If you’re looking for a quaint, beautiful mountainside town to visit in Arkansas, Eureka Springs is it. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town boasts a lovely array of cottages and cabins that are nestled right into the Ozarks. With the White River running through the heart of downtown, those who enjoy fishing – or eating fish – will have a blast.
The town is full of antique shops and art galleries and often hosts art and jazz festivals and other events. Stay at the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel for mountaintop spa services and nightly ghost tours for the kids. Make sure to visit the Promised Land Animal Park, which is home to hundreds of different endangered and rare species from around the globe.
Nebraska: Nebraska City
In the heart of the Midwestern United States lies a hidden gem – Nebraska City. The founder of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton, grew up here, and his home is now open to the public as a part of the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum. The mansion is open for self-guided tours throughout the winter and is available for private events year-round.
There’s really only one place that’s a must-stay when you’re in town, and that’s the Lied Lodge, located on the Arbor Day Farm. For the past six years, it’s been named as the best place to stay in the middle of the U.S. by Meetings MidAmerica.
Idaho: Ketchum
This small ski town in Idaho is where the world’s first chairlift was created. It constantly makes lists of the best ski towns in Idaho, both for visitors and residents. In 2016, it made Movoto’s list of the “Five Small Towns in Idaho to Put Down Roots In.”
If you’re looking for gorgeous views to wake up to in the morning, check out the Limelight Hotel on Main Street. Then, head to Kneadery for a homecooked lunch and a Peach Bellini.
West Virginia: Berkeley Springs
Nestled into the heart of the Appalachians, in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, lies a town that some like to refer to as “almost heaven.” Berkeley Springs is full of natural beauty and hot springs, which makes it the perfect area to unwind in.
First, head to Cacapon Resort State Park for hiking, biking, golfing, horseback riding, and other kinds of play on 6,000 acres. Then, move over to Berkeley Springs to relax in the mineral spa or Roman Bath House. Finally, check out the vintage Star Movie Theatre, where you can catch a flick for just $3.75.
Washington: Friday Harbor
The coastal scenes at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island aren’t what most people picture when they think about the landscape in Washington. But this small waterfront town has it all – a charming downtown area with great shops and eateries, happy and welcoming residents, and plenty of healing negative ions from the seaside air.
One of the best things about visiting this town is that you can get everywhere on foot in a matter of minutes, so there’s no need to drive around. Check out the Island Inn at 123 West for beautiful views of the harbor from your room. Plus, they pride themselves on being green.