7 Towns With Vibrant Downtown Areas In The Northern United States
Part of the allure to traveling to small towns is the idea of a close-knit community, local art and culture, and serene surroundings. This is an escape for many people living in a bustling city. While small towns can be quiet, they can also have lively downtowns. This might not be the same as the city, but the charm and character of a small town's downtown shouldn't be underestimated. In the Northern United States, some of the most vibrant downtowns have unique cultural inspirations. This is the case for Holland, Michigan. The charming downtown has evident Dutch influence in the architecture and local cuisine. Other downtowns have vibrant colors and art, such as Bar Harbor in Maine. Here we explore seven of the Northern United State's most vibrant downtowns.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor's downtown is full of color and small-town charm. There are many colorful shopfronts, restaurants, and boutiques lining Bar Harbor's downtown. The perfect place to start exploring downtown Bar Harbor is Agamont Park. Here you can enjoy views of Bar Island and Frenchman Bay. Shopping downtown there are several souvenir stores and some funky local finds. A local favorite spot is Cadillac Mountain Sports for outdoor recreation equipment. Those looking for a unique spot should check out the Rock and Art Shop. The building is part store and part museum. In the summer, one of the best things to do in Bar Harbor is enjoy whale watching near the ocean. While the Atlantic Ocean is usually too cold for a swim, it is the perfect place to enjoy ocean views and catch a glimpse of sea life. Bar Harbor is also near Acadia National Park, the perfect place for a day hike.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is a cute town located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The town uniquely blends the beauty of outdoor attractions with the vibrancy of a thriving downtown. One of the most popular things to do in Marquette is hike. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the town's easiest hikes. The path is a staircase that leads guests up a mountain. There are lots of waterfalls to see in Marquette. Laughing Whitefish Falls is one of the most magnificent. The falls flow down 100 feet. The town is also near Lake Superior and a perfect beach day destination.
Exploring downtown Marquette you will find lots to do. The eclectic shops, boutiques, and restaurants show off the town's unique personality. Check out Boomerang Retro and Relics for some vintage finds. Or stop in at Snowbound Books to grab a book to get cozy with.
Foodies should stop in a local restaraunt and grab some pasties or whitefish. These are the two dishes the town is known for. The Vierling is a great spot to stop at to try these dishes. It is Marquette’s oldest brew pub.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a romantic town with a history of rebellion, spectacular outdoor views, and artistry. This is reflected in the downtown. One of the best ways to dive into the town's past is by doing a tour of the historic mansions. These were the former cottages of some of America's wealthiest people, including a beautiful 70-room Italian-renaissance-style palazzo. Take a trolley tour to explore more of the town's history. There are several museums to explore around town as well, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Sailing Museum, and the Bristol Art Museum.
For some spectacular nature views, drive down Ocean Drive, just off historic Bellevue Avenue to enjoy 10 miles of coastline road. The Cliff Walk is another popular destination in town. Here you can experience the serenity of crashing waves and Gilded Age architecture.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a popular tourist destination in New Hampshire and for good reason. Similar to Newport, the town is full of art, museums, and outdoor attractions. The art and culture make for a lively downtown with an abundance of attractions. Downtown there are plenty of museums to visit, including Strawbery Banke Museum. Here you can travel back to the 17th century by seeing some beautifully preserved buildings. The USS Albacore Submarine Museum is another amazing museum in town to check out. Here you explore the Albacore, the submarine that played a pivotal role in developing modern submarines. To learn more about the unique history of the area consider taking a tour such as the historic homes tour. Portsmouth also has several cute boutiques and stores to enjoy. A few cool shops include the Regina Piantedosi Modern Art, Inside Out, Kilwins, and The Spice And Tea Exchange.
Holland, Michigan
Experience rich Dutch culture and heritage without leaving the United States, by visiting Holland in Michigan. In May, the town will be alive with vibrant colors for the annual Tulip Festival. Millions of colorful flowers line the streets and are seen everywhere downtown. Saturdays in the summer are another festive time in downtown Holland. The local Farmers Market opens at the civic center, selling a variety of local goods. On weekends in the summer, the downtown also comes alive with live music. Every Friday night a jazz band performs.
There are also some interesting museums and galleries to check out around town. Visit the Lake Effect Gallery to see beautiful local works of art. The local Hollan Museum is a great spot to learn more about the area's history. Here you can learn about the origins of Dutch settlers in Holland Michigan.
Cody, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming is well known because of its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Being so close to Yellowstone it's no wonder Cody is full of natural beauty and a vibrant downtown culture. Learn about the town's founding at the Buffalo Bill Center of The West. The enormous structure houses five museums, including the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. See what life was like in the early days of the town by visiting the Old Trail Town. This is the place to feel like a cowboy and enjoy an amazing historian-recreated village. The history and natural beauty of Cody serve as inspiration for many artists. Several art galleries around town capture the spirit of Cody. A couple include Cody Country Art League and Mountain Valley Artistry.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Located in Cuyahoga County, Chagrin Falls is one of Ohio's most charming towns. The Main Street of the downtown is one of Chagrin Falls's biggest attractions. The street is lined with quaint boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The town also has many well-preserved historic buildings, transporting guests back in time. Two popular buildings to visit include Chagrin Falls Township Hall and the Popcorn Shop. The Popcorn Shop still serves tasty treats and dates back to 1875. While walking around Main Street, stop at the town's namesake waterfall, which flows into the Chagrin River. Flowing under the Mainstreet, the falls once powered nine different mills.
One of the best times of year to visit Chagrin Falls is during the holidays. The town becomes transformed, decorated with dazzling twinkling lights. This is also the time of year when the Festival of the Trees takes place, transforming Riverside Park from November to January.
A Final Note
While nearly every town in the Northern United States has a unique downtown, we explored some of the most vibrant downtowns here. These towns are full of history, art, culture, and nature. Some of the towns, such as Holland, have a noticeable influence from the early settlers of their past. Other towns, such as Portsmouth, are known for their thriving art community and natural scenery. From Chagrin Falls' waterfalls and historic buildings to the backdrop of Yellowstone National Park in Cody, there is something for everyone in these small towns.
