7 Cozy Towns to Visit in the Northern United States
The Northern United States is a remarkable region in America famous for its history, culture, city vibes, and geography. This region is also home to some of the most popular cities in the country from New York City to Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and more. However, a closer peek beyond these cities would reveal adorable, laid-back small towns hidden in their shadows and often overlooked. These towns are warm, welcoming, relaxing, and incredibly beautiful. They also have everything needed for an enjoyable vacation, from exciting natural attractions to eye-opening historical attractions, great places to eat and shop, and lots more. From the charming seaside town of Meredith in New Hampshire to the picturesque Bar Harbor and its world-famous national park, these seven cozy towns in the Northern United States are worth a visit!
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Yellow Springs is a small, cozy village in Greene County, Ohio, where time seems to slow down. Once here, visitors can start the day with coffee at Dino’s Cappuccinos and proceed to explore the 1,000-acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve, featuring over 15 miles of trails, waterfalls, Yellow Springs, and educational centers where visitors can learn about birds and plants. For similar experiences, head to Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve to explore its three miles of hiking and biking trails, or proceed to John Brayn State Park to explore more trails and enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. For a dose of history, visitors are invited to the Clifton Mill, built in 1802 and representing one of the largest water-powered mills still in operation.
Middletown, Rhode Island
Middletown is a serene and gorgeous town on Aquidneck Island, filled with parks and scenic beaches for recreational pursuits and relaxation. Visitors in this town can soak up its pretty scenery and cozy aura by hopping beaches such as Third and Second beaches. Elsewhere, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is an adorable destination to admire nature and let the cool breeze from ocean waves grace the skin. This refuge features 2.5 miles of hiking trails, viewing platforms, and more than 200 bird species. Afterward, visitors can relax at Dunlap-Wheeler Park and admire views of the Atlantic Ocean from picnic benches. If bird watching is on the to-do list, head to the Norman Bird Sanctuary and hike its trail to see an amazing diversity of birds. Blend the visit with a touch of history at the Boyd’s Windmill Historic Site, featuring a smock-style mill built in 1810. Before leaving, relish the delectable seafood taste at Anthony’s Seafood Market and Restaurant.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Meredith is a photogenic town of just below 7,000 people in the lakes region of New Hampshire with a cozy and friendly aura. The town lies along the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, with Lake Waukewan on another end. Both water bodies are playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts who love to boat, fish, kayak, canoe, paddle, and picnic on sandy banks. Lake Waukewan has a small beach where tourists can bask under the sun, swim in a designated area, and catch the sunset. In the downtown area, the Meredith Sculpture Walk offers a great way to explore the town while enjoying a visual treat of over 30 works of art. Along the walk, stop at the iconic Mill Falls Marketplace for one of the most unique shopping experiences in the US, with lake views and a cascading waterfall by the side of the mall. Wine lovers can taste wines at the Hermit Woods Winery. At the same time, history buffs can spend all day at the Main Street Museum learning about the town’s interesting past via its extensive collection of antiques and memorabilia.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a captivating and tranquil town on a Peninsula overlooking the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. This town is the perfect place for laid-back visitors as it features several gorgeous beaches offering soft sands for relaxing strolls and conducive water for water sports. Some of the town’s top beaches are Sunset Beach, Cape May, the Cove, and Brooklyn Avenue Beach. If visitors have to choose just one beach in this town, then it should be Sunset Beach, famous for its captivating scenery characterized by colorful houses and picturesque sunsets. In addition, Cape May Point State Park is worth visiting, with the Cape May Lighthouse as its main draw. Built in 1859, this lighthouse is a towering beauty, featuring 199 steps to its top, where visitors can savor breathtaking views of the ocean and its surroundings. Add some historic vibes to the overall experience at the Harriet Tubman Museum, paying tribute to the iconic abolitionist of the same name. Before leaving town, grab a fine shirt at the Shirts Shops of Cape May on Washington Street as a souvenir.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a tourist delight majestically perched on Mount Desert Island. This cozy resort town has everything alluring to keep visitors engaged while they enjoy its laid-back charm. First, it is home to the largest part of Acadia National Park, featuring Cadillac Mountain, the tallest on the Atlantic Coast, alongside other mountains, lakes, forests, meadows, and hiking trails to explore. Within the park, visitors can gain insight into the Wabanaki native tribes at the Abbe Museum via interactive exhibits and programs. For the town’s cozy vibes, visit Frenchman Bay on the island to sail on its glistening waters or walk along the Harbor Pier for lovely views of the waters. For something different, catch a show or enjoy a thriller movie at the Criterion Theatre on Cottage Street. Wrap up with a trip to the Mount Desert Ice Cream shop, one of the best in the US.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Grace the cozy and scenic island of Nantucket, 30 miles off the shores of Cape Cod, and get lost in its natural beauty and attractions. This town is a haven for beach lovers as it features lots of amazing options, including Children’s Beach (great for families with children), Smith's Point (great for fishing and wildlife watching), and Dionis Beach (perfect for swimming and relaxation). Meanwhile, beaches and lighthouses are a lovely pair, and Nantucket is home to three fine options - Brant Point Light (First built in 1746), Sankaty Head Light (built in 1850), and Great Point Lighthouse (first built in 1784). History buffs can always step back in time at the Jethro Coffin House, the town’s oldest building, or learn about whales at the Whaling Museum, featuring a 46-foot-long sperm whale dangling from the ceiling. While in town, enjoy tasty bites at the Whale Restaurant on Main Street, or head to Brant Point Grill to enjoy sensational dining and great harbor views.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is like a slice of heaven dropped along the north shore of the dazzling Lake Superior. This beautiful town is as cozy as they come, with a welcoming atmosphere for every visitor. Once here, Lake Superior is difficult to ignore with its blue and sun-kissed allure. This iconic lake is a hotspot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, hiking, boating, and swimming adventures. Grand Marais is also close to Artist’s Point, a stunning spot featuring jagged rock formations and impressive views of Lake Superior. For a more relaxing experience, visitors are invited to Judge Magney State Park & Devil’s Kettle Waterfall to enjoy quiet strolls, see a beautiful waterfall, fish in the Brule River, and camp. For art lovers, the town features Grand Marais Art Colony, which offers stunning exhibits and events year-round. After the outdoor adventures, enjoy treats at World’s Best Donuts or go to Angry Trout Cafe for some delicious seafood.
In a region lavish with majestic cities and glorious skylines, it’s only natural to find the small towns in the background, overlooked and less traveled. Only those who look behind and beyond will find these little gem towns tucked away at the corners of oceans or foothills of mountains, awaiting exploration. These towns offer quaint beauty and vibes, a respite from the chaos, and an oasis of serenity, making them perfect getaways for vacation seekers. A visit to these towns reveals another side of life, and memories created in them tend to linger for years.
