In the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains in Southern Oklahoma, you’ll find a beautiful small town full of happiness and hospitality. The area is home to Turner Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state. The state park where the falls are located offers great hiking and biking, along with swimming, kayaking, and an abundance of other outdoor activities.
Grab a cabin at Turner Falls to stay close to all of the fun. Or, head to Echo Canyon Manor for more luxurious accommodations. And whatever you do, don’t forget to grab a fried pie from Arbuckle Mountain before you head out of town!
Missouri: Weston
While a lot of towns on our list may be on the larger side of small towns, averaging 10,000 people in their populations or so, Weston is a true, blue small town. A recent consensus determined the population was around 1,700.
One thing the town is well-known for is its Apple Festival, which they’ve been running for over three decades. The event takes place each year in early October and is full of different types of arts and crafts, plus all kinds of apple tasting, including butter and ciders. For those who are ready to move past the tasting into something more substantial, the food court offers things like pies, dumplings, and cookies. The entire experience is known for being one of the best in the state.
New Jersey: Cape May
Cape May offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is known as one of the nation’s first vacation resort towns. Travel Channel named the area one of the top ten beaches in the country.
Looking for an all-in-one amazing dining and lodging experience? Check into the Peter Shields Inn, which offers fireplaces and ocean views, along with an award-winning restaurant which is headed up by Executive Chef Carl Messick. Here you’ll find luxury seafood favorites like seared scallops and Maine lobster.
Nevada: Genoa
Located about 25 minutes away from Lake Tahoe, Genoa is situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city was established by Mormon traders in the 1850s and is known for its historic charm and beauty.
The area is highly sought-after by those who enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, biking, and flying. But, if none of those are your cup of tea, there’s also great antique shopping in town. Be sure to check out the Dancing Deer gift shop, which is highly rated on most travel sites.
Wyoming: Jackson
Jackson, Wyoming offers some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ve ever seen in your life. The backdrop of mountains against the water makes it the perfect area for outdoor activities. During the summer, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, rafting, and hot-air balloon riding prevail. And, when it gets cold, it’s the perfect place for skiing or snowboarding. U.S. News has called the area the nation’s second-best small town.
The Rusty Parrot Lodge is a must-stay, and if you’re looking for the best meal in town, head to Gun Barrel Steak & Game House for some mouthwatering prime rib or tenderloin medallions. Waking up in the morning to see the sun rise over the mountains is one of the best reasons to spend a day (or two) in Jackson.