11 Of The Friendliest Towns In The United States
Across the United States, travelers will find that friendliness is a small-town tradition that is alive and well. Festivals and local traditions gather locals and visitors together throughout the year, from Fourth of July fireworks to winter holiday parades. From charming seaside towns on the East Coast, to the welcoming hospitality the South is known for, to the laidback lifestyle on the Pacific Coast, these are 11 of the friendliest towns in the United States.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Maine’s Acadia National Park. It's located on Mount Desert Island and has been a popular summer destination for vacationers for more than two centuries. The town is known for its natural scenery and welcoming community, with a lot of people choosing to buy a second home in Bar Harbor, build their own business, start a family, or generally enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
The Bar Harbor Music Festival is held every year throughout the entire month of July, drawing in visitors from all over the world. The festival recognition is known around the country as being responsible for launching the careers of over 2,300 aspiring instrumentalists, singers, and composers. Village Green is located in the center of town and is the host of events throughout the year: concerts and art shows in the summer, and seasonal celebrations in the winter. Stewman’s Lobster Pound has two oceanfront locations in Bar Harbor that serve authentic seafood dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Galena, Illinois
Galena is a historic town in Illinois known for its charming cobblestone-lined streets that are home to over 125 independently owned businesses and a family-friendly atmosphere. Fried Green Tomatoes serves hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, with each dish paired with a wine on their expansive wine list. The restaurant provides an upscale, yet relaxing atmosphere and is known for its friendly Midwestern hospitality that makes every diner feel welcomed.
Grant Park is situated on the Galena River and is accessible from a footbridge that crosses the river into the historic district. The park features a pavilion, gazebo, picnic tables, playground, and historic landmarks, with the opportunity to learn about Galena’s historical context. Grant Park is also the site of the Galena Country Fair, which is held annually on the weekend of Columbus Day. The fair is inclusive for the entire family, featuring live music, children’s play areas, a wine garden, and over 120 vendors selling food, handmade items, and gifts.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is a town in central Texas known for its rich German heritage. There is no better way to experience the town’s German heritage than at Knights of Columbus Bestfest, which is held annually every October. Highlights include craft beer, all-you-can-eat specialty sausage meals, polka and country music, raffles, and activities for children.
Marktplatz is both a historical site and a venue for community events. As well as hosting Knights of Columbus Bestfest, it also hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year, and is the site of an ice skating rink in the winter. There is also a picnic site for families, a playground for kids, and restroom facilities, which makes it a popular option for a place to relax and unwind in town. Sunset Grill is a classic American bistro, crafting its dishes from only fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It is known locally for its attentive and friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is the second-oldest town in South Carolina, behind Charleston, and is one of only a handful of towns in the United States to have its entire downtown designated a historic district. Breakwater Restaurant and Bar is located in the center of downtown and has long had a reputation for treating guests like family. They specialize in steaks, seafood, and southern cuisine and pair it with their handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed beer, and rare wines in their comfortable and spacious dining room.
The Gullah Festival is held every Memorial Day weekend, featuring performances of dancing, jazz, blues, reggae, African drums, vendors selling arts, crafts, and gifts, and a food court serving local cuisine and Gullah specialties. Henry C. Waterfront Park is a focal point for visitors as it has easy access to all of downtown’s delightful restaurants, shops, and galleries, and it is the site of many festivals and events that are hosted in Beaufort throughout the year.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a year-round holiday destination based on the foothills of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. It has a full calendar of events for every month of the year. The Stowe Winter Carnival takes place every year in late January and has activities for people of all ages. Exploring the town showcases many events, including the ice carving competition, which ranked as the fifth-best winter festival across the United States.
The Alchemist Brewery is a social hub in town that welcomes everyone from children accompanied by adults to dogs in their outside seating area. Their Beer Café has a laidback atmosphere, they offer brewery tours, and host live music and other events regularly. Thompson Park is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic respite while hiking or biking. The park has shaded rest areas, picnic facilities, and offers views of Mount Mansfield.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is a small town in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that blends its vibrant community with the outdoors. Festivals and events are a key aspect of Telluride, many of which recur year after year. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is held every June and draws in festival-goers and musicians far and wide.
Allred’s Restaurant is situated at 10,551 feet and is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the alpine mountains encompassing the town. The menu features contemporary American cuisine and an award-winning wine list, which is combined with remarkable guest service. Telluride Town Park brings people together throughout the year. In the summer, residents and visitors alike can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, ball courts and pitches, a fishing pond, and a playground, whereas in the winter there is Nordic skiing, indoor ice skating, and, weather permitting, outdoor ice skating.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed mountain town in the Cascade Range of Washington. For an authentic Bavarian experience, Leavenworth Oktoberfest spans three weekends in October that are packed with music, dancing, Bavarian food and beer, and attracts visitors from far and wide. The event is hosted over three venues in town, as well as a street fair with vendors selling food, drinks, merchandise, and handmade gifts.
The Gingerbread Factory is located in downtown Leavenworth. Its inviting storefront is designed to resemble an actual gingerbread house. Their reputation for delicious, authentic baked goods, as well as their friendly and inviting staff, has made it a longstanding tourist spot. Front Street Park has garnered a reputation as Leavenworth’s recreation center. Not only does it grant easy access to Leavenworth’s charming downtown businesses, but it also hosts countless forms of entertainment, festivals, and events.
Whitefish, Montana
Small town charm and world-renowned hospitality go hand-in-hand in Whitefish, Montana. The Tupelo Grille is an homage to Whitefish’s reputation, known as one of the best restaurants in northwest Montana. It boasts a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere suitable for every occasion, whether that be a casual dinner with friends or a family reunion. They specialize in southern cuisine, which is presented by their friendly and thoughtful wait staff.
Whitefish City Beach is accessible from downtown Whitefish and has a sandy beach for soaking up the sun, shaded grassy areas to cool off, gazebos and picnic areas, designated swimming areas, with the option to rent kayaks and paddleboards in the summer. The Whitefish Winter Carnival is held annually on the first weekend of February, and starts with an ice plunge for charity on Whitefish Lake. The whole town comes together, along with visitors from nearby towns, to partake in activities and events.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Sister Bay is a waterfront town in Wisconsin with a strong family-friendly reputation. A key feature of the town is Waterfront Park, which is the largest public waterfront in Door County. It is here people can explore 1,800 feet of linear waterfront, relax on 600 feet of sandy beach, enjoy lunch at a gazebo or picnic table, or rent a quiet water craft like a kayak or paddleboard.
Every year in June, Sister Bay hosts the very unique Roofing of the Goats Parade and Festival. The festival kicks off with a goat parade and is followed by live music, games for kids, food and beverages, and a Swedish Pancake eating contest. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik offers casual dining, serving traditional Swedish dishes. Additionally, at the beginning of each tourist season, goats can be seen grazing on the sod roof.
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs is a year-round resort town in Colorado known for its scenic mountain landscapes and mineral springs. Manitou Springs has a vibrant arts culture, which is exemplified at the Manitou Arts Center, which holds over 65 events and more than 45 classes per month. Residents and visitors alike frequent the center to take full advantage of the galleries, studios, exhibition space, and classrooms. For 37 years, the center has brought together artists of all walks of life and skill levels.
The Commonwheel Art Festival is held annually on Labor Day weekend. The festival features the works of potters, jewelers, painters, sculptors, photographers, glass artists, and live music for the whole family to enjoy. The festival is held in Memorial Park, a scenic park with large open spaces suitable for walks and picnics, a playground for children, and an atmosphere credited to the friendliness among park-goers.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a seaside town in southern Maine that has long remained a popular summer vacation destination. There is no better way to experience Kennebunkport than by exploring Dock Square, a neighborhood in the center of town that comes alive in the summer with people visiting the many boutiques, galleries, and cafés.
The Boathouse Restaurant has developed a reputation as the liveliest eatery in town, serving Maine flavors and hand-crafted specialty cocktails, and weekly specials such as Taco Tuesday and Wine Wednesday. Harvestfest is held every October in neighboring downtown Kennebunk and is packed with family-fun activities, including a craft fair, pumpkin carving and decorating, scavenger hunt, costume parade, and live music.
The Friendliest Towns in the United States
It does not matter whether you are in the Mountain States, in New England, or in the South; friendly small towns are dotted all over the United States. From resort towns in the Rocky Mountains, to seaside villages of Maine, to towns with European heritage like Fredericksburg and Leavenworth, it is assured that upon your arrival in these 11 friendly towns in the United States, you will receive a warm welcome that brings you together with other like-minded people.
