18 Surprisingly Cool Small Towns In The USA

Size isn't everything.

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1. La Conner — Washington

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This sleepy coastal town comes alive in spring with the La Conner Daffodil Festival, where thousands of colorful flowers bloom in fields near Mount Baker. Once you're done exploring the local boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, it's only about a 30-minute drive to the San Juan Islands ferry, from which you can spot orcas between April and October.

2. Oxford — Mississippi

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Oxford is a surprisingly cool ~cultural hub~ in the South, beloved by writers and artists. A walk around the small downtown area isn't complete without a visit to the main square, where you'll find a decades-old bookstore, a charming record shop, and countless cute boutiques.

3. Sanibel Island — Florida

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This probably isn't a place you'd pass by on a regular road trip, but it's one that's worth going out of your way to visit. Accessible by causeway, the serene and secluded Sanibel Island is a far cry from the rest of Florida. It's got pristine beaches and around 25 miles of bike trails to explore, and 60% of the island is preserved from development. Definitely an excellent place to chill out and disconnect for a few days.

4. Eureka Springs — Arkansas

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A peaceful town in the Ozarks, Eureka Springs is a historic spot filled with old Victorian mansions built on hilly streets. It's a wonderful place to stroll around and explore on foot, admiring the architecture and discovering the downtown area's shops and galleries.

5. Whitefish — Montana

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This small town by Whitefish Lake was named one of the New York Times' top 52 places to visit in the whole world. It's an absolute must-stop for nature lovers in both summer and winter. You can ski and snowboard or hike and bike your way around the nearby Glacier National Park before enjoying the lively atmosphere of the town once the sun sets.

6. Fredericksburg — Texas

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Set in an area known for its German history and peach orchards, Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for wine lovers. The town is smack-dab in the middle of Texas wine country, with over 50 wineries and cellar doors you can visit. If you're into camping, drive north for about 20 minutes to Enchanted Rock, an International Dark Sky Park with some of the best stargazing in the state.

7. Jim Thorpe — Pennsylvania

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This small town with fewer than 5,000 residents was formed in the 1950s and named after the legendary Native American Olympian, who started his sports career in nearby Carlisle. The town's 19th-century architecture and majestic mountain views kinda make you feel as if you're in a Swiss Alpine village. It's small but a good place to wander around for an afternoon — most visitors come for the nearby adventuring opportunities like hiking and whitewater rafting.

8. Three Rivers — California

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Located conveniently close to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, this is a prime stop-off village before one plunges into the nature activities the area is known for: whitewater rafting, cave exploration, redwood gazing, and waterfall hikes. Check out Three Rivers Brewing Co. for an afternoon drink — there's also an old-timey sweet shop, a gift store full of handmade goods, and a great Mexican joint.

9. Montclair — New Jersey

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Less than an hour from New York City, Montclair is an ideal spot for a short getaway without getting too rural. The town has a vibrant local community with world-class dining — minus the New York City price tags. There's even a swanky rooftop bar at the MC Hotel with impressive views of the region and the Manhattan skyline off in the distance.

10. Kanab — Utah

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Kanab is right near Zion National Park, Lake Powell, and the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, so it's popular among explorers looking for some R&R between hikes. The small town has a bit of a Western feel to it, thanks to the architecture and the dramatic mountains in the distance. Be sure to stop at Big Al's for one of their famous burgers.

11. Montpelier — Vermont

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This place has nailed the picturesque small town aesthetic. Montpelier is the country's smallest state capital (by population) but has a surprisingly lively music and arts scene. It's home to the New England Culinary Institute, so there's no shortage of great food options. Being in New England, it's obviously beautiful in the fall, and in winter it's also popular for snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice climbing, and skiing.

12. Jacksonville — Oregon

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This historic gold rush town was founded in the 1850s and is now a National Historic District. It's got a quaint main street with brick buildings and old-fashioned store facades. When you're done exploring downtown, you can hike the nearby Woodland Trails or visit one of the many wineries in the region.

13. Beaufort — South Carolina

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The second-oldest city in South Carolina after Charleston, Beaufort is bucolic small town living at its finest. Wander around the streets lined with historic old houses, then tuck into some local seafood — with a glass of sweet tea, of course. Don't miss watching the sun set over the Beaufort River.

14. Berlin — Maryland

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Just west of the ever-busy Ocean City, Berlin is a much more calm and chilled-out alternative, oozing with charm. Its Main Street is textbook small town, with cute brick buildings and local shops. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and galleries to check out, all within walking distance.

15. Nebraska City — Nebraska

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This tiny town with fewer than 8,000 residents is especially lovely in the fall. You'll be greeted with beautiful orange foliage and cozy B&Bs where you can stay the night. Spend the day picking apples in a local orchard or just wandering around the welcoming streets of the small downtown area.

16. Paducah — Kentucky

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One of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the US, Paducah is a quiet town set on the Ohio River. It has a burgeoning restaurant scene, with eateries tucked inside repurposed historic houses. The local community is very artsy, drawn to the area by the town's studios, workshops, galleries, and cultural events.

17. Elizabeth City — North Carolina

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A pedestrian-friendly city on the coast, Elizabeth City is a cute place to stay for a night or two. Often nicknamed the "Harbor of Hospitality" thanks to its Southern charm and friendly vibe, it's got plenty of great food options for an overnight stay. Elizabeth City is also home to the annual Potato Festival, so time your visit accordingly.

18. Medicine Park — Oklahoma

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Tucked away in the Wichita Mountains in the south of the state, this town is nothing but charming. Many of the shops and restaurants are built with locally sourced cobblestones, giving it a distinctive ~ye olde~ feel. It's especially lovely in spring and summer, when people swim and go paddleboarding in Bath Lake or ride bikes and hike around the Lawtonka trail system.

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