There are millions of small towns across the United States. If you blink while passing through, you might miss some of them. Then, there are some spots that you come across and fall in love with at first sight.
Perhaps it’s the quaint charm the town exudes, with its cobblestone streets and historical architecture. Perhaps it is filled with local artisans and their stores, where their work is sold. Or maybe the people who reside there leave a lasting impression.
Whatever the reason, countless charming small towns deserve their moment in the sun.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, a hidden gem in the Ozark Mountains in the northwestern part of the Diamond State, beckons travelers from all corners. Its allure lies in the long, winding streets adorned with old Victorian-style cottages and manors, and the historical downtown center that mirrors this architectural charm.
But what truly sets this town apart is its rich history. Eureka Springs is home to mineral hot springs with supposed healing elements, a feature that has drawn visitors for centuries. The area’s native American legends speak of a great healing spring, a sacred place that various indigenous cultures have revered for generations.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa, Texas, is where rugged beauty meets high desert weather. This deep West Texas town in the middle of nowhere is the perfect example of “off the beaten path.” Not much more than a wasteland until the last decade, Marfa has become an artisan location and is now home to two James Beard-winning and finalist restaurants.
A confluent community of Mexican-Native American and Cowboy culture, Marfa is a place to relax and disconnect from the rest of the world. While you’re there, check out the mysterious lights, the Prada storefront installation, and Hotel Paisano, where they filmed Giant and El Cosmico.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
The quirky, artsy North Shore harbor village of Grand Marais, Minnesota, welcomes families, creatives, and adventure-seekers. Nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, this community was named “America’s Coolest Little Town” and the “Next Great Adventure” locale.
Visitors can explore the oldest art colony in Minnesota, go on a nature-filled hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, or play on the beach of Lake Superior. Once they finish exploring, various unique restaurants with flavorful menus await them. During the milder summer months, dining al fresco on one of the patio bistros available is a highly sought-after pastime.
Woodstock, Vermont
One hundred miles northwest of Boston lies the small town of Woodstock, Vermont. This quintessential New England town of barely 3,000 residents is nestled in the Green Mountains. Tourists can explore multiple historical sites, such as the Billings Farm and Museum.
In addition to the charming town center area, which includes several restaurants and eclectic shops, Woodstock is famous for its covered bridges, including the Middle Bridge and Taftsville Bridge. It’s also home to the picturesque Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
Bethel, New York
Many may know Bethel, New York, as the site of the 1969 music festival Woodstock, but its history runs much deeper than that. Incorporated in 1809 and just shy of 4,000 residents, this quaint upstate New York town is filled with artisans and craftspeople.
Visitors can check out a performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts or the Museum at Bethel Woods or enjoy a refreshing beverage at the Catskill Distilling Company. However, water lovers especially flock to this small town because of its proximity to Lake Superior and the plethora of water activities available–great fishing, boating, and waterskiing await.
Casey, Illinois
Home of the super-sized, well, everything, Casey, IL, has something for everybody to check out. Do you love rocking chairs? They have the world’s largest one! Who doesn’t love wind chimes? Casey loves them so much that they built the world’s largest one! Casey is a small town of very big things.
Besides the over-the-top size landmarks to view, Casey offers a great assortment of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. One TripAdvisor review described the Whitling Whimsey cafe as quaint with excellent sandwiches.
Munising, Michigan
There are some fabulous towns in Michigan to explore, but one that deserves more recognition is the small town of Munising. Its charming downtown area invites tourists and locals to explore its vibrant shops, excellent eateries, and art galleries.
This hidden gem in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the nation’s most picturesque views and landscapes. From the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to the serene shores of Lake Superior, Munising offers a beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy.
Mendocino, California
A coastal community in Northern California, Mendocino is known for its cliffside trails and beaches of Headlands State Park. However, there are countless activities and landmarks to visit and enjoy in and around this town.
Step back thousands of years by exploring its ancient redwood groves and tasting the wonders of alchemy at the town’s myriad distilleries, wineries, and breweries. If mushroom hunting is a pastime you love or have wanted to try, the Jackson State Demonstration Forest is the perfect spot to do so come early fall. The 50,000-plus acres of public Redwood forest is where mushroom hunting is legal with the purchase of a $20 permit through Cal-Fire.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, is the gateway to the scenic Acadia National Park, where adventure and relaxation meet. From small and cozy bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels to camping in Acadia, there are plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to stay.
Since the National Park is the most visited tourist destination in the state, Bar Harbor offers a variety of activities for families and singles alike. But don’t forget the incredible food scene, either. Bar Harbor is known for its fresh seafood, homegrown produce, and excellent craft beers.
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Another small town that deserves its moment in the sun is Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Although trolls are notoriously not fans of the sunlight, so maybe not. Trolls, you say? Yes, Mount Horeb is the Troll Capital of the World. This classic, Scandinavian-style village is home to 36 wooden troll statues spread throughout the town.
The fairytale about how they came to be dates back to 1939 when the Cave of the Mounds was discovered. However, the real story is around the mid-1970s, a Scandinavian gift shop started selling miniature troll figurines imported from Norway, thus setting off a troll craze that the village adopted. In addition to the troll hunting, visitors can explore countless other activities and enjoy some excellent dining as well.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota, has a long and rich history steeped in gold rush folklore and Wild West culture. This tiny gold camp boomed into a town that played by its own rules and attracted gamblers, outlaws, ladies of ill repute, and gunslingers along with the gold seekers. Infamous characters like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Al Swearengen are all rooted in Deadwood’s lore.
The Black Hills town is a National Historic Landmark, and there is plenty to see and do during your stay. From Wild West reenactments to enjoying one of its many craft breweries and dining halls, Deadwood provides adventure and excitement to all who visit.
Point Pleasant, West Virginia
One of the older settlements in the early creation of the United States, Point Pleasant, was first settled in 1774 along the banks of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. However, the town didn’t become official until 1804. Home to the mysterious legend of Mothman, the village pays homage to the cryptid with a statue and a museum that tourists can check out.
Visitors can also access countless other museums, historical landmarks, Fort Randolph, and state parks. The tiny town also offers a variety of local eateries. Eat your fill of barbeque at Bear Wallow BBQ, or continue your “Mothman” day at the restaurant that pays homage to the mythical creature.