Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a small town designed to give visitors (and residents) the experience of being in a small village in Germany. The entire town is composed of Bavarian-style architecture and cobblestone roads. It’s filled with delicious German restaurants, ice cream shops, and different types of boutiques.
If you happen to be in the area during the fall, you may just make it in time for Oktoberfest. If you’re going to be anywhere but Germany during this time of year, why not in a small town built to give you the German experience? During warmer months, the area boasts some beautiful hiking trails, tubing, rafting, and zip lines, for the adventurous.
Rhode Island: Jamestown
25 miles south of Providence sits a quaint little seaside city called Jamestown. It’s located, for the most part, on Conanicut Island, and is known for its beautiful coastal scenery. Take a boat or ferry ride past the famous three-and-a-half-story Clingstone “House on the Rocks,” and check out the Watson Farm for an extra dose of town history.
Chompist Charlie’s, along with several other restaurants in town, serves up delicious, New England seafood, including things like lobster rolls, crab cakes, and chowder. Newport is just a short distance away, as well, where you can spend the night as a lighthouse keeper at the Rose Island Lighthouse.
Kansas: Abilene
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “the proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene,” which the town proudly has displayed on its official website. There is now a presidential library and museum in the town named in his honor. It also happens to be located in his childhood home.
Another spot worth visiting if you’re in Abilene is the Seelye Mansion. The home was built in 1905, and features 25 rooms, with original Thomas Edison lighting fixtures installed! Those who take the tour have nothing but wonderful things to say about it. “It costs $10, but it’s worth every penny,” one reviewer said. Another followed up with, “absolutely wonderful experience!”
Texas: Marble Falls
The scenes you get from this town may not be exactly what you imagine when you think of Texas, but they’re a must-see if you’re in the area. And it’s the picturesque scenery that makes this the best small town in Texas. Those who enjoy being outdoors would love hiking around and playing in the lake. And, for those who prefer to stay indoors, they also have some award-winning wineries.
Marble Falls also has some great shopping and restaurants. Main Street is full of different types of artsy boutiques and delicious treats. Plus, that’s where you’ll find Choccolatte’s, AKA, home to some of the best English toffee you’ll ever taste in your life.
New Mexico: Taos
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos offers year-round fun for tourists in the form of a world-class ski resort and hiking/biking trails. With beautiful views, delicious Mexican cooking, and a glimpse into Native American life via the Pueblo community. The community is still very much active, yet they welcome visitors every day from around 9-4. Although this is probably the number one reason to take a trip to Taos, it’s not the only one. There are several museums and other attractions in town as well.
No one offers more authentic cuisine in the area than the La Cueva Café, where you can find some of the best enchiladas and chimichangas in the region. There are also several great museums in Taos, including the Kit Carson, and the Millicent Rogers Museum.