Across the country there are scores of smaller hamlets where you can take a break.
America's lesser-known urban scenes are popular because of the wide array of arts and cultural opportunities.
From a former mining community in the Southwest to a Victorian-lined charmer on the East Coast to a laid back surf town off the mainland, here are some of the cool small towns in the US. If you want to explore close to home, look no further.
The architecture is impressive.
St Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US and was established in 1565. The small city of 15,065 has an impressive array of architectural styles, from Moorish Revival to Spanish Colonial, and its building codes ensure the enclave's eclecticism remains intact.
There are many historic reenactments throughout the year on and around Aviles Street, which is said to be the oldest street in the country. The Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center on MLK Avenue is located in Lincolnville, a Black neighborhood that was once enslaved.
The surrounding area has a lot to offer, from antiques on San Marcos Avenue to art galleries all over. Key lime and cherry pie are included in the ice cream sandwich at Peace Pie.
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The old west has a modern twist.
The red rocks and energy vortexes of Sedona are an established Arizona attraction, but some 300 miles to the south, the former mining town of Bisbee is making a name for itself. Just an hour and a half from Tucson in the Mule Mountains, the onetime "Queen of the Copper Camps" is now a destination for creative and outdoorsy types alike.
Modern makers have set up shop on and around Main Street, selling custom hats, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and consumables such as olive oil and honey. It's a good idea to visit in June for the Pride festival.
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Wine Country is casual.
It is 75 miles north of San Francisco and ideal for a casual weekend away from the Bay area. The spa town was hit hard by 2020's Glass Fire, but has bounced back in a big way, with people turning out for soaks in the local hot springs, alfresco music and dining, shopping on Lincoln Avenue and vineyard visits galore.
One of the oldest family-owned estates in the valley is Larkmead, which has an aerial tram that gives unbeatable views of its surroundings. The tank garage winery has one-off California blends from a restored gas station. Is it possible that weary of wine? Susie's Bar is a dive that has cheap beer and free popcorn at happy hour, a pool table, and sports on TV.
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Slow and steady.
One of the Sea Islands that constitute South Carolina's fabled Lowcountry region is Port Royal Island, which is 70 miles south of Charleston. The second-oldest city in the state, founded in 1711, has a strong military presence with a Marine Corps recruit depot and air station as well as a naval hospital.
For a hands-on approach to cultural learning, take a cooking class at Gullah Grub. The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, the only one of its kind still operating in the country, is open for tours. The 18th-century mansion turned boutique inn of Anchorage 1770 is located on the waterfront.
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All Pride, all the time.
A longstanding art community and legendary LGBTQ+ escape at the very tip of Cape Cod has been welcoming queer travelers for decades, drawn to this corner of New England for its unspoiled beaches and its open-minded attitude. It has cottages hundreds of years old and is one of the most bike-friendly places in the country with multiple shops and rental options for exploring both town and country.
There are a lot of things to do in the town.
If you want to see the place in all its glory, you need to visit one of the community's big events, such as Pride in June, Bear Week and Independence Day celebrations in July and August. The East End has 40 galleries that are clustered along Commerce Street, while the permanent collection at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum features works by hundreds of artists who have lived on the Cape.
The top destinations in the US feel like they are in Europe.
The vibe is horse excellence.
Middleburg is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a great jumping off point for exploring the surrounding terrain. Politicians, philanthropists, and entertainment-world bigwigs have all called the area home.
It has maintained a down-to-earth yet still upscale small-town feel, and in keeping with that aesthetic, it boasts country-chic boutiques, equestrian shops, and diverse dining options, as well as some 160 buildings on the National Register of Historic. You can sit outside at King Street Oyster Bar for crabcake and $1 oysters at happy hour, try the organic,Gluten-free, farm-to-table eats at Side Saddle Bistro, or go to the bar for snacks and cocktails.
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There is a big style in a small town.
Despite its claim to fame as a filming location for movies such as No Country For Old Men, There Will Be Blood, and the James Dean–starring Giant, MarFA didn't have much name recognition outside of Texas until the 1970s, when minimalist sculptor Donald Judd relocated and put down After his death in 1994, the next wave of artists and creatives followed in his footsteps, and in the years since, the tiny Chihuahuan Desert town has been transformed into an art world destination.
Judd's Chinati Foundation is a contemporary museum that has drawn devotees since its doors first opened in 1987 and it remains a must-see; don't skip the contemporary Ballroom MarFA with its site-specific projects and free entry. Pick up skincare goodies at Mira MarFA. El Cosmico and Hotel St. George both have a nice pool.
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It was a vintage vacation.
Cape May is the southernmost beach in the state and it has a family-oriented atmosphere that makes it different from the rest of the Jersey Shore. The National Historic District of the town boasts lush, quiet streets lined with hundreds of well-preserved, brightly painted Victorian mansions, perfect for social-media photo shoots and family albums alike.
The Washington Street Mall is a great place to find souvenirs, ice cream, and homemade fudge.
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The vibe is outdoors and artistic.
The town of Salida was founded in the 1800s as a stagecoach stop and is less than 3 hours south of Denver and Colorado Springs. It is one of the state's Certified Creative Districts and a great gateway to some of the region's best outdoor activities. The heart of downtown is lined with bookstores, galleries, yoga studios, bike shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
A table overlooking the water at Boathouse Cantina can be used to sample the mango-habanero margaritas, baja fish taco and Colorado-style green chili. Refuel with an espresso and shop for small-batch goods and outdoor adventure supplies at Howl Mercantile and Coffee, then take a break at a quiet place where the Arkansas rushes by. Just a few minutes from downtown, Amigo Motor Lodge has renovated Airstream trailers and minimalist, modern rooms with super-comfy beds.
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There are flip-flops and board shorts in this picture.
The small town of Haleiwa is located an hour from Waikiki and is the epicenter of Oahu's North Shore surf scene. One of the oldest surf shops in the state, Surf N Sea, is located on the Kamehameha Highway, which is the main thoroughfare and reflects its core demographic. There are quirky shops, art galleries, a tiny surf museum, and an assortment of eateries in the plantation-era buildings lining the road.
You can join the queue at Matsumoto's Shave Ice if you suit up and spend time at the beautiful beaches. Adding sweet azuki beans will give you a boost.
You won't find them on your feed.
The vibe is old school.
Travelers used to come to the hot springs in the late 1800s. The thermal waters of Eureka Springs still draw crowds, but now spa-goers also come to check out the hamlet's creative side, from gallery crawls and open studios to the monthlong arts festival held each spring. The town has an old-school ethos that only adds to its appeal and it has a National Register of Historic Places listed downtown.
The Mud Street Cafe is a great place to start your day, as well as the hulking wagyu steakburger at Rockin' Pig Saloon. The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is considered to be America's most haunted hotel.
There is a quirky Arkansas where you can experience the unexpected.
The article was first published in July of this year.
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