8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Buckfastline, North Carolina - Blue Ridge Mountain Charm
The town's scenic vistas, rich history, and vibrant arts scene make it a unique destination worth exploring.
Buckfastline is located at the unique intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, making it a prime destination for hiking enthusiasts.
The town's name is derived from the Buckfast Abbey in England, as many early settlers were of English descent and named the town after this historic monastery.
Buckfastline is home to the only commercial trout farm in the state, producing over 100,000 pounds of trout annually and drawing in fishing aficionados from across the region.
The town's main street is lined with preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Buckfastline Opera House, which still hosts live performances and concerts throughout the year.
Despite its small size, Buckfastline is a hub for paragliding and hang-gliding enthusiasts, thanks to the town's ideal topography and reliable thermal currents.
What else is in this post?
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Buckfastline, North Carolina - Blue Ridge Mountain Charm
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin - Lakeside Adventures Await
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Lewisberry, Pennsylvania - Historic Brewpub and Outdoor Recreation
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Arthur, Illinois - Celebrating Prairie Heritage
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Fish Creek, Wisconsin - An Artistic Enclave in Door County
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Victorian Allure and Healing Springs
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Ste-Geneviève, Missouri - Preserved French Colonial Gem
- 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Clayton, New York - Maritime Marvels on the St.Lawrence
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin - Lakeside Adventures Await
The picturesque Osthoff Resort provides a luxurious setting for weddings, conferences, and events, while the lake's clear, spring-fed waters beckon for pontoon cruises and encounters with the local aquatic life.
Elkhart Lake is home to the fourth-deepest natural lake in Wisconsin, with a maximum depth of 120 feet, providing a unique environment for scuba diving and underwater exploration.
The town's history is deeply intertwined with the sport of road racing, as Elkhart Lake hosted the first professional sports car race in the United States in 1950, attracting drivers from around the world.
The Osthoff Resort, a prominent landmark in Elkhart Lake, was originally built in the 19th century as a grand Victorian-style hotel and has since been meticulously restored, maintaining its historical charm while offering modern amenities.
The Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America offers high-speed karting experiences, allowing visitors to feel the thrill of racing at speeds up to 40 mph, providing an adrenaline-fueled activity for adventure-seekers.
Elkhart Lake's clear, blue-green waters are reminiscent of Caribbean destinations, and the town's sandy beaches and pontoon cruises offer a unique opportunity to experience a tropical-like setting in the heart of the Midwest.
From May to October, visitors can explore the 640-acre Road America property via guided UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) tours, traversing a variety of terrains and offering a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty.
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Lewisberry, Pennsylvania - Historic Brewpub and Outdoor Recreation
A highlight of the town is the historic Market Cross Pub & Restaurant, housed in a beautifully preserved 1840s building, serving up local cuisine and craft beers in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania was first settled in the mid-18th century and was officially incorporated as a borough in 1832, making it one of the oldest municipalities in York County.
The town's historic district features over 50 well-preserved buildings from the 19th century, providing visitors with a glimpse into Lewisberry's rich architectural heritage.
Lewisberry is located just a short drive from the Gifford Pinchot State Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with its 340-acre lake, forested trails, and diverse wildlife.
The town is home to the Market Cross Pub & Restaurant, a historic brewpub that has been operating in a 19th-century building since 1996, offering a unique dining experience with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and craft beer.
Stargazing enthusiasts can visit the Naylor Observatory, located in Lewisberry, which provides regular public stargazing events and educational programs about astronomy.
The Conewago Creek, which flows through the town, offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based recreational activities, adding to Lewisberry's natural appeal.
Lewisberry's quaint and picturesque downtown area, with its well-preserved historic buildings, creates a charming and inviting atmosphere for visitors exploring the town.
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Arthur, Illinois - Celebrating Prairie Heritage
Arthur, Illinois is a small town with a rich Amish heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into rural life and traditional Amish culture.
The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Amish Country Cheese Festival, Strawberry Jam Mennonite Relief Sale, and the Downtown Christmas Celebration.
Arthur's thriving arts scene, featuring a Third Saturday Craft Market and numerous craft shops, complements its Amish Country Bicycle Tour, Amish Country Spring Quilt Show, and Amish Country Tractor Cruise, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination worth exploring in the American heartland.
Arthur, Illinois is home to the largest Amish community in the state, with over 1,000 Amish residents, accounting for nearly half the town's population.
Arthur hosts the annual Amish Country Cheese Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the Midwest to sample artisanal cheeses, handcrafted by local Amish cheesemakers.
The town's Amish Country Bicycle Tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the picturesque countryside and Amish farms on two wheels, with guided routes and support services.
The town's Amish Country Tractor Cruise, held each summer, allows visitors to experience the traditional mode of transportation used by the Amish community, with a parade of vintage and antique tractors.
Arthur is situated along the historic Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail, a 12-mile multi-use path that offers scenic views of the prairie landscape and opportunities for hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
The town's Downtown Christmas Celebration, featuring a parade, live music, and a festive market, provides a unique glimpse into the Amish community's celebration of the holiday season.
Despite its small size, Arthur has become a popular tourist destination, welcoming over 500,000 visitors annually to experience its rich Amish heritage and charming rural atmosphere.
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Fish Creek, Wisconsin - An Artistic Enclave in Door County
Fish Creek, a small town in Door County, Wisconsin, has emerged as a vibrant artistic community, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes, charming atmosphere, and thriving arts scene.
The town's walkable streets are lined with galleries, eateries, and shops showcasing the work of local artists, making it a prime destination for those who appreciate both art and nature.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek offers outdoor enthusiasts ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking, complementing its rich cultural offerings, including the Plein Air Festival and Concerts in the Park.
Fish Creek is home to the historic White Gull Inn, which was originally constructed in 1896 and has been meticulously restored, maintaining its classic Victorian-era charm.
The town's elevation of 593 feet above sea level provides a unique microclimate, resulting in a longer growing season compared to surrounding areas, which benefits the local agricultural and winemaking industries.
Fish Creek's geographic coordinates of 45°20'58" N and 87°12'91" W place it on the 45th parallel, the same latitude as the southern border of Alaska, creating a distinctive climate and ecosystem.
The town's proximity to the Niagara Escarpment, a prominent geological feature that runs along the western shore of Lake Michigan, contributes to the unique topography and wildlife found in the region.
Fish Creek is home to the Plein Air Festival, an annual event that attracts artists from around the country to capture the town's picturesque landscapes using the traditional "en plein air" painting technique.
Fish Creek has a unique architectural history, with many of its historic buildings constructed using locally-sourced limestone, giving the town a distinctive visual character.
The town's thriving arts community includes over a dozen galleries and studios, showcasing the work of local and regional artists in a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to pottery and glass art.
Fish Creek is home to the Door County Maritime Museum, which features exhibits and educational programs that explore the region's rich maritime history and its significance to the local economy and culture.
Despite its small population of around 500 residents, Fish Creek hosts a diverse array of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Concerts in the Park series and the Door County Plein Air Festival.
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Victorian Allure and Healing Springs
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a small town with a rich Victorian history, boasting an impressive collection of preserved 19th-century architecture.
The town's historic district features over 100 preserved buildings, including the 1886 Crescent Hotel, which is said to be haunted.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas was founded on July 4, 1879, when a group of people named the city, drawing attention to the healing springs in the area.
The springs, known as Basin Spring or Indians' Healing Spring, were said to have healing properties, and people would come from across the country to drink the water and seek cures.
By the late 19th century, the city experienced a building boom in Victorian homes and businesses, with the completion of the Eureka Springs Railway in 1882 connecting the city to Seligman, MO.
The springs were credited with amazing feats, including curing dreaded diseases and magnetizing metal, though modern methods have not conclusively tested their healing powers.
Historians agree that the springs' legitimate healing power may be attributed to the water composition or the welcoming climate of Eureka Springs.
Today, visitors can visit the springs, which are scattered throughout the city, particularly along the Historical Loop, with many having small gardens or park areas around them.
Eureka Springs is home to the 1886 Crescent Hotel, which is said to be haunted, adding to the town's unique character and appeal.
The town's historic district features over 100 preserved buildings from the 19th century, providing a glimpse into its rich Victorian heritage.
Visitors can take a stroll down Spring Street, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, offering a charming small-town experience.
Eureka Springs is often referred to as one of the most off-the-beaten-path small towns in the US worth exploring, thanks to its unique blend of Victorian charm and natural beauty.
The town's healing springs, which were believed to have medicinal properties, were a major draw in the late 19th century, earning it the nickname "The Nation's Most Photographed City."
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Ste-Geneviève, Missouri - Preserved French Colonial Gem
Ste-Geneviève, Missouri is a charming small town that has preserved its rich French colonial heritage, making it a unique off-the-beaten-path destination.
The town features well-maintained 18th and 19th century French colonial architecture, including the 1792 Amoureux House, and is home to the Museum of Ste-Geneviève, which showcases the area's fascinating history and culture.
With its preserved French character and natural beauty, Ste-Geneviève offers travelers a chance to step back in time and experience a slice of early American history.
Ste-Geneviève was originally founded in 1735 by French-Canadian settlers, making it the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri and one of the oldest in the United States.
The town's historic district features the largest collection of French colonial architecture in the country, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Ste-Geneviève was officially designated as a National Historical Park in 2020, recognizing its significant role in preserving the French colonial legacy in the American Midwest.
The town's French-influenced architecture is characterized by vertical log construction, steep roofs, and central chimneys, a unique style that is rarely seen outside of the French colonial settlements.
The Amoureux House, built in 1792, is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture in Ste-Geneviève and is now a museum showcasing the town's history.
The Centre for French Colonial Life Museum Campus offers visitors a comprehensive look into the daily lives and cultural practices of the town's early French settlers.
Ste-Geneviève's location along the Mississippi River played a vital role in its development, as the river served as a critical transportation route for goods and people during the colonial era.
The town's annual "Jour de Fête" festival celebrates its French heritage, featuring traditional music, dance, cuisine, and artisanal crafts from the region.
Ste-Geneviève's unique microclimate, influenced by its proximity to the Mississippi River, allows for the successful cultivation of certain grape varieties that are typically associated with cooler climates.
The town's historic buildings have been meticulously restored and maintained, with a focus on preserving the original construction techniques and materials used by the French colonial settlers.
Ste-Geneviève's architectural features, such as the use of vertical log construction and steep roofs, were specifically designed to withstand the region's harsh winters and hot, humid summers.
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Small Towns in the US Worth Exploring - Clayton, New York - Maritime Marvels on the St.
Lawrence
Clayton, New York is a small town on the St.
Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 Islands region, known for its rich maritime heritage and abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
Visitors can explore the region's history at the Antique Boat Museum and Thousand Islands Museum, while also enjoying activities like fishing, boating, and hiking.
Clayton, New York is the only town in the United States located on a peninsula of the St.
Lawrence River, providing its residents and visitors with unique water-based recreation opportunities.
The town is home to the Antique Boat Museum, which houses over 300 boats, showcasing the evolution of boating technology and design in the region dating back to the 19th century.
The St.
Lawrence River, which flows through Clayton, is known for its exceptional fishing conditions, with an abundance of bass, pike, and the elusive muskellunge (muskie) – a prized game fish that can grow up to 60 inches in length.
The town's unique geographic location on the St.
Lawrence River has led to the development of the Clayton Island Tours, the only boat operator that offers stops at the Rock Island Lighthouse, a historic landmark dating back to
Clayton is home to the Thousand Islands Museum, which features a world-class collection of preserved muskellunge, showcasing the remarkable size and strength of this apex predator fish found in the St.
Lawrence River.
The McKinley House, a Queen Anne-style Victorian built in 1890, has been meticulously restored and now operates as a charming bed and breakfast, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich architectural heritage.
The town's "Heart of the 1000 Islands Tour" provides visitors with the unique opportunity to disembark on two of the small islands scattered throughout the St.
Lawrence River, allowing them to explore these hidden natural treasures firsthand.
Clayton's strategic location on the St.
Lawrence Seaway has made it a hub for recreational boating, with the town hosting an annual Antique Boat Show that attracts enthusiasts from across the country.
The town's quaint shops, galleries, and historic walking tour offer a charming and authentic small-town experience for visitors, complementing the region's natural beauty and maritime heritage.
Clayton's mild climate, influenced by its proximity to the St.
Lawrence River, allows for the successful cultivation of a variety of grapes, supporting the local winemaking industry and providing visitors with unique culinary experiences.
The town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, all within the stunning natural setting of the Thousand Islands region.