9 Best Downtowns In The Northern United States
The makings of a great downtown often include proximity to a larger metropolis, numerous delicious restaurants and boutiques, and stunning landscapes, such as a waterfront or mountain view. For your next vacation, consider staying in the States to explore the best downtowns in the northern US! Whether you're partial to the outdoors or prefer access to the finest amenities, these darling downtowns have something for every kind of traveler.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is home to about 44,000 people. This makes it large enough to offer all the conveniences of a larger city, but small enough to be approachable. Since it is also home to the University of Vermont, it is teeming with young people and events, such as the Champlain Valley Fair and its very own Oktoberfest.
The heart of downtown is indeed the Church Street Marketplace, consisting of four blocks of shops and cafes. You can always find a rotating exhibition or festival in this buzzing spot! Walk to Waterfront Park to enjoy sweeping views of Burlington Bay, and then head to the neighboring Battery Park to learn some local history at the William Wells Statue. If you're in the mood for a hike, head to Centennial Woods, home to loads of beautiful hiking trails of varying lengths.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is, of course, made famous by the gushing waterfall by the same name situated on the Canadian and American border. What many don't know is that there is more to see beyond the falls! Walk along Main Street or visit Hyde Park to ice skate or play a round of golf.
If you would like to take in uninhibited views of the falls from downtown, walk from Niagara Street to One Niagara Welcome Center or Niagara Falls State Park. This park spans over 400 acres of protected wildlife habitat and occasionally hosts firework displays and other events, so be sure to check the town's events calendar before planning your trip. Walk north in the park to the Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail. The trailhead is situated right next to the Aquarium of Niagara, making this spot fun for the whole family!
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a historic coastal city located on the Piscataqua River. It is also New Hampshire’s only deep-water seaport and the most prominent port city. The downtown scape is dotted with multicolored houses along the waterfront where the iconic Moran tugboats are moored.
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant art scene, featuring numerous galleries in the downtown area, including the Portsmouth Athenaeum, Randall Gallery, and Ceres Gallery. On the first Friday of each month, the city hosts Art 'Round Town, where folks walk from gallery to gallery to see the new artists for the month. Check the town's website before your trip and be sure to download their downtown map. It showcases must-see features, including the historic Market Square, the Players' Ring Theatre, and Four Tree Island. The latter is a beautiful green space that offers stunning views of the waterfront, featuring pavilions with grills and seating as well.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian village located in the northern state of Washington. It is home to only 2,200 people, but don't let that fool you! Leavenworth has one of the best downtown areas, especially for its population size! Located near the Cascade Mountains, this beautiful town appears to have been plucked straight from a postcard.
If you make a trip in autumn, be sure to check out their Oktoberfest and Autumn Leaf Festival! Otherwise, be sure to visit their weekly farmers' market at Lions' Club Park. Lovers of the outdoors will be in paradise with loads of mountain biking trails, like the Spider Meadows trail via Phelps Creek, about 13.9 miles round trip (22.4 km), and the Spider Meadows to Holden route is 19.8 miles one-way. Before you depart, be sure to visit one of the town's iconic beer gardens like Munchen Haus and Doghaus Brewery!
Woodstock, Illinois
This town is famous for being the filming location of the 1993 movie, Groundhog Day. Located in McHenry County, Woodstock is approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago and home to a population of 25,600. Although the town is still beautiful in the winter, fall, and spring are when it truly shines! Music lovers will enjoy the various live music events downtown or a trip to the iconic Opera House.
In the fall, apple (and fruit) picking at spots like Heider's Berry Farm and Sun Berry Orchard is the perfect way to spend the day. On warmer days, take a walking art tour of downtown or spend the day in local shops along the main drag, like the Woodstock Square Mall or the Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall. Grab a coffee from Ethereal Coffee as you enjoy your afternoon walking through the main square.
Ashland, Oregon
Named one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, Ashland boasts one of the most beautiful downtowns in the northern United States! This town is lovely year-round, although it is particularly stunning in the fall while the leaves are changing colors. Ashland is famous for its annual Shakespeare Festival at Angust Bowmer Theatre.
Ashland's downtown area is centered along East Main Street, providing access to the Lithia Park Trailhead and Ashland Creek. For those who prefer the indoors, walk along Main Street and explore the thriving wine scene at spots like Bloomsbury Blends or Skout Taphouse & Provisions. There are lots of downtown boutique hotel options. Check out the Ashland Springs Hotel, which has been open since 1925; it is certainly a local favorite!
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid's year-round population hovers just above 2,000. It's famous as the site of the winter Olympics and is the perfect winter destination! Walk along downtown's Main Street and visit local mainstays like the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute.
The downtown area is situated on Mirror Lake, making for a stunning backdrop. There are also numerous hotels in the immediate area, including the Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, Lake Placid Club Hotel, and the Grand Adirondack Hotel. Enjoy a snowy stroll down Main Street and stop in one of the many tempting restaurants like Smoke Signals and Wyatt's. If you find yourself in Lake Placid in the summer, be sure to make a stop at Emma's Lake Placid Creamery; this seasonal spot can't be missed!
Camden, Maine
Camden is a sleepy town located along a picturesque harbor in Maine. Its downtown is concentrated at the cross-section of Washington Street and Elm Street. In the summer, take a trip to see the Camden Amphitheater or walk to Harbor Park or Waterfalls View and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the Megunticook River.
Start your morning with coffee at Zoot Coffee, located a stone's throw from several hotels like the Downtown Camden Hotel and 16 Bay View. Shop at local spots like Vivien and Coco for home goods or Upper Vintage for gorgeous, thrifted finds! Finish your day with dinner at Camden House of Pizza or The Waterfront Restaurant for a special occasion!
Mystic, Connecticut
As the name implies, there is something magical about this waterfront village. Mystic is home to 4,441 people and has operated as a seaport since 1784. Mystic’s downtown is concentrated along the Mystic River, with the east and west sides connected by the Mystic River Bascule Bridge.
For lodging, downtown offers a variety of hotels and B&Bs, including the Steamboat Inn, The Whaler’s Inn Hotel, and Stonington House. All are located within the same square mile and are extremely walkable! Sit along the river and enjoy a meal at Mystic Fish Camp or S&P Oyster Restaurant & Bar. If seafood isn’t your thing, try Via Emilia or Bravo Bravo for delicious Italian! Take a walk through Mystic River Park or walk the main drag on Route 1 and stop by the historic John Kelley Statue. End your night with ice cream from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream on the east side or Mystic Park Ice Cream on the west side; you decide which is better, east or west!
The beauty of towns in the northern United States lies in their ability to offer all four seasons, and they are especially stunning in the fall. They are also a great spot to spend your winter holidays if you’re looking for a winter wonderland feel! Head to these downtown areas for a vacation that is sure to be walkable and packed with historic and natural sights. Each of these towns promises a carless vacation with everything in arm’s reach!
