Nine small towns across nine states, from Hawaii to Maine to Texas, show what daily life looks like away from city streets. One sits at the base of Grand Teton National Park, one is built into the hillsides of the Ozarks, and one runs a Sunday farmers market from late May into October. Depending on the season, a day can mean surfing or skiing.
Hanalei, Hawaii, Runs on a Single Main Road
Hanalei, on Kauai’s North Shore, has a single main road, local shops, and a golden crescent beach. There are no large resorts in town, and days follow the surf in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, and sunset over Hanalei Bay in the evening. Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park require a longer drive around the island, since Hanalei is not the most central base on Kauai.
Southold Takes the Quiet Side of Long Island
Southold sits on Long Island’s North Fork, which travel blogger Genevieve of The Wanderbug calls sleepy, while the Hamptons sit on the South Fork. Rent a room at a B&B and fill the days between homestyle coffee house breakfasts and trips to the surrounding wineries. Fresh air and a slow pace come standard, and North Fork Table & Inn is worth a reservation made well in advance.
Davis, West Virginia, Is Explored on Foot, Then on Skis
Blackwater Falls State Park is the main attraction in Davis, and anyone who likes wilderness and waterfalls will want to see it. Warm months are for covering the land on foot. In winter, you traverse the land on skis, and the whole town fills with snow-themed activities. After a day outside, a locally sourced restaurant and an award-winning brewery are waiting for craft beer fans.
Crested Butte Feels Lived-In, Not Overly Polished
Elk Avenue is the center of Crested Butte, Colorado, lined with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries, and the town feels lived-in rather than overly polished. Mornings start slowly and afternoons stretch longer than planned. Trails begin outside town, and Irwin Lake, a drive away, is a favorite for its mountain backdrop, reflections, and quiet. The Sunday farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., late May into October.
Whitefish, Montana, Has Four Seasons of Outdoor Fun
Whitefish is a resort town in the Rocky Mountains and a gateway to Glacier National Park, set in what Upscale Adventuring calls an unspoiled slice of American wilderness. The surrounding mountains host hikers, climbers, bikers, skiers, and snowboarders every month of the year. In summer, Whitefish Lake is the place for boating, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. Back downtown, local restaurants and many locally owned shops fill the hours between outings.
Jackson, Wyoming, Has Grand Teton National Park at Its Base
Jackson is an Old West town with a rustic feel, and Grand Teton National Park sits at its base. Yellowstone National Park is a little over an hour’s drive away. The town square has four large elk antler arches, and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the Silver Dollar Bar are local favorites. The National Museum of Wildlife Art exhibits and preserves wildlife art.
Camden, Maine, Has an Opera House Built in 1893
Camden sits on Maine’s mid-coast, nestled inside Penobscot Bay, with waterfront beaches that become particularly popular in summer. Trails in Camden Hills State Park lead to wide views of the harbor from above. In town, the High Street Historic District has elegant 19th-century houses, and the restored Camden Opera House, built in 1893, stages live performances. Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe is the stop for classic sweets.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Is Built Into Its Hillsides
Eureka Springs is tucked into the Ozarks and built into the hillsides, with Victorian homes, winding streets, and unexpected staircases. The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is perched above town. Travel writer Jasmine Alley finds the town quirky, romantic, and a little mysterious, and its arts scene is small but thriving. Outside town, Thorncrown Chapel stands in the woods, a glass chapel designed to blend into the surrounding forest.
Fredericksburg, Texas, Has a Main Street Locals Are Proud Of
Fredericksburg, in the Texas Hill Country, has German roots, old stone storefronts, bakeries, and a Main Street locals are proud of. A weekend fits neatly, with Main Street one day and the surrounding vineyards the next, starting at Becker Vineyards. Enchanted Rock is a favorite hike, and bluebonnet season arrives in spring. Local festivals add a sense of community, and the slower pace and open views keep people coming back.
