What Will Be the Next Small Town to Visit?
You might be one of the 80% of Americans who plan at least one trip every year. Well, this year, do you know where you are going? Even if big cities might be the obvious go-to, destinations such as New York City and Chicago might not be the right answers for you.
Small-town America also deserves its place in the travel scene! In fact, you might be surprised to know how many hidden gems are deserving of more attention. There is really no place on Earth that doesn’t have a specific charm and beauty. What you have to do is know how to find it. As a matter of fact, there are overlooked destinations, with plenty of history, community, and their own culture.
Abbeville, South Carolina
If you find yourself searching for the good old Southern charm and endearing small-town vibes, Abbeville should definitely shoot to the top of your U.S. travel bucket list. In fact, history buffs with a passion for architecture prefer strolling down its streets, since historical buildings with very unique details can be easily found throughout.
The centerpiece of Abbeville’s architectural wonders is the Trinity Episcopal Church, which can be easily spotted from downtown. Some of the other, much older buildings now house a wide range of local businesses to explore.
Abita Springs, Louisiana
Culture is everywhere in Louisiana, not just NOLA. Abita Springs is right across Lake Pontchartrain, a very petite town that loves the open air and offers a myriad of opportunities to explore local activities and sights.
Everything that’s really exciting happening in Abita Springs is centered around its Park and the surrounding area, where you can find the Art and Farmers Market, Pavilion, and the Trailhead Museum. You should consider visiting one of the town’s annual festivals, such as the Whole Town Garage Sale or the Buskers Festival.
Ashburn, Georgia
For plenty of people out there, the draw of a small town is the community that’s always present there. Ashburn is a small Georgian town with no lack of love for its people and what they created there, and it shows in many unusual ways.
If you plan a trip to this quaint town, bring the entire family to the annual Fire Ant Festival for quite an eclectic range of festivities. Moreover, try to be on the lookout for the world’s largest peanut monument. Yep, you read that right.
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Baraboo is one of the coolest towns out there, and we don’t just say that because of how the name slides right off the tongue. The little Wisconsin community is well-known as a circus town, and it was also the home of the Ringling Brothers back in the day.
The area honors its roots with its circus museum. In fact, it isn’t just trapeze walks and sideshow acts that Baraboo gets all excited about. The town also has a specific love for the mystical and witchy. In fact, their annual Witches Night Out and shops such as the Mystic Panther bring out yet another side of the lively town.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Only the name of the city makes you understand it must have been a good time visiting that city. The small Kentucky town has some of the best drinks you can ever try, as well as exciting musical entertainment for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Many whiskey brands make their brews in Bardstown. Their distilleries are open for tours and tastings. The annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival takes place in the city, too. The whiskey culture here is well complemented by live music at establishments such as The Amp, an outdoor venue.
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
If you simply cannot wait to get the heck away from the city this weekend, we recommend taking a trip to South Dakota to fill your time with something a bit more rowdy. Belle Fourche seems to have been inspired by a cowboy Western, and its history still remains tangible in the small town these days, too.
Belle Fourche is also the home to the Black Hills Roundup, a rodeo that dates all the way back to over a century. Just a half hour from the famous Deadwood, this small town is a perfect, underrated addition to an interesting tour of America’s old times out west.
Bennington, Vermont
Certain small towns in New England are worlds apart from those in the South or on the West Coast. However, this doesn’t make them any less charming. This town, in particular, has its own beauty, since it is packed with intricate architecture that reminisces of “Practical Magic”, an active outdoor scene, as well as a downtown that will definitely keep your head on a swivel.
Bennington’s enchanting nature can be easily found in its shops, with plenty of windows to other worlds open to be discovered in its bookstores, art galleries, and music shops. For example, the mystic shop 13 Moons inspires visitors to create a little of their own magic here.
Capitola, California
In reality, you really don’t have to fly to Lisbon (Portugal) or the Amalfi Coast (Italy) to get the colorful coastal experience of your dreams. There’s a much smaller, just as vibrant town waiting on the coast of California.
The beach town of Capitola is home to a rainbow of pastels that easily line the sandy shore. Capitola’s boardwalk boasts two worth-seeing National Historic Landmarks in the form of carnival rides.
If thrill rides aren’t exactly your thing, just play to record your initials on the high score on one of the many arcade games here. You can also take a bazillion photos of the gorgeous pastel-colored buildings.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
This town is located 18 miles east of downtown Cleveland, and if anything, you will have there the best of both worlds: major city options with a serene atmosphere. The little village is a wonderful mix of art, culture, and history.
Main Street and its cross streets are also packed with cute and endearing shops. The historic popcorn shop is also a nostalgic venture, and Fireside Book Shop is the ideal place to find your next read. You can head over to Riverside Park and enjoy a book and your selected popcorn for the day; which will turn out to be just as charming as Chagrin Falls itself.
Cliff Island, Maine
For travelers who are looking to go a bit remote when getting away from everyday life, Maine’s Cliff Island comes as a secluded option. Right off the coast of Portland, the rocky coastlines shelter the peaceful lives of 100 full-time residents.
You would struggle to get a more authentic experience of tiny town life than what you could find here, especially since the island is walkable and all its roads are unpaved. The sights are anything but small, in fact, and the seaside cliffs offer some of the most stunning views of the sunset and sunrise.
Culpeper, Virginia
If “Virginia is for lovers”, then this town is for friendships. The small town boasts the healthiest mix of long-time, staple businesses, and a series of hangout spots ideal for bonding and fostering new relationships. It also packs plenty of trendy and attractive shops, restaurants, and breweries in historic brick buildings, ideal for full-day outings.
For craft beer lovers, Beer Hound Brewery and Far Gohn Brewing Company are located on the same square. They are also within walking distance of many local businesses, such as the historic Frost Cafe and the eco-shop Green Roost.
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