While the allure of big cities has always been their vibrancy and endless cultural offerings, they’re a tougher sell these days. Small towns in America have the advantage of having fewer crowds (and people in general), while also being a little closer to nature. Here are some beautiful small towns around the country.
Hood River, Oregon
Batesville, Arkansas
In 1996, author Norman Crampton wrote 100 Best Small Towns in America, and Batesville made the cut. It’s the second-oldest city in Arkansas and is home to about 10,000 people. Just 80 miles south of Little Rock, one can only hope a visit would offer a Bill Clinton sighting. Or, at the very minimum, a view of where Clinton used to live.
Image via Arkansas.com
Beaufort, North Carolina
Known for its antebellum architecture, Beaufort is a town rich with Southern history and charm. Residents are proud of the area’s local flavors, such as farm-fresh cheeses, handmade crafts, and pickled pears. Yes, pears.
Durango, Colorado
A gateway to fantastic downhill skiing, the nearly 19,000 residents of Durango enjoy kayaking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
Dyersville, Iowa
Home to 4,000 residents, Dyersville was made famous when the 1989 movie Field of Dreams was shot there. The city has hosted a farm toy show at the beginning of every year, earning it the nickname “Farm Toy Capital of the World.” If you build it, they will come.
Galena, Illinois
Originally mined by Native Americans, Galena was the site of the first mineral rush in the United States. And while a dip in mining saw a major dip in the city’s population, the County Fair helped bring tourism to the area. Known for its charm, Galena is a steamboat hub for the Mississippi River.
Ketchum, Idaho
Sure, Ernest Hemingway killed himself here, but not likely because of the majestic setting. While only about 2,500 residents call Ketchum home, the town offers hiking, trail riding, tennis, and fishing.
