10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In The United States
Home to 50 independent states and the city of Washington D.C., the United States has a plethora of small towns that possess their own individual attributes worthy of visiting. Though these towns have qualities that people from all over the world would love to experience, the towns themselves are not as well known as one would think. From Apalachicola, Florida, and the Scipio Creek Boardwalk, with its rustic campground, to Waterbury, Vermont, and Little River State Park, with amenities such as water-skiing and fishing for bass and trout, these ten towns are some of the best off-the-beaten-path towns in America.
Bisbee, Arizona - Cochise County
The town of Bisbee is located 80 miles east of Nogales, in the southeastern corner of Arizona. Best known for Erie Street, an ongoing homage to the abandoned town of Lowell from the early 1900s through various buildings and vehicles, including an old movie theater and a gas station, Bisbee preserves an integral aspect of historic value that is well worth checking out.
Bisbee is also home to the Copper Queen Mine, offering underground tours of the area that once possessed the greatest amount of copper ever discovered. Lavender Pit, which is 300 acres in size and was open from 1950 to 1974, and the Bisbee Mining Museum are also nearby, providing a rare sense of what built and shaped this quaint town.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania - Carbon County
The town of Jim Thorpe is situated along the banks of the Lehigh River, 30 miles north of Allentown. Home to the Old Jail Museum (once known as Mauch Chunk), which tells the story of the Molly Maguire trials, and the Asa Packer Mansion, the former home of the founder of Lehigh University, Jim Thorpe is a nice journey into the past.
This small town is home to a plethora of excellent natural and cultural attractions as well. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers 16-mile round-trip tours in either an open-air car, a standard coach, a first-class lounge, or crown-class seating. Visitors of Jim Thorpe can also hand-feed butterflies in the “Flufferarium” at the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary.
Ellijay, Georgia - Gilmer County
Along the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, the quaint town of Ellijay is home to a variety of outdoor activities that encourage visitors to visit again and again. From the Mountain Valley Farm and Panorama Orchards to Cress Creeks Farm and Reece Apple House, nature abounds in this small, off-the-beaten-path town.
Several fantastic hiking trails are also around the town of Ellijay. Tumbling Waters Trail, the Cartecay River Loop, and the Clear Creek to Cartecay River Trail are all nearby. A variety of excellent festivals are held in downtown Ellijay as well. The Georgia Apple Festival and Dancing Goats FolkFest both occur in town in October. The latter is one of the most interesting events in the region, with a juried folk art show, mountain music, and old-time foods.
Hood River, Oregon - Hood River County
Along Oregon's northern border, the picturesque town of Hood River is known for the 75-mile-long Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, the tallest mountain in the state. Yet this small town is also home to the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, with fantastic exhibits, including a 1917 Curtiss Jenny JN-4D, which still flies regularly.
Hood River is also known for some great wineries, like Cathedral Ridge and the Gorge White House, as well as phenomenal wildlife areas and nature parks. The Tom McCall Nature Preserve protects plants unique to a specific area of the Gorge. At the same time, Panorama Point County Park and Hood River Waterfront Park both offer vast recreational activities like stunning views, watersports, hiking, and picnicking opportunities.
Apalachicola, Florida - Franklin County
Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Apalachicola is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The town is home to Orman House Historic State Park, Saint Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and the scenic Scipio Creek Boardwalk, offering tranquil views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and exploration.
Beyond its natural beauty, Apalachicola has a rich history. The Three Servicemen Statue stands in honor of those who fought in the Vietnam War, while the Chestnut Street Cemetery, established in the 1830s, provides a glimpse into the town’s past. History enthusiasts can also visit the John Gorrie State Museum and the Raney House Museum, which showcases life in the area before the Civil War.
Corydon, Indiana - Harrison County
Picturesque Corydon, at the bottom of Indiana, is situated approximately 30 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. Home to a variety of excellent cultural attractions, like the William Henry Harrison Log Cabin, Hayswood Nature Preserve, and Red Barn Antique Mall, Corydon calls visitors from as far away as Florida. Corydon is also home to O’Bannon Woods State Park, featuring everything from activities on the Ohio River to hiking, picnicking, and even camping overnight.
A plethora of other excellent venues call Corydon home, like the Artisan Center and Harrison County Discovery Center, both of which provide children of all ages with the excitement needed to enjoy history. Corydon also holds several awesome festivals every year, like Glasstoberfest, a bustling event in October with 20+ demonstrating artists showcasing the art of glass blowing. The event also has food trucks, vendors, and kids activities so everyone can have a blast.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California - Monterey County
On the opposite end of Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz, Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to several phenomenal natural attractions, like Point Lobos, Carmel River State Beach, and Garrapata State Park. These offer great hiking along the rugged coast of the Pacific Ocean, with Garrapata State Park climbing some 50 feet to view the beauty of the Marine Sanctuary of Monterey Bay. Those who want to experience nature while being indoors can opt for the Monterey Bay Aquarium instead, which is home to over 550 aquatic species.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to several incredible cultural attractions as well. A highlight is the twenty-plus storybook-themed fairy-tale cottages, with eleven of them, including the “Hansel & Gretel” Cottages and the “Birthday House,” located in and around town. Plus, downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea hosts a variety of great events, including the Carmel Art Festival in May and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show in August.
Rockport, Massachusetts - Essex County
Situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, only a few miles from Gloucester, the picturesque town of Rockport is an off-the-beaten-path town in Massachusetts with many natural and historic attributes. Home to Halibut Point State Park, which has several tidal pools teeming with a variety of marine life, and Front Beach, outdoor enthusiasts will have the time of their lives.
Downtown Rockport is also famous for several awesome restaurants and eateries that provide the freshest seafood in America, including the Roy Moore Lobster Co., the Fish Shack, and My Place by the Sea. If you are interested in Caribbean fare, Fleur Cuisine Harborside offers a Filet & Caribbean Lobster Tail that is beyond delicious.
Minocqua, Wisconsin - Oneida County
Hidden along the southern edge of the Northern-Highland American-Legion State Forest in northern Wisconsin, the quaint, pastoral town of Minocqua is considered to be an off-the-beaten-path town. Yet, this town of less than 5,000 people is home to several natural attractions, like Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, Tomahawk Lake, and the Northwoods Wildlife Center. These sites offer endless opportunities, from meeting and learning about wildlife to camping along tranquil waters.
Downtown Minocqua also has some great cultural and historic amenities. The Minocqua Museum has a variety of excellent exhibits featuring informative history of the area around town from as early as the late 18th century, while several unique festivals, like Beef-A-Rama, celebrating everything beef, and June Bloom, occur in downtown Minocqua each year.
Waterbury, Vermont - Washington County
The small town of Waterbury, located approximately halfway between the cities of Burlington and Montpelier, is home to several natural amenities that encourage visitors to stop along the way, including Little River Provincial Park and Camel’s Hump State Park. Both parks offer hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Little River even provides boating opportunities on the Waterbury Reservoir.
Even though it has just over 5,000 residents, this small town in majestic Vermont has a plethora of cultural and historic attributes. From Pete’s Greens, a nearby farmers market, to the Waterbury Historical Society Museum, a testament to the past. There are also plenty of businesses, such as Blackback Pub, Hen of the Wood, and Prohibition Pig, so everyone has something to look forward to in Waterbury.
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for a great, off-the-beaten-path town where you can still entertain the family with an abundance of excellent attributes and activities, these ten small towns scattered across the United States are some of the best available. From the Reece Apple House in Ellijay, Georgia, to Tomahawk Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin, to Garrapata State Park in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, these ten small towns in America are waiting to distinguish their versions of individuality.
