Although if you want to come, try to come during the summer or fall seasons as that is when the atmosphere and experience is at its best. Other than the mysterious voices and gorgeous red rocks doting the desert landscapes, Sedona is home to many indigenous ruins and cave dwellings. Its also an awesome spot if youre into sailing. There are also plenty of places to take in the views of the Swinomish Channel or garden courtyards with fountains and statues. You can hop on the Conch Tour Train and see most of the Old Town Bahamian-style conch houses and Victorian mansions in one afternoon. Come for the bike trails, public beaches and picturesque pier. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Each Christmas, the old and iconic Georgetown Loop Railroad is clad in holiday lights and converted into a North Pole adventure. 1. Why we love it:The charming commercial and residential districts regularly attract visitors headed to and from nearby beaches in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Look, we have this thing for Beaufort. Sign up for AARP's monthly Money Matters newsletter to help manage your finances with confidence. The towns charm attracts many artistic souls so it became an artist colony of sorts. Why we love it:The nations first major gold rush occurred in 1829 in the north Georgia mountains surrounding Dahlonega. Close your eyes and picture it: the small-town America of your youth. King Street is the main drag in Boone where youll find bars, restaurants, and boutiques to explore. Beautiful estates and mansions have turned into living museums. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Admire the architecture of Monument House, a colorful cubist house that sits in the desert. How did Carmel get its storybook look? Residents who live along the river leave their mailboxes open so the mailman can deliver letters quickly by boat. Stowe, Vermont Credit: franckreporter / iStock Perhaps the quaintest town in the whole of the U.S., Stowe has set the model for picturesque. The rush was so big that the U.S. Treasury set up a branch mint in town that produced gold coins from 1838 until 1861. America is a country that's comprised of 50 wonderful, wholly unique states each with its own identity, culture, and history. Best Main Streets in America - Best Small Town Main Streets The setting is an idyllic one, with the architecture aptly designed in the style of the old American West and the beautiful Wallowa Mountains providing a gorgeous backdrop. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And of course, it wouldnt be a trip New England without a seafood meal. America might be best known for its major cities, but there's more to this beautiful, sprawling country than New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. This charming town located just over an hour away from Atlanta resembles a Bavarian alpine village. There are a lot of great shops on the strip as well. When youre done prospecting (or um, shopping), hit up Silver Mountain, a popular winter ski resort just outside its borders. 25 of the Happiest Small Towns in America - House Beautiful Why we love it:Four seasons of outdoor recreation include plenty of hiking and skiing trails in state and local parks, where the communitys fidelity with nature is evident, as is its dedication to sustainability. Continue your artsy walk around La Conner by heading to the Rainbow Bridge, a huge piece of functional art that spans the Swinomish Channel connecting Fidalgo Island to La Conner. Your email address will not be published. Take a walk or catch the Solvang trolley for a tour around town and drop off to visit its many shops, restaurants and Danish history museums. There are three ski mountains near Boone if you choose to visit in winter. Be sure to take the kids to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to meet the turtles. And the water views aren't bad eitheryou can smell the salty sea air from just about any location. Situated in northern Wisconsin and opposite Madeline Island, Bayfield offers versatile sites to tourists. Why we love it:With majestic mountain views and nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, Durango is a year-round destination for those looking for clean air, outdoor recreation and plenty of great dining, shopping and music. 1. In addition, Ren Derouin, a Val-David sculptor, presents an annual international art fair. Located midway betweenFrankfortandLexington, Historic Midway was the first town in Kentucky founded by a railroad. For lunch, visit the Fifth Element for classic American fare with a New England twist. Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the Pacific Coast of California. Beer enthusiasts wont be able to resist a visit to Cisco Brewers, the islands exclusive craft brewery. The town itself has a great shopping area on Front Street! De Smet is the epitome of prairie town charm. There are town squares bursting with life. This small mid-Atlantic haven with a population of about 4,000 is located close to Ocean City and Assateague Island but is way more chill and off the beaten path. There are a few parking areas along the way, so you do not have to do the whole thing if youre short on time. The city is also a stop on every baseball lovers national tour as home to the Field of Dreams, where the movie starring Kevin Costner was filmed. Its the perfect place for a mountain getaway from the city (without the super long drive to get there). Please enable Javascript in your browser and try The Best Vacation Spots in Every U.S. State. Please see my legal page for more details. Sailboats floating on the harbor, narrow streets lined with cobblestone sidewalks, B&B cottages and mom-and-pop shopsswoon. Why we love it:The Flower Town in the Pines is a beautiful bedroom community near regal Charleston, with all the amenities, including abundant hospitality and plenty of blooms. Now you do. Make a stop at Pioneertown, an Old West set that was used for films and TV shows in the 40s and 50s. This charming town is near Michigans Leelanau Peninsula wine region, one of the four American Viticultural Areaswithin the state. Why we love it:Traversing Lake Charlevoix and the mighty Lake Michigan, the isthmus of Charlevoix boasts beaches, boating and B&Bs in the warm seasons and skiing, sledding and skating during winter. This is, today, the comforting scenario many Americans long for. The quaint brick and wooden buildings are alive with great food, unique merchandise, live music, and wine as they now house an eclectic mix of independently owned shops, restaurants, spas, and lodging. Pull up a rocking chair, pour yourself a cool glass of lemonade, and settle in as we get to know some of the quaintest towns in the U.S. Required fields are marked *. Why we love it:Lead, and later zinc, mining put Mineral Point on the map. Known as the Crawfish Capital of the World, the small town of Breaux Bridge offers rich history, world-class restaurants, and a very lively Cajun and Zydeco music and art industry. Just an hour north of Philly, this adorable, historic town on the west bank of the Delaware River is a popular weekend getaway for antiquers and culture-fiends alike. (Cough, cough: Wyatt Earp.). In the winter, its a happening ski spot. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Hotel guests will especially loveWhite Elephant, the islands luxurious resort. Located just 45 minutes from Palm Springs near Joshua Tree National Park, this bohemian town is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Berea, Kentucky. 27 of America's Quaintest Towns - AARP Alternatively, renting a car is an ideal way to explore more in a brief time. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is a small town with a big personality! At the Maverick, a barn-like concert hall thats still in operation today, locals have been enjoying outdoor hippie music festivals since the dawn of the 20th century and in the summer the city hosts outdoor concerts at the Village Green for all to enjoy. You can get some maps there and can understand its layout. Self-proclaimed as the most beautiful place on earth, Sedona is a small desert town that boasts hipster vibes, a vibrant creative arts community, and numerous wellness centers. The 30 Best Small Towns in America LL World Tour Gold City, as Dahlonega is known, is an oft-used fictional setting for Hallmark Christmas films; in real life, the neoclassical architectural setting is full of restaurants, performing arts and festivals held year-round. For landlubbers, various restaurants, boutiques, concerts, patriotic parades, festivals, art shows, musicals and natural attractions make this picturesque town all the more welcoming. If you are into hiking, I recommend hiking at Torrey Pines State Park. Strolling the streets of one of the many charming towns in the US is a wonderful way to spend a day. Best Small Towns In The US: Charming Towns & Hidden Gems - Only In Your These mountains rise dramatically above the surrounding plains and rolling hills and offer a lot of outdoor options for visitors. It is known for being a hot destination for the LGBTQ community, with many events and parties, and the pride flags all around give a warm welcome. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. And then, spend a peaceful night at one of thebest winter cabins in Wisconsin, I particularly recommend The Little Inn of Bayfield. The Most Beautiful Towns In The Midwest - Culture Trip Its Victorian-style architecture is carefully preserved, and the town supports human and nature with an aquarium, a natural history museum, a Monarch butterfly sanctuary and the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. But during summer, the bed-and-breakfasts welcome thousands of tourists who come to take advantage of the scenic lake town and all it has to offer. Not only does Stowe have Vermonts tallest peak making it one of the East Coasts most popular (and powder-friendly) ski destinations, its also home to the Trapp Family Lodge, an Austrian-style chalet owned by the family immortalized in The Sound of Music. The 9 Most Picturesque Bed-and-Breakfasts in the Country. By: Lynn Coulter View The Gallery 1 / 50 Fairhope, Alabama As if this historic village werent cute enough, it hosts annual strawberry and apple festivals in June and September to celebrate its agricultural roots. The Everglade City is located on the western gateway to Everglades National Park,nearby Chokoloskee Island. Julie Laundis LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. For someone who loves visiting small towns, Stanley is like one of the best-kept secrets of Idaho. A true Southern town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Airy has a diverse business scene with artists, live music, shopping, expansive dining options and gracious hospitality, all close to Yadkin Valley, known as the Napa of the East., Map location:26 miles northwest of Charleston. It is known as the fishing and stone crab capital of Southwest Florida. Outside town are a handful of wineries where visitors learn that Georgia Wine isnt just a nice way of saying moonshine. One would think getting Broadway-quality performers to spend their summers in the middle of nowhere, North Dakota would be tough. The 9 Best Experiences In Quaint Lenox, Massachusetts 1. Helen, Georgia Helen Georgia is a mountain town in the northeast region of the state, right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles might get all the attention as some of the most popular destinations in the country, but the best small towns in America offer their own set. Dunedin, Florida. Goshens monument-filled main streets, unique shopping and dining options and pedestrian-friendly paths thrive amid a commitment to preservation, including of the Goshen Historic Track, the oldest harness-racing track in the United States. There are sweet old-timey cafes and bookstores you could get lost in. Once a plantation village, this bohemian enclave is full of farm stands, galleries, yoga studios, health food stores and surf shacks. Famous for their American Revolutionary roots and positioning in the Gettysburg campaign during the Civil War, the scenic roadsides are lined with dry stack-stone walls. There are more than 300 working artists in this resort town, which possesses impressive festival, music and dining scenes, as well as Christ of the Ozarks, a 65-foot modernist white statue of Jesus that is visible from almost everywhere in town. When you are ready with your map, start with witnessing Houghton Falls State Natural Area. Surrounding Sedona is 400+ miles of hiking trails, many of them leading to gorgeous red rocks and sacred vortices. Its also known for gorgeous fields of colorful bluebonnets that blossom each spring. Beyond the Hauptstrasse (main street), Fredericksburg is the starting point of the Hill Country wine trail. Strolling through town, there is plenty of sidewalk art and boutique shops. Filled with seafood, cute shopping areas and fun things to do, Mystic is a great place to visit. Here Are The 10 Most Charming Small Towns in Kentucky Visitors will enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets, admiring exquisitely-restored pre-Civil war homes, and renting cruiser bikes to explore on two wheels. Map location:39 miles east of Bentonville, Arkansas; 51 south of Springfield, Missouri. You can tour the facility to learn the history that put them on the map while sampling the fruits of their labor. The Sweet Tea Trail was created for visitors to have fun and explore the shops, sites, sips and bites among the glorious gardens, parks and nearby plantations. It houses two large, private organizations: the Marine Biological Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. That, in turn, attracted artists and musicians, and Virginia City became known as a destination for performers. But anyone who's enjoyed a quiet afternoon swinging on a front porch or hiking up colorful mountains knows America's small towns are, in their own way, just as appealing. Midways downtown followed the railroads fortunes and by the late 1960s and early 1970s, the few remaining businesses primarily served the local agricultural community. This small, agricultural town surrounded by potato and sunflower fields is the kind of place where everyone knows each others name. With its beautiful vistas, manageable winters and proximity to Salt Lake Valley, this mountain town has staked its claim as a top destination for skiing, culture, arts festivals and a famous July Fourth parade. Its the perfect place to walk and shop while enjoying the gorgeous mountain setting. Many residents work as fishermen and boat builders (as they have for generations), and you'll find events like outdoor movies, chowder cook-offs and farmers' markets on any given summer weekend. The village is a world center for marine, biomedical, and environmental science. The town has a population of roughly 8,500 people, and was owned by Russia until 1867. For the majority of the year, Bayfield is the quiet home of 600 or so residents, surrounded by apple orchards, lavender and strawberry fields. It would be best if you visited this place in summers or fall as you can experience beautiful colors and can take a stroll through green fields. Though the miners are gone, the mystique lives on, and you can step back in time in this city to catch many a musician and muse. Just 3 hours west of Chicago, lies Galena, Illinois, one of the most charming hidden treasures in Midwest, USA. This two-mile pathway offers sweeping coastal views from behind gorgeous beach-front properties. South Haven is one of the countrys best summer towns, located on Michigans aptly named Sunset Coast. Head here in the summer to enjoy local oysters, numerous wineries and a laid-back vibe. GETTY IMAGES By Sharon Kehnemui, AARP April 20, 2023 Close your eyes and picture it: the small-town America of your youth. Located at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is known as the halibut capital of Alaska, home to fishermen, artists and outdoorsy types galore. There is a long list of things that you can do in Stanley, especially if you love the outdoors. One of the most charming towns in the US to visit is the town of Ellijay, Georgia. Downtown German Street is home to 19th-century brick buildings, cafs, shops and a handful of landmarks dedicated to Civil War history. With numerous city and state parks and a vibrant artisan community, this cozy town offers visitors several options for outdoor activities and warm cottages. The Black Pearl is located on Bannisters Wharf and has views of the harbor but be sure to make reservations ahead of time as it gets busy. The 9 Cutest Small Towns in America - Jetsetter >> Get more tips for visiting Bay St. Louis. The reasons are many, but one that stands out is that La Conner is aquaint, historic waterfront village. Map location:36 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Why we love it:Though Mount Airys history dates much further back, the original Mayberry hasnt lost its sense of wonder sinceThe Andy Griffith Showaired from 1960-1968. Life slows a pace or two in quaint, historic Jacksonville. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River, Atchison has two claims to fame: 1) Its the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, and 2) its supposedly haunted. In addition, plan on spending at least one night on the island, as the ferry ride will drastically shorten a brief day trip. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Whether you're a city-slicker or rural native at heart, it's near impossible for anyone to resist the undeniable charm of a quaint small town, be it the handful of mom-and-pop businesses that you can't find anywhere else or the completely idyllic scenery. Big cities are often hyped as the best tourist destinations in the United States, but many of the nation's small towns are gems worth visiting. Getty. If you are an avid photographer, you will find nothing but paradise in Sedona. Sedona is a must-see on any Southwest USA road trip. Start your tour by visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Centre. Locavore is a household word for diners and shoppers, and downtowns many dining options and craft breweries feature locally sourced products. When it comes to quaint you might be picturing an idyllic English borough or a half timbered French enclave but the U.S. has endless charming hideaways to discover. But theres more to Stowe than simple pleasures. Inducing the National Cherry Festival which takes place each year in July. Once you are done with your walking tour, you can enjoy Carmels famous white sand beach. While youre there, visit the famous Coronado Heights, named afterFrancisco Vasquez de Coronado, the 16th century Spanish explorer who never made it to Sweden but did make it to the Smoky Valley. The downtown area of Burlington has lots to offer residents and guests who want to dine, drink, shop, and get exercise. The gateway to Zion National Park, Springdales downtown is framed by a majestic view of red rock. Tennis fans would also enjoy a tour of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. I love this list! Amazing list, and honestly I just had to add a couple of these places on my bucket list. If youre visiting in the summertime, taking a sailboat out on the water is a true Newport experience. During these times, hotel prices drop and visitors can enjoy reduced crowds. The Redfish lake, a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains, is lined by beaches where you can have a picnic. Seattle Gas Station's Signboard has become an iconic fixture in the city, capturing the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its clever messages . The Victorian shipbuilding town of Milton is just minutes from Rehoboth on Delawares east shore. Map location:107 miles south of Billings, Montana. June 29, 2023 Danita Delimont Creative/Getty While most travelers flock to New York and Los Angeles, the most beautiful small towns in America offer an entirely differentand, dare we say,. Many of them are particularly stunning in fall; if you love to experience the vibrant fall foliage, check out my top fall foliage weekend getaways in the US! In fact, its the last remaining water delivery mail route in the U.S. 33 Most Beautiful Towns in America You'll Fall in Love With And where you can still catch a movie at the Lyric Theater, which has been open since 1917. Meat lovers, look no further than Lexington, the barbecue capital of North Carolina, known for chopped pork garnished with the regions famous ketchup, vinegar and pepper sauce mixture. They are pretty used to tourists and not very shy, so you can take some great photos. Beauty to boot: The towns 184-acre Gillette Castle State Park contains a stone castle built by actor and playwright William Gillette. The best time to visit this area is in the summer months when the weather is nice and there are lots of activities to participate in! "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 . The most popular sightseeing spot is Driftwood Beach. Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Getty Images. Summertime draws the most tourists and hotel costs will consequently spike. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Home to the prestigious Dartmouth College, Hanover is historic New England at its very best. Park near The Breakers, one of the most famous mansions of Newport are known for their history and architecture. Trip Ideas 10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast From Maine to Florida, these small towns have big appeal. Seaside stays cool year-round, reaching a maximum temperature of about 68 degrees in the summer - the perfect place to escape a heat wave. It hosts one of the best old-time Fourth of July celebrations in the nation, replete with fireworks, parades and live music. Giant live oaks, white sandy beaches, historic mansions, and reedy marshes make the island as pretty as a picture. The city of Everglades is a charming fishing village with a population of 443 people, with great food and a long history. New Hope & Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Joseph is on the edge of the Wallowa Mountains. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Jacksonville will charm you with more than its history. Several freight trains still make use of the active tracks running through Railroad Street, preserving Midways unique history and atmosphere. If you prefer something less rugged, you canwalk along the beach walk towards Childrens pool, which is home to a large sea lion population. 17 Best Beach Towns in the U.S. - Travel + Leisure Every summer, local craftsperson Kinya Ishikawa organizes 1,001 Pots, the largest ceramics festival in North America. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bisbee was one of the most productive mineral mining towns in the nation. 0:28. Luxurious inns along with cozy bed and breakfasts abound providing a lovely home base as you tour the town. Here, the most adorable little towns in every state. Whether you want relaxation or adventure, the town of Bar Harbor has it all while exuding charm at every turn. This tiny town was named after the river that runs through it. The street is lined with chocolatiers, biergartens, and souvenir shops thatll have you thinking youre in Europe. Trivia fact: This town just north of Oklahoma City was the state's first capital. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is Jules. Dont miss a theater production at old-school Bucks County Playhouse. Berea. Key West is so full of tropical charm, youll be planning your return trip again and again. These are some of the best 'quaint' towns in - PennLive Its home to a handful of well-known distilleries like Makers Mark and Jim Beam, and each September, the town pays tribute to its favorite spirit with a big ol fashioned bourbon festival. Located 6,512 feet up in the San Juan Mountains, Durango takes pride in its educated workforce while keeping it real at its summer rodeo. If you want to spend time at the beach, go to either Hearing Cove Beach to the west or Race Point Beach to the north. About four hours north of Tennessee, youll find a very different kind of Nashville. On the ground above, saloons proliferated to meet the droves of wannabe millionaires. The fall brings many tourists to celebrate their annual Octoberfest, which is one of the largest in the country. Today, Midway continues to be a uniquely friendly and quaint town with a noticeable spirit. An iconic romantic getaway for Chicago city dwellers, Lake Geneva offers the very best of a Midwestern resort town for adults and kids alike. Why we love it:Creativity thrives in Bisbee thanks to eclectic artists, an array of architectural styles, a diverse population and a temperate climate that makes outdoor attractions abundant. Visiting one of these unique US towns makes for a lovely way to spend a weekend away. The stomping grounds for a young Ernest Hemingway, Charlevoix is famed for its unique stone mushroom houses designed by architect Earl Young. Theres a barber who knows customers by name and lots of women who could be anyones favorite aunt. Old Mystic Diner is located right next to The Howard Johnson Inn. They may be tiny, but they have plenty of charm and character. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP the Magazine. The town is easily walkable and on thismap of Carmel-by-the-Sea,you can find the cutest cottages and nicest alleys. Sedona, Arizona Fredericksburg boasts its historical significance as the birthplace of Chester W. Nimitz, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in World War II. Watching the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain is a must-do as this spot is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view the sunrise from fall through spring. This Appalachian mountain town with a population well under 1,000 will make you feel like youve stumbled into the Swiss Alps. You wont find a better place to hit the perfect hiking trail. One of the bestthings to do in Golden, COis to visit Main Street and take in all the locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. Visitors will stumble upon many as they hike around Sedona, but they must not miss the Montezuma Castle National Monument, site of the cliff dwelling ruins of the Sinagua people dating back to the 12th century. You will find restaurants, a coffee shop, and tons of shops to enjoy. There is a long list of things that you can do in Stanley, especially if you love the outdoors. You might have heard of Natchez for its plantation-style houses that date back to the antebellum south. If a little adventure is what you are after, explore adjacentAcadia National Park. Why we love it:The beauty of the Ozarks area is enhanced by 60 natural springs, three lakes and two rivers. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. The Most Charming Small Town in Every State - Reader's Digest