The Northern United States's 11 Most Laid-Back Towns
The Northern United States abounds with cool, laid-back towns that make it easy to slow down and relax. Farmington, Pennsylvania, stands out for Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, two striking homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. On the New Jersey coast, Asbury Park adds a livelier touch with its famous music scene and easygoing boardwalk. Elsewhere, Lake George, New York, delivers classic summer-vacation charm with Million Dollar Beach, while Nantucket, Massachusetts, leans into coastal elegance. For all of this and so much more, the 11 towns below some of the best vacation spots in the Northern US.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Perched on the banks of the Delaware River, about 40 miles north of Philadelphia, the borough of New Hope is the place to go for a uniquely Pennsylvania small town take on “big city” style art and culture. While here, folks can catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, a theater often regarded as one of the finest on the East Coast. Just blocks away, New Hope Arts runs The ‘A’ Space, a rotating gallery space that features works by local artists, along with a calendar full of art exhibitions and other special events. And at the separate New Hope Art House gallery, folks will find a collection of amazing works by local artist Tuan Tran.
While there is plenty more to see and do around New Hope, one can also enjoy a perfectly relaxing environment at the 1870 Wedgwood Inn Bed and Breakfast. Here, three 19th-century structures have been restored and reimagined into a fine selection of Victorian-style guest rooms with special amenities like working fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Cape May, New Jersey
Down at the southernmost tip of New Jersey lies Cape May, a classic Victorian village that opens up to some of the East Coast’s most beautiful beaches. More specifically, South Cape May Meadows Preserve is a 200-acre paradise for birdwatching, strolling by the lovely natural wetlands, and enjoying a mile of pristine beaches where Delaware Bay meets the larger Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, folks will also spot the Cape May Lighthouse, the 157-foot-tall lighthouse that has been operating here since 1859 and continues to illuminate this corner of the coast. And a few blocks north, visitors can tour the majestic Emlen Physick Estate that was built in 1879 and serves as one of the best examples of the Victorian-style architecture and design that shaped the signature look of Cape May.
Heading back towards the beach, there is Rhythm of the Sea. This stunning 1915 craftsman-style home now operates as a boutique bed-and-breakfast with a prime location across the street from the shore.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Whether one is a fan of classic rock or simply a person in need of an easy-breezy beach escape, Asbury Park provides the perfect symphony. No trip here feels complete without a stop at The Stone Pony, the iconic concert hall where rock-and-roll legends like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have performed. For even more cool performances, Asbury Lanes is a few blocks away and offers a full bowling alley as well as live events. Meanwhile, for a different view of Asbury Park, the Beach & Boardwalk provide a mile of prime New Jersey shoreline for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and simple people-watching.
After a long day at the beach, or perhaps after a fun night out, it always feels good to retreat to the cool confines of the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel. This Michelin key hotel has fantastic rooms and suites equipped with sweet amenities like a full-service spa.
Lake Placid, New York
High in New York’s North Country is Lake Placid, a two-time host of the Winter Olympics that is great to visit and experience year-round. To the south of town, the High Peaks Wilderness includes New York’s tallest peak at Mount Marcy (at 5,343 feet above sea level) and over 275,000 acres of rugged mountains, verdant alpine forests, crystal-clear streams, and the highest-elevation body of water in the Hudson River watershed at Lake Tear O' the Clouds. Meanwhile, to the north, McKenzie Mountain Wilderness spans over 37,000 acres of Appalachian backcountry that is ideal for hiking, paddling, fishing, and primitive camping. And in town, the Lake Placid Club offers up to 45 holes for visitors to play golf with spectacular Adirondack Mountain views.
Also in town, travelers will find the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, an elegant yet easygoing lakefront resort with a convenient location near Lake Placid’s central village, and delicious dining at The View and The Cottage restaurants.
Lake George, New York
Just 60 miles from Albany lies Lake George, an Upstate New York mountain town with a stretch of lakeshore so scenic it earned the title of the “Million Dollar Beach.” Yes, really, Lake George Beach stretches across 51 acres of the eponymous Lake George (body of water) and offers views so precious that the “Million Dollar Beach” nickname will make a whole lot more sense. If anyone prefers a more low-key side of the lake, Shepard Park Beach is a pleasant spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the park often hosts concerts and other community events during the summer season. And right across the street from Shepard Park, Adirondack Winery’s tasting room offers a convenient and welcoming launchpad for trying their array of award-winning New York wines.
A short drive north from Lake George’s downtown leads to Erlowest, a luxury hotel complete with elegant lakeview suites, and the acclaimed Shepards at Erlowest restaurant on site.
Washington, Connecticut
Washington sits around 90 miles northeast of New York City (New York), yet this town in Connecticut provides a quiet and tranquil refuge in the Litchfield Hills. For one, there is Steep Rock Preserve, a 998-acre expanse of old-growth hemlock forest, scenic hiking trails, a vintage (1871-72) Shepaug Valley Railroad tunnel, and panoramic views of the Shepaug River Valley at Steep Rock Summit. Farther north, Hidden Valley Preserve covers 727 acres of densely wooded hillsides and quaint meadows, and it has the Henry David Thoreau Footbridge that crosses a very pretty corner of the Shepaug River. And up at Mount Tom State Park, visitors can hike to the summit and ascend to the top of the 34-foot black gneiss tower for panoramic views extending all the way from the Taconics of Massachusetts to Long Island Sound, and they can take a refreshing dip at the pond during the summer season. Once guests are ready to settle into a more civilized environment, they can retreat to the luxurious 58-acre compound at the Mayflower Inn & Spa.
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Situated about nine miles off Rhode Island’s mainland shore is Block Island, and the town of New Shoreham makes the perfect launchpad for exploring around the island. Near the southern tip of Block Island, Mohegan Bluffs rise some 200 feet from the ocean shore, and 141 steps down lead to a secluded-feeling beach with views extending all the way out to Montauk on Long Island. To the west, folks will find Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre nature preserve that spans from a tranquil glacial outwash plain to the stupendous surfing spot at Black Rock Beach, where local artists have also placed a number of hand-made glass floats. Heading back towards town, Fred Benson Town Beach is a great family-friendly beach with calm waves and a convenient concession stand to pick up ice cream and other tasty treats.
Right in town, travelers will also run into The 1661 Resort. This family-owned and operated inn offers a cozy collection of guest rooms alongside a working animal farm, a lovely expanse of gardens, a nice selection of farm-fresh dining, and wellness services.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Around 30 miles south of the Cape Cod Peninsula lies the idyllic island of Nantucket, a wonderful place that provides a refreshing and relaxing take on Massachusetts’ coastal lifestyle. In town, it is worth stopping at the Nantucket Whaling Museum to view over 1,000 works of art and historic artifacts on display, from an authentic 46-foot sperm whale skeleton to a restored 1847 candle factory, and to pick up some cool souvenirs at the museum shop. Also in town, the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket continues a 70-year tradition of staging theatrical productions right here on the island. And a short drive south, Surfside Beach is a longtime favorite for surfing, boogeyboarding, beach volleyball, and simple sunbathing on the sand.
Whatever folks decide to do on Nantucket, it feels great to conclude the day with a stay at Greydon House near the harbor. This boutique has its own Via Mare restaurant, offering a uniquely New England take on Venetian-style small-plate dining.
Woodstock, Vermont
Occupying a verdant and rugged corner of Vermont’s Green Mountains, just 140 miles northwest of Boston (Massachusetts), is the uniquely gorgeous town of Woodstock. Just beyond town lies Quechee State Park, perhaps the best vantage point for admiring “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” (at Quechee Gorge) that was formed by glacial activity some 13,000 years ago. Heading into town, visitors can also explore Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, home to the United States’ oldest continuously managed scientific forest and a wonderful network of recreational trails open year-round. And right across the street from the national park is Billings Farm & Museum, an outdoor agricultural museum that lets visitors tour their working Jersey dairy farm, partake in interactive programs for children and adults, and peruse their selection of delectable Vermont-made cheeses, maple syrups, and other specialty foods at the gift shop.
For a generous helping of local hospitality, it is worth the splurge to stay at the Woodstock Inn & Resort. Not only is the resort conveniently located near Woodstock’s top attractions, but it also has its own fabulous features like an eco-conscious spa, four farm-to-table restaurants, and serene farm-style luxury rooms and suites.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor may sit on Mount Desert Island, yet this Maine town opens up to the lush coastal wilderness and stunning beaches of Acadia National Park. While here, folks can hike to the 1,530-foot summit at Cadillac Mountain and enjoy one of the first places (in the US) to catch the sunrise at the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard. South of the mountain, visitors can head down to Sand Beach to stretch out on Acadia’s largest sandy beach and touch the icy-cold Atlantic Ocean water as it reaches the shore. Meanwhile, for a warmer place to play, Echo Lake Beach is open for summertime swimming at the lake and year-round hiking at the nearby Beech Mountain Trail.
Once one’s ready to wrap up the day at Acadia National Park, they can return to town and check into the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. This hotel spans eight acres of beautifully landscaped waterfront property, offers comfortably and elegantly furnished rooms, and includes additional amenities such as a heated outdoor pool complex and a full-service spa.
Farmington, Pennsylvania
Farmington may only be around 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, yet this Pennsylvania town looks and feels a world away from ordinary city life with its gorgeous Laurel Highlands backdrop and its world-famous landmarks. Within a short drive, visitors will discover not one, but two historic homes designed by the famed modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright: the grand Fallingwater that was actually built over a natural stream and waterfall, and the sleek Usonian-style Kentuck Knob. Then, for a more pristine stretch of Appalachian wilderness, folks can head over to the nearby Ohiopyle State Park and go hiking, biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting at this beautiful 20,000+ acre preserve.
For anyone seeking an (even more) elevated experience in Farmington, Nemacolin Resort offers an exciting and opulent stay. This resort has two heated pools, cosmic bowling, indoor axe-throwing, and two par-72 golf courses designed by Pete Dye.
Kick Back and Relax in These Laid-Back Northern US Towns
The northern United States may be full of big, vibrant cities, but the region also has small towns that offer a much more soothing, laid-back environment. In Pennsylvania, New Hope is an artistic haven on the Delaware River, full of funky creations. In New Jersey, Asbury Park is a cool and happening beach town fit for “The Boss.” Then, heading up to New York’s North Country, Lake Placid is a Winter Olympic host town that is perfect for fresh mountain air year-round. Over in Connecticut, Washington is a quiet yet satisfying village hidden in the Litchfield Hills. And in Massachusetts, Nantucket is an island that gives new meaning to the term “island time.” The northern US offers a whole lot to see and do, yet these towns are also picture-perfect for kicking back, slowing down, and simply enjoying the easygoing vibes.
