By: Heather Keys
Southern Gothic literature is known for its haunting beauty, eerie settings, and stories of decaying grandeur. From crumbling mansions to misty swamps, these stories paint a picture of a South filled with mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural.
If you’ve ever wanted to step into the pages of a William Faulkner novel or feel the eerie atmosphere of a town straight out of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this list of destinations is for you. Grab your notebook, pack your sense of intrigue, and get ready to visit the real-life places that inspired—or could have inspired—some of the greatest Southern Gothic tales!
Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah is the quintessential Southern Gothic city. Its moss-draped oaks, historic squares, and haunting past make it the perfect backdrop for eerie tales like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The city’s ghost tours, crumbling mansions, and spooky cemeteries will immerse you in the Gothic atmosphere instantly.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A city filled with mystery, New Orleans oozes Southern Gothic vibes, from the French Quarter’s decaying beauty to its rich voodoo culture. Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles captured the dark allure of this city, and the above-ground cemeteries, historic homes, and jazz-filled nights add layers of intrigue. Not to mention, the city is known for its haunted past—perfect for Gothic literature lovers.
Monroeville, Alabama
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Known as the hometown of Harper Lee, Monroeville inspired the fictional town of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird. While Lee’s work is more “Southern” than “Gothic,” the small-town decay, social issues, and simmering tension reflect themes that overlap with the genre. Walking the quiet streets of Monroeville is like stepping into the world of Scout and Atticus Finch.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Another city draped in history and haunting beauty, Charleston’s cobblestone streets and historic plantations bring Southern Gothic to life. Its old-world charm is paired with dark history—learn about our nation’s tragic past by visiting historic plantations, or take a spooky ghost tour, or explore historic mansions. The mix of grandeur and gloom here is perfect for fans of Gothic literature.
Natchez, Mississippi
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Overlooking the Mississippi River, Natchez is a town full of antebellum mansions that tell stories of the Old South. Its fading grandeur, along with tales of ghosts and a history marked by struggle and violence, make it a prime destination for Gothic lovers. William Faulkner’s works often evoke places like Natchez, with decaying Southern settings playing a major role in his literature.
Oxford, Mississippi
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Speaking of Faulkner—his hometown of Oxford is another must-visit for fans of Southern Gothic literature. Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha County was inspired by Oxford and the surrounding area. You can visit his home, Rowan Oak, and explore the town that shaped one of the greatest Southern Gothic writers. It’s steeped in history and literary significance, with plenty of eerie charm.
St. Francisville, Louisiana
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St. Francisville is a tiny, historic town known for its antebellum plantations and eerie beauty. One of its most famous landmarks, The Myrtles Plantation, is considered one of the most haunted places in America. The combination of beautiful, decaying mansions and ghost stories feels straight out of a Southern Gothic novel.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Asheville’s Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Mountains create a moody, atmospheric backdrop that feels ripe for a Southern Gothic tale. Thomas Wolfe, another iconic Southern author, hails from Asheville, and the town’s mix of grandeur and wilderness adds to its mystique. The mist-covered mountains and grand, old estate are perfect for someone looking to soak in that Gothic charm.
The Everglades, Florida
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The Everglades aren’t traditionally seen as Southern Gothic, but their wild, untamed nature and the eerie quiet of the swamps fit right in with the genre’s themes. The remote isolation and danger lurking beneath the surface make this a fitting destination for fans of a darker, more natural form of Gothic storytelling—think Karen Russell’s Swamplandia!
The Mississippi Delta
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Known for its blues history and troubled past, the Mississippi Delta evokes the haunted, melancholic spirit of Southern Gothic. The poverty, the faded plantations, and the ghost towns dotted along the way tell stories of a region that’s full of history and tragedy. This area feels alive with stories, much like the works of Faulkner and Eudora Welty.
Richmond, Virginia
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Richmond’s Civil War history and beautiful old buildings make it a perfect fit for Southern Gothic. Edgar Allan Poe, who was born in Boston but raised in Richmond, drew a good amount inspiration from his time there. The Poe Museum offers a look at one of the most Gothic figures in American literature, while the city’s historic homes and cemeteries add that dark, Gothic touch.
Over to you! Where has your favorite book led you to travel? Share your stories and advice with the Frayed Passport community!
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