11 Best Small Towns In The United States For A Crowd-Free Summer
These nine destinations across the United States offer a crowd-free summer. Ohiopyle in Pennsylvania gives visitors a chance to explore Ohiopyle State Park surrounding the town and the whitewater rapids of the Youghiogheny River. Dallas in Oregon offers Willamette Valley wineries and Coast Range vistas. Cape Charles in Virginia gives visitors access to a Chesapeake Bay beach without the bustle of larger coastal resorts. Whatever you're looking for on a quiet summer vacation these nine destinations are sure to provide.
Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
If you want to avoid crowds this summer, why not head to Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, with a population around 60 people. Ohiopyle State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania, surrounds the town and draws visitors every year to experience Pennsylvania's outdoors. The park offers several outdoor activities, including access to the Great Allegheny Passage, a trail leading toward Pittsburgh in one direction and Cumberland, Maryland, in the other. For more adventurous travelers, the Ohiopyle Trading Post offers river tours and whitewater rafting in the park.
The town of Ohiopyle itself has its draws. Stop in for the annual Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival. There you'll find wine tastings, local artists, and live music. It's a good way to cap off a vacation in this slice of Pennsylvania.
Odessa, Delaware
Odessa, Delaware, is a quiet town of under 500 people that transports you back in time. The town dates to before the founding of the United States, and many colonial-era buildings have been preserved, allowing you to appreciate the period's unique architecture. Cantwell's Tavern is the prime example. The 19th-century tavern building has been remodeled and now sells fresh American-style food.
The Corbit-Sharp House on Main Street also brings you back in time. Built before the American Revolution in 1774, it is now a National Historic Landmark and museum, an excellent choice for a quiet afternoon of learning about the country's early history. Plan your Odessa trip in September to have a chance to attend the Odessa Annual Brewfest. The event features craft brews from local companies without overwhelming crowds.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Everyone loves taking a trip to the beach for a summer vacation, but fighting through the crowds can make it such a hassle. That's where Cape Charles, Virginia, comes in. This town on the quiet side of Chesapeake Bay is home to Cape Charles Beach, which is free and often less crowded throughout the summer.
After a day soaking up the sun on the beach, take a trip to the Cape Charles Brewing Company, a brewpub with seafood and burgers and occasional live shows. For a relaxing time in nature that isn't the beach, the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve offers paths for hikes and a day in a forest.
Sugarcreek, Ohio
In the heart of Ohio's Amish country lies Sugarcreek, a quiet town that styles itself as "The Little Switzerland of Ohio." The town has a pastoral and rustic feel that makes it feel like stepping into a different world. This is most evident when you head downtown and see the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock with performances on the hour throughout the summer.
The Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley always has a new show on the schedule, whether it be a musical comedy or a concert. Consider stopping in after a long day exploring the town and getting a first-hand look at the simple living of the area. When you're hungry, the Dutch Valley Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of American-style fare.
Dallas, Oregon
Sometimes, the best summer vacations are about enjoying some peace and quiet while sipping on premium wine. To get that experience in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than Dallas, Oregon. This Willamette Valley town has an extensive collection of local wineries with their own distinct style. The Andante Vineyard offers Coast Range views and wines to sample. Another option is the Van Duzer Vineyards, with a modern feel and a knowledgeable tasting room staff.
Outside of wineries, the town is also home to the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The area has several trails for a hike and opportunities to do birdwatching of many native species, including dusky Canada geese.
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs is a town on the coast of Lake Michigan that makes an excellent summer getaway for art lovers who want to stay near the water. The Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre has comfortable seating and shows a variety of films from first-run movies to art house classics. Variety is the spice of life, and you'll find it at Hanni Gallery. It features artwork by many local Michigan artists across several media including paintings, pottery, and more.
Visit in July so you can spend your days enjoying time by Lake Michigan at Zorn Park Beach and then attend the annual Blissfest Music Festival. This festival features musicians from across the state playing in various genres so there's always something for everyone.
Idyllwild, California
In the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, you'll find Idyllwild, a town that's ideal for a quiet summer getaway. The town makes an ideal summer base when you want to get out in nature and experience the beauty of California while avoiding the tourist-filled towns throughout the state.
Start any vacation here with a hike up Mount San Jacinto. While it's no walk in the park, this mountain is accessible for beginners and gives you a good experience for tackling larger summits in the future. For that aforementioned walk in the park, Idyllwild Park provides a relaxing atmosphere with picnic tables for a day of appreciating the natural beauty of the area. Make sure you make the trip in June to see the Native American Arts Center's festival week, showing off indigenous artistic creations.
Mount Morris, New York
In Upstate New York lies Mount Morris, a town that sits on the edge of Letchworth State Park, one of the finest in all of the Empire State. The park is 14,427 acres of forest, with trails throughout for a relaxing day out in nature. Mount Morris has a convenient entrance to the park, where you can see waterfalls, deep gorges, and a rustic inn.
You don't have to stray far from downtown Mount Morris to have a good time. The Mount Morris Dam is good for hiking and bird watching while staying closer to town and enjoying the area. When you need some time indoors, Allegiance Antiques is a good place to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to Mount Morris.
Winthrop, Washington
For the cowboys at heart, Winthrop, Washington, has to be on your radar for a relaxing summer vacation. Despite not being an actual town from the Old West, the town adopted the theme in 1971 to attract tourists and help make it a destination. Today, the town of around 500 people is a place to visit and experience what life was like on the old frontier.
To get a taste of the Old West, head to Three Fingered Jack's Saloon, complete with swinging doors to make you think you stepped into your favorite western. The Shafer Historical Museum in town has a recreation of an Old West town and artifacts from local history. To get outdoors and enjoy Washington, nearby Pearrygin Lake State Park offers multiple walking trails, views of the mountains, and a lake to enjoy a picnic beside.
Have a Relaxing Summer Without the Crowds
A summer vacation doesn't have to be filled with noise, crowds, and traffic jams. Visiting any of these towns across the United States will give you a crowd-free summer filled with your favorite activities, whether they be soaking up the sun at the beach, hiking in a forest, or exploring local culture and history. Whatever you're looking for, these nine destinations have it.
