Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.
Sometimes you want to hit the hot spots, and sometimes the quainter attractions are on your mind. The USA hosts an enormous number of small towns that pack a punch way above their weight, and there are plenty of choices that offer a long list of things to do and places to see, all without being in the crowds of big cities. When planning your travel itinerary, consider these sparkling gems of activity where good times are waiting.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s scenic beauty and exhilarating activities earned the city Tripadvisor’s designation as Best of the Best in 2021 as a trending destination. This small USA town bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular travel destination where you can stay in cozy, fully equipped luxury Gatlinburg cabins surrounded by mountain views as your base of operations regardless of the season or weather. Along with hiking and ziplining in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a variety of attractions including Ober Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Gatlinburg Space Needle and Anakeesta adventure park, to name just a few. Find the perfect souvenir while exploring Tennessee’s arts and crafts community with a visit to the 8-mile loop of workshops, studios, and galleries with more than 100 artisans showcasing their crafts.
Stowe, Vermont
Adventure seekers, art enthusiasts, photographers and those who enjoy fine dining will find all that, and more, at Stowe, Vermont located in the northern region of the state. Stowe has a loaded menu of things to do, from skiing snow-covered mountains at area ski resorts and showing off ice skating techniques, to ziplining across colorful landscapes or enjoying live performing arts events under the stars. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, and hot air ballooning are just a few of the activities Stowe has in store for visitors throughout the year. While enjoying your daily itinerary of activities, take time to fuel up with an exceptional meal at one of Stowe’s top-notch restaurants. Enjoy a variety of palate-pleasing goodness ranging from savory wood-smoked burgers, sizzling steaks and creamy biscuits and gravy, to sushi, oven-baked pizza and cheddar and maple donuts.
Captiva Island, Florida
The Sunshine State is all about fun in the sun and that is what visitors to Captiva Island, Florida can count on when visiting this small town located off the Gulf Coast. Enjoy walks on the beach gathering colorful shells, go sailing or fishing, rent a wave-runner and explore nearby Sanibel Island, experience parasailing, go snorkeling or scuba diving along artificial reefs, and enjoy bird watching, kayaking, hiking, and biking at Ding Darling Nature Preserve. At the end of the day, savor the flavor of some of Florida’s best seafood selections at local restaurants.
Kanab, Utah
For those planning a getaway filled with outdoor adventures, Kanab, Utah has plenty to offer from mountain vistas to well-defined canyons. Experienced hikers and backpackers can take on the challenge of Buckskin Gulch, with its reputation as one of the deepest and longest canyons in the world. A scenic drive is always relaxing, and the 47-mile Cottonwood Canyon Road is no exception as you wind your way through Paria River Valley. Open for public tours, hands-on interaction, and delicious lunches, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is one of Kanab’s best ways to spend the day. Cool off with water activities at Lake Powell with a rental stand-up paddleboard, sea kayak or boat to skim over the lake amid towering canyon cliffs.
Seaside, Florida
Here’s a town designed to be small and for walking around in. With a beach of sugar-white sand no more than 1 or 2 blocks away, and the teal green waters of the Gulf of Mexico beyond that, Seaside offers a destination to park the car and not start it again until you leave. With no tall buildings or hotels in the town, accommodations are largely quaint, private homes. And with gourmet eateries to graze from, strolling, or simply sitting and watching others stroll, is the order of the day. Time slows down and eclectic adventure is found simply from walking around. It’s a unique little town along Florida’s Emerald Coast, an area that’s has become a hot investment for Americans forming holding companies to bring more property into their retirement portfolio or looking to buy a vacation home.
Taos, New Mexico
Experience the Native American culture and history of Taos, New Mexico listed as a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical small town formally established in 1796 does not have a skyscraper skyline, instead, visitors walk along brick-paved streets amid Pueblo architecture exploring the many shops in the downtown Taos Historic District. Taos Plaza is a gathering point where live concerts, galleries, and shops offer entertainment year-round – don’t be surprised to see the occasional movie star. Other points of interest include the Kit Carson Home and Museum, Millicent Rogers Museum, and the Harwood Museum of Art.
Port Townsend, Washington
With a little over 10,000 residents calling Port Townsend, Washington home, visitors can enjoy much of this Victorian town’s historical atmosphere without the crowds. Nestled along the Olympic Peninsula, the historic seaport city offers an array of activities such as camping and hiking at Fort Worden Historical State Park and at Fort Flagler Historical State Park, built in 1897. Take a photo or two of the 1879 Point Wilson Lighthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or step back in time at Jefferson Museum of Art and History. For a taste of the grape, plan a relaxing visit to Port Townsend Vineyards.
Whether your vacation plans include indoor activities, outdoor adventures, sunning on the beach, hiking a desert trail, ziplining through the mountains, or skiing snow-powdered slopes, small town USA destinations have something for everyone of all ages to experience
Speak Your Mind