15 Underrated Small Cities in America for an Authentic Travel Experience
It’s often images of bustling metropolises like New York or Los Angeles that come to mind when you’re traveling across America, but some of the country’s most charming destinations are found in its smaller cities. These places provide a refreshing view of American culture, heritage and the slower pace of local life. Big cities may be alluring but small cities have a kind of charm that’s hard to beat: they’re the places where you can stroll down dead-end streets, meet nice folks, and have a feel for the neighbourhood.
These little-known small cities are all coastal gems and mountain retreats which are quite affordable and unforgettable. They all have their flavor; hidden arts scenes, historic sites, beautiful landscapes, and culinary surprises. If you’re looking for a break from the typical tourist trap, here are 15 small American cities where you’ll get a warm welcome, and an adventure.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is tucked up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a lovely combination of natural beauty and city appeal. It’s a place to wander a revitalized downtown and the Falls Park on the Reedy where you can enjoy a peaceful and amazing view of waterfalls all without leaving the city center. Greenville is a Southern gem that is a must-see, with its vibrant art scene and local restaurants.
Asheville, North Carolina
The artsy Asheville is perfect for the music lover, the craft beer fan, and the outdoors person. The art galleries, breweries, and live music venues are just a few things to fill this small city with, and the Blue Ridge Mountains surround it. If you love both culture and nature, Asheville is a quick trip out of town to some of the East Coast’s best hiking trails.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is a college town with a nice, laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, set on the shores of Lake Champlain. Famous for its farm-to-table food, artsy streets and craft beer, there’s always something happening at the local farmer’s market or in one of the shops on Church Street Marketplace. Burlington is the perfect base for experiencing Vermont’s iconic fall foliage.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is steeped in Southern charm, allowing a mix of historic elegance and a lively social scene. With Spanish moss hanging from the trees that line cobblestone streets, comfy cafes, galleries, and antique shops to stroll along, there’s more than enough to pull you in for a visit. You can take Savannah’s beauty and history wherever you go, from its grand homes to pretty Forsyth Park, at a slower pace that allows you to soak it all in.
Bend, Oregon
Bend has emerged as a playground for those who love outdoor adventure. The high desert landscape, great hiking, and location near Mt Bachelor for skiing and snowboarding make for the best outdoor activities. Bend’s vibrant craft beer scene and local eateries are a great ending to an action-packed day when you’re ready to relax.
Missoula, Montana
Missoula is a Western spirit, adventurous city with a thriving arts scene. It’s a cozy spot right along the Clark Fork River and surrounded by mountains, so it’s perfect for kayaking and hiking. Missoula’s relaxed atmosphere, local breweries, and vibrant cultural life makes for a special place for those who want to chill and get active.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is famous for its coastal beauty and historic mansions and offers a little bit of elegance for the small-city traveler. Vibrant summers allow activities like racing yachts and sailing galleons to come to life on storybook seaport streets with their regatta shuttling days. Catch the Cliff Walk in its full southern meltdown for panoramic ocean views. Newport’s downtown is charmingly walkable with some local seafood joints and boutique stores, making it irresistible.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is known for its wineries and natural beauty. It sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Both its beaches and cherry orchards draw visitors in the summer and fall. The surrounding area is full of vineyards, and scenic hiking trails, and there are plenty of local shops, cafes, and a growing food scene in downtown Traverse City.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is a small Texas Hill Country city with a big character in its heart. This German-founded town is best known for its wineries, beer gardens, and unique German Texan heritage. Main Street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants and you’ll soon see why Fredericksburg has a following of return visitors.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The Ozark Mountains provide a quirky, almost mystical charm, with its Victorian-style buildings, and a small-town vibe. Eureka Springs is known for its natural springs, art galleries, and eclectic shops. Explore its historic downtown, with mountains surrounding it, and experience a nature enthusiast’s dream. Eureka Springs isn’t just another run-of-the-mill tourist town, its rich culture and one-of-a-kind vibe make it a real hidden gem.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is famous for its Southwestern experience with incredible desert landscapes and one of the richest art scenes around. The city itself is fun to see with its adobe buildings, art galleries and historic Taos Pueblo. It is also a hub of outdoor activities: skiing in the winter, hiking and rafting the rest of the year.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a small city with a big nature loving heart and is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The combination of its stunning mountain setting and star studded night skies make it a hikers and stargazers paradise. Once you’ve spent a day exploring nearby natural wonders, Flagstaff’s historic downtown, teeming with breweries and restaurants, is a cozy place to be.
Galena, Illinois
The rolling hills and 19th century architecture of Galena makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It started out as a mining town, now it’s a place with quaint bed and breakfasts, charming shops and a scenic view. Galena is a beautiful setting that gives you that perfect place to relax for a getaway.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, and there’s a healthy blend of natural beauty and Western charm. Activities like skiing and hiking can be experienced close to Yellowstone National Park. This mountain escape is a little bit of urban comfort with Bozeman’s historic downtown and lively local food scene.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa is a quirky artsy, incredibly photogenic small town. This desert town is known for its modern art installations, such as Prada Marfa. It draws artists, writers, and travelers searching for something ‘different’. That’s part of what makes Marfa a destination like no other; its flat, fierce landscapes and creative energy.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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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
