Some towns just feel like stepping into the pages of a storybook. From the Swiss-inspired charm of a small town in Utah to an artsy riverside village in Pennsylvania, the towns on this list are full of natural wonders, rich history, and a one-of-a-kind local vibe. Check out five storybook towns in the U.S. that are sure to captivate.
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. After dark, Galena’s Main Street transforms into a lively hub with music, bars, and wineries serving up great food, drinks, and entertainment.
Midway, Utah
Located about 40 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Midway offers the same access to outdoor adventure as its larger neighbor, but with a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Midway also serves as a jumping-off point for the area’s many natural attractions. To the west is Wasatch Mountain State Park, offering golf courses, hiking, and ATV trails. To the east, you’ll find Heber Valley, with its three large reservoirs for boating, tubing, and fishing, plus mountain biking and hiking trails.
Midway — affectionately known as Utah’s “Little Switzerland” — draws visitors with its Swiss-inspired charm, from its quaint European architecture to vibrant festivals like Swiss Days. The stunning mountain views from town are said to have reminded Swiss settlers of their homeland, inspiring them to make Midway their home in the 1850s.
Midway also boasts the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, an Olympic venue with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and Utah’s longest tubing hill. Plus, in winter, the magical Utah Ice Castles dazzle with LED-lit ice sculptures and slides.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea sits on California’s Monterey Peninsula, a few miles north of California’s famous Big Sur coastline and 80 miles south of San Jose. This small city of approximately 3,000 is renowned for the Carmel Mission Basilica, a remarkably well-preserved Catholic mission church dating to 1797, along with the historic Harrison Memorial Library, designed in 1927 by famed architect Bernard Maybec.
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s main drag, Ocean Avenue, is reminiscent of a fairy-tale village, lined with quaint cottages painted in pastel colors, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. Follow Ocean Avenue to Scenic Road to find Carmel’s coveted coastline, Carmel Beach, known for its pristine white sands, expansive Pacific Ocean views, and access to water sports such as surfing, swimming, and SUP boarding.
As you wind along Scenic Road, be sure to stop to walk the trail to Carmel River State Park, where you’ll pass beneath cypress trees with breathtaking bluff views. This pristine area is also a bird-watching paradise and a popular scuba diving entry point.
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.
Camden, Maine
Midcoast Maine boasts some of the prettiest natural scenery on the East Coast, and Camden, a small city tucked into one of the many craggy corners of Maine’s coastline, is no exception. Camden’s quaint downtown gives it more of a cozy village feel than its population of approximately 5,000 would suggest. A stroll down Main Street uncovers historic brick buildings that now house charming boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, gift shops, and art galleries.
While Camden’s storybook downtown is lovely, perhaps the real draw is the surrounding nature. The town overlooks Camden Harbor, best enjoyed from the sunny decks of eateries like the Waterfront Restaurant or Salt Wharf. Above it all, Mount Battie offers a short hike or drive to a World War I Memorial Tower, providing a panoramic view of Camden, its harbor, and the vast Atlantic Ocean beyond.
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