It’s here that you’ll find beautiful scenery and storybook cottages. The Scenic Bluff Path, which begins at the surf spot Carmel Beach and continues to Carmel River State Beach is an entry point for scuba diving. Annual events range from performing arts, cultural events, and art events. There are also retreats to recharge your mind and body.

It’s named the number one Best Small Town To Visit in the USA by US News & World Report. An old West Town built during the Gold Rush in Colorado, it has a canyon that surrounds the city with nearly 360 degrees of mountains. The town is just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long. The colorful Victorian-era homes, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants will surely have you exploring.

The town of Essex, Connecticut is known as a “storybook village,”. The Main Street is lined with restored homes of former sea captains along with several galleries and boutique shops. The Connecticut River Museum is located in an 1878 steamboat warehouse, and you can also take a steam-train-to-riverboat ride.

This pretty riverside town is titled “Colonial chic,” with its cobblestone streets and small shops and restaurants. Several exceptional townhomes and mansions, like the Read House & Gardens, the Dutch House, and Amstel House remind visitors of the past. New Castle is known for its thriving historic downtown, outdoor open spaces, and recreation, including nature and trails. It’s a great place to spend a few days in.

Crystal River is located on the Nature Coast. You can go boating, diving, and fishing in this stunning place. You can also swim with manatees while being accompanied by trained guides. Walk the board above the springs, paddle into the springs with a kayak or paddleboard, or swim into the springs while enjoying the stunningly clear water. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park features remains of an early Native American settlement as well.

With its cobblestone streets and Bavarian architecture, visitors will feel like they have entered a European Alpine village. Colorful buildings outlined in gingerbread trim are coupled with several German-inspired eateries, shops, and boutiques. Special events each year, including a grand Oktoberfest each fall and a Christkindlmarkt each holiday season keep tourists coming back. They get to enjoy fly-fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and tubing.

Hilo is famous for its Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lava flowed toward the ocean and cooled creating this stunning wonder. Head on to Downtown Hilo which is a mix of old, wooden storefronts with different shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries, then make your way to Wailuku River State Park which features Waianuenue, or Rainbow Falls. Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual week-long Hawaiian cultural event, with a hula competition dedicated to King David Kalakaua. You don’t want to miss it.

Wallace, Idaho, surrounded by mountains was nicknamed the “center of the universe,”. The town has craft breweries, restaurants, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that line the town streets. Events celebrating music, western history, and Idaho’s favorite fruit, the huckleberry, are celebrated year-round. The Route of the Hiawatha and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, are perfect for mountain bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers.

Nine Civil War generals, including Ulysses S. Grant, called this town home. There are several bed and breakfasts, golf courses, wineries, and the only ski resort. The mining town’s six-block Main Street has the Old Market House, the U.S. Grant Museum, and the Historical Society and Museum. You don’t want to miss the Civil War reenactments held annually by the Apple River Fort State Historic Site.

The historic village dates back to the 19th-century when early traders, trappers, and merchants supplied manufactured goods to farmers. Spend a day relaxing by the beautiful Winona Lake then wander through the beautiful, historic Village at Winona. This Northern Indiana destination is now a shopping mecca and a venue for concerts, performances, and festivals.

There’s so much to do in Decorah. An 11-mile bike trail loops around the city. Then there’s a 200-foot-tall waterfall and trout streams. Hiking trails will take you to the breathtaking Dunning’s Springs and Malanaphy Falls. There is an annual Nordic Fest every summer that pays homage to the area’s Norwegian heritage. A little bit of everything you want to do can be found in Decorah.

The “Little Sweden USA,” has a downtown area full of fine art galleries and unique shops. Several festivals celebrate the Swedish heritage, such as the Messiah Festival of the Arts, the Midsummer’s Festival, and the famous Svensk Hyllningsfest, held every two years. Local “Maker Nights” encourage hands-on art activities with new themes each month. A few miles out of town is the Coronado Heights Park that is essentially a castle named for explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, rumored to have come to Kansas looking for gold.

Paducah is lined with trees, brick streets, and 19th-century architecture. You will see how the city is bustling with life and culture thanks to its art galleries, antique stores, performance spaces, and local cafes. Home to the National Quilt Museum with a 320-piece collection of contemporary quilts, the museum showcases the work of today’s quilters and advances the art of quilting by bringing it to audiences that have never experienced the art form. Paducah celebrated its fifth anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, with many of its historic buildings repurposed as eateries and studios for its vibrant arts community.

It is known as “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.” There’s the Acadian Cultural Center, which is also part of the Jean Lafitte National Park. Join walking tours throughout the historic downtown area along with boat tours on Bayou Lafourche before enjoying this pure cajun country full of restaurants and fresh markets that reflect the local culture and cuisine. The Bayou Country Children’s Museum brings together Cajun history, education, and fun for families to enjoy.

Many vacationers have frequented the grand hotels and mansions along the coastline since the 1800s. Dock Square consists of a district lined with souvenir shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Kennebunkport is close to the 1833 Goat Island Lighthouse, which sits in Cape Porpoise’s harbor. Whale watching tours are increasingly popular attractions while other boat tours take guests on one to two-hour fishing and lobster excursions.

Easton has made a name for its historic architecture, performing arts scene, and culinary wonders. Excellent restaurants, outstanding lodging, upscale boutiques, studios, and galleries abound. The city is home to the nation’s oldest Quaker meeting house. Popular events held are the Chesapeake Film Festival, Waterfowl Festival, and First Friday Gallery Walks. The Academy Art Museum, Avalon Theatre, and Third Haven Meeting House are other attractions worth the visit.

Nantucket is less than 30 miles south of Cape Code. Known for its architecture, shops, and other boutiques, the entire 50-square-foot-mile Massachusetts island is a National Historic Landmark filled with charming inns, museums, and shops. Sailors once called it the “Little Grey Lady of the Sea,” and National Geographic had ranked it as the world’s best island.

Go see Castle Farms which was constructed in 1918 by Albert Loeb, and is available for weddings and special events. Boutiques in downtown Charlevoix will have you purchase a great book, specialty food items, or take home some Charlevoix memorabilia. Take to the lakes with a kayak, sailboat, or paddleboard. This is one town the family should see.

There are more than 50 shops and restaurants in Nisswa’s quaint downtown district. The Grand View Lodge is spread over hundreds of acres with private and luxurious lodging options along Gull Lake. Gull Lake is complete with a bar so no one is left thirsty. You can rent paddleboats, pontoons, speed boats, canoes, and paddleboards. It’s a wonderful place for family and friends.

It’s named after its original Natchez Indian residents who settled in 1716. The Grand Village of Natchez is a reconstructed home and three ceremonial mounds on site. You will find lots to do downtown from shopping to trying out different restaurants. Other attractions include the Auburn Museum and Historic Home, Magnolia Hall, Rosalie Mansion, and the William Johnson Home.

The city is located on the Mississippi River, and is home to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. Several artifacts of the writer are on display, including his typewriter and a writing desk. Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat or enjoy a theater performance at the Mark Twain Theater. Hannibal suits outdoor passions, whether it is hiking, biking, or photography.

Visitors coming to Whitefish can snowboard, hike, bike, and boat, and the sandy City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park provide boat launches and picnic areas. Hiking is the most highly featured activity with over 700 miles of trails to choose from. Central Avenue is lined with shops and eateries and after spending all day outdoors, you can visit Logan’s Bar and Grill to grab a bite to eat.

McCook grew into a railway boomtown in 1882. Head on downtown for all the eateries, specialty shops, and cultural venues. Explore the Museum of the High Plains then choose from a handful of locally-owned restaurants, including a brick-oven pizzeria to a lakefront marina and grill. The Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area will have you fishing, hunting, hiking, and biking or a combination of multiple activities.

Several Old West saloons, shops, museums, and restaurants pay homage to this town’s history. Go and ride a steam engine or take a haunted ghost tour since they say it’s one of the most haunted towns in America. The Silver Queen Hotel has been reported to have paranormal activity over the years. With more than 15 museums throughout this town, you may have to visit multiple times to see them all.

First settled in 1770, the town continues to draw visitors attracted to its old-fashioned shops like Chutters, the world’s most extended candy counter. The community also has its oldest ski shop, Lahout’s, and several elegant and historic lodges like Thayer’s Inn. Littleton prides itself on being a walkable community. Walk around and explore Littleton’s arts scene by visiting the gallery that features mixed media from local artists. 22-miles of walkable trails await visitors.

“The Antiques Capital of New Jersey” is a hub for talented artists and crafters with shops and galleries along the Delaware River. Founded in 1705, it has several federal townhouses and Victorian homes including a restored 19th-century train depot that houses Lambertville Station, a popular waterside restaurant and inn. There are vintage warehouses and more shops on Bridge, Main, and Union streets. Visit The Gallery of Fine Art for incredible service, fair pricing, and lovely artwork then stop by the historic bars and world-class spas and salons to unwind.

The former ghost town is now filled with galleries and local restaurants. The town’s original architecture is still standing and has since been repurposed into galleries and shops. Madrid welcomes art enthusiasts and artists inspired by the beauty of the New Mexico landscape. It’s fabulous Christmas light displays draw visitors every December. The town is a great place to walk around, grab a bite to eat, and take in the scenery with family or friends.

Celebrities and former presidents have frequented this town for good reasons. Live performances at the gazebo on Skaneateles Lake each summer, lots of farm-to-table restaurants, boat cruises, and a racetrack keep visitors entertained. The town’s natural beauty is on full display, with several beautiful waterfalls nearby. Old buildings have been restored in the community, with some dating back to 1796. The Lockwood Lavender Farm is the charming part of Skaneateles. You can also visit Anyela’s Vineyards and enjoy history and scenery.

Black Mountain welcomes visitors to take a stroll through the Town Square and see its famous rocking chairs, then peruse through the natural region filled with hiking trails, camping grounds, and waterfalls. There are several galleries showcasing the best Appalachian artworks. Black Mountain offers year-round access to numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the area. Stay at a beautifully renovated Victorian Inn, bed and breakfast, or modern hotels with your loved ones.

Home to several eclectic shops and local restaurants along its Main Street area, the town is home to the most enormous petrified tree stump, which reportedly weighs more than 17,000 pounds. The downtown area features unique shopping and dining experiences. Check out the Long X Trading Post Visitor’s Center and the Lewis & Clark Golf Trail. After a day of exploring and adventure, there are dozens of restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries and busy cocktail bars to choose from.

The quaint island village has so many activities for guests. You can take a golf cart, moped, or rent a bike to enjoy a stroll through town. Other places to visit could be a stone beach at South Bass Island State Park, the Antique Car Museum, and Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, a limestone cave and butterfly house. Check out the local restaurants and bars for that charming evening feel.

Visitors can hop a trolley or take a horse-drawn carriage downtown to tour the many renovations, including boutiques and Victorian-era architecture. Learn about their history at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library. The town hosts gunfight reenactments starting in June and on to September. Guthrie has the most extensive Historic Preservation District in the US. It is a part of the Oklahoma City Metroplex.

The historic city was founded after discovering gold deposits in 1851. From scenic and hiking opportunities to winery and vineyard tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is home to the Britt Music & Arts Festival, a seasonal event in an open-air amphitheater. Popular events include Chinese New Year, Oktoberfest, and the Oregon Wine Experience. Visitors can go hiking on the trails or rent a boat and explore the area.

Latrobe was listed as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2018. Stops on the trail include the Fred Rogers exhibit at Saint Vincent College and his statue at James H. Rogers Park. Other attractions include the Saint Vincent Archabbey and the Latrobe Brewery, the original brewer of Rolling Rock beer. Visitors get to experience several interpretive exhibits and will leave with a driving guide and a postcard.

Warren is steeped in history. The Maxwell House is the earliest surviving brick home, featuring a brickwork pattern, fieldstone foundation, and central chimney. The small town was once a whaling and shipbuilding port that boasts a working waterfront and is home to many outdoor recreation options. Several specialty shops along its downtown area keep visitors busy, including a pet boutique and biscuit bar named Woof! Woof! and an old-school soda shop at Delekta Pharmacy, that serves the official drink known as a coffee cabinet, a flavored milkshake. Downtown dining options are also plentiful with options for discerning tongues.

This historic town is set along the Atlantic Ocean on one of the state’s coastal sea islands. Beaufort offers visitors picturesque views and a welcoming environment. The John Mark Verdier House Museum is an early 1800s federal-style mansion with period furniture and several local history exhibits. The award-winning Beaufort Historic Inn offers a part boutique hotel, part bed, and breakfast atmosphere. The Victorian mansion sits among lush gardens and has double front porches. The town is the perfect escape from life’s many troubles.

“The heart of the Black Hills” depicts the best of small-town life. There are seven lakes nearby with plenty of campgrounds, marinas, hiking, and horseback riding. Hill City offers adventures for all ages. It’s the only place in South Dakota where visitors can ride on an 1880 train or walk under real dinosaurs at The Museum at Black Hills Institute. Several arts and music festivals are held throughout the year. Head downtown to see the many art galleries, jewelry, clothing, and gift shops.

This town is home to a 70-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower. Choose from a selection of restaurants that range from country cooking to Asian and Italian. Paris is home to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry each April, with more than five tons of catfish served each year. Soak up the western shore of the Kentucky Lake while boating, swimming, or skiing. Visitors may see the abundant wildlife in the park, including deer, turkey, as well as eagles in the winter months.

Gruene was once a cotton-producing community. Known for its rustic Texas feel that attracts many visitors from around the state, the town is perfect for new adventures. Some local boutiques and shops have become a mecca for the local economy. The Texas travel industry now considers Gruene to be a premier attraction for tourists and retail shopping. Visit the antique store with over 6,500 square feet of antiques and collectibles.

Kanab has been the shooting location for western films throughout the years. This town is close to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the south entrance to the Zion National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Parks. Go for long or short hikes, scenic roads, and even a museum in a cave. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has an adorable array of rescue dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats, and pigs. The animals come from shelters throughout the country that don’t have the resources to socialize, train, and heal them until they are ready for adoption.

Shelburne was established in 1763, and is home to several tourist attractions, including the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Shelburne Museum. Authentic, decades-old buildings that experts relocated to the museum and filled with historical artifacts and art will have visitors learning day in and day out. The grounds feature miles of walking trails offering incredible views of forests, fields, and mountains. The hands-on Children’s Farmyard, historic breeding barn, and the elegant Inn are all worth the visit.

Bristol, with its Appalachian Mountains municipality has something for history buffs, music lovers, and artists. The Smithsonian-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates the musical roots with the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Visit the Bristol Train Station, which was built in 1902; the Paramount Center for the Arts (opened in 1931; and the historic Bristol Sign, which has been a part of State Street since 1915. The annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion are one of the premier music festivals in the southeastern US. Bristol is home to locally owned and chain restaurants with some of the best BBQ and burgers around.

La Conner is a small town located on the waterfront, with several galleries, needlecraft and quilt stores, wine bars, and gift shops. The Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum is a Victorian home that provides 4,500 square feet of display area and exhibits. Check out the La Conner Rainbow Bridge & Textile Museum and the Museum of Northwest Art. There is so much to do in this town, no wonder it’s listed as a top weekend getaway in the state.

This charming small town is located on the state park’s edge. You can simply wake up, grab a coffee, spend a full day hiking, and then return to town for lunch at a local brewery. Stroll along the bustling downtown business district with art galleries and antique shops. Guests can stay at The Purple Fiddle where the downstairs is a restaurant, bar, and music venue. A tiny hotel with a kitchen, pool table, and a giant patio is found upstairs.

Named after the Kohler Company that developed there in 2012, the town is located 56 miles north of Milwaukee. There are two world-class golf courses in the small town of Kohler for golf aficionados. Spend some time at Kohler Waters Spa for that much needed pampering. They offer a range of nourishing treatments, all-day immersion therapeutic water treatments, and facial and body services. The spa has water-based treatment rooms, inviting rest spaces, and a relaxation pool.

Cody was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the most well-known American Old West figures. Authentic frontier buildings are a must visit, including a cabin used by Butch Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall gang. Experience a variety of attractions, including nightly rodeos, gunfight reenactments, and cowboy music. Thrill-seekers should board the Cody Trolley Tour, which will take passengers throughout the town and describe stories of unsolved murders. End the day downtown in one of the fine restaurants then go see art galleries and stores.