The Best Small Town in Every State

When planning a trip around the U.S., many travelers set their sights on major tourist destinations such as New York or Los Angeles. But often, it’s just as rewarding to immerse yourself in a more intimate environment. What many small towns lack in size, they more than make up for with unique claims to fame, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. And perhaps best of all, you can really get to know the locals in a way that would be more difficult in a big city. To help inspire your next small-town getaway, the writers and editors at Daily Passport chose our favorite small town in each state. Take a look at our picks below.

Monroeville, Alabama

The tiny town of Monroeville is known as the “Literary Capital of Alabama,” and for good reason. Not only is it the birthplace of To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Cynthia Tucker, but Monroeville was also the childhood home of author Truman Capote. Visitors can explore the town’s rich literary history by strolling along the Literary Capital Sculpture Trail, which showcases 14 bronze sculptures dedicated to authors with ties to Monroeville. Each spring, Monroeville also stages a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, a local tradition since 1991. 

Even if you’re not a book lover, there’s still much to explore in Monroeville. The Monroe County Rodeo takes place each August and features riding, roping, and barrel racing competitions. One of the top eateries in town is Cherry Street Bar-B-Que — be sure to arrive early, because their decadent pork butt and pulled pork usually sell out within just a few hours.

North Pole, Alaska

It’s only fitting that the small Alaskan town that shares the name of Santa Claus’s hometown pulls out all the stops for Christmas. But the village of North Pole — located 14 miles outside of Fairbanks — celebrates the holidays year-round, with parades in July and nostalgic red-and-white candy cane stripes splashed across the city streets. In the town center, you’ll find the Santa Claus House, a one-time post office turned holiday shop. You can visit live reindeer, shop for Christmas gifts, take a photo with the world’s largest Santa statue, and say hello to the man in red himself. Perhaps best and most spirited of all, a resident who is legally named Santa Claus serves on the North Pole city council — long white beard and all.

Bisbee, Arizona

The quirky canyon town of Bisbee in southeastern Arizona sits at an elevation of 5,538 feet — making it America’s southernmost “mile-high” city. After copper was discovered in a nearby mine in 1877, Bisbee was incorporated in 1880 and became one of the largest cities in what was then the Arizona territory. By 1900, Bisbee had a population of more than 20,000, but after the mine closed in 1974, the number of residents began to dwindle.

Today, the former saloons and inns remain relics of the town’s mining past, and locals are careful to preserve them, as well as their tight-knit community of artists and others who prefer the quiet desert scenery of the Mule Mountains. But with a lively downtown of dive bars, galleries, gift shops selling copper-themed trinkets, museums, and Wild West-themed restaurants, Bisbee also offers plenty of appeal as a weekend getaway for history buffs.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, a small town of around 2,200 people in Ozark Mountains, may seem like a blip on the map, but it has long attracted droves of visitors in the summer months, many of whom come to enjoy nearby Beaver Lake and Lake Leatherwood. However, the main draw here is access to multiple natural mineral springs that encircle Eureka Springs.

Within walking distance of the town center, you’ll find bathhouses and spas supplied with the natural spring water, but the most popular is Palace Hotel and Bath House, the only one of the town’s former historic bathhouses still in use today. Whether you choose to spend time on the lake or in the healing mineral waters, a visit to Eureka Springs is a sure bet for a memorable small-town getaway.

Solvang, California

Founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, the charming town of Solvang, California, remains a testament to Danish culture. Upon their arrival to the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang’s founders sought to preserve their Danish heritage by building a Danish folk school, Lutheran church, and local college. Today’s visitors to Solvang will immediately notice the town’s Danish roots, from the Solvang Windmill to the replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue. Since it’s located in the heart of Southern California’s wine country, downtown Solvang is also filled with wineries and tasting rooms, which only adds to the town’s charm.

Ouray, Colorado

With the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado providing a stunning backdrop, the town of Ouray bills itself as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado.” In warmer months, visitors can enjoy easy access to hiking trails, such as the nearby Box Cañon Falls Park with its 285-foot waterfall, plus other adventures such as horseback riding and mountain biking. Home to art galleries, restaurants, boutique shops, and breweries, Ouray’s downtown also has plenty of Rocky Mountain charm to capture your heart no matter the time of year. And if you need some downtime, Ouray Hot Springs is home to multiple heated pools and views of the mountains, making it the perfect place to unwind.

Mystic, Connecticut

The village of Mystic is home to under 5,000 people, but what the seafaring community lacks in size it makes up for in rich history. At the height of the American maritime industry, between 1784 and 1919, the village was a hub for shipbuilding and produced around 600 boats. Visitors can learn the prosperous history at the Mystic Seaport Museum — the largest maritime museum in the country — and see the only wooden whaling vessel still in existence, the Charles W. Morgan.

Movie fans may also recognize Mystic as the inspiration for Mystic Pizza, the 1988 movie that put Julia Roberts on the map. The real-life Mystic Pizza refused to shut down their business for filming, so much of the movie’s scenes were filmed nearby and in a staged pizza parlor. The shop later renovated its appearance to look more like the movie set version and has benefitted from a surge in popularity ever since the film’s release. 

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Located along the state’s Atlantic Coast, Rehoboth Beach is home to roughly 1,400 residents year-round. However, during the height of summer, tens of thousands of visitors flock to this coastal paradise in search of family-friendly fun.

The town’s most well-known landmark is the mile-long boardwalk, which was originally built in 1873. Here, visitors can enjoy frozen custard at the century-old Kohr Bros., browse for souvenirs at Penny Lane Mall, or hop aboard one of the rides at the Funland amusement park. You may even run into a famous local or two — former U.S. president and Delaware native Joe Biden owns a home in Rehoboth Beach, and celebrities such as Denzel Washington and Sandra Bullock have been spotted there on vacation.

Fernandina Beach, Florida

While it technically falls within the Greater Jacksonville area, Fernandina Beach doesn’t feel like a big city in the slightest. Instead of tall buildings, you’ll find beach bungalows lining its sandy shores. The northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island, originally inhabited by the Timucuan peoples and later various French, English, and Spanish communities. That history is exemplified by several historic homes, churches, and other buildings that can be found throughout the 50 blocks of downtown Fernandina Beach’s historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fernandina Beach is known for its warm summer weather and mild winter seasons, making it an ideal beach town to visit year-round.

Helen, Georgia

Arrive in Helen and you’ll feel as though you’ve been immediately transported to the Bavarian Alps. Once a thriving lumber and mining town, Helen faced economic decline in the 20th century. To revive the town, John Follack, a local businessman and World War I veteran who spent time in the German Alps, inspired the townsfolk to transform Helen with Old World-inspired architecture. Follack’s plan worked, and today, Helen is one of the most-visited destinations in Georgia, despite its small population of just over 600 people.

Beyond German-inspired architecture, the village offers abundant outdoor adventures at its doorstep. Visitors can enjoy hiking, white-water rafting, waterfall exploring, and zip-lining, all of which has earned Helen its reputation as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.”

Hanalei, Hawaii

While bigger islands such as Oahu and Maui certainly have their charms, the lush beauty of Kauai — aka the “Garden Isle” — is impossible to ignore. (The relative lack of development and crowds doesn’t hurt, either.) And though the island’s sunny south shore is more popular with visitors, it’s the windswept and rugged north shore of Kauai where you’ll find Hawaii’s most charming small town: Hanalei.

Accessible via a one-lane bridge on the Kuhio Highway, Hanalei sits between mist-covered mountains and a gorgeous crescent-shaped bay of the same name. Just west of town, the highway around Kauai ends at the Napali Coast — a dramatic 17-mile stretch of rugged cliffs you may recognize from films such as Jurassic Park. The only way to traverse it is on foot, but you can also board one of the many boat tours leaving from Hanalei to admire the stunning cliffs from the water. 

Wallace, Idaho

Despite the fact that less than 900 people live there, Wallace is known as the “Silver Capital of the World.” An estimated 21% (or 1.2 billion ounces) of the world’s silver has been mined in surrounding Shoshone County since 1884. The town’s influential history means that every downtown building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also four museums throughout town where you can learn all about Wallace’s fascinating past.

Locals also take pride in the town’s cheekily self-proclaimed status as the “Center of the Universe.” The joke started with former mayor Ron Garitone, who in 2004 declared, “If something can’t be disproved, it must be true.” Today, a manhole cover denotes the “exact center,” and residents gather annually to celebrate this humorous distinction.

Galena, Illinois

Nestled in northwest Illinois’ Mississippi River valley, Galena is a beautifully preserved 19th-century gem. Its historic Main Street, fondly known as the “Helluva Half Mile,” is lined with unique boutiques, local bakeries, ice cream parlors, candy shops, and wine bars, all housed in picturesque 1800s brick buildings. Between shopping and dining, history buffs can visit the U.S. Grant History Museum, where exhibits explore the life and military career of the nation’s 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. Just a short walk away, the Ulysses S. Grant Home provides a glimpse into the former president’s life as a Civil War general.

Santa Claus, Indiana

This Indiana town’s festive name certainly provokes curiosity. Legend has it that when the town applied for a post office under its former name, Santa Fe, in 1856, the request was rejected because a nearby town had already claimed the name, and the townspeople were instructed to pick something else. As it was the holiday season, Santa Claus was suggested, and the name stuck.

To say the town has leaned into its name is perhaps an understatement: In Santa Claus, there are dozens of Santa Claus statues, a Christmas Lodge, a Christmas Store, Santa’s Candy Castle, and the Holiday World and Splash Safari theme park — attractions that altogether attract bring around 1 million visitors to the town year-round. A visit to Santa Claus during the holiday season will predictably coincide with the many events happening in this festive town.

Decorah, Iowa

Located in the northeast corner of the state, Decorah is renowned for its rich Norwegian American heritage. Norwegian settlers first came to the region in the 1850s, and in 1877, they founded the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. This local institution, which remains an important part of the community today, is home to 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, a heritage park, and a folk art school.

The town also honors its Norwegian heritage each July with the Nordic Fest, a celebration of all things Scandinavian. Tens of thousands people attend each year to listen to traditional Norwegian folk music, taste classic fare such as lingonberry ice cream, and admire contemporary folk art inspired by Norwegian traditions.

Lindsborg, Kansas

Nicknamed “Little Sweden,” the small town of Lindsborg, Kansas, has deep roots in Swedish culture. Settled in 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg was originally a haven for the Swedish community, with a focus on religion and the arts. The result is a Midwestern town that shares a strong fondness for its homeland, a fact that is evident from the life-size Dala horses on display along Main Street. Lindsborg also hosts Swedish heritage festivals, like Svensk Hyllningsfest, which honors all Swedish immigrants in the region. Lindsborg is so famously engulfed in Swedish culture that the King of Sweden himself paid the small town a visit in 1976.

Bardstown, Kentucky

Located less than an hour drive south of Louisville is the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Bardstown has a longstanding tradition of distilleries that dates back to 1792. Neighboring Loretto is home to the world’s oldest working bourbon distillery, the Maker’s Mark distillery, which has been operating in the same location since 1805.

In Bardstown, you’ll also find My Old Kentucky Home State Park, inspired by a classic Stephen Foster song of a similar name. The visitor center is located inside a three-story, red brick mansion that was built in 1818, and the park is also home to a golf course, campgrounds, and an array of birdlife, including red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and mourning doves.

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

If you’re looking for an introduction to Cajun country, look no further than Breaux Bridge. Located 5 miles from Lake Martin, the town of approximately 7,500 is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” Breaux Bridge claims to have invented the crawfish etouffee and continues to host an annual crawfish festival. Needless to say, sampling crawfish while in town is a must.

Breaux Bridge is also a great jumping-off point to explore the surrounding bayou landscape. Swamp tours on Lake Martin and Atchafalaya Basin offer excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife including heron, barred owls, turtles, osprey, and alligators. Meanwhile, you can admire the majestic cypress trees with moss-draped branches that grow straight out of the lake floor.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is best known for being the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s most treasured natural wonders. While biking the Carriage Roads and hiking Cadillac Mountain at sunrise are must-do activities, Bar Harbor is the perfect small town to enjoy after a day exploring Maine’s nature.

Wandering around colorful Main Street, you can refuel with some local Maine seafood at Galyn’s or enjoy oysters at the Barnacle, shop for gifts at upscale craft shops such as Island Artisans and In The Woods, and end your walk at the water’s edge, where Main Street meets the picturesque waterfront. It’s a lovely spot to take in the views across Bar Harbor to Bar Island, which you can walk to at low tide.

Berlin, Maryland

Berlin’s status as an incorporated community can be traced back to almost a century before the United States came to exist. In 1677, the Burley Plantation received a 300-acre land grant, and a small village grew around it in the 1790s. Today in Berlin, you’ll find 47 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, designed in architectural styles ranging from the Federal style to Victorian. The town’s streets are also lined with glorious foliage, such as magnolia trees, sycamores, and other stunning shrubbery.

You may also recognize Berlin from the silver screen, perhaps without even realizing it. The town served as a key setting for 1999’s Runaway Bride starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and also 2002’s Tuck Everlasting starring Sissy Spacek and Ben Kingsley.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Sitting at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown draws a more laid-back crowd than much of the peninsula. A picturesque coastal destination with a free and easy-going attitude, Provincetown appeals to artists, creatives, and, in particular, the LGBTQ+ community. P’town (as it’s affectionately known) is also where stars like Al Pacino, Bette Davis, and Angela Lansbury launched their acting careers. Some, like Al Pacino, got their start at the historic Gifford House, a historic inn that once hosted an experimental theater. The same inn has also welcomed several presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft.

Saugatuck, Michigan

If it’s a pretty lake town you seek, the Mitten State won’t let you down. Part of Michigan’s “Art Coast,” Saugatuck is an especially quaint lake town that brims with beauty both natural and human-made, from the strip of art galleries and restaurants in old Victorian buildings that line the town’s historic main drag to the golden sandy shores of Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. Away from the water, Saugatuck offers a host of nature activities in Saugatuck Dunes State Park, such as swimming, wildlife viewing, and miles of pretty hiking trails that traverse the coastal dunes and adjacent forest.

Red Wing, Minnesota

Red Wing, Minnesota, is best known for its iconic pottery and the boot brand that bears the same name. Nestled along the Mississippi River, Red Wing is also the perfect place to unwind in nature, with many bike paths, nature trails, and public parks to explore. The world’s largest boot is located at the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, and the Pottery Museum of Red Wing features thousands of the town’s most famous pots. Adding to the town’s charm is its robust festival and event lineup in summer, including the Plein Air Art Festival in June, the Prairie Island Traditional Powwow in July, and River City Days in August.

Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is the starting point of the 444-mile-long Natchez Trace Parkway — a historic route that travels through Alabama to just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Now managed by the National Park Service, the Natchez Trace was used for centuries by Native Americans as a thriving trade route, and that practice continued when European and American settlers arrived in the 18th century.

The town of Natchez, established by the French in 1716, is among the oldest European settlements along the Mississippi River. Visit local landmarks such as the historic Stanton Hall and the Rosalie Mansion, the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Magnolia Bluffs Casino, which boasts stunning views of the adjacent Mississippi River and neighboring Louisiana.

Hermann, Missouri

German settlers homesick for the Rhine Valley found the rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley a suitable substitute, and decided to call them home. Planting vineyards on the rocky hillsides and erecting brick buildings along the Missouri River, the early 19th-century colony prospered. Today, the picturebook-pretty town is on the map again, holding a lively Oktoberfest and boasting a varied selection of restaurants and boutiques in its historic downtown. One of its wineries, Stone Hill, has won gold medals at wine competitions around the globe, and at one point was the second-largest winery in the country.

Whitefish, Montana

Few resort towns are as idyllic as Whitefish. While the town is just a 35-minute drive away from the entrance to Glacier National Park, there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire in Whitefish itself. During the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers prime snowboarding and skiing opportunities, while in the warmer months you can rent a boat or kayak out on Whitefish Lake. Don’t leave town without stopping by Whitefish Depot, which contains various exhibits about the community and the historic railways that once passed through it.

Ogallala, Nebraska

Looking to relive the days of the Wild West? Consider a visit to the former frontier town of Ogallala. In the 1870s, it was considered the most dangerous town in Nebraska, as Ogallala was the center of the cattle industry and frequented by rough-and-tumble cowboys herding their cattle through town. These cowboys gathered at the town’s saloons, where the alcohol flowed and the bullets flew.

However, present-day Ogallala is a far cry from its wild past — the quiet city of 5,000 residents welcomes visitors with a peaceful atmosphere and day trips to Lake McConaughy for fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. Staying true to the town’s roots, downtown’s Front Street caters to Wild West aficionados with 19th-century-style buildings, bars, cafes, and a general store.

Ely, Nevada

It may not be as glitzy or glamorous as Las Vegas, but Ely is just as worth visiting on your next trip to Nevada. To reach this charming small town, you can drive along U.S. Route 50, which has earned the notorious distinction of being the “Loneliest Road in America.” But once you reach Ely, you’ll feel right at home and surrounded by welcoming locals. Ely was originally founded in 1881 as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express, and it became a lively copper mining community in the early 20th century.

Today, Ely is the perfect home base for folks visiting the nearby Great Basin National Park. The town is also home to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park, which contains six beehive-shaped ovens that were used from 1876 to 1879 by miners to help process silver ore. These ovens were later repurposed as hideouts for stagecoach bandits, and they remain a popular tourist attraction for visitors.

Conway, New Hampshire

Conway attracts a mix of tourists, some who come to take advantage of its proximity to the region’s famous White Mountain National Forest, and others who are drawn to the quaint vibes and family-friendly activities. Serving as the gateway to the White Mountains, a range that covers roughly a quarter of New Hampshire, the town of roughly 10,000 people is a hub for avid hikers eager to tick hiking those mountains off their bucket lists. Less keen hikers might choose to experience New England nature in a more laid-back manner by riding the Conway Scenic Railroad or taking a dip at Echo Lake State Park.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May has the distinction of being America’s first seaside resort destination, and it remains as charming as ever. When the community was established in 1761, it drew visitors by horse-drawn wagons, stagecoaches, and sailboats from the nearby cities of Philadelphia and New York. In those days, members of high society — including former U.S. presidents Franklin Pierce, Benjamin Harrison, and James Buchanan — were frequent visitors to Cape May. (Harrison even called the seaside resort his “Summer White House.”)

In 1976, the entire city of Cape May was designated a National Historic Landmark. Since then, there have been numerous efforts to restore the 19th-century architecture and bring back local festivals and traditions. For historic offerings in town, check out the John Hand Black and White House (dating back to 1690), the Washington Street Mall, the Cape May Lighthouse, and the Cape May Historic District. Guests at the historic Congress Hall hotel, welcoming guests since 1816, will also get a glimpse into the early history of America’s first seaside resort town.

Taos, New Mexico

Many come to Taos to visit nearby Taos Pueblo — one the oldest continually inhabited communities in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After diving into the pueblo’s fascinating history, they’re left to explore the charming town of Taos and all it has to offer. With its main plaza dating to 1796, Taos is surrounded by four mountain resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding as well as summer outdoor recreation. Taos is also famed as an art colony, drawing creatives with its piercing light and breathtaking landscapes. The town is home to more than 70 galleries, offering everything from painting and photography to sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, and glass.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Washington Irving put this New York village on the map with his 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The author was a New York native and spent time in Sleepy Hollow, located about 30 miles north of New York City, and some theories suggest he was influenced by the local legend of a headless Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball during the American Revolution.

Today, Ichabod Crane fans can visit the spooky Old Dutch Church (the Headless Horseman’s supposed home) and the adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place for over 45,000 people — including Irving himself. While the town definitely leans into its spooky spirit, especially around Halloween, Sleepy Hollow checks all the boxes for a year-round small-town getaway. Visitors can wander the narrow streets of its historic downtown, lined with boutiques and cozy cafes, and admire the peaceful views of the Hudson River.

Boone, North Carolina

Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone feels like a true escape from the grid. As the home of Appalachian State University, the city boasts a mix of mountain and college cultures, resulting in an eclectic, inviting atmosphere. For an easy hike, try Howard’s Knob, a mountain which sits in the middle of Boone. A more difficult option is the trek to the Grandfather’s Bridge — a mile-high suspension bridge that offers 360-degree views of the mountains. There’s plenty more to do and see when you return to town, from shopping and exploring King Street to enjoying the modern Southern food at popular local eateries like Vidalia.

Medora, North Dakota

In 1883, Theodore Roosevelt visited Medora for the first time, and It quickly became a favorite destination of the future president. Roosevelt’s legacy remains ever-present today, as Medora serves as the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you’ll find bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs roaming the serene landscape. Medora will also be the home of Roosevelt’s presidential library, which is set to open on July 4, 2026, in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. Back in town, don’t miss the Medora Musical, a long-running local stage production celebrating the community’s Western heritage.

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Midwesterners don’t have to travel all the way to Florida for a taste of the Keys — the “Key West of the North” is right in their backyard. A popular summer destination, Put-in-Bay gets its nickname from its Caribbean feel and laid-back vibe. The village sits on South Bass Island in Lake Erie — a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland — and while only 300 residents live there full-time, the population swells during peak tourist season, when more than 750,000 visitors arrive on its shores. Visitors will find plenty to do, from fishing to water sports to museums, but one of the most popular ways to see the island is by renting a golf cart to explore this little slice of paradise.

Medicine Park, Oklahoma

The small town of Medicine Park is renowned for its Cannonball Architecture style. This unique aesthetic incorporates the region’s small, rounded, pink granite cobblestones into walls, arches, and building designs. It began with the construction of a hotel in 1916, which was restored in 2009 using old photos to recreate it as precisely as possible. In addition to Medicine Park’s stunning architecture, the town has several natural wonders worth exploring. Take a stroll through its namesake park, swim in Bath Lake, or gaze upon the nearby Wichita Mountains, which are particularly stunning in the evening as the sun begins to set behind them.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Fans of the 1985 film The Goonies will likely recognize Oregon’s Cannon Beach and its shimmering sand that beckons visitors toward a 235-foot-high sea stack, aptly named Haystack Rock. The towering basalt rock and its three smaller neighbors — nicknamed the Needles — are by-products of lava that settled in the Pacific Ocean approximately 17 million years ago, then surfaced due to plate tectonics and sea level changes. 

During low tide, you can approach Haystack Rock’s tidepools on horseback to glimpse marine life such as orange and purple sea stars and furls of green anemone, all while eavesdropping on the coos of puffins, pelagic cormorants, and occasional bald eagles nesting in the sea stack’s crevices. Beyond the stunning scenery, Cannon Beach is a well-known destination for the arts, home to numerous art galleries and abundant live music. All that art culminates each November with the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, when visitors can enjoy live musical performances and wander among several galleries admiring art.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Located on the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania, the picturesque town of New Hope has long been a haven for painters, writers, composers, and actors — earning it a reputation for being a vibrant arts and cultural hub.

Start your visit with stunning river views on a stroll or bike ride along the Delaware Canal Towpath, and then head to Main Street, lined with eclectic shops, art galleries, artisan bakeries, and riverside dining. New Hope is filled with historic landmarks, including the Bucks County Playhouse, a beloved theater dating back to 1939 that still hosts acclaimed performances, and the 19th-century New Hope Railroad, which delves into the history of New Hope and the surrounding towns.

Wickford, Rhode Island

Wickford is a picturesque village that began as a humble fishing settlement in 1709 and still retains much of its historic charm today. Colonial homes and centuries-old churches line the village streets, with most of the activity centered around Brown Street, which wraps around the harbor, and Main Street, stretching out toward Wickford Bay. Shops and eateries now occupy the former 19th- and 20th-century homes, giving the village a quintessential New England charm. Brown Street offers excellent shopping opportunities, with a collection of local art galleries and unique boutiques featuring nautical decor, antiques, and handcrafted gold and silver jewelry — including the region’s signature quahog shell pieces.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

About a 20-minute drive north of Greenville — one of our favorite small cities for foodies — you’ll find the 8,000-person community of Travelers Rest. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town has long served as an aptly named rest stop for travelers passing through the region. The area was also the home of Revolutionary War-era heroine Dicey Langston, who played a pivotal role spying on British loyalists in support of the patriotic cause.

Today, one of the most frequented local sites is the 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail greenway, where bikers, joggers, and anyone else looking to enjoy some outdoor recreation regularly congregate. When visiting, consider staying at the European-inspired Hotel Domestique, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood, a small Midwest town of about 13,000, is famous for its Wild West history, which inspired the hit HBO show of the same name and earned the town a National Historic Landmark designation. Established in 1876, the town was named after early settlers found dead trees in a nearby ravine — as good a name as any, we suppose! Deadwood boomed during the 1870s Black Hills gold rush, attracting notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, to name a few.

These days, Main Street showcases the town’s early gold rush-era architecture, which still houses a number of historic saloons. Visitors can also explore the underground gold mines that made the town a frontier legend and learn about the town’s history at museums like the Brothel Deadwood and the Adams Museum.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts more visitors than any other national park in the U.S., but the nearby town of Gatlinburg is a delightful destination in its own right. Offering far more than just souvenir shops, Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant folk art scene, including numerous art galleries and creative workshops, a slew of southern barbecue restaurants and pancake houses, and a scenic chairlift that takes riders to a 1,800-foot overlook of the mountains.

Gatlinburg even has its own 400-foot-tall version of Seattle’s Space Needle, where visitors can soak in 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city — no hiking necessary. The area also boasts the only ski resort in the state, as well as countless hikes to the mesmerizing Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls, Ramsey Cascades, and the historic ghost town of Elkmont.

Fredericksburg, Texas

If you’re looking for a piece of Germany in the heart of Texas, look no further than the town of Fredericksburg. Established in 1846 and named for Prince Frederick of Prussia, Fredericksburg’s original founders lured other German immigrants to the town with the promise of farmland and Sunday Houses (second homes located near the church for weekend visits to town). Main Street is the place to see the town’s full-fledged German influence, with historic stone architecture, German shops, and Altstadt Brewery, which serves up lagers, Bavarian-style soft pretzels, and housemade sausages. Plus, many of the town’s original Sunday Houses have been converted to bed-and-breakfasts for a delightful getaway in a historic home.

Ogden, Utah

Although it was first settled in 1845, Ogden, located about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, wasn’t officially founded until 1889 when construction of the Transcontinental Railroad led to a population boom. Today, the town still buzzes with historic charm and energy.

The former brothels, saloons, and speakeasies of Historic 25th Street now house art galleries, eateries, and shops, their historic facades preserving a piece of the past. Murals and street art add color and creative flair, and local events — like Farmers Market Ogden, the First Friday Art Stroll, and the Harvest Moon Celebration — offer plenty of entertainment along the main drag. There are also a few historic and cultural attractions not to miss on 25th Street, including the century-old Union Station and the Monarch, a collective art space open to the public.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock’s artsy vibe and buzzing creative atmosphere become apparent as soon as you step foot in the town of roughly 3,000 people in central Vermont. It’s not your imagination: Woodstock was founded by artisans, entrepreneurs, and craftsmen who settled here in 1786 and made it one of the largest towns in Vermont at the time.

The town’s artistic roots and entrepreneurial spirit can be found in the quirky boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and unique creations and handicrafts sold by local makers. A number of attractions are clustered near the town center, known as the Green. From here, you can easily walk between the iconic Middle Covered Bridge, the historic Town Hall Theater (be sure to catch a show if you have time), the 19th-century Norman Williams Public Library, and a host of charming cafes and shops.

Staunton, Virginia

Staunton is best known for being the birthplace of president Woodrow Wilson, but its history dates back long before his 1856 birth. The town was established in 1761 and later served as a supply base during the Civil War. In 1908, Staunton was also the first incorporated community to use a city manager form of government, which has since influenced thousands of town governments around the country.

Today, popular local attractions include Wilson’s presidential library, the Jumbo Antique Fire Engine Museum, and the Frontier Culture Museum — an open-air museum with working farms that tells the story of the people who inhabited the Shenandoah Valley region. Staunton is just a 20-minute drive from the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park, where visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the valley while motoring along the 105-mile scenic Skyline Drive byway.

Leavenworth, Washington

One could easily mistake Leavenworth, Washington, for a charming Bavarian village — and that’s by design. Founded in 1890, Leavenworth was a typical Old West town until the 1960s, when local leaders decided to revamp the town’s appearance to make it more enticing to tourists. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains (reminiscent of the German Alps), Leavenworth was remodeled after the three German towns of Bemalte Fassaden, Leipzig, and Munich.

Several unmistakable features make this town feel distinctly German, including the Bavarian-style architecture, the Nutcracker Museum (home to 7,000 nutcracker dolls) and an authentic German beer hall, Stein Leavenworth. In addition to these German staples, Leavenworth also enjoys year-round German festivals, including Oktoberfest, Winter Karneval, and Maifest.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry may have a population of only about 300 people, but this small town is packed with history. Perched where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, Harpers Ferry was once a bustling transportation hub and home to a federal armory. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the Harpers Ferry Armory in an attempt to arm the enslaved peoples in the area and spark an uprising. Brown’s bold move shocked the nation and pushed a country rife with conflict even closer to the brink of the impending Civil War.

Today, Harpers Ferry is known for its preserved streets and historic buildings, where visitors can take a deep dive into its fascinating past, while also enjoying the beautiful natural environment and scenery of the two rivers.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

If you’ve ever traveled to Wisconsin, you may have come across a Spotted Cow farmhouse ale or a Moon Man pale ale from the New Glarus Brewing Company. True to the brewery’s name, these beers are produced in the town of New Glarus and sold exclusively within the borders of Wisconsin, and they have become a point of regional pride among locals.

The town of New Glarus has plenty to offer, too — even for those who don’t drink beer. It’s considered “America’s Little Switzerland,” a nickname dating to 1845 when immigrants from Canton Glarus, Switzerland, founded the town. Learn more about the town’s history at the Swiss Historical Village Museum and the Chalet of the Golden Fleece.

Jackson, Wyoming

At the rim of Grand Teton National Park (and not far from Yellowstone), the small town of Jackson has long been known for its historic hotels, classic steakhouses, cowboys bars, and independent boutiques. Hand-constructed log cabins nestled between aspens and evergreens and elk-antler arches greet visitors at each corner of the old Town Square.

After you’re done exploring the national park, Jackson offers several opportunities for soaking in local culture — including the nearby National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Historical Society and Museum, and the Jackson Center for the Arts. Beyond world-class skiing available in the Tetons, Jackson abounds with hiking paths that meander up the wooded slopes around Ski Lake and over rushing streams. Rafting on Snake River is also a treat for thrill-seekers visiting in warmer months.