8 Best Towns In The Northern United States For A Two-Day Recharge
From the beautiful West Coast to the extraordinary East Coast, the splendid New England States, and the wonderful Pacific Northwest, the Northern United States is indeed one of the most diverse and rich regions in the country. Whether one spends time along the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, delights in the lake wonders of Minnesota, and immerses themselves in the history of the former Thirteen Colonies, a truly memorable and exquisite vacation experience awaits in the Northern USA. Here fascinating history, breathtaking natural wonders, and loads of cultural intrigue await all ages of visitor, ready to experience a wide swath of Americana. So plan your next trip to the northern portion of the United States and see firsthand the great variety of offerings that can be seen in this most spectacular region of the country.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
A planned community founded by entrepreneur Milton Hershey in 1903, the self-named town was originally created to allow easy access to work for his chocolate factory employees. Today just under 14,000 residents call this truly sweet community home, that serves as one of Pennsylvania’s most unique destinations. Headquarters of the Hershey Chocolate Company, the town’s delectable connection to these dessert treats will surely amuse all ages making it a great place to recharge for a few days. Visit Hersheypark on the weekends for wild rides and games, while at Chocolate World, intriguing, simulated behind-the-scenes tours and chances to buy special gifts (and chocolates of course) will definitely leave a sweet impression.
From there, spend an afternoon at ZooAmerica (also founded by Milton Hershey) and get close up to more than 200 of North America’s finest wildlife species. Add in a number of cute, themed restaurants and shops here, as well as unique decorations like Kiss-shaped streetlamps, and the charm of Hershey will definitely leave its mark. For those spending a few days here consider lodging at the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hotel Hershey.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla is a charming mid-sized town near the Oregon border, where a population of some 34,000 reside. Established in the mid 19th century and named for an Indigenous people, Walla Walla is a great place to enjoy a recharge, where the comforts of modern living meet with naturally splendid landscapes. Located within the Walla Walla Valley and beautifully framed by the Blue Mountains, the scenery in town will surely delight all ages, while mild winters and hot summers make it an ideal place to visit throughout the year. Admire the stunning Mountain peaks, the rolling green Valley hills, golden wheat fields, and changing colors of foliage, there is indeed never a shortage of photogenic beauty in Walla Walla.
Additionally, the history inclined guest will not want to miss out on a stop to the Fort Walla Walla Museum. Housed on the grounds of a 19th military fort, visitors will learn about the settlement history of the Pacific Northwest including the voyages of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition. Finally, for the adult traveler an exploration of Walla Walla’s rich vineyards is a must. Featuring up to 120 distinct growth sites, some of the best alcohols in Washington State can be enjoyed in a most delightful and relaxing ambience. And for a memorable stay, why not spend a few nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel (1928), right in the heart of downtown.
Augusta, Maine
Maine’s capital city, Augusta boasts a modest population of nearly 19,000 inhabitants, making it the third smallest capital in the United States. Still for what it may lack in size, this most charming town remains a wonderful place to visit and recharge for a few days. Long inhabited by indigenous peoples and first settled in the 1750s, Augusta offers a classic ambience to its guests where fascinating history and natural beauty come together. Explore many important landmarks here which bring guests back through several centuries, and that are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Maine State House (1829), the Blaine House (1833), the South Parish Church (1865), and the special Fort Western (1754), once a colonial outpost, amongst many others.
Then for an outdoors adventure, be sure to spend time along the pretty Kennebec River where awesome greenery, rolling hills, and wide blue skies will delight the young and old alike. More encounters with nature can also be enjoyed at the Viles Arboretum Botanical Garden featuring more than 300 species of trees and over 200 acres of stunning trails. Comfortable lodging options in Augusta include the Maine Evergreen Hotel and the Senator Inn and Spa near the downtown area.
Whitefish, Montana
Located along the same named Lake, the beautiful town of Whitefish is a wonderful place to unwind and recharge for a few days while surrounded by the splendid beauty that is Montana. Developed primarily around the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s, today just under 8,000 residents call this welcoming community home where fun in the outdoors is never far away. Featuring hot summers and cool winters, guests can enjoy year-round activities in Whitefish including of course time spent along the Lake. Enjoy opportunities for swimming, fishing, and skating, while great hiking and biking trails delight with their breathtaking panoramas. Of course, alpine enthusiasts will not want to miss out on the Whitefish Mountain Resort, offering some of the best ski and snowboarding slopes in Montana.
Furthermore, visitors can enjoy plenty of cultural appeal in Whitefish where a wonderful variety of festivals entertain all ages. These include the summer Under the Big Sky Music Festival, the Winter Carnival (Feb 6-8, 2026), and the Food and Wine Festival in September. Add in welcoming restaurants like Last Chair Kitchen & Bar and special accommodations like the Grouse Mountain Lodge, and the charm of Whitefish truly shines through.
Ithaca, New York
Situated in the Finger Lakes Region, the wonderful college town of Ithaca welcomes all with its charming atmosphere and natural splendor. Right along the southern shores of Cayuga Lake, just under 34,000 residents call this lovely town home who can trace its foundational roots to the 1790s. Known as the home of Cornell University (an Ivy League School) as well as Ithaca College (1892), one certainly does not need to be a student to enjoy Ithaca’s picturesque ambience. Spend time cycling, hiking, sailing, and swimming, while lush greenery and changing colors create a postcard perfect image. Meanwhile exploring the awesome waterfalls of Buttermilk and Taughannock will definitely take one’s breath away.
Then there are the cultural events, on the campuses and throughout town, that have something to offer all ages. These include the Apple Harvest Festival and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance amongst many more. Add in cute local businesses like the Dewitt Mall and the Boatyard Grill, and Ithaca will quickly become a favorite for all those visiting Upstate New York. For a comfy sojourn, guests can also spend a few nights at the Argos Inn Ithaca Boutique Hotel for a cozy and intimate stay.
Brainerd, Minnesota
Seat of Crow Wing County in central Minnesota, Brainerd is a lovely historic town with modern roots dating to the 1870s. Today home to just under 15,000 people, guests will enjoy Brainerd’s scenic ambience and historical charm that are perfect for a recharge away from big city life. Situated along the Mississippi River and not far from the Crow Wing River, outdoor fun is always on hand here and visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and even skating, in a climate characterized by cool winters and hot summers.
Then there is Brainerd’s historic allure, where a glimpse of life in the 19th and early 20th centuries can be appreciated through the town’s collection of preserved landmarks. Featuring many properties on the National Register of Historic Places, guests can learn more about the growth of historic Minnesota through an exploration of these buildings. Amongst the ones of note include Parker Building (1909) and the Northern Pacific Railroad Shops Historic District (1882). Then take in fun events like the Lakes Area Music Festival and experience a real rustic setting at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, and the town will definitely become a Minnesota treasure to return to time and again.
Sausalito, California
From the Spanish for “Small Willow Grove”, Sausalito is one of Northern California’s finest treasures and conveniently located just some six miles from San Francisco. Incorporated in the 1890s, just over 7,000 residents call this lovely town home today where cool summers and winters are the norm. Admire awesome views of the Golden Gate Bridge, breathtaking panoramas of the San Francisco Bay, and refreshing sea breezes, Sausalito is an awesome destination to enjoy the vicinity of the big city while in a smaller community. Featuring a cute array of local restaurants, shops, galleries, and other businesses, guests will find a most charming slice of Americana here perfect for all ages.
Don't forget about Sausalito’s array of welcoming park and beach areas including Langendorf Park and Schoonmaker Beach, amongst others. Add in fun yearly events like the Halloween Parade, the Sausalito Tree Lightning, and the Jazz and Blues by the Bay Festival, and it becomes clear why this town has become a favorite for many in the Bay area. Great lodging options include the Cavallo Point Colonial Hotel and the charming Gables Inn Guesthouse.
Hood River, Oregon
One of Oregon’s finest outdoor playgrounds, the town of Hood River is a most splendid destination that truly all ages can marvel at. Along the eponymous River as well as near the famed Columbia River, the town was founded in the 1890s where just over 8,000 reside today. A scenic treasure right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, a recharge awaits here where activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife-watching are always popular attractions. Visit the nearby — and stunning — Multnomah Falls, which never disappoints. And with its hot summers and cool winters, Hood River really can be appreciated throughout the year.
Meanwhile a drive along the Columbia River Highway certainly cannot be missed, creating the perfect opportunity for some of the best photos and videos in any album. Add in fun afternoon activities at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, and other fun cultural events like the springtime Hood River Valley Blossom Time, and Hood River will quickly become a family favorite. Amongst some of the best lodging options here include Westcliff Lodge and the Horsefeathers Hotel.
When looking for places to escape for a recharge, the vast region of the Northern United States is certainly one of the best to consider. Spanning the West to the East Coast, the scope of the Northern USA makes it an ideal destination for one’s next vacation where a variety of interests and sights can be enjoyed. From the Pacific Northwest towns in Washington and Oregon to the Eastern delights of New York and Pennsylvania, unwinding, relaxing, and recharging in the great northern regions of America will undoubtedly leave the young and old with some of the best vacation memories.
