These Towns in the United States Have the Best Main Streets
From city slickers to outdoor enthusiasts, the love for small towns escapes no one. The idyllic atmosphere, welcoming community, and mom-and-pop shops make any small community hard to resist. While many cities and towns offer a charming main street with plenty to see and do, they do not all have the je ne sais quois that makes them a quintessential hub for a small community. From old brick buildings to hand-painted signs and carefully crafted art installations, these United States towns offer some of the best, most exciting, and most beautiful main streets.
Livingston, Montana
Livingston is one of Montana's most charming small towns, a historic train hub located along the Montana River and often considered the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Its main street runs through a historic downtown area lined with local shops like Catherine Lane Interiors, Livingston Home Outfitters, Wheatgrass Gifts, and Green Door Gallery. Art galleries and museums, such as Avery's Art Worx, Livingston Center for Art, and 10 Gallery, also line the street. Beyond its scenic main street, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Yellowstone's mountains, winter sports at Bridger Bowl ski resort, or a scenic drive through Paradise Valley. The Murray Block Hotel, built in 1904, is centrally located in downtown, offering a glimpse into the town's historical roots.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a coastal town on the northeastern side of Mount Desert Island and one of the most unforgettable small towns in Maine. It is a popular destination for lobster fishing, so it is no surprise that the town also offers plenty for foodies, with the best spots to eat including Galyn's Restaurant, Geddy's, and Leary's Landing Irish Pub. Travelers may experience the town's culture and history by visiting spots such as the Bar Harbor Historical Society or by partaking in events such as the American Ghost Walks.
Acadia National Park is just steps from town, offering the perfect mixture of the charm of downtown with the brightness and excitement of the great outdoors. Ocean Drive is one of the best spots to enjoy the park's beauty, whether visitors choose to bike, hike, or drive along the rocky shoreline.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is a charming small town in Maryland, situated in the Chesapeake Bay area. Its main street looks like something out of a fairy tale, lined with quaint red brick roads and beautifully preserved historic buildings. Key sights include the Maritime and Douglass Museums, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Visitors can casually stroll downtown to see the homes of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence or take a guided tour of the historic State House. For outdoor enthusiasts, Beverly Triton Nature Park, Downs Park, and The Chase Home Garden offer great options.
Solvang, California
Solvang is a popular California town known for its unique Danish-style architecture and vibrant community. Visitors can explore numerous wineries and wine cellars, such as Cordon of Santa Barbara and Dascomb Cellars, as well as European bakeries like Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe and Danish Mill Bakery. A tour on the Solvang Trolley offers a romantic and charming way to see the town. Motorcycle enthusiasts might enjoy the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, featuring classic bikes from America, Japan, and Europe. Outdoor lovers should visit Sunny Fields Park or take a biking tour through Santa Barbara wine country.
Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah ranks among the top small towns to visit in Kentucky. It is one of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States and hosts the National Quilt Museum. The downtown area features 19th-century historic buildings, which visitors can explore through the self-guided Historic Paducah Audio Tour, including notable sites like the 1927 Columbia Theatre. The town's rich history includes attractions such as the Lloyd Tilghman House and the Civil War Museum. Food enthusiasts can enjoy meals at popular spots like Freight House, Flamingo Row, or Doe's Eat Place.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is one of the most scenic towns in Vermont, situated in the foothills of Mt. Mansfield, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful main streets, both in the state and the nation. The Historic Village houses plenty of local shops such as Shaw's General Store, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and also the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.
Plus, tourists will find annual events like the Stowe Music Festival, the Historic Fall Harvest Festival, and the Stowe Wine Festival. Aside from its beautiful main street, visitors may revel in the beauty of the surrounding mountains with a stay at a cozy lodge or inn such as Fiddler's Green Inn or Trapp Family Lodge.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The town of Portsmouth is one of the coolest small towns in New Hampshire for a summer vacation, overflowing with a unique history. Buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries line the town's streets, including the Strawbery Banke Museum and the 1855 North Church, located in the downtown Market Square. Like Bar Harbor, the town is a popular destination amongst seafood lovers and anglers alike, with restaurants including The Wilder, The Goat Portsmouth, and Sol Southern Kitchen and Lounge. Visitors may enjoy the downtown's nightlife, checking out locations such as Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club. Other attractions include the Piscataqua River and its three bridges, the Black Heritage Trail, and the Portsmouth Harbour Trail & Guided Tours.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Sheridan stands out as one of Wyoming's most memorable small towns, famed for its Old West charm and stunning mountain views. The Bighorn Mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the town's main street, lined with historic buildings from the early 1900s that visitors can explore during a self-guided walking tour. The WYO Theater showcases local culture, while eateries like the Mint Bar offer authentic Western hospitality. Shops such as Best Out West Antiques give insight into the town's local community and businesses. Outdoor activities abound, including visits to Tongue River, relaxing hikes in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, or participating in the Scenic Trail Run.
Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is one of the best small towns to visit in Virginia, with a well-preserved historic downtown featuring red brick sidewalks and breathtaking architecture. As one of the oldest towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Staunton hosts many historic sites and museums, including the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Museum, as well as its downtown area. Travelers may delve into the town's culture with a trip to local festivals and centers like the American Shakespeare Center, Heifetz International Music Institute, or Staunton Music Festival. With its stories running deep into the past, visitors may also find themselves intrigued by ghost stories, with hot spots including Mary Baldwin University, Blackburn Inn, and the Train Station. In terms of outdoor recreation, travelers and locals alike find adventure in Betsy Bell Wilderness Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and of course the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Enjoy These Beautiful Main Streets
The United States is full of lively towns, distinctive shops, and local businesses. What makes these main streets stand out isn't just the stores, but the friendly vibe, the wide variety of activities, and the carefully planned and decorated streets that feel like a different world. Whether you're attracted by the historic attractions of Staunton or the heritage shops of Sheridan, there's something for everyone to appreciate on these charming main streets.
