17 Lesser-Known Towns That Will Make Your Next Trip Unforgettable
How would it feel to visit a town rarely explored that only a few people know about? It can be one of the most authentic travel experiences yet.
Visiting lesser-known towns offers a more relaxed travel experience, free from the stress of crowded tourist spots and commercial traps. They may require some self-guided adventures, but their unique charm is well worth it.
We’ve collected some lesser-known towns in America for a laid-back trip. Here are some quaint towns worth your attention and time.
1. Little Compton, Rhode Island
Little Compton is a Rhode Island coastal town between Tiverton and Westport. It has a population of around 3,616 and is home to several Greek revival structures.
The town has a stunning beach that not many tourists have visited. If you’re into history, you can discover the origins of the Sakonnet Tribe while savoring delicious seafood, including lobster rolls.
2. Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven, Michigan, is a quaint summer destination with its sandy beaches and lighthouses on the shores of Lake Michigan. Spend your vacation exploring the scenery and take photos of the Grand Haven Musical Fountain.
For adventure, try dune riding and indulge in wine tasting after the show. Plan your visit during the annual Coast Guard Festival to experience local festivities and make the most of your trip.
3. Paia, Hawaii
Paia, a little paradise in Maui, Hawaii, has a refreshing rustic vibe with its history rooted in the sugar cane industry. Divided into Lower Pāʻia and Pāʻia, the town features colorful stores, art galleries, and a vibrant atmosphere.
For an authentic hippie experience, Paia is an ideal destination, with eclectic boutiques and stunning beaches. The town’s unique blend of history and artistic flair makes it a special place to explore.
4. Berlin, Maryland
If you’re a fan of Runaway Bride, go to Berlin, Maryland, to recreate your favorite scenes. The charming town, with a population of 5,056, is known for its picturesque, tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian homes.
Explore the town center and enjoy its charming, scenic beauty, which captures the essence of a classic American town.
5. Damascus, Virginia
Damascus, known as the “Trail Town” of the country, is a haven for adventure junkies near the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you want to hike or go backpacking, this place is perfect.
Popular spots around Damascus include Grayson Highlands State Park and Whitetop Mountain. You can also enjoy biking, horseback riding, and bouldering in the town and its surrounding areas.
6. Welch, West Virginia
The rustic town of Welch, West Virginia, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, has a population of 3,590. It was once a community for coal miners.
Welch is ideal for adventure-seekers and history enthusiasts. You can ride an ATV along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails or visit the CoalTown Fall Festival in September.
7. Woods Hole, Massachusetts
If you want to visit Massachusetts, consider the interesting town of Woods Hole. Located in the southwest corner of Cape Cod, it’s a popular spot for marine biological research.
Woods Hole takes pride in its stunning oceanfront beaches like Stony and Nobska. Additionally, it serves as one of the stops for guests traveling to Martha’s Vineyard by ferry.
8. Shelburne, Vermont
With a population of 7,945, Vermont’s Shelburne is a Chittenden County town near Lake Champlain. The town specializes in farming, with locals being experts in milking cows and making cheese.
If farms aren’t your thing, visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Shelburne Museum to learn more about the town’s past. You can also join parades and concerts during festivals held throughout the year.
9. Pella, Iowa
Have you ever been to the Netherlands? If you want to go for the first time, but don’t have the money for international travel, consider visiting Pella in Iowa instead. The town has a similar vibe to the aesthetic European country, thanks to its Dutch roots.
Pella, with a current population of 10,937, was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and was even called Little Holland. Visit the town in May for the Tulip Time Festival and check out popular sites like the Molengracht Plaza.
10. Cedar Key, Florida
Florida’s Cedar Key is a historical island city that showcases remnants of the past in the Cedar Key Historical Museum. Explore the town’s history through documents, photos, and elements from the Civil War.
For nature lovers and adventurers, drop by the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge to witness the area’s rich wildlife. Go bird-watching and find the peace you seek in nature.
11. Lanesboro, Minnesota
If you’re fond of bed and breakfasts, you will love Lanesboro. This Fillmore County city, situated in the Root River Valley, is a small town with a population of only 718.
For a laid-back and warm travel experience, visit Lanesboro and explore the area. From art galleries and theaters to hiking and other outdoor activities, you will find something fun to do in this quaint town.
12. Boone, North Carolina
Boone is a North Carolina town named after Daniel Boone, an American pioneer and member of the House of Delegates. The town features the Living History Museum, offering a glimpse into life in the 1700s.
If you’ve had enough of reminiscing about the past, hike the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out the nature museum and suspension footbridge in Grandfather Mountain.
13. Galena, Illinois
Named after a rare lead sulfide mineral, Galena in Illinois was established in 1826. It became a key stop between St. Paul and St. Louis due to its strategic location near the Mississippi River.
Galena is a small historical town filled with old buildings that take you back to the 19th century. Check out Grant Park and the signs of history all over the place. Don’t miss the DeSoto House, which Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas once used as headquarters for their political campaigns.
14. Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is a northern Sonoma town known for its good quality wine. It is located along the Russian River and houses more than 90 wineries and vineyards.
Beyond wine tasting, you can participate in some of the outdoor activities like paddling and biking. For a more adrenaline-fueled experience, hike the Nancy’s Ridge and All-The-Oaks Loop trails.
15. Damariscotta, Maine
Damariscotta, with a population of 2,297, is a Lincoln County Town carrying the moniker “Oyster Capital of New England.” The town is on the shores of the Damariscotta River, with plenty of access to the oysters that the locals love.
Damariscotta hosts many annual events for residents and visitors. Visit the town in September to join the Pemaquid Oyster Festival and in October for the Pumpkinfest & Regatta.
16. Marietta, Ohio
Ohio’s Marietta in Washington County was established by pioneers in 1788 and became the first permanent United States territory in the northwest. It was named after Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, in gratitude for the French assistance during the American Revolution.
With a population of 13,001, Marietta is considered a riverboat town located at the junction of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. Visit this town and enjoy its shopping district on top of appreciating its historical significance.
17. Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is a small Alaskan town you can only visit by boat or plane. It was the site of the 1867 ceremony transferring Alaska from Russia to America. Check out this town if you want to see abundant wildlife, including humpback whales.
Despite its small size, Sitka has much to offer. Visit the 1842 Russian Bishop’s House and the Sitka National Historical Park to learn about the town’s history. Explore the trails to see the totem poles built by the indigenous Tlingit people.
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