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Who’s ready for summer?
Well…not so fast. Before deciding to be another face in the crowd in Cancun, why not stick around the good ol’ U.S. of A?
We all know America’s icons, but oftentimes small towns leave a lasting impression in the best of ways, rather than New York’s pizza-eating rats, Bourbon Street’s stench from the night before, or LA’s relentless traffic jams.
Small towns offer a sense of nostalgia, a deep dive into history, and likely fewer crowds in coastal gems over the household names.
With some assistance from reliable sources, we extensively researched the best small towns to visit intermixed with our own experiences.
Without further ado, these are the top 5 charming small towns to visit this summer:
5) Eminence, MO: The Ozarks’ Best Kept Secret
Say what you want about the Ozarks, whether it be the questionable ending to the Netflix hit Ozark or the real-life destination holding an iffy reputation.
But The Ozarks is far more than roadside honky-tonks, riverboat casinos, and flag-adorned boats bearing their, let’s say, patriotism.
Charming map dot towns like Midwest Living-backed Eminence are more than worth a visit, especially for nature lovers.
Eminence is the center of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, located roughly a 3-hour drive from St. Louis.
Here, you’ll find otherworldly natural springs comparable to Mexico’s cenotes, except these springs are fed by underground aquifers from the Ozark Mountains, ultimately creating postcard-worthy scenery.
Unfortunately, swimming and wading in the springs are not allowed, but canoe rentals are. In fact, this tiny town is the “Canoe Capital of the World” .
Eminence also boasts a rustic main strip lined with Mom and Pop eateries with a select few cozy stays nearby:
- Shady Lane Cabins & Motel
- Rivers Edge Inn Resort
- Hogan’s Hideout Cabin, Cottages & Camping
- Circle B Campground
Travel Tip: Check out this very detailed guide on how to find Missouri’s ‘bluest water’.
4) Port Aransas, TX: The Lone Star State’s Prettiest Beach Town
As a born-and-raised Texan, I’m here to tell you you’re doing the Texas coast all wrong if Galveston is your main destination.
Your best bet for a clear waters, spacious beaches, and friendly locals happy to have you is Port Aransas, a 40 minute drive from Corpus Christi.
Set along Mustang Island, Southern Living-backed Port Aransas is a delightful laid-back town free of unsightly resorts to embrace the natural beauty of the Gulf.
Hit up Virginia’s On The Bay for fresh seafood, rent a beach house from Cinnamon Shore, and plan accordingly when renting a car since you can drive on the beach!
3) New Braunfels, TX: The ‘Number One’ Destination In Texas
Sticking with Texas but flipping to a different vibe, the vibrant riverside town of New Braunfels is sandwiched between Austin and San Antonio.
As the most recent winner to the Texas Travel Awards, New Braunfels took home the crown for ‘Destination of the Year’ — and rightfully so if you ask me.
As someone who grew up vacationing in New Braunfels as a child and often escaped the madness of Austin on weekends when I had my fill of 6th Street, this Hill Country hideaway is both a breath of fresh air with its scenic outdoor adventures and old-timey village of Gruene.
New Braunfels is also surprisingly cultural, boasting German heritage through architecture, eateries, and the always-fun Wurstfest (held in November).
As for summer, floating the emerald waters of the Guadalupe is never a bad decision, and the ultimate way to beat the scorching Texas heat!
Plus, there’s a Buccee’s, a destination unto itself.
2) Castine, Maine: New England’s Top Small Town Getaway
Awarded ‘Best Small Town In The Northeast’ by USA Today, Portland’s time might be up in favor of Maine’s lesser-known coastal town of Castine, located under an hour from Bangor.
Lined with 18th-century architecture, spacious beaches, and cozy cottages to rent, Castine is New England’s ultimate place to unwind from the Northeast’s cluster of action-packed cities.
USA Today also ranked Castine third for ‘Best Coastal Small Town’, but Castine is best suited for summer with ease of access to its small yet beautiful shores like Wadsworth Cove Beach.
Of course, it goes without saying Maine’s coast is a must for seafood, and Castine is no different, with top-rated Pentagoet Inn & Pub for a cozy stay in a timeless inn and sensational eats like lobster pie.
But the real surprise of Castine is its fascinating history whether it be centuries-old homes or a visit to Fort Mason or the Wilson Museum.
1) Nokomis, Florida: Siesta Key’s Top Alternative
You might be aware of the annual duel between the white-sand paradises of Siesta Key and Clearwater that seem to flip-flop the title of ‘America’s Best Beach’ every other year.
Both towns have become quite a draw, especially come summertime, but there’s another white-sand getaway just 20 minutes from Siesta Key with far fewer crowds and more of a local vibe than the touristy Siesta Key Village, for example.
I had the pleasure of visiting Nokomis and it blew my mind how nobody seemed to know this authentic beach town exists being so close to renowned vacation spots.
In town, you’ll find friendly locals and incredible seafood restaurants like Pop’s Sunset Grill, boat rentals from Cool Breeze to zoom through the scenic waterways, along with a handful of chain hotels for a comfortable stay.
There’s a lively drum circle taking place on Nokomis Beach every Wednesday and Saturday; likely the biggest draw in town and doesn’t come close to Siesta Key’s crowds.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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