Introduction Of best small towns in america
We are going to discuss on 17 best small towns in America, until recently, the most visited cities in the US were New York City and Los Angeles. However, From bustling metropolitan areas to sleepy country towns, there are plenty of small towns to explore in the United States. Some boast historical charm, while others offer stunning natural scenery.
It’s a treasure trove of good ol’ Americana to find small towns with family-owned shops and diners. You’ll find coastal beaches, spring-fed lakes, open space on the plains, and breathtaking Rocky Mountain peaks among our readers’ favorite small towns. Get ready for a tasty bite of these small towns and discover what makes them a special part of our country. Here are 10+ of the best small towns to visit in the U.S.:
1. Abilene small town in Kansas:
Abilene is a small town located in the state of Kansas. Although it is only populated by around 11,000 residents, it has a lot to offer tourists. Some of the attractions nearby include the Flint Hills and Fort Hays State Historic Parks.
A presidential connection makes this town even more interesting. During his childhood, President Eisenhower lived in Abilene. The town is proud of Ike. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum features an 11-foot-tall effigy of the president in all his supreme commander glory outside Little Ike Park. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit his boyhood home as well as the library and museum during your visit.
Then, instead of only soaking in history, visit the town and discover all that makes it such a great place to live and visit. Take a stroll through his boyhood home as well as the library and museum while you are here. In Old Abilene Town, you can grab a bite at La Fiesta, or get a tasty steak at the Hitching Post Restaurant. Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro offers tasty bakery treats, as well as award-winning Mexican cuisine. Afterwards, wander through the town’s many shops and antique stores. You are always welcome in Abilene, no matter if you are here for a few hours or a few weeks.
2. Martinsburg small town in West Virginia:
Martinsburg is a small town in West Virginia that still preserves many of its old Victorian-era buildings. In addition to its historic architecture, Martinsburg also has a thriving arts and music scene. Other attractions in the town include the River Bend Nature Preserve, which features hiking trails, a swimming hole, and a wildlife area; and Lewis and Clark Caverns National Monument, which features indoor and outdoor caves with stalactites, stalagmites,and an underground river.
3. New Braunfels small town in Texas :
Of all the small towns in Texas, New Braunfels may be the wealthiest. This bustling town has a large concentration of oil and gas businesses, but it’s also home to a number of smaller businesses that specialize in unique products and services. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and wining and dining at some of New Braunfels’ award-winning restaurants.
New Braunfels is a quaint German town between San Antonio and Austin on the Texas Hill Country. Visit the town and find out why it is such a great place to live and visit instead of just soaking up history. While you’re here, go to his boyhood home, his library, and his museum. Canyon Lake is 30 minutes away and the Guadalupe and Comal rivers meander through town. This is the longest and shortest river in the world, which the locals refer to as the Comal. There’s not even a little distance between New Braunfels and this spring-fed river.
During your visit, you can visit Schlitterbahn, a local resort and water park that was a recent Best Of Travel Finalist for Family-Friendly Resort. New Braunfels is a quaint German town located in the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. You can also explore his boyhood home, his library, and his museum while you’re here. Find out why it is so great to live and visit instead of just soaking up history. This park offers four distinct sections, each with a variety of activities for both adults and children.
From traditional German cuisine to proper Tex-Mex cuisine, New Braunfels is a great-tasting buffet. There are plenty of great barbecue restaurants in town, but if you’re looking for slow-smoked meat, Black’s Barbecue is one of the best.
4. Lindsborg small town in Kansas:
Lindsborg is a small town in southeastern Kansas that has been named one of the top ten small towns in America. The town was founded in 1868 and has a population of just over 1,900. Tourists can visit Lindsborg’s historic district, which features several notable buildings, including the Masonic Temple and the Carnegie Library. Lindsborg also offers plenty of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking and rafting.
Experience Sweden’s rich culture without leaving the United States. Can you see wild prairie horses “roaming” the city streets? It is no coincidence that Broncos in Lindsborg combines Swedish culture on the one hand and contemporary art on the other with the city’s rich history, pride in Swedish culture and identity. There are 35 “horde” locations on the map, so grab your map and hunt them all down!
Visit one of the many galleries and museums that showcase the region’s rich art and history. The museum allows visitors to see a mill from the beginning of the 20th century. This date is celebrated every year in May as a town festival. Swedish meatballs with egg noodles or another classic Swedish dish awaits you at Crown & Rye after a busy day of art and antiquing.
5. Annapolis small town in Maryland:
Annapolis is a small town in Maryland that is popular for its Naval Academy. The town has a number of attractions, including the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the USS Constitution Museum. Other attractions include the Walters Art Museum, the State House, and Lady Anne’s Mead Garden.
6. Clear Lake small town in Iowa:
The town is located in eastern Iowa just off of Interstate 80. The population is just over 1,000 people and there are no signs of commercialization. The town’s main attractions are Clear Creek Lake and Clear Lake State Park.
Music lovers will love a visit to the Surf Ballroom & Museum, a historic music venue even recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Continuing the tradition of providing great evening entertainment, the Ballroom is one of the few authentic ballrooms left in the Midwest today. Get a ticket to attend and see one of the best shows.
It’s a music scene that rocks in Clear Lake, with cover bands and national tours. Ensure you are at your peak energy level before the show by stopping by one of these gorgeous places to eat in in and around town so that you can maximize your energy for the show.
There are several small businesses in the town including a pharmacy, pottery store, thrift store, bakery and café. There is also a community center that offers band concerts and other events.
7. Grand Forks small town in North Dakota :
Grand Forks is not just a small town – it’s a small town with big aspirations. The population is just over 19,000 people, but its downtown is booming with bars, restaurants and shops.
One of the coolest things about Grand Forks is that it’s home to two universities: North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. Both schools are relatively new (UND was founded in 1889), so there’s always something happening on campus. And if you’re looking for action after a day at school or work, Grand Forks has plenty to offer in terms of nightlife (bars abound).
8. Vero Beach small town in Florida:
The old white clapboard house with blue shutters sits on the edge of a pristine beachfront community. There’s a brightly lit sign in the window that advertises “Vero Beach Kite Festival.”
It’s a neat small town with plenty of small boutiques and cafes. There’s also a lighthouse and public pier. The town’s namesake is the Venetian-style walled city built by Captain James Cook in the early 18th century.
Located on the Atlantic coast about two and a half hours north of Miami, Vero Beach offers beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, and a healthy nightlife. In 1910, Teddy Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuge on Pelican Island, north of the city, to protect brown pelicans. The beaches in this area are also breeding grounds for sea turtles. If you decide to visit, make sure you don’t disturb their delicate ecosystem.
Keep an eye on the wall as you wander. Murals are popping up all over the city and will brighten your day. Local restaurants are great places to recharge after exploring the Wall Trail. Enjoy pulled pork at Fishack or home cooked meals at Southern Social. We’re here for the laid-back beach vibe of Vero Beach, where small-town charm meets laid-back beach charm.
If you’re looking to escape from big city life, consider checking out some of America’s smaller towns where the locals are friendly and there are plenty of things to do, whether it be exploring the local parks, browsing at local boutiques or taking in a cultural event like a kite festival.
9. Saratoga Springs small town in New York:
The sun was setting over Saratoga Springs, leaving behind a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. The small town could be considered picturesque, with its quaint colonial-era buildings and lovely green lawns. Somewhat surprisingly, there were also several attractions nearby that could be enjoyed by all. Perhaps the most popular was the Spa at Pettit State Park, which boasted both indoor and outdoor thermal pools as well as a variety of health treatments. Another beautiful spot in the area was Raymond Moore Gardens, which offered stunning gardens and Walking Paths with Breathtaking Views of the Hudson River Valley. In addition to these two attractions, there were also restaurants and shops galore in Saratoga Springs to keep everyone entertained all day long!
Saratoga Springs is home to the Saratoga Racetrack and the National Horse Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. Race day is a great time to visit. The museum offers many interesting exhibits, such as exploring the evolution of horse racing throughout history. This museum is a must-see for horse lovers and sports enthusiasts.
Just 30 minutes north near Lake George, you will find the southern border of Adirondack Park. These magnificent views are preserved in this six-million-acre park since the 1800s.
10. Raleigh small town in North Carolina:
Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city is charming and full of history. Other small towns in the area to visit include Durham, Garner, Hillsborough and Morrisville. In each of these towns you’ll find charming downtown areas with popular restaurants and shops, as well as interesting historical sites.
11. Sedona small town in Arizona:
Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful town located in the red rocks of the American southwest. It is a popular tourist destination for those looking for natural beauty and peaceful atmospheres. Some of the small towns that visitors can enjoy in Sedona include Camp Verde, Oak Creek Canyon and CottonWOOD Park.
Visit Red Rock Country to see the beautiful natural rock formations around Sedona. Take one of the exciting city walks or visit the Devil’s Bridge for great photos. In addition to saving fuel and not getting lost, the Sedona Shuttle is a great way to get from one trail to another.
If you’re visiting the area, you’ll want to check out Schlitterbahn, a water park and resort that’s Best Of Travel finalist. Located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is a charming German town. You can also check out his boyhood home, library, and museum. Learn why it’s so great to live and visit instead of just soaking in history. Take in the beautiful natural scenery while dining at one of these spectacular restaurants. Choose a Verde Valley AVA wine to pair with your dinner. Due to the extreme temperature swing between the day and night, the natural maturation of the grapes is delayed, thus extending the season and producing a more complex blend of flavors than when the grapes are mature naturally.
12. Hayward small town in California:
Hayward is a small town located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nestled among rolling green hills, the town is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of historical sites. Some of Hayward’s top attractions include the Hayward Zoo, which houses more than 1,000 animals from different parts of the world; and the Alice B. Toklas mansion, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Hayward is also home to Golden Gate Fields race track and auto museum, which attracts visitors from around the world.
13. Taos small town in New Mexico:
Debbie Snider was one of the lucky ones. She had a job offer in Taos, New Mexico and she accepted it, even though it meant ending her five-year stint on the investigative journalism staff at her old news station in Baltimore.
Baltimore was a great city and Debbie had loved her time there, but she was ready for some new challenges. And Taos seemed like the perfect place to start.
Taos is a small town with a big heart. It’s known for its art galleries, organic farms and vibrant nightlife. Debbie quickly made friends in the town and got to work exploring all the little corners of Taos that she never would have found on her own.
Taos has long been a destination for artists seeking inspiration for their work and collaborating with other artists. Many galleries and museums exhibit art to reflect this emphasis on the city’s art. You can boost the local economy by purchasing work from local artists and adding new accent pieces to your home or jewelry.
The history of Taos dates back to the 1000s AD. Taos Pueblo is a testament to the tenacity and determination of the people who settled here over the past millennium. Over 300 years old, this brick city has evidence of continuous occupation over thousands of years. During your visit to Taos, take time to learn about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best part about living in Taos? There’s always something new to discover!
14. Burlington small town in Vermont:
Burlington is a historic city that’s known for its picturesque downtown area boasting winding streets and well-preserved architecture from its days as an important stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. It has many galleries and shops as well as excellent restaurants and hotels for visitors interested in experiencing all Burlington has to offer Art lovers will love visiting nearby Shelburne Museum featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world Also popular for scenic drives are Lake Champlain, Springfield Mountains National Park as well as Mount Mansfield State Forest near White River Junction
15. St. Augustine small town in Florida:
When St. Augustine was first founded in 1219, it was a small town spread out along the banks of the St. Johns River. Over the centuries, it has grown into one of the most historic and picturesque cities in the United States. Today, it is a thriving metropolis with plenty to do and see, including many lovely small towns scattered throughout its vicinity. Here are two of Saint Augustine’s best:
- San Marco: This charming city is located just north of Saint Augustine on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. It’s packed with art galleries and boutiques, as well as several restaurants featuring seafood specialties like blackened grouper stuffed with shrimp and grits or Gulf cod feedlegs with creamed corn succotash. San Marco also features Episcopal churches dating back to 1702 and 1843, respectively, making it a popular tourist destination for church-goers from around the country.
- Historic Castillo De San Marcos National Monument: Built by the Spanish in 1565–1567 to defend against attack by Florida Indian tribesman hostile to European colonial settlement encroaching on their territory, this impressive fortress overlooks beautiful Ailuda Bay on Ponce de Leon Island. It now includes museums showcasing archaeological finds from both Native American cultures as well as early Spanish explorers and settlers working in Florida. Admission is free for children younger than 16 years old and active-duty military personnel plus their families.
St. Augustine is considered the oldest surviving European settlement in the United States and is often referred to as the oldest city in the United States. The city is not only a historical monument but also a living museum celebrating Spanish colonial architecture, making it a very picturesque place. The St. Augustine coast has many secluded beaches where you can relax and explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a fortress used to defend the city.
Dine in one of the fantastic restaurants that make up St. Augustine. Don’t miss a great restaurant with a great view! Play golf on the beach, take a walk or enjoy the ocean. For most of the summer, music lovers can attend free weekly music and arts events on Wednesdays.
16. Covington small town in Kentucky:
Covington is a beautiful eighteenth-century town with a rich history. The architecture is stunning and includes a number of landmarked buildings including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. It’s also close to nearby attractions such as Mammoth Cave National Park and horse racing venues during Kentucky Derby season.
17. Ouray small town in Colorado:
Ouray is a small town in Colorado that is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The town is nestled in the San Juan Mountains and features glaciers, lakes, peaks, and valleys. Ouray also offers visitors access to some of the best skiing in the country, as well as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.
FINAL WORDS :
Not many people know about small towns in the United States, but if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, these are some places you might want to check out. Sometimes called “the heartland”, these areas offer a different feel than the big cities and are great places to spend a weekend or week.
There are many other popular small towns to visit in the United States such as Covington, Kentucky; Murray, Kentucky; Decatur, Illinois; Hillsboro, Oregon; Lockport, New York; and Dexter, Michigan. Each has its own unique charms that are worth exploring. If you want to know about these cities in the next post, please comment. Also, follow/subscribe to our website and social media links to get regular updates. Thank you!
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