10 Prettiest Towns In the Mid-Atlantic
The term Mid-Atlantic refers to a region of the United States in the northern east coast area. The area includes seven states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. The region houses a bounty of prominent geographic features, like the Adirondack Mountains, parts of the Appalachian Mountains, and the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's one of the loveliest parts of the United States, with the seven states experiencing all four seasons differently. Areas like New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland experience warmer winters thanks to the Gulf Stream, while the other states have colder winters, making them perfect for outdoor winter sports.
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
White Sulphur Springs is one of the most beautiful towns in southeastern West Virginia. The city began before the arrival of Europeans, with the Shawnee and Cherokee native tribes establishing their homes in the region. However, it wasn’t until 1778 that the town’s incredible waters gained their reputation as healing and medicinal. The legend goes Amanda Anderson suffered from rheumatism but experienced recovery after exposure to the springs.
For those who love history, the Greenbriar Historical Society in the neighboring community is the perfect place to view the rustic homes and buildings of the area. The North House Museum is the site’s main attraction and a great spot for tours and immersive education in West Virginia’s past. However, leaving town is unnecessary to enjoy the state's beauty. Howard and Wades Creek flow through the middle of town and create the lovely environment of the local fish hatchery. The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery is one of the best nature spots to explore, with trails and waterways ready for adventure.
Not far from the hatchery is Brad Paisley Community Park, a gorgeous place to relax and have a picnic. Those hoping to spend the weekend in town should book a few nights at the Schoolhouse Hotel. This refurbished structure dates back to the turn of the century and services guests in their thirty boutique rooms in a refined and welcoming atmosphere.
Saint Michaels, Maryland
Saint Michaels is a stunning little town along Miles River and not far from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The city began in the mid-1600s when trade posts existed along the river and bay for the local trappers and tobacco farmers. The town successfully performed a blackout during the War of 1812, which saved all but one home in the region from British cannon fire from the bay.
Tourists to the area can still visit this home, which is affectionately named the Cannon Ball House. It's one of the many sites travelers visit on the Saint Michaels Historical Walking Tour, which is a fantastic way to both see the town and learn all about its historical significance. While walking this trail, other sites worth looking at include the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and The Cottage.
Anyone looking to stay in town for a few days should stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin. This stunning inn sits on the eastern shores of town and provides a spectacular view of the waters and surrounding landscape.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Cape Charles is a charming town in eastern Virginia. Scattered settlements existed throughout the early 1600s, with the town’s first settlers arriving in 1607. Most settlers worked as farmers for the next two centuries. Later, the Pennsylvania Railroad sought to utilize Cape Charles for transportation in the region, leading to the town’s official establishment in 1886 and industrial growth.
The town’s historic district is an excellent place to explore and is nationally recognized as a historic district. The Cape Charles Museum isn’t far away and houses some ancient pottery pieces and many unique pieces showcasing the town’s more recent heritage.
Outdoor and nature lovers will love the local Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. It’s an idyllic place for a hike or bike ride, all while exploring the local plants and wildlife. The boardwalk path takes travelers down Maritime Dune Woodland and affords spectacular views of the region.
Hudson, New York
Hudson is a community along the Hudson River in eastern New York. This town was the very first city in the United States since it was the first to incorporate into the new United States of America after independence. Throughout the 1780s and 1790s, the city continued developing, creating wharves and other whaling necessities since this was a significant industry in the area during its early years.
The city’s downtown area is a favorite place for travelers to visit. In this area, small shops, like the Spotty Dog Book and Ale, provide a spectacular blend of fascinating reads and delicious drinks. Other sites include the scrumptious foods and drinks at the Hudson Brewing Company.
For the nature-seeker who loves a little glimpse of history, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is a must-see. The preservation society strives to maintain this beautiful lighthouse for posterity, as it’s been an integral part of Hudson’s history since its construction in 1874.
Buckhannon, West Virginia
Buckhannon is one of the most unique towns in central West Virginia. The town’s history is also fascinating, with the first two settlers being the Pringle Brothers, who deserted the British-American armies in the 1760s. They established residency just a couple minutes outside the modern city’s boundaries, where they lived in a hallowed out tree.
This hollow tree is immortalized in the nearby Pringle Tree Park just north of town along the Buckhannon River. While the original hollow sycamore is no longer there, the hollow tree standing in the park today is a genetic descendant of the original.
The Wesleyan College campus is worth stopping by since not only is it a beautiful location, but it's also surrounded by plenty of fun sites. After touring the site and maybe getting a bite to eat at the local pizza joint, Dough Rei Me, consider hiking the Buckhannon River Walk Trail.
Boonsboro, Maryland
The gorgeous little town of Boonsboro is not far from the West Virginia border in western Maryland. Boonsboro gets its name from the Boone family, with the first settlers being relatives of the famous Daniel Boone. However, that’s not the only way this community is historically significant.
It’s home to the first public monument dedicated to George Washington, usually typically known as Boonsboro’s Washington Monument. It dates back to its completion in 1827 and is a great spot to take pictures. This site rests just a few minutes outside of the town in a park and is an excellent spot for hiking. Not far away is the South Mountain State Battlefield, which is home to the first, big Civil War battle fought in the state.
Travelers hoping to have a more leisurely natural stroll should visit Schafer Park near the town’s center. Nearby is a cozy little shop called Turn the Page Bookstore, an adorable place to spend a few hours exploring the next best read.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach is a small, southeastern town on the shores of Delaware. Its history began before the arrival of Europeans, with native tribes utilizing the region during summer months to fish and hunt. European settlers first came to the area between 1650 and 1675, primarily from England and the Netherlands.
The Rehoboth Historical Society and Museum is worth checking out for anyone seeking a more immersive understanding of the town’s early years. They have an active event calendar that offers exciting opportunities for guests to experience a piece of history at the museum. The photo ID night is especially good for viewing early images of the town and partaking in helping identify people of the town.
Other spectacular locations to visit rest right outside of town, including Cape Henlopen State Park and Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area. These sites are gorgeous places with a lot of local natural scenery to explore. Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area is a preserved World War II barracks location and Cape Henlopen State Park is ideal for a stroll through the state's coastal regions.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope is a splendid artistic town on the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania, not far from the New Jersey border. The community gets its name from being the site of one of the few mills to survive a fire in 1790, although the town wasn’t officially named and incorporated until 1900. It started becoming a safe place for artists of all types, including actors and poets, which is a reputation it still retains.
The New Hope Railroad site is a must-see place, built-in 1960 as a passion project of the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. The engine hosts several incredible specialized rides throughout the season, including a festive train ride with Santa. After riding the rails, tourists should stop by the gift shop and get a souvenir.
Folks hoping to experience the city’s artistic heritage should attend the New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival. Just be sure to check the festival website before planning a trip since the festival usually occurs in late September. It's one of the best ways to meet the town’s artists and crafters, so it’s certainly ideal to plan a trip around the event.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is the name of both an island and the town on the island in eastern Virginia. Europeans first came to the region as early as 1524, with Verrazzano commissioned by the French King, Francis the First, to explore the area. Settlements didn’t arrive until over 100 years later, with the first records of settlements dated 1659 and 1672.
The Captain Timothy Hill House is the oldest home on the island and the perfect place to start touring the island. The small log cabin was rediscovered in 2009 and refurbished to restore it to its former charm. The home’s style dates back to the early 1800s, with its distinctive wooden chimney indicating its antiquity.
The Chincoteague Island Waterman's Memorial is a beautiful landmark site that pays homage to the seafarers who created the city. Last, tourists can tour parts of the island’s most gorgeous natural landscape by hiking the Island Nature Trail. The trail stretches for around a mile, with parts of the path paved and parts natural, making it perfect no matter the level of hiking expertise.
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton is one of New Jersey’s most stunning cities and a uniquely quiet and slower-paced town in the Garden State. The town’s home to Princeton University goes back to before the country’s founding since its charter goes back to 1746. The university is a fantastic location to walk around, with several amazing gardens brightening the campus views. In particular, Prospect Garden and Wyman Garden are two of the most beautiful locations, especially in the Spring.
John Witherspoon Woods is an ideal location to hike. This site is part of the much larger Mountain Lakes Preserve, a 75-acre tract of open land that takes trekkers through wooded regions and Community Park North. The Princeton Public Library is a fun spot to spend a few hours; if tourists visit on the right day, they can enjoy a local event.
After walking through the community, check out Hoagie Haven for an authentic taste of the Tri-State Area.
In Conclusion
Traveling through the Mid-Atlantic states is a great way to explore some of the lesser-known wilderness of the U.S.A. While the parks of Delaware or Maryland might not make regular headlines like Yellowstone, they hold their own breathtaking views of woodlands, streams, and oceanfront views. Tourists can also explore some of the oldest sites in the nation, like Hudson in New York, the first officially incorporated city in the newly founded United States.
Whether travelers hope to escape into the forest and mountains or explore old log cabins, Mid-Atlantic states offer exciting experiences for everyone. They're also home to excellent dining, with some of the restaurants in Princeton, New Jersey, regularly attracting wealthy guests.
