Travelers Are Sharing The American Small Towns And "Hidden Gem" Cities That Are Absolutely Worth A Visit
The US is full of popular vacation spots — from bustling cities to beach towns that are flooded with tourists from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But this country is also full of hidden gems. So, I rounded up responses from the BuzzFeed Community of some of the best underrated small towns and cities in the US. These places don't get all the attention they deserve, but they certainly deserve consideration for your travel bucket list.
1.Eureka Springs, Arkansas: "I loooove Eureka Springs. It's also super liberal, making it a fun change from the general attitudes prevalent in much of the surrounding area of the American south."
"Eureka Springs, Arkansas is this small mountain town in the Ozarks with Victorian homes, a French Gothic hotel with a sordid history, and a thriving arts/hippie/biker community. It's also close to a big mountain and lake, and it's just not at all what people think of when they think rural Arkansas. It's picturesque, beautiful, and perfect. I wish I could afford to buy one of the historic Victorians."
—Anonymous
2.Stanley, Idaho: "Nestled right in the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley offers river rafting, yurt stays, and small town vibes all in one little slice of paradise. The landscape is made up of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and endless hiking trails. It also boasts great small town vibes. You won't find any big chain stores here. Instead, you'll be greeted with local shops and a real sense of community. And if you're lucky enough to visit during one of the town's many festivals, then you're in for a real treat."
3.Anchorage, Alaska: "This is one of my favorite cities in the US. It has the perfect mix of city and nature. The wildlife and mountains are always nearby, and you can see the mountain peaks from anywhere in the city. It has unique little shops and restaurants, too. I had dreamed of going there since I was a child, and it met and exceeded all of my expectations!"
—Anonymous
4.Morro Bay, California: "I've been to this coastal California city twice, and I loved every second of it. It's a quiet spot, but you can still hear the sounds of the seals, boats, and nature in general. Also, the people are so friendly!"
5.Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania: "I love this little town, which is often referred to as the Switzerland of America. It's the most beautiful during the fall, thanks to the colorful scenery from the Pocono Mountains and Lehigh River."
6.Knoxville, Tennessee: "This city feels like how Asheville was before it got touristy. You'll find great breweries, lots of culture, and an overall unique experience for a southern city. This place is definitely not what you would expect from a small mountain town in East Tennessee."
7.La Conner, Washington: "This sleepy coastal town comes alive during the spring with the La Conner Daffodil Festival, where thousands of colorful flowers bloom in fields near Mount Baker. Once you're done exploring the local boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, it's only about a 30-minute drive to the San Juan Islands ferry, from which you can spot orcas between April and October."
8.Grand Marais, Minnesota. "It's my favorite small town I've visited. It’s set right on Lake Superior in far northeastern Minnesota. The people are friendly, the landscape is absolutely beautiful, and there are lots of things to do including shops, art galleries, great food, hikes, a lighthouse, a sailing school, and great rock collecting along the shoreline."
9.Madison, Indiana: "Madison is an adorable little town on the Ohio River. The main street is super walkable and historic, there’s cute little shops everywhere, and there’s an amazing state park nearby called Clifty Falls."
—Anonymous