12 Best Small Towns to Visit in the United States
A thousand days and nights would not be enough to travel the United States. Despite being considered a young country it holds thousands of years of human history and eons of natural events. Sights as varied as the Grand Canyon and Denali still leave visitors short of breath. That blend of geography and history shows up in the most humble countryside villages. These communities give visitors much more than they receive in return. Take a trip through the simple beauty of the country by paying attention to its sweetest hamlets.
Leavenworth, Washington
Walking into Leavenworth is like stumbling into a slice of Europe without leaving the United States. Every corner of this town is based on the classic aesthetic of Bavarian villages, with timber-framed houses and ornate frescoes, offering a pseudo-European escapade. The town is more than just aesthetics, though. Yearly Oktoberfest celebrations bring in crowds from across the country, uniting them in festivities.
The holiday spirit is further amplified by the Pacific Northwest's most significant Christmas lighting festival, the ever-golden Village of Lights: Christmastown. Some of Leavenworth's visitors are addicted to thrills, so the Wenatchee River promises adrenaline-pumping moments with rapids that vary from gentle Class II to the ferocious Class IV. After the excitement, tranquility awaits in the form of over 700 miles of hiking trails, so strap those boots on tight and travel light.
Skaneateles, New York
Cradling clear waters that reflect the sky above, Skaneateles provides Syracuse with the freshwater needed for the city's hydration. Yet it is more than just a resource. Yearly, the town becomes a winter wonderland with its Dickens Christmas celebration, which begins the day after Thanksgiving and includes classics like horse-drawn carriages.
Perched on the northeastern end of the Finger Lakes, its location alone is a magnet for visitors. The town also possesses fragments of history, such as the 1830 Sherwood Inn, which continues to operate as a hotel at the center of a shopping plaza. If you wish to see the town from a different perspective, companies like Mid-Lakes Navigation facilitate cruises for small-to-large groups. Come in the summer to swim because although the lake rarely freezes, the winter is not a time to try tanning.
Sausalito, California
In the northern realm of California's Bay Area, Sausalito stands out for its water-borne neighborhoods bobbing gently. These homes float on Richardson Bay, and over 400 exist, made of parts salvaged from junk cars and other scrap. As far as historical sites in the region, take a look at the Marinship shipyard, which was operational during World War II.
The Golden Gate Bridge spans just southward, linking the peninsula with Marin County. Annually, the town hosts an art festival, a tradition upheld since 1952 (the event has fluctuated between live and online in recent years). For adventurers seeking water activities, the town provides an excellent launch base for kayaking ventures.
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Ligonier is rich in history and brimming with attractions. The Fort Ligonier museum preserves pivotal moments from the French and Indian War due to its origin as a garrison and its collection of cannons and other artifacts. For those seeking summer fun, Idlewild & SoakZone has been perfecting the art of a wild-and-watery time since 1878.
In October, locals and visitors unite for the Fort Ligonier Days 5K, parade, and other festivities that commemorate an old battle. The Compass Inn Museum is a masterclass on 18th-century travel, beautifully maintaining a 1799 stagecoach stop. Before the mountaineers lose hope, remember that the Laurel Mountain ski resort is nearby, and the slopes are kept in excellent condition.
Ely, Minnesota
Bears, sunsets over lakes, and log cabin museums. Ely is a celebration of "God's country." The town grants access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a popular retreat for canoeists and outdoor lovers. Within Ely's bounds, the International Wolf Center promotes interest in wildlife education with live wolves and educational displays, making it a popular site for field trips. Additionally, the North American Bear Center features bears under its care, as well as educational material about the species.
Beyond the town's edges, the 3-million-acre Superior National Forest stretches out, with Lake Superior bordering its eastern edge, which creates rewarding journeys for hikers. The area is also famous for the 1,000-plus lakes inside the Boundary Waters around Ely, so fishermen are never forced to compete.
Brevard, North Carolina
Sometimes the best secrets are hidden in plain sight, like the town of Brevard in North Carolina. This locale is famous for its distinctive white squirrels, and these mischievous critters often become the highlight for many visitors. With over 250 cascading waterfalls in Transylvania County, there is no shortage of beauty. Next, the Brevard Music Center is one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the country, so book your tickets early.
If the excitement is too much for you, go and explore the woodland trails in the Pisgah National Forest. Another interesting destination for travelers is the Silvermont Mansion, which was completed in 1917. This Colonial Revival mansion gives guests access to gardens and tennis courts, but the inside is only available one day a month.
Mystic, Connecticut
Travel to the coast of Connecticut, and you will encounter Mystic, a town famous for its maritime past. The Mystic Seaport Museum hosts a recreation of an entire 19th-century seaport village. Crossing the town, you may spot a notable drawbridge constructed in 1920, which still exists as both a functional and historical landmark.
Cinema geeks might recognize Mystic as home to the famous Mystic Pizza eatery, immortalized in the 1988 film of the same name. Those looking for a shopping spree with a twist should visit Olde Mistick Village, inspired by colonial designs. Since 1957, art enthusiasts have flocked to the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, making it a beloved annual event.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Cape Charles is like a Chesapeake Bay film set that came alive. The town's crown jewel is the Historic Palace Theatre, which opened its doors in 1942 and still attracts crowds to this day.
The town is not just about its historical significance. It also encourages leisurely days at the public beach, which notably comes with no entrance fees. Nearby, Kiptopeke State Park is another fun spot thanks to its fishing pier. As a way to invest in local creatives, the town hosts a number of galleries.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is more than just a name on the map. The town is prominent in the region on behalf of Fly Creek Marina, which is a crucial hub for boaters. The community's fame is also due to its well-maintained flower clock, a sight to behold toward the north end of downtown. There is a regional curiosity here called the "Jubilee phenomenon," in which edible sea creatures (shrimp, fish, crab, eel) come close to the shore every so often, allowing those with nets to pluck them right out and immediately onto a dinner plate. Visitors can also meander in the Montrose historic district, where ancient oak trees cast shadows over post offices from 1890. The Fairhope Municipal Pier extends 1,448 feet into Mobile Bay, a sight that is hard to miss.
Cody, Wyoming
Cody is a journey through an Old West novel, minus the bandits and cartoonishly placed TNT caches. Founded in 1896 by William Frederick Cody, more famously known as Buffalo Bill, this small town is wrapped in canyons and history. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West amalgamates five separate museums and a research library, giving visitors a chance to understand the different angles of the region.
The melodious Shoshone River graces the town through a canyon it carved over millions of years, providing a backdrop that makes onlookers feel small. Yellowstone National Park's east entrance is not too far if the message about American grandeur needs reiterating. Each summer, nightly rodeos bring onlookers back to dustier times, so giddyup and give the ol' country a chance in Cody.
Homer, Alaska
If you are venturing northward, Homer is an unmissable destination on the Kenai Peninsula. Ancient ice walls carved out a series of fjords here, and the town sits in a strategic location with access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Alaskan inland. One of the region's crowning features is the Homer Spit, an extraordinary 4.5-mile-long land strip that stretches out into the ocean.
Adding to its accolades, it holds the title of the halibut fishing capital of the world, and many fishermen agree it is well deserved. Accessible by the Alaska Marine Highway, getting there is a journey in itself, but the sights will not disappoint. Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to Kachemak Bay, which has earned its reputation as an essential habitat for migratory birds.
Bisbee, Arizona
Bisbee was once a gathering point for Prohibition speakeasies, which was no simple feat during that age of crackdowns. Today, environments like the Bisbee Social Club capture that allure by replicating the style of those outlawed refuges. Another remnant of America's wild past, the Copper Queen Mine, tells the story of a mining operation that ran from 1877 to 1975. Bisbee also surprises visitors with its dramatic elevational gradient, spanning from a gentle 3,100 ft in the northwest to a soaring 7,300 ft.
For nature lovers, the Chiricahua Mountains shelter 375 species of bird and countless creatures like ocelots, jaguars, and black bears. Fitness enthusiasts might be drawn to the challenge of conquering the renowned Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb. The town itself holds about 33,000 concrete steps in total.
The Country In Its Smallest Frame
Typically, an adventure is about the journey and not the destination. In the USA, there is an abundance of fantastic towns to visit and therefore no shortage of journeys. Take your time with this selection, experience their little amusements and local flavors, but do not feel melancholic when the trip comes to an end. By continuing the voyage, you contribute to the stories and fabric of the villages' personalities, embedding yourself into exactly what makes them great in the first place.
