12 United States Small Towns That Feel Straight Out of a Movie
Some charming small towns in the United States are so perfect you think you’re on a movie set. These hidden gems are full of character and usually have quite a captivating air about them. If you have ever wished you could find yourself on the set of a Hollywood film, these small towns have you covered. Their story book architecture, historic settings, and breathtaking natural landscapes all combined add up to Wonderland in each of these places.
Let’s take a quick tour through these towns. There’s a town perfect for you, whether you like mystery and suspense or a more romantic or adventurous experience.
Marfa, Texas
Though small, Marfa is a magnet for filmmakers. From its vast desert landscapes to its quirky art scene. The feel of an avant-garde indie film can be felt as you walk its streets. This is further heightened by the iconic “Prada Marfa” art installation. A dream setting for any Western or mystery film, the wide-open skies and minimalist architecture of the town draw in film makers.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is nestled along the coast and is a storybook town filled with former European inspired cottages and dramatic views over the ocean. Its beautiful, winding tree lined streets would also make a great backdrop to a romantic film set in a coastal village. The natural beauty of the town with the lovely beaches and stunning sunsets seem to be the place where a love story could take place. Walking hand in hand, like the protagonists in a classic film it’s easy to imagine.
Leavenworth, Washington
A Bavarian village, complete with snowy mountains, is just what Leavenworth brings you. This town can be a heartwarming holiday movie just with its holiday lights and cozy charm. Whichever you’re doing, it seems like you’ve stepped onto a festive film! Surrounded by natural beauty with a storybook charm, Leavenworth has a warm vibe to it.
Mystic, Connecticut
This coastal town is famous for its New England charm and maritime history — home of the movie Mystic Pizza. The sailboats bobbing in the water on its picturesque harbor could be in the backdrop for a film about seashore life. Mystic, with its quaint downtown, historic homes, and iconic pizza shop leaves you mesmerized. Postcard-worthy scenery is in every corner of the town.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Art galleries mixed in with cozy cafes, a lakefront, and lush forests leave Saugatuck with an atmosphere fit for the big screen. Fitting for a movie about characters escaping city life, Saugatuck’s laid-back atmosphere and colored architecture make for a beautiful destination. It’s easy to imagine a character finding inspiration here, due to its vibrant arts scene, among its other peaceful surroundings. A coming-of-age or romantic drama is set against the beautiful town’s backdrop by Lake Michigan.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
There’s even a modern-day Western in the works that will be set against the Grand Tetons: Jackson Hole. The rugged landscape and rustic feel bring you squarely to the ranch of a cowboy movie. In its old wooden boardwalks and wandering wildlife, the town has every trappings of a film set in the wild west. The adventure adds in nearby ski resorts to make this the perfect backdrop for an action-packed drama.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe feels like it was made for the big screen: it’s an idyllic New England town. It swims with a charming village center, rolling hills, and historic inns straight out of a classic holiday or romance film. In winter the snow-covered streets and cozy lodges make it a perfect Christmas movie set. Every season has its beauty with fall’s golden browns and fiery reds and summers lush greenery and vibrance.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is steeped in Southern Gothic movie setting, with antebellum homes and oak lined streets saturated with Spanish moss. Films such as Forrest Gump and The Big Chill were shot here. This town’s timeless charm, along with its waterfront views, often catches the attention of filmmakers. It’s a good location for a drama or period piece because of its historic district and serene Lowcountry landscapes. The entire town, every corner; tells a story.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona comes across as any otherworldly back drop for a sci-fi or a fantasy movie; with its red rock formations and its magnificent sunsets. On top of the town’s mystical characteristics and the breathtaking landscapes which make it easy to imagine characters following an epic journey, the town presents a perfect self-sufficient habitat. Sedona’s beauty feels so supernatural, it is surrounded by rugged canyons and peaceful desert terrain. This town is full of cinematic potential, whether you want a bit of adventure or spiritual enlightenment.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Because of Acadia National Park, its coastal beauty, and the fact that it’s a strong nature-and-adventure film location, Bar Harbor is the perfect place for a film. The town has rocky cliffs, scrubby high ground, and a handful of well-preserved lighthouses. But like so many great towns, its quaint downtown and New England architecture give it a timeless air. It is easy to imagine a lighthouse keeper living out his story, or an adventurer exploring the harbor in a beloved movie.
Galena, Illinois
Small town galena has thriving 19th century well preserved buildings and rolling hills that make it a picture perfect town. This town knows its history and charm and looks like a location out of a period drama or on a classic romantic movie set. Located near the scenic riverfront, historic mansions, cobblestone streets, and large trees, its old world appeal only increases. Stepping back in time directly to the drama and romance of old is what a visit to Galena is like.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by towering peaks and feels like the movies were made for it. Its adventurous, almost cinematic quality comes from the former mining town’s dramatic scenery and historic architecture. Telluride—the perfect backdrop for a Western or high-stakes adventure—boasts old mining buildings or breathtaking mountain views. It also attracts filmmakers who attend its annual film festival.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
