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These 7 Small Towns Were Just Named the Best in the Country — Did Your Favorite Make the List?

‘Travel + Leisure’ named its winners for America’s Best Small Towns of 2023 on Tuesday, crowning seven hidden getaways across the U.S.

Sam Burros is a writer, producer, and cook working with the Food and Lifestyle team at PEOPLE. Prior to working with PEOPLE, he was an editorial fellow for Food Network, a reporter for Heritage Radio Network, and a recipe tester for Alison Roman's third cookbook Sweet Enough. Before making the pivot to food media, Burros studied theatre at NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he met artistic collaborators in theatre, film, and television with whom he created Miss Jordan's Spring 2020 Production, available to stream on Broadstream.

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar travel destination for your next vacation, these seven small towns were just recognized for being among the best of the best. 

On Tuesday, Travel + Leisure announced its 2023 list of America’s Best Small Towns . Looking at categories like geography, wellness, food and wine, the publication examined towns with populations of less than 25,000 residents to determine what small locales are worth a detour.

Of the seven categories, four of Travel + Leisure’s small towns were chosen based on the destination’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The publication named winners in the category for best beach, lake, desert and mountain town for adventurers who are fans of any climate. 

Best Small Beach Town - Boca Grande, Florida

Gasparilla Island’s main town of Boca Grande in Florida took the crown for T+L’s best beach town. The island situated in the Gulf of Mexico has no stoplights or major franchises, instead opting for a more laid back life. Boca Grande has been named the “Tarpon Capital of the World” for the droves of the game fish that appear from April to October

Best Small Desert Town - Kanab, Utah

For a more arid experience, T+L recommends Kanab, Utah, as America’s best small desert town. The town that sits on the border of Arizona is centrally located to some of the southwest’s most sought after destinations. The Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are each only a short one to two hour drive from the desert town. Visitors hoping to see the geological site known as The Wave will pass through the small outpost on the way to the trails to the popular red rock formation. 

Best Small Mountain Town - Highlands, North Carolina

T+L awarded Highlands, North Carolina with the honor of being the country’s best mountain town. A summer escape from the humid marshlands of North Carolina, this town rests at the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau. The town is within driving distance of major cities like Nashville, Charleston and Charlotte for those in need of a day trip. 

Best Small Lake Town - Grand Marais, Minnesota

The last winner of T+L’s geography-based towns comes from Minnesota. Grand Marais, just two hours north of Duluth, is home to the best lake town in the U.S. The artsy town that borders Lake Superior is home to food trucks and art installations, rather than stoplights. 

The travel magazine also selected some of its winners based on opportunities to experience the town’s food, beverage or wellness culture. 

Best Small Food and Culture Town - Los Olivos, California

For the best small food and culture town, T+L elected Los Olivos in California as the best. This town in the Santa Ynez Valley has 27 wineries located in the 2.5 square-mile boundaries of the community. New restaurants in the town use up the produce from the surrounding Central Valley to pair with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that grow in the California community. 

Best Small Wine, Beer and Spirits Town - Dahlonega, Georgia

For people who want a broader spectrum of beverages, T+L recognizes Dahlonega, Georgia, as the best small town for wine, beer and spirits. The Appalachian town houses several wineries and tasting rooms as well as a new crop of breweries and distilleries to wet just about anybody’s whistle. 

Best Small Spa and Wellness Town - Aurora, New York

In choosing its final small-town destination, Travel + Leisure focused on the wellness space. For a relaxing spa vacation, the publication found that Aurora, New York, is America’s best small spa and wellness destination. The Inns of Aurora Resort + Spa features six lodgings and one large hilltop retreat for an all-inclusive getaway by New York’s Finger Lakes. 

In addition to recognizing these seven towns, Travel + Leisure found a runner-up for each category to spread the love across the U.S.

In July, the publication announced its winner for the best city in the United States. 

Praised by readers who love its blend of Southern charm and urban flair, Charleston, South Carolina, took the top spot on the outlet's list of best domestic destinations for the eleventh year in a row, as voted by readers.

“This place is a destination to behold,” one wrote in Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Cities in the United States of 2023 . Others complimented the welcoming locals, historic attractions, and the shopping and dining along King Street. 

“So many incredible restaurants” have made Charleston a hotspot destination for food, and "the mix of hotels makes the city a perfect fit for any type of traveler," T+L shared.

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Revealed: These are America’s best small towns in 2023

Travel + Leisure reveals hidden gems among the winners of its latest survey

Quaint, cozy, under-the-radar, charming… if these words describe your ideal travel destination, Travel + Leisure has a list for you. The travel magazine has named the best small towns in America , sharing their favorite lesser-known gems in seven categories to inspire travel to these underappreciated destinations.

Winning small towns are revealed in the categories of Beach, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Food and Culture, Wine/Beer/Spirits and Spa and Wellness. Each winning town has a full-time population below 25,000 residents, excels in its category, offers a variety of activities for the visitor and has a timely reason to visit, such as a festival, new attraction or tourism initiative.

The resulting list includes decidedly un-buzzy towns but definitely worth a trip. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, natural beauty, a fantastic food scene or a rejuvenating escape, these towns offer all that and more without the hassle of larger, more popular destinations.

Here are Travel + Leisure ’s best small towns in America that should be on your travel list for 2023 (and the runner-ups that are worth visiting too):

Best Small Beach Town: Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island, Florida (runner-up Port Aransas, Texas) Best Small Mountain Town: Highlands, North Carolina (runner-up Red Lodge, Montana) Best Small Lake Town: Grand Marais, Minnesota (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) Best Small Desert Town: Kanab, Utah (runner-up Yucca Valley, California) Best Small Food and Culture Town: Los Olivos, California (runner up McCook, Nebraska) Best Small Wine, Beer and Spirits Town: Dahlonega, Georgia (runner up Greenport, New York) Best Small Spa and Wellness Town: Aurora, New York (runner up Girdwood, Alaska)

See the full report here to find out why each town was chosen. And if you’re passionate about an exceptional small town that didn’t make the list, T+L is accepting nominations for next year’s survey.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Grand Marais named "America's Best Small Lake Town" by Travel & Leisure Magazine

America's best small lake town is the place to chase summer nostalgia, fiery fall foliage, and winter's northern lights.

Grand Marais, Minn. (August 22, 2023) - The northern Minnesota town of Grand Marais earns another national media award as Travel & Leisure Magazine announced it as " America's Best Small Lake Town " in its round-up of America's Best Small Towns 2023 .

Travel & Leisure released the list on August 22, 2023 featuring 7 different small town categories: Best Beach Town, Best Lake Town , Best Food + Culture Town, Best Spa + Wellness Town, Best Mountain Town, Best Desert Town, and Best Wine, Beer + Spirits Town. The winners of each category were selected by Travel & Leisure staff upon polling trusted travel advisors, contributors, and colleagues. The requirements for consideration include a full-time population of under 25,000 and it must excel in a number of categories from activities, accommodations, attractions, and hospitality. 

Writer of the article Jacqueline Kehoe says " With that rare Goldilocks touch — think far more food trucks and art galleries than stoplights (in fact, there’s just one in the whole county) — we’re happily calling Grand Marais the nation’s best small lake town. With new openings, eclectic redesigns, and an accidentally hip devotion to all things local, Grand Marais is a grand foray on America’s ‘Fresh Coast.’”

The article cites several local small businesses as part of the appeal to the destination along with its wilderness setting and dark sky. Read the full article here . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel + Leisure (@travelandleisure)

Visit Cook County, Minnesota  Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.”  Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s  Best Midwestern Small Town , and Outside Magazine’s  The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016 . Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter  @CookCoVisitors ,  Facebook , or Instagram  @donorthmn . Learn more at  VisitCookCounty.com .

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50 beautiful small towns in america.

Bewitching backdrops, inviting shops and historic treasures await in these storybook towns.

(Getty Images) |

Discover postcard-perfect towns across the country.

If you've already visited America's inspiring national parks – filled with snow-capped peaks, painted deserts and windswept coastlines – as well as vibrant cities showcasing twinkling city skylines and gleaming skyscrapers, turn your eye toward the country's charming small towns. While you won't find big-city splendor in these idylls, you can embrace a slower pace, beautiful backdrops, quaint cobblestone streets, architectural gems and an unmistakable local flavor. Best of all, these scenic towns are close to legendary drives, towering rock formations, deep canyons and craggy cliffs, affording spellbinding sightlines at every turn. Read on for 50 enchanting small towns across the country.

Ely, Minnesota

For adventurous travelers pining to explore glacier-sculpted landscapes and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness refuge, Ely offers an enticing getaway. In winter, popular pastimes include dog sledding, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. And in spring and summer, you can immerse yourself in nature in the unspoiled reserve area, which features 1,500 miles of canoe routes, isolated rivers and lakes that snake past plunging cliffs, sandy coastlines and pine forests. Consider booking a trip with a reputable adventure travel outfitter such as Wilderness Outfitters or Ely Outfitting Company to avoid sweating the details. Back in town, wander into local shops and galleries, grab a bite at Britton's Café and retreat to cozy accommodations at Timber Trail Lodge.

Big Sur, California

A postcard-perfect seaside escape perched atop craggy cliffs and the dramatic St. Lucia mountain range, Big Sur's 90-mile stretch of coastline from San Simeon to Monterey Bay has long enamored visitors. Wander past redwood groves, captivating waterfalls and rocky cliffs along alluring trails, such as the Waterfall Overlook Trail and the Lookout Trail in the windswept Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Then, slip away to Ventana Big Sur or the Post Ranch Inn , where you can enjoy nightly stargazing, guided nature walks and dreamy accommodations facing the surrounding mountains or the Pacific Ocean that are outfitted with fireplaces and deep-soaking tubs.

Padanaram, Massachusetts

This South Dartmouth village is a best-kept secret, says Everett Potter, a columnist for Forbes and author of the website "Everett Potter's Travel Report." Overlooking Buzzards Bay, Padanaram's charming village is populated with stately 19th-century homes and quaint shops and is an ideal launching pad to nearby beaches and forests. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Padanaram Village offers a storybook setting for days spent watching sailboats glide along the Cape's southern coast, especially during the annual Buzzards Bay regatta in August. After taking in the pretty harbor and seafaring charm in this former shipbuilding epicenter, refuel at the Sail Loft on Elm Street to delight in New England staples such as clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Marfa, Texas

This postage stamp-sized desert town in West Texas is known for its flourishing art scene, clear skies (stargazers, take note) and its notable landmark, the Prada Marfa – a sculpture resembling a sleek Prada storefront set in the desert, approximately 37 miles northwest of downtown. After snapping a few photos of the quirky can't-miss fixture, refuel with a taco at Capri or a memorable burrito at Marfa Burrito and check out the area's versatile galleries (Ballroom Marfa is a must-see) and gift shops (Ranch Candy and the tiny crystal store Blue Agate and Rocks offer enticing roadside stops for souvenirs). As for accommodations, Hotel Saint George offers stylish and contemporary digs.

Old Lyme, Connecticut

"It doesn't get any prettier than Old Lyme," Potter says. From its classic Yankee charm to its Colonial architecture to its streets filled with well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Old Lyme offers a serene escape. Set along the coast at the intersection of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River, Old Lyme brims with picturesque seascapes. And with a population of 8,000, Old Lyme offers an unmistakable small-scale appeal. During your trip, carve out some time to visit Old Saybrook, another quaint town with a pretty white lighthouse. The upscale Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, which gazes over the Long Island Sound, offers easy access to charming antique shops, local boutiques and scenic golf courses.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

With its shingled cottages, windswept beaches and sand dunes and lovely lighthouses (Sankaty Head Lighthouse and Brand Point Light are postcard-perfect), it's no wonder why Nantucket lures seafaring types each summer. Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket offers a secluded retreat for R&R-seekers and a dizzying array of outdoor activities, from whale watching tours and sunset cruises to bird watching and bike riding to sunbathing at Surfside Beach. When you're not unwinding along the island's pristine beaches, check out the Whaling Museum or savor a beer at Cisco Brewers (or a sweet treat at Downyflake Doughnuts) before retreating to one of the area's cozy properties like The White Elephant Hotel .

Winter Park, Florida

This tiny town near Orlando is surrounded by lakes and trees draped in Spanish moss. With its genteel charm and colorful boutiques, you may think "you're in some extension of Georgia or the Carolinas," Potter says. He suggests staying at The Alfond Inn , a high-end boutique hotel with a robust contemporary art collection and an award-winning restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen, which dishes out Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, white cheddar-bacon scones and Key West shrimp and grits. Beyond the hotel, there are plenty of fascinating museums, galleries and outdoor spaces to explore, including the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens.

Taos, New Mexico

Tucked within the Sangre de Christo Mountains, this alluring desert town – which is one of New Mexico's top vacation destinations – attracts history lovers, artists and nature enthusiasts with its crimson canyons, vibrant art community and storied sites. Photographers will want to check out the 83-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, which weaves past pine-filled valleys and forests, along with the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak – the state's tallest point – for superlative vistas. History fans will also enjoy checking out Taos Pueblo, a storied Pueblo Indian settlement (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) that showcases striking multitiered adobe walls and ceremonial sites. And culture vultures will want to pop into eclectic galleries and boutique shops in downtown Taos before settling into picturesque accommodations like the Hacienda del Sol, a charming bed-and-breakfast.

Annapolis, Maryland

When you picture a charming seaside escape along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis likely comes to mind with its brick- and cobblestone-lined streets, Colonial buildings and glamorous sailboats and yachts passing by the City Dock. History buffs will love exploring the U.S. Naval Academy, St. Anne's Episcopal Church, the Banneker-Douglass Museum and the charming row houses populating Main Street. And, of course, no trip to Annapolis is complete without sampling local steamed blue crabs and crab cakes at crowd-pleasing establishments like Cantler's and O'Learys Seafood Restaurant. Also make sure to save room for a sweet scoop from the Annapolis Ice Cream Company and meander to Ego Alley to marvel at the spectacle of yachts in the harbor.

Park City, Utah

For a dose of ski town charm, fresh powder and lively après-ski hangouts, head to this lively former mining town located about 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Powder-seekers will want to check out Park City Mountain Resort, which boasts 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, and Deer Valley Resort , which offers more than 100 ski runs. After an adrenaline-pumping day on the slopes, check out the smattering of galleries and crowd-pleasing restaurants along Main Street like Tupelo Park City and Riverhorse on Main. When you're ready to turn in for the day, check into the Stein Eriksen Lodge , which boasts a Norwegian-inspired spa, crackling fireplaces and cozy rooms.

Carpinteria, California

Picture a cinematic Southern California escape with small-town charm: antique storefronts and local bohemian boutiques stretch to picturesque beachfront properties along an ocean-facing boulevard with Santa Barbara just a short drive away. This is Carpinteria, a low-key beach town known for its avocados (don't skip the California Avocado Festival in early October) and superlative sand and surf. Carpinteria "is a step back in time to the laid-back, sandy California beach towns of our imagination," says Sarah Stocking, Lonely Planet's California and Mexico destination editor. "Tiny, shingled beach cottages dot the shore while the surf maintains a steady easy flow, perfect for those who have always wanted to learn," she adds.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

With its moss-blanketed oak trees, quaint inns and seaside splendor, St. Simons Island offers Southern charm at its finest. The largest of Georgia's Golden Isles, St. Simons offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. Plus, historic landmarks and fashionable restaurants abound. You won't want to skip snapping a few photos of the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse perched on the isle's southern tip or sunbathing and windsurfing at East Beach. As for accommodations, consider the charming St. Simons Inn by the Lighthouse or, if you're looking to splurge, slip away to The Lodge at Sea Island for opulent surroundings and gracious hospitality.

Tiverton, Rhode Island

For old-fashioned, all-American charm that captures the essence of the Rhode Island coast, visit Tiverton, Potter says. The area brims with serene nature trails, Victorian architecture and artisanal shops, and is one of the prettiest little towns in America, he adds. If you're planning a trip in autumn, strap on your hiking boots and enjoy optimal leaf-viewing at Weetamoo Woods, where sassafras, scarlet oak and red maple trees are covered in crimson, yellow and purple hues come October. Other highlights include Little Compton Commons, a classic New England town square and Sakonnet Point for dreamy photo ops, and Tiverton Four Corners, which features a vibrant arts center showcasing concerts, festivals and other seasonal events.

Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian-inspired village located about 2.5 hours east of Seattle in the Cascades is easy on the eyes, especially during the winter holidays, when horse-drawn sleigh rides and twinkling lights across the town center beckon to cold-weather enthusiasts. But wandering in a winter wonderland isn't the only draw for planning a trip to this picture-perfect town. Throughout weekends in October, you can delight in traditional music, dancing and Bavarian staples for Oktoberfest, and grape-seekers can enjoy tastings in Leavenworth Valley Wine Country. And at the end of the day, you can get pampered with replenishing treatments at the Icicle Village Resort, which offers Swedish massages and alpine-inspired facials.

Berea, Kentucky

"Berea, Kentucky, is a small, handsome town at the foot of the Appalachian hills that has a lot to offer for its relatively small size," says Bailey Freeman, Lonely Planet's destination editor for South America. Often overlooked in favor of Lexington's legendary racehorses and bourbon, Berea is known for its vibrant arts community and lively college town. Freeman suggests joining a public art tour or craft workshop or catching "a front porch jam session at the Artisan Village." When you're not popping into galleries and studios, you can strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails at the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest State Nature Preserve or get your history fix at the Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is synonymous with skiing, with more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, snow-covered peaks and a typical annual snowfall of more than 300 inches. Each winter, powder chasers flock to Telluride Ski Resort to stroll along charming cobblestone streets in the Mountain Village, take in the high-altitude scenery and tackle the well-groomed trails. And in autumn, especially late September and early October, Telluride draws leaf peepers with its golden aspen groves tucked amid the San Juan mountains. For a foliage-filled escape, hit the Telluride Trail to immerse yourself in golden flecks. Then, retreat to one of the area's top-notch properties, like Lumière Telluride , where you can warm up around a roaring fireplace and get pampered with an in-room spa treatment.

Hood River, Oregon

Located in the striking Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is an "outdoor paradise," says Clem Bason, CEO of goSeek, a site focused on surfacing hidden hotel discounts. Bason highlights Hood River's dizzying array of recreational pursuits, from windsurfing to kite surfing to kayaking to cycling. He suggests exploring the 35-mile Fruit Loop to pick up blueberries, flowers, pears and fruit pies, among other items. If you plan a visit in autumn, check out the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest in October for wine and beer tastings, arts and crafts and other fun fall events. As for accommodations, bargain-hunters should consider the three-star Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel for standout Columbia River Gorge views and wallet-friendly rates under $150 per night on goSeek.com, Bason says.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

This scenic mountain town where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia intersect is known for its rich heritage and beautiful natural scenery at the junction of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. An easy weekend drive from the nation's capital, Harpers Ferry is especially arresting in October and early November, when gorgeous orange, golden and green shades color the townscape. Get your heart racing with some hiking, rafting or zip lining in the park, which offers access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. And when you need a break from outdoor adventure, check out nearby Civil War battlefields, enjoy leisurely riverside walks or wander along quaint cobblestone lanes before retreating to an inn.

Dorset, Vermont

For a less touristy alternative to Woodstock, visit Dorset, which boasts charming white clapboard houses, Potter says. In winter, enjoy ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides and skiing at nearby resorts such as Stratton and Okemo; in the warmer months, partake in fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding, among other recreational pursuits. Autumn also marks an ideal time to visit if you're looking to embrace the changing colors across the Green Mountain State. After embracing the great outdoors, steal away to the Dorset Inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast that dates back to 1796 and boasts well-appointed cottages and an intimate tavern dishing out plates such as roast turkey croquettes and Prince Edward Island mussels.

Lake Placid, New York

This picturesque Adirondacks village appeals to outdoorsy types, with its dizzying array of adventurous pursuits, from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter to hiking and cycling in summer. Powder hounds won't want to miss scoping out the Olympic Sports Complex, while R&R-seekers should beeline for the area's opulent resorts – Whiteface Lodge and Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa – for spectacular lake and mountain vistas. Autumn is another appealing time to visit, when scarlet, auburn and yellow colors paint the Olympic Trail scenic byway, and you can enjoy kayaking and hiking along Mirror Lake. When hunger strikes, grab a bite at the Lake Placid Club Boat House.

Ellijay, Georgia

A tiny town that bills itself as Georgia's Apple Capital, Ellijay lures visitors with its Apple Pickin' Jubilee in early fall at Hillcrest Orchards and its annual Georgia Apple Festival in October. Ellijay also offers an ideal location for exploring the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Beyond scenic cycling and hiking routes, which are even more enchanting in autumn when ablaze in bright colors, Ellijay attracts visitors to Georgia Highway 52, which has been dubbed "Apple Alley." Along the drive through north Georgia from Dahlonega, you'll wind past apple orchards and lush vineyards. After taking in the fruit-filled surroundings and staggered Dalonega peaks in the distance, hunker down at Mulberry Gap, a mountain retreat with camping spots and wooden cabins.

Salida, Colorado

Situated in Colorado's "banana belt," which enjoys milder winter weather than the state's alpine regions, Salida offers at artsy, unpretentious vibe. Flanking the Arkansas River, Salida is framed by the Sawatch Range, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Arkansas Hills, beckoning to outdoorsy types. For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try the challenging, roughly 35-mile long Monarch Crest Trail on a mountain bike. Or hit the picturesque Salida Mountain Trails within the Arkansas Hills and Methodist Mountain trail systems. After you've immersed yourself in nature and peddled past inspiring landscapes, grab a craft beer and a hearty meal at Boathouse Cantina or Amicas Pizza back in town. If you're on a tight budget, consider making Tudor Rose, which offers country-manor style lodging, or the hip Amigo Motor Lodge your home base.

Oxford, Mississippi

This northern Mississippi college town oozes Southern charm with its fragrant magnolia trees, historic sites and mouthwatering cuisine (brisket grilled cheese or shrimp and grits, anyone?). Get your foodie fix at Snackbar, Big Bad Breakfast or City Grocery. Then, tour the landmarks that inspired novelist William Faulkner, like Rowan Oak, near the town wquare, where he penned chapters for his novel "A Fable." Lit fans will also appreciate browsing the well-stocked stands of Square Books. And no trip to Oxford is complete without catching an Ole Miss football game – and scoping out the lively tailgating scene at the Grove, a college campus park where fans partake in revelry with drinks, snacks and partying on game days.

Nashville, Indiana

A lovely colony set in Indiana's Brown County, Nashville is filled with local craft stores, inviting restaurants and brick-lined paths. Plan a trip in mid- to late October for prime leaf-viewing at Brown County State Park, which bursts with yellow, auburn and crimson hues blanketing birch, oak and sugar maple trees. For more outdoor adventure, stroll or horseback ride along the scenic trails across the park. Then, head back into town to grab a bite at Hobnob Corner or Shapiro's Delicatessen before strolling along Main Street to check out historic homes and antique shops. At the end of the day, bunk down at Story Inn, a charming bed-and-breakfast with rooms outfitted with balconies and clawfoot tubs.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, along Michigan's Lower Peninsula, offers an enticing escape, says Trisha Ping, Lonely Planet's Eastern USA destination editor. "The clear waters of Traverse Bay are warm enough for swimming or kayaking in summer and early fall, and there's enough local shopping and dining to keep you busy over a long weekend," she says. "Visitors might be surprised by the quality of the local wineries. Traverse City is on the 45th parallel, which also marks some of Europe's best wine regions," Ping adds. And while Traverse City offers a classic weekend getaway year-round, it's especially alluring in July during the annual National Cherry Festival, when you can partake in time-honored traditions from parades to art competitions and enjoy fresh tart cherry treats.

Bozeman, Montana

This scenic mountain town tucked amid the Tobacco Root Mountains and the Bridger Mountains is an ideal launching pad for exploring Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Montana. But this pretty pastoral area isn't just a prime destination for skiers and hikers. If you're longing for an outside-the-box adventure in winter, try a mushing expedition with venerable outfitter Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures or a horse-drawn sleigh ride with tour operator Sunrise Pack Station. Or try snowga (snowy yoga) at Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Then, cozy up at one of the lively cafes in town along Main Street before turning in at The Lark, a contemporary boutique hotel with an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and rooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs and cozy bathrobes.

Ferndale, California

Ferndale "is the charming northern gateway to California's Lost Coast," Stocking says. "The well-manicured town has maintained its Victorian architecture for a charming home base to exploring a bit of California's rugged coastline and redwood forests." After checking out the towering redwoods and captivating views along Humboldt Bay, look up at the elaborate architecture in town, which includes painted ladies along Main Street as well as mission- and Italianate-style buildings. Then, check out the area's eclectic fine art galleries, grab a bite at a casual tavern or café and slip away to one of the area's quaint bed-and-breakfasts.

Galena, Illinois

Set along the Mississippi River, Galena offers alluring backdrops and a leisurely pace, making it a quintessential retreat for Windy City residents. Lit lovers will want to check out the annual Galena LitFest each January, and history buffs will enjoy exploring the DeSoto House Hotel, which has an illustrious past dating back to 1855. For more activity, embark on a horseback riding expedition along the river, hit the links on one of the area's golf courses or enjoy hiking along the Galena River Trail. When hunger sets in, check out One Eleven Main. If you're looking to unwind and pamper yourself, check into the Goldmoor Inn, which peers over the Mississippi River Valley.

Breckenridge, Colorado

This storybook ski town has all the trappings of a winter wonderland – down to its powdery peaks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating rinks and arresting alpine scenery. But there's more to Breckenridge than cold-weather pastimes. Not only does Breck offer a lovely downtown area filled with trendy boutiques and galleries, Victorian-era architecture and a thriving arts district, it also offers fun seasonal events year-round, like the Spring Beer Festival each April and an authentic Breckenridge Oktoberfest celebration in September. If you're looking to embrace the great outdoors in autumn, check out the Peaks Trail off Highway 9, which intersects Breckenridge and Frisco and affords striking golden landscapes, or the picturesque Boreas Pass Road.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Chock-full of idyllic coastal views, sophisticated galleries and lovely cafes, this seaside village near Monterey and Pebble Beach dazzles visitors year-round. If you're not in awe of the windswept seascapes from Bixby Creek Bridge on Highway 1 (you may recognize the dreamy backdrop from the opening credits of the hit HBO series "Big Little Lies"), you're sure to be charmed by crisp sea air and powdery sands along Carmel Beach. Apart from sunbathing and hiking, you can fill your days with leisurely tastings at trendy wine bars and perusing the shops along Ocean Avenue. End your day by retreating to a charming bed-and-breakfast such as Cypress Inn or the Wayside Inn.

Nevada City, California

A former gold rush town, Nevada City is perched at the western edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills. As you explore around town, which dates back to 1849, you may feel like you've been transported back in time on a horse-drawn carriage ride weaving past glowing streetlamps or the Nevada Theatre, which welcomed literary luminaries such as Mark Twain and Jack London. "The town is also chock-full of artists, restaurateurs and artisans," Bason says. Other highlights include exploring Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and Firehouse No. 1 Museum, a storied bell tower building that contains unique relics from the gold rush. Cap off your visit with a tasting at Nevada City Winery.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Steeped in history and Spanish moss-draped oak trees, Beaufort oozes low country charm. Admire the area's antebellum architecture and superlative cuisine (Old Bull Tavern and Lowcountry Produce are crowd-pleasers), before venturing to Hunting Island State Park to hit the trails and capture dreamy photos of the storied lighthouse, Hunting Island Light. Then, stroll through Scout Southern Market to grab a few souvenirs, take in the salty sea breeze along Bay Street or pop into the fashionable boutiques and galleries in town. At the end of the day, slip away to Anchorage 1770, a historic Victorian inn where you can enjoy waterfront yoga classes on a sweeping veranda overlooking the harbor or rent a fat tire bike.

Asheville, North Carolina

With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop, Asheville lures outdoorsy types, hipsters, epicureans, culturists and history lovers alike. If you're yearning for adventure, enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking or cycling in one of the area's parks and forests, such as the Pisgah National Forest. And if you're a discerning foodie, check out a few culinary institutions, such as Rhubarb and Nightbell. Then, explore the area's historic gems, like the Omni Grove Park Inn and the Biltmore Estate, before meandering through the River Arts District to explore chic galleries and boutiques.

Ketchum, Idaho

An off-the-beaten-path ski town with easy access Sun Valley's glistening slopes, Ketchum is a best-kept secret. Come for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and other cold-weather pastimes, then wander around town to check out exhibits, workshops and art classes at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, a hybrid museum and gallery venue, or warm up with a pint at Sawtooth Brewery. After soaking in your surroundings, check into the Limelight Hotel to enjoy a lively après-ski happy hour, or make your way to the Sun Valley Lodge, which features a 20,000-square-foot spa, a yoga studio and other wellness-focused facilities.

Camden, Maine

A classic New England port town along Penobscot Bay, which is teeming with sailboats and Victorian homes, Camden is a postcard-perfect getaway, Potter says. While the area fills with tourists in the dog days of summer, it offers the perfect dose of coastal Maine charm, he adds. In autumn, hit the trails at Camden Hills State Park to take in striking crimson, emerald and yellow shades draping chestnut, birch and elm trees or check out Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for spellbinding scenery. After immersing yourself in Camden's coastal beauty, check into Whitehall for cozy accommodations, cocktails and mouthwatering dishes such as lobster rolls and blueberry cheesecake at the on-site dining venue, Pig + Poet.

St. Augustine, Florida

History-filled cobblestone streets. Spanish colonial architecture. Lively shops. St. Augustine isn't your typical Florida beach town. Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which has a history dating back to the 17th century, check out the Freedom Trail to retrace the footsteps of MLK Jr., and explore the antique shops, eclectic boutiques, lively cafes and museums along St. George Street. After painting the town, stretch out along the powdery shores at Anastasia State Park beach or escape to the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection for high-end digs featuring with four-poster beds and Bose sound systems. Even better, the property can arrange outdoor excursions, from fishing and sailing to golfing and horseback riding.

Jackson, Wyoming

Jagged peaks, scenic trails and a charming slope-side village: It's no secret why powder hounds flock to this laid-back ski town each winter. While skiers will want to beeline for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , where you can tackle 4,139 acres of runs, ski-averse visitors can take their pick from a range of off-slope offerings. Take advantage of Jackson's enviable location, tucked amid the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, and explore one of the more than 200 trails in Grand Teton National Park. Or, for one-of-a-kind wildlife-viewing, head the National Elk Refuge during the peak elk-watching season in autumn. At the end of the day, head to The Kitchen or the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Paia, Hawaii

If you're looking for an untrammeled surf town with requisite Hawaiian hospitality, venture to Paia, a less-trodden enclave on Maui's northern coast. Located off Highway 36, Paia lures surfers, windsurfers and bohemian types to Ho'okipa Beach Park. When you need a break from the sand and surf, browse the eclectic boutiques, galleries and cafes downtown, such as Café des Amis and Indigo Paia gallery. Then, make your way to the bustling Paia Fish Market or take in the jaw-dropping vantage points along the legendary Road to Hana. As for accommodations, consider the Paia Inn, a chic boutique hotel that offers an ideal starting point for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, among other recreational pursuits.

(iStockPhoto) |

Blue Hill, Maine

A tucked-away coastal village on Maine's western shoreline, Blue Hill is a gem nestled between Blue Hill Harbor and Blue Hill Mountain. Arrive in early October, and you can take in brilliant fall colors along Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Then, meander across town to pop into lovely galleries and boutique shops, such as Rackliffe Pottery and Blue Hill Books, for a souvenir (or two). When hunger strikes, visit Arborvine, an intimate dining venue with farm-to-table dishes. As for lodging, check into the Blue Hill Inn for airy accommodations and complimentary breakfast items such as blueberry pancakes, waffles and sweet breads.

Sitka, Alaska

An isolated seaside village on the outer edge of the Alaskan panhandle, Sitka lures wildlife lovers (the area is home to wild salmon, bald eagles and seals) and serenity-seekers with its beautiful nature trails. Set at the base of Mt. Edgecumbe – a snow-topped dormant volcano – the area offers awe-inspiring backdrops. And outdoor pursuits abound, from hiking to kayaking to whale watching. Cruise along Southeast Alaska, join a walking tour, kayak or fish before hiking along scenic trails in Sitka National Historical Park. Then, make your way to Eliason Harbor to catch sight of the area's colorful fishing boats before stealing away to Talon Lodge & Spa, a wellness-centered fishing lodge with striking views of Alaska's Inside Passage.

Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Located on the northern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this scenic area is a classic lakeside getaway with alluring hiking trails, hardwood forests and captivating coastline. Keweenaw National Historical Park is the main draw, with its jagged sandstone cliffs and scenic overlooks, which are even more alluring in the fall when blanketed in golden, scarlet and emerald hues. Copper Harbor along U.S. Route 41 is another prime fall foliage viewing area (the scenic Copper Harbor Lighthouse offers an ideal spot for a memorable photos). After soaking in the scenery, grab a pint at Keweenaw Brewing Company and check-into Fitzgerald's Hotel & Restaurant in nearby Eagle River.

Darby, Montana

Beneath the Bitterroot Range in southwest Montana, Darby is a quintessential adventure town in the heart of Big Sky Country. In autumn, you can take in auburn, gold and crimson shades draping aspen and maple trees. And in the warmer months, carve out some time for fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and horseback riding, among other outdoor diversions. Another draw is the Bitterroot National Forest; take the arresting hike to Boulder Falls for an enchanting photo op. At the end of the day, cozy up at Triple Creek Ranch, a high-end, 600-acre mountain retreat with well-appointed cabins, wraparound decks, roaring fireplaces and all-inclusive activities, from alpine skiing to wildlife- and nature-viewing safaris.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Located about 200 miles north of New York City and about 35 miles north of Albany, New York, Saratoga Springs has long been a classic summer getaway for city slickers. "There's a thriving downtown area filled with restaurants and small shops," says Alicia Johnson, Lonely Planet's Central America and Caribbean destination editor. "The biggest attraction is the Saratoga Race Course, which features thoroughbred horse racing from July to September," she adds. After checking out the track, venture to Congress Park, a verdant green space with picnic areas, duck ponds and a charming wooden carousel. Then, meander to Caroline Street, a bustling thoroughfare brimming with cosmopolitan restaurants and cocktail bars.

Spearfish, South Dakota

Set at the foot of the Black Hills and Custer State Park, Spearfish is a gem in South Dakota, Potter says. The classic Western town offers a lively Main Street filled with antique shops, historic buildings, and inviting wine bars and cafes. But the reason you go to Spearfish is to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Take a scenic drive to the nearby Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Rushmore or Bear Butte State Park. After soaking in the great outdoors, refuel with a meal back in town at a casual barbecue and brisket joint, pub or low-key tavern. As for lodging, you can take your pick from bed-and-breakfasts, campgrounds, cabins and budget-friendly hotels.

Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, Alabama

These neighboring small towns tucked in northern Alabama are best known for their illustrious music history. The Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin are just a couple of legendary musicians to have laid down tracks in the Muscle Shoals area. Plus, the area is home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Bason says, adding that the historic downtown appeals to audiophiles and gastronomes alike with its lively food scene. Arrive in late spring or early fall for pleasant temperatures. Music lovers won't want to miss the W.C. Handy Music Festival in neighboring Florence, Alabama, in July, and history buffs will want to carve out some time to tour Ivy Green, the childhood home of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, Bason adds.

Newport, Rhode Island

A quintessential New England retreat, Newport is perhaps best known for its glamorous sailboats, stately mansions and seafaring charm. But the arresting town has much more to offer history and architecture lovers. In addition to the colonial-era structures, lovely summer cottages and glitzy Gilded Age buildings (like The Breakers, Rough Point and Marble House), there's the National Museum of American Illustration and the verdant Fort Adams at the base of Narragansett Bay. Newport also boasts the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, a scenic seaside stretch with salty sea breezes and postcard-worthy views. For an enviable address and unobstructed bay views, check into the Castle Hill Inn or The Chanler at Cliff Walk .

Calistoga, California

If you're dreaming of an understated wine country getaway, Calistoga offers a laid-back alternative to Napa and Sonoma Valley. In fall, leaf peepers will want to check out the Silverado Trail to admire golden and scarlet hues blanketing the vineyard-filled route. And after enjoying leisurely tastings, you can indulge in gallery-hopping, soaking in soothing hot springs and getting pampered at luxurious hotels. At Calistoga Ranch , guests can enjoy complimentary Pilates and yoga classes, unwind in lodges outfitted with fireplaces and rain showers and get pampered with decadent spa treatments like facials, stone massage therapies and detoxifying mud wraps. For more arresting views, check out Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, where picturesque trails snake past black oaks, maples and redwoods.

Ticonderoga, New York

This tony town tucked in the Adirondacks along Lake Champlain "is beautiful throughout most of the year," Johnson says. "There are trails and boat launches and small-town eateries." But the crown jewel (and most popular site) is Fort Ticonderoga, which stretches across Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondacks. History buffs will want to catch a 1777 British siege re-enactment, while outdoorsy types will be drawn to the 2,000-acre area's picturesque trails and gardens (King's Garden is a must-see and offers seasonal programming such as apple picking in autumn and hands-on gardening lessons). Other highlights include Crown Point, a neighboring town with a charming lighthouse, and the LaChute River Walk Trail, a scenic path that leads to plunging waterfalls.

Sedona, Arizona

Set amid dramatic crimson-rock formations, craggy sandstone buttes and pine tree-filled forests, Sedona features a desert landscape like no other. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the legendary red rocks along one of Sedona's more than 100 scenery-packed hiking trails (the Cathedral Rock Trail is a must) and Red Rock State Park. Meanwhile, fans of the area's New Age movement will want to check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Spa-goers will appreciate Mii Amo, a Destination Spa, which is available to Enchantment Resort guests and offers invigorating treatments like prickly pear butter wraps. If you have time to spare, take in sweeping views on trails near iconic buttes such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe's well-groomed ski runs (if you're a powder hound, tackling the slopes of Mount Mansfield – Vermont's highest peak – is a must) and gorgeous amber and yellow hues draping sugar maples, elm, hickory and birch trees each September and October are top draws for outdoorsy types. For Instagram-worthy photo ops, drive along Stowe Hollow and pick up a sweet scoop at Ben & Jerry's Factory. Soak in your surroundings in this quaint town beneath the Green Mountains by exploring Stowe's charming steepled churches and crowd-pleasing local hangouts such as Solstice and Swiss Fondue by Heinz. End your day cozying up by a crackling fireplace at a luxurious retreat such as Topnotch Resort or Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa .

More From U.S. News

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 best small towns in the US for adventure

Best Small Town for Adventure (2023) March 3, 2023

Whoever said small towns are boring must have missed out on visiting these 10 spots voted as the best by readers. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and rock climbing, each one is big on adventure.

No. 10: Bar Harbor, Maine

Picturesque Bar Harbor has everything an adventurer needs for a memorable visit at any time of year. With Acadia National Park as its backyard, there’s always an outdoor option. The scenic park offers hiking and biking in the warm months and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the cold ones. There’s also plenty to do on the water, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing.

No. 9: Northfield, Minnesota

Northfield keeps things moving in the summer with skydiving, canoeing, hiking and biking, and offers plenty of outdoor excitement in the winter with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling and ice hockey. Take a break in town by enjoying one of their music venues or art galleries.

No. 8: Boone, North Carolina

Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina at 3,333 feet, this college town is at the highest elevation of any city with a population over 10,000 east of the Mississippi River. As a result, Boone is at the heart of outdoor adventure activities. There are plenty of hiking and rock-climbing sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock are popular day trips. The rivers are also ideal for fishing, or you can take a whitewater rafting trip down the French Broad River.

No. 7: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a popular base for exploring the scenic wonders of Yellowstone National Park, both individually and with guided tours. Nearby Teton Village offers first-class skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in the summer. Whitewater rafting down the Snake River, horseback riding and wildlife safaris are available for day trips or multi-day excursions.

No. 6: Stowe, Vermont

Nestled beside Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the mountain resort town of Stowe offers breathtaking scenic vistas, numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and small-town charm in one complete package. The Green Mountains offer ice climbing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, plus rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing and canoeing in the summer. For the most adventurous visitors, take a hot air balloon ride for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

No. 5: Ellicottville, New York

Ellicottville calls itself “New York’s playground for outdoor fun and adventure,” and we agree. There’s something to do no matter the season, from skiing and snowboarding on Allegany Mountain in the winter to mountain biking, hiking, fishing and kayaking throughout scenic Cattaraugus County. Back in town, adventurers have their choice of several restaurants to fuel their adventures.

No. 4: Gallup, New Mexico

Gallup is a hotbed of desert adventure, set in the New Mexico red rock landscape that offers up climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Motocross lovers flock to this little town to test their mettle, and balloonists love to soar into the clear skies in hot air balloons to feel the warm wind in their hair. Take in a rodeo, ride your own horse into the wilderness that surrounds the town or perhaps try your skills at skeet shooting. No matter what warm weather outdoor activity strikes your fancy, it can be found in and around Gallup.

No. 3: North Conway, New Hampshire

Set amid the sprawling White Mountain National Forest, North Conway offers visitors access to Mount Washington (the tallest peak in the northeast) and the accompanying four seasons of recreation. During the snowy months, the area boasts some of the region’s best skiing and snowmobiling, while summer is excellent for hiking, golfing, fishing and camping. Fall leaf peeping is some of the best in the country.

No. 2: Bentonville, Arkansas

Known as “the mountain biking capital of the world,” Bentonville is a northwest Arkansas town tucked into the Ozark Mountains. With famed biking trails like the Slaughter Pen, Little Sugar Trail and Blowing Springs, there are challenges for riders of every level. Add in bucolic lakes for swimming, boating and camping, along with numerous hiking trails both in the city and nearby state parks, and this small town is filled with adrenaline-inducing adventures.

No. 1: Savanna, Illinois

“Savanna, hugging the mighty Mississippi and along the bluffs of the Driftless area in Northwest Illinois, is the starting point for 60 miles of bike trails – the Great River Trail – but it is also a favorite stop for motorcyclists,” says 10Best expert Jacky Runice. This small town is known for its outdoor activities, attracting visitors interested in biking, boating and fishing.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison tibaldi.

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based...   Read More

Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles.  She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education.  She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly. 

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Corinne Whiting

Corinne hails from the  other Washington, where she...   Read More

Corinne hails from the  other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak . Here in the lovely Northwest, she's  attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.

Deborah Fallows

Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is...   Read More

Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America , published in May, 2018. Our Towns , the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic , National Geographic , Slate , The New York Times  and The Washington Monthly . Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language , is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.

Dynie Sanderson

Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has...   Read More

Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

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USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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Travel | June 3, 2022

The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2022

From the alleged birthplace of Paul Bunyan to the original gateway to Yellowstone, these towns are buzzing with activity

Laura Kiniry

Travel Correspondent

Celebrating America’s small towns has become one of Smithsonian magazine’s favorite traditions: an opportunity to get lost in the slower pace of walkable streets, minor league baseball games and waters brimming with wildlife. These communities are gateways to vast national parks, Native American heritage and Underground Railroad history, where qualities such as preservation, pride and perseverance often go hand in hand.

Our picks for the 15 best small towns to visit this year all have a population of 25,000 or under, a high density of cultural offerings and natural beauty, and a compelling reason to visit in 2022. They include Africatown, Alabama, a community just outside of downtown Mobile with a new museum that finally gives its formerly enslaved founders and their descendants a place to tell their stories, and Winslow, Arizona, where people have now been “standin’ on the corner” thanks to the Eagles’ chart-topping hit for a solid 50 years. It’s also said that 80 percent of all Native American jewelry sold worldwide comes from within 100 miles of Gallup, New Mexico, while Bemidji, Minnesota, surprised us with a series of fully immersive “language villages” where both adults and kids can learn Italian, Korean, Danish and more.

This year’s 15 small towns inspire our hearts and minds, and encourage us to get out and explore. (All population figures are from the 2020 census.)

Seaside Small Town: Cambria, California (pop. 5,678)

When media tycoon William Randolph Hearst first purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland in 1865 to build his now-famous hilltop compound, nearby Cambria was largely unknown. Not anymore. Today, this picturesque seaside village is buzzing with boutique shops, art galleries and antiques stores. It’s also an ideal base for visiting Hearst Castle . Located just six miles north, the world-renowned site finally reopened in May after a long, two-year closure caused both by storm damage and the pandemic. It’s wonderful timing, as 2022 also happens to be the 150th anniversary of the birth of its architect, Julia Morgan . Along with restored access to the estate’s opulent artworks, dazzling pools and grand rooms, the castle is celebrating its reopening with a new tour delving into Morgan’s incredible life and career, and featuring rarely seen pockets of the castle that highlight her design expertise. Noteworthy elements include the castle’s multitude of architectural styles, such as Gothic and neo-Classical, and Morgan’s seamless integration of Hearst’s personal art collection. The property once had a private zoo housing leopards, bears, kangaroos and zebras. Today, some descendants of the original zebras still roam the surrounding hillsides.

Along with its close proximity to the castle, Cambria also occupies a prime location along Highway 1 and California’s Central Coast, just south of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery , where thousands of these marine mammals mate, molt, give birth and rest each year. It’s also only 24 miles south of Ragged Point—the gateway to California’s rugged Big Sur coastline, with its hiking trails, campgrounds and awe-inspiring natural views. Approximately 100 Clydesdale horses roam freely on the grounds of Cambria’s 2,000-acre Covell Ranch . Tours of the property—with its pristine Monterey pine forest and ocean views—are offered both on the ranch’s open-air trailer and horseback.

Cambria’s many cafés, tasting rooms and restaurants include Linn’s Restaurant , known for its “world-famous” olallieberry pie, and Indigo Moon , a modern American eatery with its own cheese and wine shop that hosts a live jazz brunch on Sundays.

Weekenders can stay at Cambria’s oh-so-romantic White Water lodge, featuring custom furnishings and designs influenced by 1970s Scandinavian and California bohemian culture. The boutique property is ideally perched along Moonstone Beach , so named for the bevy of wave-worn sea glass—including moonstone agates—scattered across its sands. Be on the lookout for migrating whales, including grays (December through April) and humpbacks (May through October).

Laid-Back Small Town: Winslow, Arizona (pop. 9,005)

It’s been 50 years since country-rock band the Eagles first released their song, “Take it Easy.” In the years since, its iconic line, “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona,” has become an American pastime. To this day, travelers from around the globe still visit Winslow’s Standin’ on the Corner Park to snap their pic with its flatbed Ford mural and life-size statue of a man and his guitar.

Winslow makes the ideal base for exploring Arizona’s high plateau country, and 2022 marks 60 years since nearby Petrified Forest , with its Rainbow Forest of petrified wood, Late Triassic fossils and a partially excavated pueblo, became a national park. The town has long been a favorite stop among Route 66 travelers, not to mention on Amtrak’s Southwestern Chief line between Los Angeles and Chicago. Winslow is home to the historic hacienda-style La Posada , (which means “the resting place” in Spanish), a 1930 National Historic Landmark that happens to be the last great railway hotel of hospitality entrepreneur Fred Harvey . Today, the restored property is a pure work of art, complete with Ponderosa pine beds, Talavera tile mirrors and Zapotec rugs reminiscent of architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter ’s original vision. Hotel guests and local residents alike flock to its Turquoise Room , a beloved restaurant serving up contemporary Southwestern eats in the elegant recreated style of a former Santa Fe Railway dining car.

Winslow is a town shaped by Native Americans and Western pioneers, a history that’s on full display at its Old Trails Museum . Or head to the 4,000-plus-acre Homolovi State Park to see hundreds of Hopi archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and pueblos, in the flesh. Nearby Clear Creek Reservoir offers outdoor adventure. Rent kayaks, canoes and SUPs for use on the sandstone-surrounded reservoir's west canyon waters, or opt for swimming and fishing in the more docile east section. Twenty-six miles west of Winslow is Meteor Crater , the best-preserved meteorite impact crater on Earth. The site hosts guided rim tours, along with an interactive Discovery Center highlighting the history and science behind global meteorite impacts.

Specialty shops in downtown Winslow's Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings sell artworks and Route 66 souvenirs. The new Motor Place Mercantile  is a one-stop shop for copper cacti ornaments, Winslow-made soaps and salted toffee bars. For casual eats, Relic Road Brewery serves a nice selection of Arizona craft brews and appetizers like beer-candied bacon and deep-fried pickles.

Resilient Small Town: Africatown, Alabama (pop. 2,000)

Even after the United States outlawed the importation of enslaved labor in 1807, smugglers continued to bring captured West Africans across the Atlantic and into the Deep South. When the Civil War ended, the newly freed survivors of the last of these slave ships, the Clotilda , founded Africatown, a stand-alone community located about three miles from downtown Mobile. This self-sufficient town used many elements of West African law, including having tribal leaders; retained their own regional language and customs; and started their own schoolhouse.

With the opening of the Africatown Heritage House later this summer (the official date remains unannounced), the town’s founders and descendants will finally have a dedicated place for their narratives to be told. The 5,000-square-foot museum will feature both documents and artifacts sharing the incredible stories of the enslaved laborers who traveled to Alabama aboard the Clotilda , survived and flourished. These include pieces of the sunken schooner, which was found in 2019 , thanks in part to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum helped with the Clotilda research and in finding ways to involve Africatown's residents in preserving the ship’s memory, as well as the legacy of slavery and freedom in Alabama.

Many of the founders’ descendants still reside in the historic community, home to the Union Missionary Baptist Church —organized in the late 1800s and the heart of Africatown—and the Old Plateau Cemetery, where enslaved Africans and their descendants, including a Buffalo Soldier, are buried.

Africantown is a part of larger Mobile’s Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail , which consists of walking tours, docent-led tours and a self-guided, five-mile driving tour encompassing 45 historic landmarks, including the Emanuel A.M.E. Church, Finley’s (Alabama’s first chain of Black-owned drugstores), and a playground and park dedicated to local native and baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron.

Just five miles south in Mobile is SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar , a seafood and Southern food restaurant serving up braised beef oxtails and Cajun ribeye. Mobilan and executive chef Erica Barrett opened the eatery in 2019. The nearby shop of Africkytown Ebi preserves Africatown’s history through African-made products from shea butter to kente cloth hoop earrings.

Historic Blakeley State Park’s Delta Explorer Cruises runs tours to remote Bayou Canot, where Clotilda' s remains were found. Netflix recently picked up the rights to Descendant , a documentary on the lives of Africatown descendants directed by Mobile native Margaret Brown and first premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, that will be a must-see.

A Shark Lover's Small Town: Chatham, Massachusetts (pop. 6,594)

Filmed off the coast of Cape Cod in the early 1970s, Jaws changed the way that beachgoers everywhere interact with the sea. Nearly a half-century later, sharks are still an interest along the Atlantic Coast, especially in the waters around Chatham, a charming seaside town positioned at the “elbow” of the peninsula’s bent arm.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and its outreach facility, the Chatham Shark Center , take an in-depth look at the often misunderstood great white shark, with exhibits highlighting the history of sharks on Cape Cod and ways to be a better ocean steward. To intimately introduce people to these magnificent creatures, the center also hosts naturalist-guided private charters that visit great whites in their natural habitat. Starting this summer, the AWSC has also joined forces with the New England Aquarium to employ a bonafide shark expert, who will verify shark sightings submitted by “citizen scientists” to the conservancy’s app, Sharktivity . This data will help protect both the public and sharks by preventing possible encounters between the two.

Chatham is steeped in seafaring history, and many of its attractions reflect this. The country’s largest ship-to-shore radiotelegraph station once occupied what is now the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center , a museum dedicated to the history of wireless communication. It even features an interactive exhibit on learning and sending Morse Code. The 48-foot-tall Chatham Light is part of an active-duty Coast Guard Station that helps protect the town’s 66 miles of shoreline. Tours of the lighthouse, as well as seal tours highlighting the playful marine mammals who frolic in the waters off Chatham Light Beach, are available each summer. This stretch of coastline is also home to AWSC’s receiver boat tours , in which participants have an opportunity to analyze the data on active shark receivers and see if any great whites have passed through.

As a summer resort town, Chatham is home to a fine selection of lodgings, as well as a bustling Main Street brimming with fun stores like Ducks in the Window, the world’s largest retail rubber duck shop (including ducks that look like Baby Yoda), and Maps of Antiquity , for those wanting to get lost in antique maps and charts from around the world. Eateries here run the gamut from the oh-so-casual Chatham Pier Fish Market , with its daily haul of oysters, sole and halibut, to the Frette linens and multicourse tasting menus of the elegant Cuvée at Chatham Inn .

Chatham’s History Weekend , June 17 to 19, celebrates the town’s historic riches, including its Old Village District, featuring homes dating back to 1730, through free museum hours, bus tours and lectures. The Chatham Band celebrates 90 years this season with Friday evening concerts at Kate Gould Park, from July to September.

Tropical Small Town: Everglades City, Florida (pop. 352)

Located along southwest Florida’s laid-back Paradise Coast, Everglades City began as a water-locked frontier trading town that in the early 19th century became the base of operations for the “Tamiami Trail,” the southernmost 275 miles of U.S. Highway 41 that crosses the Everglades. Both quiet and unhurried, the tiny community is known as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands , a maze of islands and mangrove islets ideal for primitive camping and with waters ripe for canoeing and kayaking. They lie partially within Everglades National Park , which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Experienced paddlers will want to swing by the park’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center for information on plying the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway , which winds through the islands for what many consider the paddling adventure of a lifetime.

A sprawling 7,800 square miles, the Everglades is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States, with mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater prairies and incredible wildlife. We’re talking manatees, loggerhead sea turtles, pink flamingos, and both alligators and crocodiles. Combined with the neighboring 1,140-square-mile Big Cypress National Preserve , this “River of Grass” also provides the largest contiguous expanse of land for panthers in South Florida. Airboat tours, bicycling, hiking and scenic drives are popular activities in both parks, with plenty of rentals and guided excursions available.

At 85,000 acres, nearby Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is Florida’s largest state park, and home to more native species of orchid than anywhere else on the continent. Embark on a guided swamp walk among tropical ferns and bromeliads, or enjoy fat-tire biking along the park’s off-road trails.

Located in the town’s center, the Museum of the Everglades delves into local history with exhibits on everything from the Tamiami Trail’s construction to the impact of recent hurricanes. Greater Everglades City is also known as the "Stone Crab Capital of the World,” with local residents and visitors feasting on the delicious claws of this North Atlantic crustacean from mid-October through mid-May. Places to try stone crabs include the casual Triad Seafood Market & Cafe , with picnic tables overlooking the water, and local favorite Camellia Street Grill, sporting a chalkboard menu and dockside locale. Don’t worry if stone crab season has passed: seafood and Southern-style dishes are available in town all year long.

Breathtaking Small Town: Cañon City, Colorado (pop. 17,141)

Tucked within Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley, Cañon City is celebrating its sesquicentennial with a wide range of events, including everything from July’s Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival to a “Cañon Turns 150 Concert” on September 16.

The picturesque town’s best known natural asset is the Royal Gorge, a narrow, more than 1,000-foot deep canyon (one of Colorado’s deepest) that acts as a bottleneck for the Arkansas River, making for some incredible whitewater rafting. Local outfitter Lost Paddle Rafting hosts day and overnight trips on the river, in addition to mountain bike tours at spots like Phantom Canyon Road, a 30-mile stretch with breathtaking rock formations and ghost towns. Adrenaline-seekers climb the granite domes along Oak Creek Grade and flock to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park , home to America’s highest suspension bridge, as well as its highest zip-line—soaring 1,200 feet above the river. But for a cushier, more luxurious trip through the canyon, consider the Royal Gorge Railroad, a dining train that winds through exquisite natural scenery from Cañon City to Parkdale and offers several daily departures.

Perennially sunny Cañon City maintains one of Colorado’s most extensive trail systems for both riders and hikers. This includes the new, mile-long Point Alta Vista hiking trail, which traverses four restored train trestles for an unparalleled view of the Royal Gorge Region and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (one that previously required an arduous eight-mile round-trip hike).

For fossil fans, nearby Garden Park Fossil Area is notable for its part in the “Bone Wars,” a time in the late 19th century when scientists raced to discover new species of dinosaurs. Over the last 120 years, scientists have found 14 different Jurassic dinosaur species, including Brontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus, in this active 3,209-acre fossil area. Some of their bones are currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Low-slung brick buildings from the late-19th and early 20th century line Cañon City’s historic district, many of them housing antiques stores, art galleries, and even the largest selection of rocks (including colored quartz and amethyst) in the state. The family-owned Owl Cigar Store , a landmark establishment first opened in 1903 as a tobacco shop, now dishes out burgers and shakes among old-fashioned booths and pool tables.

Festive Small Town: Bemidji, Minnesota (pop, 14,574)

Bemidji’s nickname, “The First City on the Mississippi,” comes from its location on the shores of Lake Bemidji , the northernmost lake feeding the Mississippi River . Not only is this northern Minnesota town the self-proclaimed “ curling capital” of the U.S., but it’s also the alleged birthplace of Paul Bunyan . An 18-foot-tall statue of the legendary lumberjack and another of his blue ox, Babe, have been standing near the lake—and attracting kitsch-loving photo takers—for 85 years.

Within 25 miles of Bemidji you’ll find 400 lakes, 500 miles of snowmobile trails and 99 miles of cross-country ski trails. Even more, Bemidji is home to the Concordia Language Villages , a nonprofit program of Concordia College that offers classes in 15 different languages in total, for all levels of learning. Youth and adults alike fully immerse themselves (for one to four weeks, or as adventure day camps) in the foods, sports and cultural activities of the countries where the language they’re learning is spoken, whether it be German, Korean, Arabic or French.

Bemidji’s walkable downtown is brimming with public art, not to mention local shops like the family-owned Bemidji Woolen Mills , which has been producing Made-in-Bemidji wool blankets, shirts and coats for more than a century. The shop also stocks quality brands such as Pendleton and Wigwam. At the Watermark Arts Center , visitors can peruse a series of rotating art exhibits, or attend workshops on spoon carving, plein air painting, and more.

From the specialty mimosas and salted caramel cinnamon rolls of modern breakfast spot Red Stu  to downtown's Bemidji Brewing , serving up over a dozen site-brewed beers and snacks like classic pretzel twists, the town offers a mouthwatering selection of food and drink options.

A year’s worth of festivals include Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival (June 30-July 4) complete with a water ski show and massive fireworks display, and August's Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival . New this year is July’s two-day Anishinaabe Art Festival , a celebration of Indigenous art. The town is a center point for three nearby Indian reservations : Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth, which have joined together to highlight and promote Native artists and their works at the festival.

Stroll along an elevated boardwalk above a spruce-tamarack bog at Lake Bemidji State Park , which is also the northern trailhead for the 115-mile-long multiuse Paul Bunyan State Trail . Or opt for hiking and camping in Chippewa National Forest , home to the “ Lost 40 ,” a stand of centuries-old towering pine trees that were spared by loggers in the late 1800s thanks to a survey mapping error.

Artsy Small Town: Gallup, New Mexico (pop. 21,899)

Another stop along historic Route 66, Gallup sits within the stunning red rock country of northwest New Mexico. The town is rich with Native American culture and heritage, with the Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and Hopi Reservation all located nearby. Come August, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial will be celebrating 100 years with a massive showcase of events, including parades, ceremonial dances and the country’s oldest Native American art show, with Indigenous peoples from across North America and as far away as New Zealand in attendance.

Gallup’s historic downtown—with its one and two-story storefronts—is also home to dozens of Indian trading posts and galleries, displaying everything from Zuni pottery to Navajo rugs. Spots such as Perry Null Trading , where handmade art and jewelry includes Hopi coil baskets and Navajo silver bracelets; Richardson's Trading Post , featuring an enormous collection of Navajo rugs and tapestries; and Ellis Tanner Trading Co. , recognizable by the Circle of Light mural on its exterior. The massive mural, painted by Navajo artist Chester Kahn and comprising 65 portraits of Navajo individuals, including past politicians and unsung leaders, is one of more than two dozen murals gracing the exteriors of downtown.

Other downtown shops include City Electric Shoe Shop , known for its extensive selection of moccasins, and Kestrel Leather , where leather designer Coye Balok sells his artisan wallets, duffels and totes made of handwoven Navajo rugs. Local cuisine runs the gamut from steaks to Southwestern fare. Grab a biscuit and gravy breakfast or green chile burger at the Route 66 Railway Cafe , or opt for tacos and tamales at the cozy Jerry’s Cafe .

With so much surrounding nature, outdoor enthusiasts can rock climb in the nearby Mentmore area, mountain bike the High Desert Trail system (three mesas swelling with over 22 miles of single-track), or hike to the top of aptly named Pyramid Peak (an 800-foot climb in elevation) in Red Rock Park , dotted with several archaeological sites of the Anasazi dating back to 300 C.E. Visitors can embark on a scenic balloon ride over the area’s spectacular red rock scenery year-round, or watch as 150 or so colorful hot-air balloons dip in and out among sheer sandstone cliffs during the Red Rock Balloon Rally , each first full weekend in December.

Quirky Small Town: Banner Elk, North Carolina (pop. 1,049)

In the heart of western North Carolina’s High Country, Banner Elk sits at an elevation of 3,701 feet and acts as a gateway to the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains’ many offerings. This tiny one-stoplight town is just a 13-mile drive from Grandfather Mountain , part of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve and home to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery , opening this June. It’s a state-of-the-art center that nearly doubles the size of an already existing nature museum, adding a dozen interactive exhibits and experiences highlighting everything from the mountain’s natural history to its rare fauna, such as North Carolina funnelweed tarantulas and Virginia big-eared bats.

Banner Elk is sandwiched between the South’s two largest ski resorts, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain , both of which transform their slopes into a wealth of hiking and downhill mountain bike trails each summer. The former is home to Beech Mountain Brewing , one of the only U.S. breweries owned and operated by a ski area.

For lovers of dry rosés and zinfandels, tastings are available at the local wineries of the Appalachian High Country American Viticultural Area. These include the riverfront Grandfather Vineyard & Winery , a dog-friendly outdoor venue with live tunes and food trucks on weekends, and Banner Elk Winery , which even features a Tuscan-inspired eight-suite villa for overnight guests. When it comes to dining, don’t miss the prix-fixe farm-to-table offerings at the seasonal Artisanal , twice ranked among America’s top 100 restaurants, or Stonewalls Restaurant , a long-running steak and seafood eatery renowned for its beloved salad bar.

The town’s Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster has provided endless fun since its 2020 debut, with gravity driving each two-person car along its twisting and turning 2,390-foot track at speeds of up to 27 miles per hour. For an adventure that’s a little more low-key, enjoy a tour of the family-owned Apple Hill Farm , a working alpaca farm selling artisan socks and needle-felted llamacorns.

Banner Elk’s signature event is October’s quirky Woolly Worm Festival honoring the woolly worm caterpillar (larvae of Pyrrharctia isabella , the isabella tiger moth). According to folklore, the 13 bands of the caterpillar correspond to the 13 weeks of winter. The darker the band, the harsher that week of weather. Participants can enter their own woolly worms in the festival’s series of racing heats, which take place upon a three-foot length of string. The winning caterpillar then earns the right to predict the upcoming winter forecast. This year marks the festival’s 45th anniversary.

Pre-Historic Small Town: Chillicothe, Ohio ( pop. 22,059)

Located along the Scioto River in southern Ohio’s Appalachian foothills, Chillicothe served as Ohio’s capital twice during the state’s 200-plus-year history. The human history of its land, of course, dates back much further. Chillicothe was the name of the chief settlement of the five Shawnee tribes that once inhabited the region, and the word Chillicothe—or Chalahgawtha, in the Shawnee language—means "principal town."

Today, Chillicothe’s Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and a couple of nearby properties house the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks —eight archaeological sites of the Hopewell Indigenous people composed of ceremonial earthen wall enclosures, each made up of varying geometric forms and dating back nearly 2,000 years. The earthworks recently received a nomination to become a Unesco World Heritage site. If all goes accordingly (the Unesco committee will be voting on nominations in early 2023), they will be officially designated in July 2023—just in time for the Hopewell Culture NHP's centennial anniversary.

Whether it's watching the Chillicothe Paints , a collegiate summer baseball team that celebrates their 30th season this year, in action, or catching a show at the Majestic Theatre , which began as an opera house in 1853 and now plays host to a selection of comedy nights, album release parties and Patsy Cline tribute shows, Chillicothe offers plenty to entertain visitors. This dedicated Tree City (according to the Arbor Day Foundation) has two distinct historic districts ideal for wandering: Courthouse Square , the town’s earliest planned section, and the Commercial District, a mix of brick and Victorian-styled commercial buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Dine on flatbreads and fish and chips at the locally owned Pour House at Machinery Hall , identifiable by its 19th-century mural for Mail Pouch chewing tobacco, or enjoy a signature cocktail on its newly opened rooftop patio.

Nautical Small Town: Newport, Rhode Island (pop. 25,163)

Appropriately known as the “City by the Sea,” Newport’s sailing history dates back centuries. The town’s waterfront location on Aquidneck Island, after all, makes it an ideal place for the maritime sport. This May even saw the opening of the Sailing Museum , a long-awaited multimedia experience, with six thematic exhibits to appeal to everyone from experienced sailors to yachting newcomers. One in particular, “Legends of Sailing , ” celebrates the many big names of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame​​—both housed in the museum. A world-renowned yachting race, the America’s Cup has been held in Newport’s waters more than a dozen times.

But Newport has much more going for it. Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” series, which is currently filming its second season, will recognize some of the splendid late-19th century Newport Mansions that appear in the show, including the Breakers —a 70-room property original constructed for the Vanderbilt family and now offering guided tours—and the Italianate-style Château-sur-Mer , open for self-guided tours on summer weekends. More than two dozen of these summertime homes, which once belonged to America’s wealthiest families, have been meticulously preserved with help from the Preservation Society of Newport County. Much of the town’s wealth came from Newport being a hub of New England’s 18th-century slave trade, and its Bowen’s Wharf was where many of the enslaved labored as barrelmakers, carpenters and dockworkers, and arrived and departed for other Atlantic ports. Today, a bronze medallion, embedded with a QR code linking to information on its role in slave history, marks the site. It’s part of a larger statewide awareness program launched in 2019 to bring these lesser-known stories to light.

The town is also home to the country’s oldest synagogue , its oldest tavern  and its oldest-operating lending library, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum , which is celebrating its 275th birthday this year. The Newport Historical Society runs daily walking tours in the summer that cover the town’s five centuries of history.

Whether it's crispy chicharrones and street tacos at La Vecina Taqueria , a pop-up restaurant turned brick-and-mortar, or made-from-scratch ramen and saki cocktails at Yagi Noodles , Newport is also home to a wide selection of delicious eats. Dine on fig and prosciutto pizzas and chicken Milanese sandwiches at the new chef-crafted Foodlove Market , or discover local flavors on a guided Newport Foodies Stroll .

It doesn’t end there. Summer’s other activities include the Newport Jazz Festival , a beloved four-stage music extravaganza with performers like Norah Jones and Digable Planets happening July 29-31; and Thursday tours of Newport’s Blue Garden , a stunning display of blue, purple and white hues originally designed by leading landscape firm the Olmsted Bros. (the sons of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose 200th anniversary of his birth is this year), and restored in 2014 using original Olmsted plans, drawings and photographs.

Fossil-Hunting Small Town: Ste. Genevieve, Missouri (pop. 4,999)

At the end of 2021, paleontologists discovered a new genus and species of dinosaur in the small southeast Missouri town of Ste. Genevieve, at a site that’s been yielding dinosaur finds for nearly 80 years. Now, some of the bones from this duck-billed Parrosaurus Missourenisis , which is believed to have been 35 feet long, are housed at the Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center . The museum boasts its own Hall of Giants exhibit, featuring life-size T. rex and other dinosaur models co-created by Lost World Studios , as well as exhibits highlighting ancient cultures and local history. Visitors can even watch scientists cleaning ancient fossils and dinosaur bones, including those of Missouri’s newest dinosaur, in an active lab on site.

Approximately 85 million to 66 million years after the duck-billed dinosaur roamed the area, in the early 1700s, the French founded Ste. Genevieve. At the time, it was Missouri’s first European-style settlement, and today its downtown boasts some rare examples of French colonial architecture. Established in 2018, Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park commemorates the town’s origins, preserving the largest grouping of still-standing French-colonial structures. Ste. Genevieve takes historic preservation seriously, and is also home to many German-influenced mid-19th-century brick homes and businesses, each of them adorned with placards noting their construction year.

Boutique  European Entitlements pays homage to the town’s history, with décor items that include French linens and German porcelain, while specialty stores such as Harold's Famous Bee Co. , a beekeeper-owned company with its own honey tasting bar, are par for the course as well.

If it’s food and drink you’re after, local landmark Sara’s Ice Cream serves up old-fashioned scoops of butter pecan and chocolate milkshakes from a vintage 1929 Bastian-Blessing fountain. Or sit down to pots of Darjeeling tea and crustless salmon and cucumber bites at Quintessential Rivertown Spice & Tea , tucked away in a historic home built in three distinct stages, beginning in 1807.

Ste. Genevieve is also the start of the Route du Vin Wine Trail , connecting six distinct wineries that stretch 28 miles southwest to Farmington. These include Chaumette Vineyards & Winery , which offers a selection of dry wines made with French-American hybrid grapes like Chambourcin and Vignoles, and houses the award-winning Grapevine Grill restaurant. Here, visitors can dine al fresco on plates of four-cheese flatbread and crawfish étouffée while overlooking the rolling hills of the Saline Creek River Valley. Cave Vineyard & Distillery , with both a wine-tasting room and biscotti bar that are located atop a natural cave, is perfect for afternoon picnicking.

Historic Small Town: Cape May, New Jersey (pop. 2,768)

Located alongside New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape May is a stunning Victorian shore community that once played a role in guiding Black enslaved laborers to freedom. Over a couple of summers in the early 1850s, abolitionist Harriet Tubman, born 200 years ago, worked in this beachfront town, raising funds for the Underground Railroad. Since Tubman herself was a fugitive slave, few details about her activities in Cape May are known, but her mark was substantial. Today, the Harriet Tubman Museum , which opened last year, highlights her local connection, as well as Cape May’s own African American history, with artifacts ranging from authentic slave shackles to an early edition of abolitionist William Still’s book The Underground Railroad documenting the personal stories of those who escaped slavery, published in the 1870s.

In the “nation’s oldest seaside resort,” the still-active 157-foot-tall Cape May Lighthouse , located in nearby Cape May Point State Park , provided a beacon to freedom seekers crossing the dangerous waters of Delaware Bay. Spots like the still-active Allen AME Church and the once-summer-home of Underground Railroad leader Stephen Smith , the church’s founder, are both a part of a self-guided audio African American Heritage Walking Tour produced by Cape May’s Center for Community Arts. An Underground Railroad Trolley Tour includes a visit to a historic cemetery where some of Cape May’s earliest free Black settlers are buried.

Cape May is home to hundreds of historic buildings, many of them Victorian structures with colorful gingerbread trim, decorative woodwork and gabled peaks saved from demolition in the 1970s thanks to a group of concerned citizens and preservationists. The nonprofit Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (Cape May MAC) continues to promote their preservation and historical significance, and oversees properties like the Emlen Physick Estate , an 1879 Victorian Stick-style mansion that hosts guided tours of its authentic period-era interior. MAC’s annual events include time-capsule favorites like Victorian Weekend, October 7-10, and its Sherlock Holmes-themed weekends (costumes encouraged) in mid-to-late October.

Boutiques and cozy eateries line Cape May’s Washington Street pedestrian mall, which is also a hub for booking activities ranging from Historic District trolley tours to Christmas Candlelight house tours. Just a short stroll away sits the bright-yellow Congress Hall , a high-end resort that began in 1816 as a wooden boardinghouse and later served as a summer “White House” for President Benjamin Harrison. These days it features a bevy of bright rooms and suites, as well several popular bars and restaurants, including the Boiler Room, a subterranean music club and artisan pizzeria. Cape May’s oldest original hotel, the Chalfonte , is home to the nationally acclaimed Magnolia Room, a Southern-style eatery that’s also an essential part of the town’s Black history. Four generations of African American women have run its kitchen, and the restaurant’s menu features many of their family recipes—including the delicious skillet-fried chicken of Miss Dorothy, a second-generation cook who worked alongside her mother, Helen, and sister, Lucille, for over 50 years.

Literary Small Town: Livingston, Montana (pop. 8,040)

Livingston sprung up in the late 19th century as a service stop for the Northern Pacific Railway, and soon became known as the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park.” The railway used this moniker to attract visitors traveling from the East Coast, and it was a good one, since the historic town is just 55 miles north of Yellowstone . This year, the park is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a variety of activities and events , including a Nez Perce horse trail ride and parade in late July. For a look into greater Park County and its connection to Yellowstone, don’t miss the Yellowstone Gateway Museum . A part of the larger Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail , the museum features thousands of artifacts, including a room devoted to Native cultures and a fabricated Northern Pacific Railway car.

The adventure-filled town is ideally perched among several mountain ranges and on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Rowdy River Guides runs privately chartered rafting trips on the Yellowstone River, while Livingston’s neighboring Paradise Valley is home to an abundance of groomed cross-country ski trails. Conservationist Dan Bailey also turned Livingston into a fishermen’s paradise when he first opened Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop in 1938. The landmark store now stocks waders and waterproof gear bags alongside ski equipment and hiking gear, and even runs guided fly-fishing excursions in a handful of local waters.

Livingston is known for its laid-back attitude and a downtown brimming with art galleries and specialty shops. The town claims to have more writers per capita than any larger U.S. city, and is home to a handful of independent bookstores, such as Elk River Books . This cozy space stocks antiquarian, used and regional books, and hosts readings by poets and authors like Henry Real Bird and Pam Houston . Livingston’s streets still retain many of the older craftsman-style homes and early brick structures, and a well-preserved showcase of vintage neon, including the sign hanging outside the fully renovated Mint Bar & Grill . This more-than-century-old downtown landmark serves guests local brews and rib eye steaks while they feast their eyes on a wall of photographs depicting local railroad history.

Summer months, especially during and around the Livingston Roundup Rodeo (July 2-4), are when Livingston is at its busiest. Though the crowds filter out come September, events such as the Yellowstone Harvest Festival (September 24-25), a gathering of musicians and local craft artisans that occurs on the banks of the Yellowstone River, take advantage of the cooling weather.

Museum-Rich Small Town: Cartersville, Georgia (pop. 23,187)

As a gateway to both the Atlanta metro area and the pristine beauty of the north Georgia mountains, Cartersville is perfectly poised for cultural enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. It also happens to be the smallest town in the U.S. with three Smithsonian Affiliate museums : The Booth Museum , which tells the American story through works such as Civil War art and Native American artifacts; the Tellus Science Museum , with its replica of the Apollo I capsule and a wealth of hands-on exhibits; and the new Savoy Automobile Museum . Celebrating its first full year in 2022, this 65,000-square-foot space showcases the history of automobiles, from 1930s Studebakers to station wagon woodies. Current exhibits include “American Art Deco,” featuring a 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, once dubbed “the car of the future,” and “Front Runners” (starting June 7), highlighting record-breaking and victory-claiming Indy 500 roadsters. Onsite events range from Hoods Up! weekends, when the museum lifts the hoods on select vehicles on display, to a two-day plein-air “Painting the Automobile” workshop (July 30-31).

Cartersville’s historic downtown features an array of galleries, restaurants and boutique shops, as well as the first-ever wall sign to advertise Coca-Cola, painted in 1894 on the exterior of the Young Brothers Pharmacy . Enjoy brews and live music at Drowned Valley Brewing , or Southern-inspired dishes like Cajun cracklings and fried green BLTs at The City Cellar . The aptly named Ate Track Bar & Grill serves up sloppy tacos in a 70s-rock-and-roll-inspired space.

For history buffs, the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site was home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000 to 1550, and Bartow County’s African American Heritage Trail has stops in Cartersville that include Conyers Alley, the former center of the town’s black-owned business district. Just ten miles north of Cartersville is Old Car City USA , the largest known classic car junkyard on the planet, with over 4,000 vehicles being reclaimed by nature.

For day trekking and warm-weather swimming, local residents head to Red Top Mountain State Park on the shores of Lake Allatoona. Nearby Pine Mountain offers a couple of hiking trails with big payoffs in views of the lake from above.

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Laura Kiniry | READ MORE

Laura Kiniry is a San Francisco-based freelance writer specializing in food, drink, and travel. She contributes to a variety of outlets including American Way , O-The Oprah Magazine , BBC.com , and numerous AAA pubs.

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Visit Beaufort South Carolina! The Official Travel & Tourism Guide to Beaufort, SC

 Travel + Leisure Names Beaufort One of the 12 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Families

Travel + leisure magazine names beaufort “one of the 12 best small towns in the u.s. for families.”.

The magazine specializes in leisure travel and often features articles written by novelists, poets, artists, designers and non-travel journalists. Its travel photography is also well known.

Its “World’s Best Awards,” an annual reader survey rating airports, cities, cruise ships, hotels and islands have been announced every August since 1995. Other annual features include the “T+L 500,” a list of the world’s top 500 hotels, and America’s Favorite Cities, where readers rank U.S. cities in different categories.

Travel + Leisure has long since been a go-to resource for those wanting to explore.

From family vacations, outdoor adventures, accommodations and lifestyle, the publication is a gold standard of guides. This article and list focused on kid and adult-friendly destinations.

T ravel + Leisure notes Beaufort for the following accredidations:

• Close proximity to Hilton Head Island.
• Historic streets .
• Hunting Island State Park ‘s uncrowded beaches and trails and the lighthouse .
• Easily explorable for families can explore via walking, bike rental and guided tour s.
• Wide array of tour options including plane, boat, kayak and even golf cart.

Sources: Travel + Leisure, Wikipedia.

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Travelers rest named one of the best small towns for summer vacation by travel + leisure magazine.

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Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has been named one of the country's 15 Best U.S. Small Towns for a Summer Vacation by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The article describes Travelers Rest as one of the most idyllic small towns in South Carolina, naming popular restaurants like Topsoil , Monkey Wrench Smokehouse, and Tandem Crêperie & Coffeehouse.

Editors also noted the abundant lodging in Travelers Rest, including the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR and the Hotel Domestique with jaw-dropping vistas of the mountains.

"The active set can hike or mountain bike the 28-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail or explore Paris Mountain State Park and Jones Gap State Park, which offer campsites,” the magazine wrote. “When you're ready to reward yourself for that wilderness romp, raise a glass during the free Music in the Park concert series."

“This is an amazing accolade that solidifies, what we who live and love TR already know.”, said Mayor Brandy Amidon. “We are honored to receive this recognition embodying the very roots of our community. Our name literally says it all! Travelers Rest is a place to pause, rest, reset and enjoy a true small-town community. The City of Travelers Rest has worked through visionary leadership and public and private investments to retain our home-town values while welcoming travelers from far and wide to visit our local shops, restaurants, and natural amenities.”

Travelers Rest was ranked among Southern Living’s " Best Small Southern Towns " last year.

One of its restaurants employs a James Beard-nominated semifinalist chef and a 2024 semifinalist nominee in the pastry chef category.

Travelers Rest is in good company on the list ranking with the cities of Addison, Texas; Coronado, California; Bardstown, Kentucky; St. Michaels, Maryland; and Buckeye Lake, Ohio. For the complete list of winners, visit Travel + Leisure online .

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The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Take these expert tips for booking travel in 2024 and beyond.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel, when to book flights for summer 2025 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. Industry data reveals the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights. That said, the trends are always changing, and experts recommend booking earlier for peak travel periods like summer and the holiday season.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," Nastro says. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference. Most airlines don't charge for change fees on main economy tickets, meaning you won't be spending more to save."

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America's Best Towns to Visit

10 great US towns to check out now

These destinations, selected by CNN Travel editors, offer loads of personality and plenty to see and do without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the big tourist cities.

Making the most of life on the lake: How this town got its cool reputation

This ‘scruffy little city’ tastes and sounds great

Why ‘Beer City USA’ is so much more than a drinking town

From ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’: How this Southern destination got its groove back

This Grand Canyon pit stop is now a bona fide hot spot

The laid-back California dream lives on here

This coastal culinary hub has a ‘big-city feel in a small-city package’

‘Grit City’ shines thanks to stunning scenery and glass art

This Rhode Island gem moved rivers to emerge as New England’s creative capital

Our top town offers first-rate arts, food and festivals and a hard look at its complicated history

how we chose

We tapped our network of CNN Travel contributors for nominations for our inaugural list, winnowing the finalists to 10 by looking at each town's attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.

PHOTO CREDITS

• Intro : Chris Johnson/Visit Richmond
• Duluth : Visit Duluth
• Knoxville : SeanPavonePhoto/iStockphoto/Getty Images
• Grand Rapids : Ideology/Experience Grand Rapids
• Macon : Visit Macon
• Flagstaff : CNN
• San Luis Obispo : Brittany App/Visit SLO
• Portland : Visit Portland
• Tacoma : CNN/Travel Tacoma/Museum of Glass
• Providence : N. Millard/GoProvidence.com
• Richmond : Richmond Region Tourism

These 15 places are the best to visit in New Jersey, according to Travel and Leisure

Four-minute read.

Ready to hang out in New Jersey?

This travel media brand says yes.

TravelandLeisure.com released report on 15 of the best places to visit in New Jersey with the help of local tourism experts: Jeffrey Vasser, executive director, New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism and Diane Wieland, director at Cape May County Department of Tourism.

Between the 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean aligned with beautiful beaches and boardwalks with amusements to more than 50 wineries, these gems of the Garden State are worth a visit.

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week: It's back, with lunch and dinner deals at more than 60 spots

Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Jersey:

Ocean city boardwalk.

Known for amusement rides and arcade games that accommodate all ages, Ocean City boardwalk is a fun-filled destination for the the whole family. “The Ocean City Boardwalk is a famous promenade that’s been a source of entertainment for more than 100 years," Wieland said.

This charming Jersey Shore town set on peninsula is a year-round destination with family-friendly and various oceanside dining.

Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

“Families can spend the entire day on more than 100 rides, splashing around the two water parks right on the beach, and lounging in private cabanas,” Vasser said.

Wildwoods Boardwalk

Composed of more than 70,000 wooden planks, the 38-block oceanfront stretch draws crowds with everything from amusement rides, games, water parks and more.

Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District

The largest concentration of mid-century motels in the country has over 50 vintage motels still stand today within this unique district. “It’s really neat to see all the neon signs and retro details. Walking around Wildwood’s Doo Wop Motel District is like being transported to the 1950s,” said Vasser.

American Dream

American Dream is the second-largest shopping mall in the United States, and includes restaurants and themed parks that provide endless fun for the whole family. “American Dream is, quite literally, an indoor vacation one-stop shop that’s open year-round,” said Vasser.

Lambertville

Full of rich history, Lambertville has well-preserved federal townhouses, Victorian homes and antique shops that brings history to life. “The charming town also supplies family-owned wineries and photogenic vantage points such as Goat Hill Overlook,” added Vasser.

What's the best? Central Jersey town named best place to live in NJ and one of the best nationally

Beneduce Vineyards

This 77-acre farm with 25 acres of vines are hand pruned, hand harvested and dry farmed in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County. “One of my favorites, Beneduce Vineyards, has great wine and fun year-round events such as live music and food trucks on Saturdays,” said Vasser.

Grounds for Sculpture

Grounds for Sculpture is a 42-acre landscaped park with 300 contemporary sculptures, an arboretum, and a museum with an indoor exhibitions that features six galleries.

Atlantic City

Known as the East Coast's version of Las Vegas offers travelers casinos, live entertainment, big-name restaurants with more fun attractions at the Steel Pier and the only helicopter ride at the Jersey Shore.

Frenchtown is a vibrant community full of Victorian architecture, art, and culture nestled along the banks of the Delaware River. Vasser recommends visiting during Frenchtown Riverfest. “There are all kinds of street fair activities along the river,” he said.

Cape May County Park & Zoo

The Cape May County Park & Zoo houses over 500 different animals that includes African lions, American black bears, snow leopards and ring-tailed lemurs. The zoo features playgrounds for kids of all ages and both places are free to the public. "It's truly one of the best-kept secrets in the area," said Wieland.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park has become a creative hub and music mecca within the last decade with iconic landmarks like The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes and Silverball Retro Arcade. Asbury Park combines gaming, bowling, dining, live entertainment and of course swimming and surfing on the shore.

Adventure Aquarium

Adventure Aquarium features the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast and protects over 8,000 aquatic species, including penguins and stingrays. Visitors can interact with hundreds of sea creatures at the touch tanks. “It’s a favorite for kids of all ages, especially if you’re looking for an indoor activity,” said Wieland.

Long Beach Island

The shores of Long Beach Island are particularly lovely. Besides its scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline, vacationers go for the water sports, charming towns like Barnegat Light, and the laid-back lifestyle.

Grand Marais named America’s ‘Best Small Lake Town’ by Travel + Leisure

Credit: Visit Cook County

Grand Marais is the only Minnesota small town to be listed in Travel + Leisure’s first ever list of America’s Best Small Towns .

The list ranks some of America’s best small towns with categories like: Small Beach Town, Small Desert Town, and more. Grand Marais was recognized as Best Small Lake Town.

With the recent praise from the New York publication, many are excited for what’s to come.

Visit Cook County’s Marketing and Public Relations Director, Kjersti Vick, hopes more people will be checking out the town now that it was featured in Travel + Leisure.

“That’s what’s really exciting about this,” says Kjersti, “it really gives a lot of exposure to people who might not otherwise know about our area. Minnesota has new people moving to it all the time and they’re always looking for new parts of the state to explore and discover.”

The full list for America’s Best Small Towns Winners:

America’s Best Small Beach Town Winner : Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island, FL Runner-up : Port Aransas, Texas America’s Best Small Mountain Town Winner : Highlands, NC Runner-up: Red Lodge, MT America’s Best Small Lake Town Winner : Grand Marais, MN Runner-up: Wolfeboro, NH

America’s Best Small Desert Town Winner: Kanab, UT Runner-up: Yucca Valley, CA

America’s Best Small Food + Culture Town Winner: Los Olivos, CA Runner-up : McCook, NE America’s Best Small Wine, Beer + Spirits Town Winner : Dahlonega, GA Runner-up : Greenport, NY America’s Best Small Spa + Wellness Town Winner: Aurora, NY Runner-up: Girdwood, AK

42 of the Best Small Towns in New York for an Idyllic Getaway

Outside of NYC, you'll find quaint villages and serene waterfront hamlets.

Ah, New York, New York. As they say, a city so nice, they named it twice! But what happens when you want to venture outside that Big Apple and into the rest of New York? State , that is.

Well, the Empire State has plenty to offer.

Out east, there's Long Island—home to Montauk , the Hamptons, and all the beaches and vineyards a summer vacationer could ask for. There, you have chic, luxe hotels, award-winning restaurants, water sports, world-class wine—and the sand between your toes. Venture to the very tip, and they say you've reached the "end of the world." Staring out from Montauk Point Lighthouse, you might just believe it. (Serenity found!)

Where will you find your oasis? Without further ado, we present 42 of our favorite small, charming towns (and picturesque villages, hamlets, and even some sweet cities) in New York State.

Schenectady

Just a stone's throw from Albany, Schenectady boasts a bustling main street, complete with classic architecture and a well-preserved street clock. But perhaps its loveliest place for a stroll would be the Central Park Rose Garden, which features 4,000 rose bushes, a tiered fountain, and even a babbling brook. (Fun fact: Schenectady is where 2012's The Place Beyond the Pines , starring the now-married Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, was filmed.)

Saranac Lake

Visit this village among the Adirondack Mountains for the cure cottage architecture of the houses that surround the lake and the 1.1-mile Moose Pond Trail. Bonus: It's smooth enough to hike with kids.

As it's placed snugly in the Finger Lakes' wine country, Corning is, of course, a great place for a fine beverage. But our favorite reason to visit is the Corning Museum of Glass. The chic space covers more than 3,500 years of glassmaking history, and you can even watch glassblowers at work and design a glass ornament of your own.

Cooperstown

You know Cooperstown as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame—and indeed, the Hall's annual Induction Weekend is the town's biggest event. But there's so much more to see and do here. Take in art (at the Fenimore Art Museum) or music (at the Glimmerglass Opera), antique, golf, and even horseback ride. As for where to stay, may we recommend the Otesaga Resort Hotel—an old-school stunner that just so happens to be on the National Register for Historic Places—or the charming Victorian Inn at Cooperstown, pictured here.

Watkins Glen

In Watkins Glen, choose your adventure! In one direction, explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, known for its diverse lineup of world-class wines. In the other, visit the Watkins Glen State Park, where you'll find no fewer than 19 waterfalls. (The Gorge Trail, which lines Glen Creek, is known to be particularly easy on the eyes.) And don't miss the colorful Seneca Harbor Park Pier, pictured here, of course.

If you're headed here, one of the Catskills' prettiest locales, it's fair to suspect you're also headed to Mohonk Mountain House. A resort founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, the Victorian castle sits right on the water—which is why so many hop in a kayak as soon as they step outside. Surrounded by so much natural beauty, many choose to hike, but you can also treat yourself to an afternoon tea or a trip to the spa. Don't forget the nearby Historic Huguenot Street, with history preserved from as far back as the mid-17th century, when the area was known as "New Netherland."

Only 90 minutes north of New York City, Beacon is known for its beautifully preserved Victorian homes, as well as its quaint Main Street, filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. But no trip is complete without a visit to its enormous contemporary art museum, Dia Beacon. Not only does it feature art and installations from some of the modern greats, including Louise Bourgeois and Michael Heizer, but it also has some very famous fans: BTS' art-loving leader, RM, filmed a concert for his debut solo album, Indigo , inside.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is the winter sports destination, even hosting the Winter Olympics in both 1932 and 1980 . But if, unlike a certain animated ice queen, the cold does bother you, there are also plenty of pretty shops and restaurants you can stay warm in. As you can see, it's absolutely stunning in the fall too.

Despite the fact that Woodstock—the iconic music and art fair of the '60s—was not actually held in Woodstock, the town has always been considered a home for the artistically inclined (back in the day, you could easily bump into Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan). No surprise, then, that if you visit Woodstock's town center, you'll find music shops and art galleries galore.

Pleasantville

With its pristine downtown—complete with an oversized gazebo, the Pleasantville Diner, The Village Bookstore, and more—you'd be forgiven for mistaking Pleasantville for the set of Gilmore Girls . But this real-world beaut is actually a bit more modern. Look no further than the Jacob Burns Film Center for proof. The five-screen, art-house theater plays films from around the world, while hosting same of the biggest names in cinema: Jason Reitman, Jon Stewart, Ryan Gosling, Anjelica Huston, and Meryl Streep have all come to speak. The town's also less than a 10-minute drive to Blue Hill Stone Barns, arguably the culinary experience of the Hudson Valley, complete with its own highly innovative farm.

The idyllic village of Aurora sits on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region. About 700 residents live in the town, and it is also home to Wells College. Plan your stay at The Inns of Aurora , with its impeccable accommodations and delicious dining options, plus activities like archery, kayaking, or touring local wineries. You'll want to spend a full day luxuriating at the spa.

If you love your little, quaint towns with a dash of luxury—particularly in the form of a lush stay—Rhinebeck is for you. Its tree-lined high street is chock-full of speciality shops—including Samuel's Sweet Shop, a classic candy shop owned by none other than actors Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Hilarie Burton. (Fingers crossed for a sighting!) Once your sweet tooth gets its fix, head back to one of the prettiest hotels in the area: the Parisian-inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Yes, we're talking about the Sleepy Hollow! The village is, of course, the setting of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," aka the tale of the Headless Horseman. Naturally, such a claim to fame comes alive around Halloween. A proper spooky visit includes haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, and yes, a stop by the Headless Horseman Statue .

Historic Greenport Village looks like something out of a harborside fairytale. At The Haborfront Inn, the architecture is a nod to the waterfront boarding houses of yore (with very modern amenities, like a pool and private beach). And for a room right on the Long Island Sound, with a view of the most gorgeous sunset, Sound View Greenport can't be beat. The North Fork area is also home to the famed lavender field, Lavender by the Bay, wineries galore, and an antique carousel that kids will adore.

Andes is truly small—with just over 1,000 residents to its name—but when it comes to charm, it goes big . There's a special focus on fresh ingredients at both the restaurants and the cideries: Wayside Cider & Taproom (pictured here) serves hard ciders made with apples from their orchard. Plus, leaf-peeping in the fall, both in town and throughout the Catskills, is incomparable.

Bovina is one of upstate New York's historic dairy towns, but we don't quite come for the milk. We come for our favorite restaurant: The Brushland Eating House. The restaurant offers a single seating per night to encourage conversation, say owners Sara and Sohail Zandi. "We want it to feel warm, familiar, and friendly," says Sara. With can-lined walls and a piano in the window, they can consider that mission accomplished.

Here, you'll find eclectic antique stores, beloved vintage shops, and lots of quality restaurants. Our pick? The Red Onion, which not only has a lauded vegetarian-friendly menu, but also a Wine Spectator Award. Don't miss the Cantine Dam Falls—and if you love nature and art, you have to see Opus 40 , a massive environment sculpture that Architectural Digest called "one of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent." Oh, and this lighthouse? It's also the sweetest little bed and breakfast .

Nicknamed "The Friendly City," Hudson has just under 7,000 inhabitants, but that hasn't stopped it from taking over the Hudson Valley. Included on our list of the "Best Small Towns in the U.S.," Hudson has orchards, galleries, breweries, fine antique shopping (our go-to: Red Chair on Warren), and a brand-new boutique hotel called The Maker. And all with a perfect view of the river.

Montauk is known by many Long Islanders as "The End"—and indeed, it is the easternmost part of the island (and, for that matter, New York State). Nevertheless, if you're new to Long Island's famed Hamptons, we'd argue that Montauk is actually a great place to begin . It's just as lovely as any other Hamptons village—one scenic bike ride to the Montauk Point Lighthouse will convince you of that—but it feels a bit more casual and cozy. If you're looking to kick it up a notch though, Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, with its private beach club and ocean-themed spa, will certainly do the trick.

Bridgehampton

While we love the slightly more casual feel throughout Montauk, we are certainly not opposed to the ever-chic Bridgehampton—most especially, their crowning jewel, Topping Rose House. The 19th-century estate splendidly maintains its historic architecture, but there are a few perfectly modern touches too, including a serene lap pool and a Jean-Georges restaurant (farm-to-table, of course).

Rose Marie Walano is a freelance editor and children's author. (And a Cosmo alum!) Among the many things she loves are high tea, period dramas, Central Park, K-pop, and her adorable mini-doodle, Colette. You can follow her on Instagram at @rosiewalano.

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Millburn ranked one of '12 best small towns', millburn was named one of the 12 best small towns by travel and leisure magazine this week. see which other towns made the cut..

Caren Lissner , Patch Staff

MILLBURN, NJ — Want to live in a town that's got "historic sites, beautiful architecture, mouthwatering eats, and eclectic shopping"?

Travel + Leisure Magazine this week ranked Millburn among one of 12 best small towns in New Jersey.

The list appeared in a story that also included Westfield, Montclair, Red Bank, Cape May, Ridgewood, Spring Lake, Tenafly, Lambertville, Flemington, Cranbury, and Bay Head.

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The Magazine wrote, "This Essex County suburb is teeming with activities and attractions, including the 1938-era Paper Mill Playhouse (which hosts live shows and performances), Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary , and Taylor Park (home to a pool, walking paths, basketball and tennis courts, and more)."

The site also mentions the downtown area, including more than 180 shops and restaurants. The story cites the Millburn Deli , Splurge Bakery , Liv Breads , Saigon Cafe for Vietnamese food, and Evoo & Lemon for Greek food.

They didn't even touch upon the town's lauded school district , or the fact that it's been cited as one of the best places to live .

Read the story here . What's the best thing about Millburn? Comment below.

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The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

Posted: July 4, 2024 | Last updated: July 4, 2024

There's always something to see in a big city , but sometimes, you want a slower pace . Thankfully, the United States boasts some incredible small towns . Whether you want to brush up on history or go where everyone will know your name, these charming towns offer residents plenty to love (and visitors plenty to enjoy).

Alabama: Magnolia Springs

Magnolia Springs is the definition of a small town named after mature magnolia trees that create a beautiful canopy along the Magnolia River. The Southern town has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when it was a settlement for the Spanish.

Alabama: Mooresville

It doesn't get any smaller than Mooresville, which has a population of about 50. As you can expect, everyone knows everyone here. You can grab a coffee and chat with the town's unofficial record keeper (who runs the town's cafe, JaVa.Mooresville ) or visit Lyla's Little House , where owner Lyla Peebles offers up nostalgic candies and curiosities.

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Alaska: Sitka

Sitka residents enjoy some of the most majestic scenery in our country. And guess who else does? Their pups, who are welcome in the Sitka National Historical Park .

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Alaska: Unalaska

The secluded small town of Unalaska is only accessible by plane or boat, but it offers activities for nature lovers and history buffs. Choose to explore the beautiful hiking trails and whale watch or learn World World II history at the Museum of the Aleutians .

Arizona: Bisbee

You can't help but expand your horizons in Bisbee, a town that happily embraces the arts and a generally free-spirited vibe. Local artists display their works at the many galleries in town and can be found teaching open workshops at Bisbee Craft School .

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Arkansas: Eureka Springs

To live in Eureka Springs is to be surrounded by natural beauty 24-7. Even the town's most famous place of worship, the Thorncrown Chapel , ensures that you can still take in the gorgeous Ozark mountains scenery via 6,000-square-feet of windows.

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California: Carmel

A walk down any street in Carmel-by-the-Sea gives the feeling you're in a movie, thanks to storybook architecture and one of the most scenic stretches of beach in the state. It also doesn't hurt that Clint Eastwood is the honorable mayor of the town.

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California: Solvang

Though it's smack dab in the middle of California's Santa Ynez wine country, Solvang feels more like like you've been transported to Europe. Located a short 45-minute trip from Santa Barbara, this charming Danish town of 5,909 is so worth a day trip, pit stop while road tripping through the state, and full-on vacation. In fact, you'll probably want to move there full time.

Colorado: Ouray

Life's a little more relaxed in Ouray, which is perhaps due to the non-sulphur hot springs that are popular with locals and visitors alike. The beauty of the surrounding mountains might also inspire a new perspective on life, especially when viewed on a drive on the San Juan Skyway , one of the most scenic in the country.

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Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is just a quick trip away from Colorado Springs and is everything you'd want in a quaint mountain town. When you're not soaking in the charm down, you should check out the cliff dwelling ruins in the Mesa Verde National Park.

Connecticut: Mystic

Even its name is enchanting! Mystic, Connecticut, is one of those adorable New England towns you think only exists in picture books. As you stroll down the main road, you'll encounter idyllic summer scenes like ice cream shops, sailboats on the harbor, and a certain pizza shop made famous by one Julia Roberts. There are great dining options, beautiful waterfront views, and even a famous aquarium.

Connecticut: Noank

This classic New England village is the less-crowded alternative to Mystic. Tree-lined streets and marina views give a quaint feel, especially as you do your weekend shopping in the many small shops. Don't feel like cooking? Head to the famous Abbott's Lobster for a great meal.

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Delaware: New Castle

Though it's only 10 minutes to a city (Wilmington), New Castle seems like a world away. Originally settled in 1651 , the town is filled with extraordinarily well-preserved architecture. Even the town's coffee shop, Traders Cove Coffee Shop , is in a building that dates back to 1682!

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Florida: Surfside

If you love the architecture of Miami but prefer a less-crowded atmosphere, head up to Surfside, known as the city's "uptown beach town." Residents enjoy such perks as yoga on the beach thanks to the Surfside community recreation center, and fun events like First Fridays (a monthly communal beach picnic).

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Georgia: Senoia

Senoia is famous for being a filming location for The Walking Dead , with plenty of tours catering to fans. (There's also Nic & Norman's , a restaurant owned by The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus and director/producer Greg Nicotero.) But before that huge hit, residents have been attracted to this adorable town for its historic architecture and quaint shops. The town planned for "smart growth" without sacrificing character with the help of Historical Concepts .

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Hawaii: Hanalei

Hanalei is another town on our list that has a famous pop culture connection: Its bridge was featured in South Pacific . The buildings and scenery are as gorgeous as you'd expect in Hawaii, too. It's also a town where you can fulfill your fantasy of opening a gallery, surf shop, or restaurant, with a steady stream of visitors looking to take in the picture-perfect landscape.

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Idaho: McCall

You can't help but be an outdoorsy type in McCall, with activities ranging from cross-country skiing to fishing filling the calendar depending on the time of year. The town also offers plenty in the way of indoor fitness activities too.

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Illinois: Galena

Another scenic town rich in history, the town of Galena boasts well-preserved buildings. On weekends, the town comes even more to life with weekend day trippers seeking excellent antiques shopping, but what you may not know is that the town is surrounded by a few notable vineyards .

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Indiana: Nashville

Nope, not the one in Tennessee. This artist's colony is one of those places you visit on day trip and then make it your goal to live there. While the town is filled with galleries and fine restaurants, you don't have to spend a dime to enjoy a day here — just visit any park in the 170,000 acres of forested land nearby for a great afternoon.

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Iowa: Winterset

You might already know about Winterset — it was the inspiration for the setting of The Bridges of Madison County . In the town square, you'll find a circa-1876 limestone courthouse and 83 commercial buildings that were designated historic. It all makes for a great backdrop for the town's wine walks and lawn chair nights .

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Kansas: Abilene

You can't help but know a lot about history when you live in Abilene , the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and home to five museums ranging from The Greyhound Hall of Fame to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.

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Kentucky: Grand Rivers

This teeny town of under 400 is a haven for leisure. Nicknamed the "village between the lakes," Grand Rivers offers unique shops, good restaurants and all the lakeside fun you want. Don't miss the yearly Festival of Lights , a magical Christmas celebration.

Flickr photo via Brenda

Louisiana: St. Francisville

There's always a beautiful home around the corner in this small town of about 1,700. Residents have an action-packed social calendar, thanks to the unusual array of festivals, saluting everything from hummingbirds to the writer Walker Percy (which includes walking bourbon tastings). Out-of-towners will love staying at the gingerbread-trimmed St. Francisville Inn .

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Maine: Camden

Camden is the quintessential Maine getaway but it's also a fantastic place to live. The seaport town doesn't shut down after the tourist season. Take in a performance at the Camden Opera House , or pick up a great book at the exquisite Camden Public Library (located right on the harbor).

Maryland: Berlin

Don't let the historic buildings make you think that Berlin is a sleepy little town: It was once named the " Coolest Small Town in America ." The Main Street shopping district has over 50 retail shops , with plenty more bakeries, restaurants, and antique stores adding to that count. Plus, how could life ever be dull with Ocean City a mere 10 miles away?

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Massachusetts: Stockbridge

This handsome western Massachusetts town inspired Norman Rockwell's artwork... and perhaps hundreds more families to settle down here. The town is simply magical during the holiday season , with old-fashioned decor trimming the streets.

Michigan: Saugatuck

This charming beach town and famed art colony has been a favorite summer destination for decades. The main draw is the lovely Oval Beach of course, but there's plenty to do in town, like sampling local wines at Fenn Valley Tasting Room .

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Minnesota: Grand Marais

Another classic summer destination, Grand Marais is nestled close to the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. However, plenty call this lovely town "home" year-round, from artists to otters . Grand Marais has also been inspiring young creatives to settle down, resulting in a boom of interesting shops, restaurants and businesses.

Mississippi: New Albany

Though the downtown has the kind of old buildings that give plenty of character, it's the area near New Albany that makes this town even more special. There's the recently-completed Rails to Trails conversion cycling trail, which runs 44 miles in length. Prefer to walk? The New Albany Arboretum "Park Along the River" weaves your way through and over the Tallahatchie river.

Flickr photo by Matthew Nichols

Missouri: Weston

Weston is a classic weekend daytrip destination, a town where the main street is lined with restored historic buildings that once outfitted wagon trains. Today, it's all about antiques and artisan shops .

Flickr photo by Randy Lane

Montana: Philipsburg

In the 19th century, Philipsburg was a thriving mining town. Today, it's a place where you can find treasures of the antique variety. (Okay, you can also pan for sapphires here, too.) If all that searching has you parched, there's no better way to quench your thirst than at the Philipsburg Brewing Company , housed in the historic Sayers building.

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Nebraska: Nebraska City

Set along the beautiful Missouri River , Nebraska City has a population of around 7,000 people), but it certainly feels like a small town. Interestingly, the town has one museum for every 800 people .

Flickr photo by Jan Tik

Nevada: Minden

Minden isn't necessarily the kind of place you think of when you hear "Nevada small town." Its residential neighborhood boasts (relatively) leafy tree-lined streets due to its location bordering the forest and the desert. This being Nevada, you can gamble at the Carson Valley Inn — or just take in the beauty of the Topaz Lake State Park.

Flickr photo by Jasperdo

New Hampshire: Meredith

Life revolves around the mirror-like Lake Winnipesaukee in this laid-back town. Resorts dot the shores, giving residents a good excuse to play tourist for the day. However, the most fun way to explore might be the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad .

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New Jersey: Cape May

The southernmost beach town along New Jersey's shore, Cape May has a distinctly different feel than other towns: It's elegant yet offers a lot of options for a great night (or day) out. Tour the area vineyards, indulge in fine dining, or just enjoy the Victorian architecture while taking a stroll.

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New Mexico: Taos

Adobe buildings and the Sangre de Cristo mountains provide plenty of inspiration in this longtime arts colony. Here, history goes way, way back. The town is home to a UNESCO Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo , a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. There's also an interesting quirk throughout Taos that some residents have noticed: There's a " Taos Hum ," a low-frequency background noise that has lead to some creative theories, but no explanation exists currently.

New York: Cold Spring

Cold Spring has long been a favorite of day trippers — we can imagine that many might have decided to put down roots after a particularly picturesque glimpse of the darling downtown. The recipe for a peaceful afternoon is to get a cone from the artisanal Moo Moo's Creamery, then sit by the waterfront and watch the boats cruise the Hudson River. (And then, of course, picking up some antiques at the many shops on Main Street.)

North Carolina: Ocracoke Island

This slim island in North Carolina's Outer Banks is home to just under 1,000 people. Only accessible by boat or plane, much of the island is the undeveloped Cape Hatteras National Seashore , where you can find wild ponies (believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs) roaming. You can explore the island on foot, bike, or horseback, then head back to the village for a meal at a laid-back waterfront restaurant. Since the population is so small, it's kind of like Cheers: Everyone knows your name.

North Dakota: Garrison

Garrison comes to life in the summer, when anglers and their families make their trips to enjoy the "Walleye Capital of the World." Life here is all about simple pleasures: Fishing, movies at the charming KOTA theater. But, the town dazzles in the winter — Garrison's the official "Christmas Capital of North Dakota." The most magical event is the annual Dickens Village Festival , when entire town turns into a Victorian community right out of a Dickens work.

Flickr photo by Andrew Filer

Ohio: Marietta

Not to be mistaken for the Georgia town of the same name, Marietta was once the first permanent settlement in the US north and west of the Ohio River. Today, the town offers plenty of opportunities to experience the arts, with a number of venues that host local and national acts. But the best way to take in a performance may be on a picnic blanket in a park, where you can catch a jazz, bluegrass or rock concert.

Oklahoma: Davis

Davis is best experienced outdoors — and they couldn't be greater here. This small town boasts one of the state's tallest waterfalls at Turner Falls Park . Indoor person? Then a visit to Bedré Chocolates belongs on your to-do list.

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Oregon: Jacksonville

Portland gets all the attention, but Oregon's small towns are jewels. A favorite is Jacksonville, a historic town that's in the heart of the state's wine country. Every summer, the sounds of Britt Music & Performing Arts Festival fill the town.

Pennsylvania: New Hope

New Hope is the classic town with deep roots to the arts community. It's long attracted artists (since the early 20th century) who loved the scenery along the Delaware River. Actors also loved the town — and still do. The Bucks County Playhouse has been the stage for performers ranging from Grace Kelly to Audra McDonald and is an excellent spot to catch a show. Though many residents are from New York City (or even commute there), they find no reason to leave the town in search of a great night of entertainment.

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Rhode Island: Jamestown

This island town is across the bridge from the famous mansions of Newport, but has a decidedly more down-to-earth feel. Residents never tire of the sweeping views of the Narragansett Bay, or the small community feel (the East Ferry Market & Deli is the place to catch up with friends).

South Carolina: Beaufort

Beaufort has a population of 13,130, making it the biggest entry on our list, but it's so lovely that we had to include it. Situated on Port Royal Island, it's a town where every an Instagram-worthy view is around every corner.

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South Dakota: Deadwood

Deadwood may be a popular destination for casino gambling, but it offers much, much more. The town's surrounded by the famed Black Hills area , where you can find secluded forests, snowmobile trails and ski resorts. Deadweird , a celebration of all things odd that takes place around Halloween, is a favorite new tradition.

Tennessee: Gaitlinburg

The gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a rustic charm that makes it an attraction in itself. There's the usual cute shopping you'll find in a tourist hot spot, but there are also a few unusual things to do: You can take a trip up the 407-foot Space Needle observation tower or take in views from the Sky Lift .

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Texas: Marfa

This tiny desert town has become an oasis for the arts, with works by Donald Judd dotting the landscape. A favorite for visitors and locals is the Hotel Paisano, where Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor filmed the movie Giant. However, most of the beauty of this town comes from its remoteness — it's a place where you might be the only person walking the streets after dark, depending on the time of year. (And the nearest other town is 20 miles away.)

Utah: Midway

Midway 's stunning scenery and chalet-style architecture attracts visitors year-round, with thousands coming for the annual Swiss Days (a multi-day celebration of the town's Swiss founders) in the summer and the prime skiing in the winter. No matter when you visit, a must-see is the Homestead Caldera, a geothermal hot pool that's a hot 90 degrees all year.

Vermont: Woodstock

This shire town has long attracted shoppers and visitors who want to take in the year-round-gorgeous scenery and shop the area's charming small businesses. It's home-y feel embraces visitors while retaining local character, with plenty of events where you can meet neighbors (or make a new friend). The second annual Lobster on the Green is sure to attract a crowd.

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Virginia: Middleburg

Known as the " Horse and Hunt "capital, Middleburg also packs a lot of luxury in a small town. Residents have their pick of top-rated restaurants and high-end boutiques. The famed Salamander Resort & Spa offers an incredible escape in an exquisite setting.

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Washington: Friday Harbor

Running errands is a charming experience in Friday Harbor , a town where you won't find a chain store. Want a change of pace? It's as easy as hopping on one of the many ferries that stop at Friday Harbor.

West Virginia: Berkeley Springs

It's not every day that you find a town nicknamed " America's First Spa ," but Berkeley Springs is just that. Washington bathed in the warm mineral springs — and so can you, in the baths at Berkeley Springs State Park.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Wisconsin: Mineral Point

Mineral Point is the third oldest city in the state, with well-preserved buildings that make you feel as if you're back in time. You'll find antiques shops and other creative businesses downtown. Restaurants also often pay homage to the Cornish founders of the town with pasties and figgyhobbin .

Wyoming: Hulett

The "Best Little Town" in the state has a population of 400 who enjoy incredible views of Devils Tower (America's first National Monument). However, that populations balloons to over 100,000, with bikers en route to annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Whether you decide to explore the area on a motorcycle or horseback, you'll definitely want to make time on your schedule for a meal at the Ponderosa Cafe, a place that fits the Old West vibe of the town.

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