive oaks draped in Spanish moss. The historic district is a virtual museum of ante-bellum architecture, and the city is loaded with museums, art galleries, fine restaurants and theaters.

But on the coolness scale, the city shines each March with the annual St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, a nearly 200-year tradition during which the city turns green for two days, with 200,000 people enjoying parades, shows, exhibits and a massive Party on River Street.

Lafayette, La. -- If a unique Southern cultural experience is your idea of cool, then there are few cooler places than Lafayette, La. (pop. 110,000 with 200,000 in Lafayette Parish). This is the heart of Cajun Country, a region with a strong French heritage, spiced with Spanish, Native American and African American influences. Together, this cultural mix is a colorful and unique display of Americana.

And down on the Bayou, there are only a few things more important than having a good time. Food, music and fun are always cool in Lafayette. Ecotourism is a huge local draw, as the unspoiled plains, deltas and bayous of Acadiana hearken back to a time when life was simpler.

Charleston, SC -- A remarkably resilient people, Charlestonians have withstood artillery, occupation, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. But nothing has been able to damp the resolve of this quietly dignified Southern city, located on South Carolina's southeastern coast.

Steeped in history and culture, Charleston (pop. 97,000 with more than 500,000 in a 30-mile radius) boasts some 4 million visitors a year, attracted by its harbor, beaches, nightlife, fine dining, downtown shopping, museums and arts venues. It's the home of an annual celebration of the arts known as Spoleto. But many say it's Charleston's people who create the lure and the charm. Charleston is a perennial leader as America's Friendliest City.

Roanoke, Va. -- If communities were judged by natural beauty alone, Roanoke (pop. 95,000 with 320,000 within an hour's drive) would be at the top of the list. Nestled in the Roanoke Valley of western Virginia, Roanoke borders the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, on I-80 at the midway point between Atlanta and New York City.

This five-time All America city boasts year-round culture with an annual film festival, kite festival, the Commonwealth Games, the Appalachian folk festival and a lively and growing arts scene. And with Virginia Tech University just 20 minutes away, educational opportunities abound.

Columbus, Ga. -- After Sept. 11, 2001, patriotism found a new sense of coolness, and Columbus stakes its claim as among the nation's most ready to serve. This military community (pop. 186,000 with 280,000 in the MSA) is neighbors with Ft. Benning, one of the nation's largest Army bases, and home of the National Infantry Museum. Columbus has lost sons in every American conflict, and still proudly steps forward whenever duty calls.

On the eastern banks of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus has always been a river town, and today this history is reflected in the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, a linear park that stretches from the Lake Oliver City Marina in the north to Fort Benning in the South. Its historic district is the envy of many communities. And Columbus is also home to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Springer Opera House and Callaway Gardens.

Lexington, Ky. -- They don't call this community of 260,000 (with 425,000 in the metro area) the Horse Capital of the World for nothing. Horse breeding, training and racing are big time in Lexington, situated in the north central part of the Commonwealth at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 75. For instance, the Kentucky Horse Park offers fans numerous museums, galleries and theaters.

Home of the University of Kentucky, basketball is naturally a great source of local pride. The UK Wildcats are historically one of the best basketball programs in the country.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- This southeastern Tennessee city (pop. 155,000, with 308,000 in Hamilton County) is often called The Scenic City, and for good reason. The breathtaking beauty of the mountains of Tennessee alone makes Chattanooga a great place to be. But when you add in a wonderful mid-south climate, 49 parks, 11 public golf courses, numerous cultural venues and the kind of outdoor recreation most communities only dream of, you can see Chattanooga is among the coolest (and cleanest) places in the South.

The Tennessee River has always been important economically to this area, but one shouldn't overlook the cultural significance. This is celebrated annually with the Riverbend Festival, called Chattanooga's Family Reunion and the South's Largest Block Party. Played out on the riverfront, the Festival lasts for seven nights and features live country, blues, jazz, pop, folk, rock and classical music.

Tallahassee, Fla. -- The red clay hills of the central panhandle is what made Tallahassee an attractive location for this Southern state's capital. "Tallahassee" is an Apalachee Indian word meaning "old town" or "abandoned fields," but with a population of more than 150,000 (240,000 in Leon County) Tallahassee is far from abandoned. Culture is important here, with more than 16 art galleries, a dozen musical groups and schools, and a dozen live theatres. The Museum of Florida History spreads out over five sites and encompasses more than 44,000 artifacts.

Football is king in the South, and Florida State University doesn't disappoint. Legendary coach Bobby Bowden has the most wins of any Division 1-A college football team in history.

Little Rock, Ark. -- Once a frontier town, Little Rock (pop. 182,000 with more than 500,000 in the metro area) is today a bustling metropolitan community situated on the south banks of the Arkansas River. But the Pioneer Spirit continues to live in this lively city.

The river that cuts through Little Rock is a big part of this area's history, culture and modern-day coolness, and that's reflected in the River Market District, an area of bustling nightlife, fine and casual dining, live entertainment and fun. And coming soon to the River Market District: the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, a $160 million, 30-acre site with 20,000 square feet of library and museum space, including a replica Oval Office.

Biloxi/Gulfport/Pascagoula, Miss. -- It's hard to have white sandy beaches, casinos, championship golf courses and charter fishing and not be cool. Known collectively as Mississippi's Gulf Coast (pop. 365,000 in Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties), the area is one of the fast-growing tourist regions of the country.

Gaming brought a new level of excitement and color to the Gulf Coast and today there are a dozen casinos, many of them with luxurious comfort and beachfront views. Because, after all, while the games add a certain flair and excitement to this region, it's the 26 miles of white sandy beaches that peg out the coolness scale.