Off The Beaten Path
Sometimes, the best escapes aren't found on crowded resort beaches or bustling city streets. America's hidden corners bring magical experiences that stay with you long after returning home. The following small towns positioned between mountains or sitting along forgotten coastlines invite travelers to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy.
1. Girdwood, Alaska
Situated in the Chugach Mountains, just 40 minutes from Anchorage, Girdwood is a powder-covered ski haven and a lush hiking paradise. Originally a gold mining settlement, this 2,000-resident town balances untamed wilderness with unexpected luxuries. Present here is the world-class Alyeska Resort.
2. Lanai City, Hawaii
Pineapple plantations once dominated this misty highland suburb, sitting 1,700 feet above sea level. Far from Hawaii's tourist crowds, Lanai City's plantation-style homes and towering Cook pines create a nice tranquil atmosphere. The town square's locally-owned shops surround Dole Park, where community events take place.
Halibut Thyme at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
3. Wallace, Idaho
Silver mining built Wallace, and historic preservation saved it. Every downtown building appears on the National Register of Historic Places in this small city. Located in Idaho's stunning Silver Valley, outdoor adventure opportunities abound year-round. Its infamous bordello museum offers a glimpse into unconventional history.
4. Bardstown, Kentucky
The bourbon flows freely in America's oldest bourbon capital, where six distilleries operate within 16 miles. Founded in 1780, Bardstown features Federal-style architecture, specialty shops, and award-winning restaurants. Moreover, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, inspiration for Stephen Foster's famous song, draws history buffs and music lovers alike.
Christopher L. Riley on Wikimedia
5. Camden, Maine
Sailboats dot Camden's picturesque harbor where the "mountains meet the sea" along Maine's stunning coastline. As a former shipbuilding center, this place maintains its maritime heritage through annual windjammer festivals and sailing regattas. Fall brings spectacular foliage to nearby Camden Hills State Park.
6. Fishtown/Leland, Michigan
Lake Michigan's crystal waters lap against the weathered fishing shanties of historic Fishtown. This is a working waterfront within Leland. Generations of commercial fishermen have sustained this authentic maritime community for over 150 years. Summer visitors usually flock to nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Richard Hurd from Green Bay, USA on Wikimedia
7. Taos, New Mexico
This high desert community blends Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures into an artistic haven. Encircled by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos provides skiing and world-class rafting on the Rio Grande. The town's architecture houses galleries showcasing works by artists like Joseph Henry Sharp.
8. Medora, North Dakota
Medora, North Dakota, is where Teddy Roosevelt’s ranching sparked the conservation movement. The town’s Medora Musical, an outdoor performance under the stars, draws crowds every year. Visitors can also explore the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, a museum preserving the state’s cowboy heritage.
Michael Holley Swtpc6800 en:User:Swtpc6800 on Wikimedia
9. Joseph, Oregon
Main Street in this artistic town is lined with bronze sculptures, honoring the region’s heritage. Named in honor of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe, the town embraces both Indigenous traditions and cowboy history. Wallowa Lake, a favorite for summer swimming and boating, is also a local highlight.
10. Leavenworth, Washington
Set against the Cascade Mountain peaks, Leavenworth’s Alpine-style buildings create a Bavarian atmosphere in the Pacific Northwest. Once struggling, the town's revival in the 1960s helped it thrive. Year-round festivals celebrate everything from fall colors to Christmas lights.
11. Cody, Wyoming
Buffalo Bill Cody found this western town as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park in 1896. Every summer night, the Cody Nite Rodeo thrills individuals with the longest-running rodeo in America, operating since 1938. Besides, the Irma Hotel serves drinks at a cherrywood bar gifted by Queen Victoria.
12. Edenton, North Carolina
In 1774, Edenton women led the nation's first successful tea party, setting the stage for the Boston Tea Party. The town now preserves its colonial charm with beautiful waterfront views along Albemarle Sound. Moreover, the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse remains the last of its kind in North Carolina.
13. Galena, Illinois
Galena, located in the unglaciated "driftless" area along the Mississippi River, was where Ulysses S. Grant lived before achieving fame as a Civil War general and U.S. President. The town’s 19th-century architecture is so well-preserved that over 85% is listed on the National Register.
14. Hermann, Missouri
German immigrants founded this riverside city in 1837 to preserve their cultural roots in the New World. Stone cellars in the hills now host family-owned wineries along the Missouri Wine Trail, known for their Norton grape wines. Historic brick buildings downtown serve as the setting for year-round German-inspired festivals.
15. Stowe, Vermont
Covered bridges span pristine streams near this quintessential New England village. Recreation opportunities abound throughout. These include the "Ski Capital of the East." Additionally, The Trapp Family Lodge, launched by the family made famous in "The Sound of Music," serves Austrian-inspired lodging and dining experiences.
16. Whitefish, Montana
Wild animals sometimes wander the streets in this gateway to Glacier National Park, just 30 minutes away. Initially built by Great Northern Railway workers, Whitefish maintains its mountain town character despite growing popularity. During winter, epic skiing opportunities are available at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
17. Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Cars take a backseat to golf carts on this Lake Erie island, accessible only by ferry or private boat. The 1813 Battle of Lake Erie monument towers 352 feet above the harbor. Plus, Crystal Cave, discovered in 1897 beneath Heineman's Winery, contains the world's largest known geode.
18. Nashville, Indiana
With over 200 shops, galleries, and studios, Nashville, Indiana, is a vibrant arts hub in the Midwest. Brown County State Park, just a short distance away, covers 16,000 acres of scenic beauty, earning its nickname "Little Smokies" for its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains. Fall brings photographers and leaf-peepers to capture the area's brilliant foliage.
Serge Melki from Indianapolis, USA on Wikimedia
19. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
No two streets run parallel in this place, which is built on steep mountainsides. The entire place earned National Historic District status for its Victorian architecture and winding mountainside layout. Christ of the Ozarks statue towers 67 feet above town, crafting an unexpected landmark visible for miles.
20. Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, Wisconsin, becomes a winter wonderland, with ice formations in Lake Superior’s caves drawing visitors for unique tours across the frozen lake. The town’s maritime legacy is celebrated every year during wooden boat shows and sailing festivals. Bayfield is also home to Wisconsin's northernmost winery, which specializes in cold-climate wines.
