Sure, big cities are exciting to be in, with never-ending things to do and a vibrant energy, but small towns can also be appealing. This year we were forced to slow down and many of us have developed a desire to travel to destinations that allow us to fully unplug and unwind.
As travel in the U.S. becomes more popular, finding out about new towns is always great when planning your next trip.
If you’re looking for charm and something new, check out our list of the most charming towns in each state.
Mentone, Alabama
This small mountain village is located in DeKalb County on top of northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain. With a population of less than 500, this town will offer you serenity and gorgeous view of the mountains and waterfall.
Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna is located near Mt. McKinley, known as the tallest mountain peak in North America. The town was stabbed during a gold rush a little over a hundred years ago. Staying at Talkeetna Lodge is a must when exploring this town.
Bisbee, Arizona
This town has a bustling art scene with artist’s studios and galleries. Head to Old Bisbee to explore the historic center and breweries. This town, located at the edge of Tombstone Canyon is perfect for getting a view of the Mule Mountains.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs was founded as a spa town and is surrounded by over 60 natural springs. The town has a huge art community and has an Opera in the Ozarks festival each year. The downtown district is filled with Victorian architecture and in 1970, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Ojai, California
This charming town is filled with art galleries and small shops. You can explore Ojai by biking and rock-climbing. Wine tasting is a must when visiting Ojai as well as popping by the farmers’ market.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Whether skiing, hiking or driving, seeing Bridal Veil Falls is a must.
Essex, Connecticut
This town is filled with antique shops, beautiful historic homes, and museums that are kid-friendly. Scott’s Farm & Greenhouses allows you to pick flowers that you can take home to remember your trip with.
Bellefonte, Delaware
Bellefonte has lots of antique shops with works from local artists and artisans. There are also lots of food spots offering vegan and plant-based dishes.
Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora is the town you visit if you’re craving peace and quiet. With lots of bed and breakfasts, you can count on having a great place to stay, enjoying delicious food and strolling around town at your leisure.
Canton, Georgia
Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is quickly growing. There are hiking trails and downtown areas with landmarks such as the Cherokee Arts Center and the Cherokee County Historical Society.
Paia, Hawaii
Located on the island of Maui, this surf town is the perfect place to find small boutiques and be greeted by the lively locals.
Hailey, Idaho
Hailey has gorgeous views and is home of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, an event that donors sheep ranching families in Idaho.
Galena, Illinois
With an abundance of restaurants, wineries, and breweries, Galena is the perfect small-town destination for foodies. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and even renting a hot air balloon!
Williamsport, Indiana
Williamsport is the largest town in Indiana’s Warren County and is the home of the only hospital in the county. Walking through Old Town, Williamsburg is a great way to see what this town has to offer. All of the historic buildings are perfect for travelers who love history and architecture.
Pella, Iowa
This Dutch town is charming and filled with history. There is a Tulip Time festival each year where all of the parks, gardens, and sides of main roads are adorned with thousands of colorful tulips. The town even announces a “Tulip Queen” each year.
Lecompton, Kansas
Lecompton is the town where the Civil War started and where slavery first began to die out. Today, the town is filled with historical exhibits where you can learn more about it’s contributions to the Civil War.
Somerset, Kentucky
When in Somerset, it’s only right to rent a houseboat and spend time relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and skiing in Lake Cumberland. You can also visit Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork National River, and explore the town through its museums and dining options!
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Located near Lafayette, this small town is known as the ‘Crawfish Capital of the World.’ It is also the home of the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.
Kennebunkport, Maine
This popular summer tourist destination is filled with beaches, galleries, fresh seafood and souvenir shops. You’ll come here excited to get a taste of New England living and leave feeling renewed.
Thurmont, Maryland
Located in Frederick County, this town is located close to the Maryland and Pennsylvania border. There are lots of trails here, perfect for travelers who love to hike. You can also go wine tasting at Springfield Manor Winery and Distillery as well as visit Catoctin Mountain Orchard for fresh fruit.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
This New England town is known for being depicted in Norman Rockwell’s paintings. It also has beautifully preserved homes and a quaint scare with local events and restaurants.
South Haven, Michigan
Located about 3 hours away from Detroit, this small town is filled with beaches, markets, hiking trails, and art. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Biwabik, Minnesota
Visiting Biwabik will transport you to Europe with most of its building’s designs being directly inspired by Scandinavia. The population of this town is around 1000 and one-tenth of the land is covered by water, with mountains nearby.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs has an abundance of locally owned art galleries, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants. With a beach vibe, this town will ensure you remain relaxed while on your trip.
Parkville, Missouri
Located about 5 miles away from downtown Kansas City, this river town is home to art galleries and antique shops. While here, you can visit English Landing Park located along the Missouri River.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a small town with friendly locals who love welcoming visitors during both summer and winter. In the summer months, there are outdoor festivals such as the Huckleberry Day Arts Festival. During the winter, you can stay at Whitefish Mountain Resort and take in the beautiful views of snowfall and skiing.
Gering, Nebraska
If camping and hiking are your thing, then Gering is a small town you should visit. Scotts Bluff National Monument is perfect for hiking while getting in magnificent views.
Virginia City, Nevada
In 1961, Virginia City was placed on the National Historic Landmark Registry. There are many museums and souvenir shops to explore in this charming town.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover is located along the Connecticut River and offers plenty of parks, museums, and shops. Head to Dartmouth Skiway or Storrs Pond Recreation Area for some outdoor fun.
Lambertville, New Jersey
With a population of less than 4,000, Lambertville is a quaint town with a thriving art scene and great local shops.
Chimayo, New Mexico
This town is known for its church, El Santuario de Chimayo. The church dates back to the early 19th century and is famous for it’s “healing dirt.”
Greenport, New York
Located on Long Island’s North Fork, Greenport is perfect for fishing, gallery hopping, and eating delicious seafood.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort has beautiful Colonial buildings and is located on the coast. It’s ideal for relaxing, strolling through the historic and scenic areas while shopping and trying the local restaurants.
Gackle, North Dakota
Home to only three hundred people, this town is known as the Duck Hunting Capital of the World. There are many lakes to visit such as Hehn-Schaffer, Arnies and Marvin Miller where you can fish or simply relax.
Yellow Springs, Ohio
This small town is artsy and ideal for creatives and those who love quirky and colourful towns.
Medicine Park, Oklahoma
Located in the Wichita Mountains, this town has an abundance of gorgeous gardens. You can head to Medicine Creek for kayaking or take in the beauty of the waterfalls.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
There are less than 2,000 residents of this small town but it’s famous for being close to the Haystack Rock, one of the most infamous landmarks in Oregon. Cannon Beach is a gorgeous escape from everyday living.
Lititz, Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for unique shopping, Lititz is the place to be. Visiting during Christmas is a must because the town really turns its charm all the way up. Head to Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for a delicious comfort treat!
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Only a short ferry ride from the mainland, New Shoreham is great for being secluded on a beach. If you’re not into the beach, you can head to its trails to see wildlife.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is the home of mansions dating back to the Civil War era. When strolling through The Old Point district, you must take a self-guided walking tour of its luxury homes.
Deadwood, South Dakota
This small town was once the epicenter for a gold rush in 1876. It’s now home of the Black Hills National Forest which is ideal for hiking and skiing.
Townsend, Tennessee
Townsend was once a Native American settlement and is now home to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. While in this town, enjoy a hike to Tuckaleechee Caverns or go hiking at Cades Cove.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Find a piece of Germany in this Texan town. Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants and has lots of breweries where you can try amazing beer and munch on fresh pretzels.
Moab, Utah
Moab is great for accessing Arches National Parks and Canyonlands. While here, you can enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. Just be prepared because the summers in Moab are extremely hot!
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester is the home of the longest ziplines in all of Vermont. If ziplining isn’t your thing, head to Green Mountain National Forest for hiking, biking, or chilling out in nature.
Staunton, Virginia
Home to the American Shakespeare Center, Staunton is filled with history and culture. It is also the home of the only authentic replica of the Blackfriars Theatre in the world.
Leavenworth, Washington
This charming small town has a plethora of beer halls, bakeries, and mountain hikes! Head to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum for a lesson on the various types of nutcrackers!
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston is home to many historical structures and amazing parks. It’s great for getting fresh air and exploring the innocence of this charming small town.
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Also known as Little Switzerland, New Glarus has lots of cheesemakers, bakeries, and chocolatiers. It’s the ideal location for foodies and those with a sweet tooth.
Buffalo, Wyoming
Located near the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo is great for those who enjoy the outdoors, skiing, and boating.