8 Most Eccentric Towns in the Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast, known as the Eastern Seaboard, spans the entire United States East Coast from Florida to Maine. Though each state has significant historical, cultural, and entertainment attractions, the eccentric towns are among the best on the coast. These communities embrace the spirit of their region and have quirky characteristics that make them stand out from surrounding cities.
Seeing and experiencing unexpected things not listed in a typical itinerary often makes better travel stories. These eight unconventional towns on the Atlantic Coast offer everything from monumental historical value to wild horses running on the beach and quirky points of interest along the way.
St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest nation in the US, St. Augustine, Florida, also has an uncommon side. The narrow, walkable streets are cobblestone, and practically every building is centuries old. The Spanish architecture feels like walking through time, especially when period actors dressed as pirates or Colonialists walk by. Then, there are the "love trees."
Many do not know about the seven " love trees " among the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Oldest Jail, and Fountain of Youth. They are called "love trees" because two trees, a palm and an oak, wrap around each other. There are several throughout the "Ancient City," like the one on Cordova Street. It is said that if you kiss your paramour while standing underneath it, you will have a lifetime of marital harmony.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands. It is notable for its abundance of driftwood and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The island's peculiarity lies in its natural and historical beauty, which makes it feel out of time in the best ways. Several historical tours take passengers through the island, including the Millionaire Car and Trolley Tours.
The Millionaire Car Tour whisks visitors around the historic neighborhoods in a 1930s Model T, providing a touch of Southern sophistication. Wander St. Andres offers a phenomenal viewpoint of St. Andrews Beach on a sailing ship. It explores the historical shipwreck and provides an environmental tour of the south end of the beach, continuing the long history of island preservation.
Georgetown, South Carolina
Georgetown is a coastal town and one of the oldest in South Carolina. Its pastel-colored storefronts, centered around the brick town clock, offer exceptional harbor views. Plan a trip around the Strand Theatre schedule when the Swamp Foxes perform one of their signature concerts, such as a rendition of Buddy Holly and the Crickets' show "Living on the Legacy."
Shopping in Historic Georgetown is one of the town's many charms. A stroll down Front Street offers options like Whimsy Warehouse, Georgie Girl, and Irresistible Elegance. The town also has many cultural attractions, like the Georgetown County Museum. The museum highlights over 300 years of local history through exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is the only resort island in Virginia. It is a tranquil island with no high-rises, large crowds, or even a boardwalk. Instead, the community revels in its natural beauty and prefers it to be the island's star. It is the gateway to Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Then there are the famous Chincoteague wild ponies.
There are two herds of wild horses on Assateague Island, separated by a fence on the Maryland-Virginia border, and one herd is on each side of the fence. Each group is approximately 160 horses; they are small, sturdy, shaggy, and have adapted quite well to their coastal environment. They graze on the dune and marsh grasses and carry on a centuries-old tradition of inhabitation, which the Commonwealth proudly preserves.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is famously known for its Victorian homes, Cape May Lighthouses, and as the training center for the United States Coast Guard. The preserved architecture, views, and military presence merge seamlessly and create a unique ambiance. The Emlen Physick Estate is the only Victorian museum in town.
The estate/museum honors Physick, the father of American surgery. Docents give tours that transport you to the 19th century and give visitors a glimpse into the importance of the African American population of the area. No trip is complete without a trip to Cape May Lighthouse. Climb the 199 stairs to the top of the solid white 1859 lighthouse for stunning views of Delaware Bay.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Narragansett, Rhode Island, is a favored New England summer destination. Scarborough Beach has over 2,000 feet of beachfrontage, and other landmarks include Narragansett Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse. The Towers is an iconic landmark built between 1886 and 1889. The stunning brick structure was the massive Narragansett Pier Casino, the most prestigious resort in the United States at the time, and it is a reminder of Rhode Island's social prominence.
The octagonal Point Judith Lighthouse, erected in 1816, still stands as a town landmark. Its illustrious history includes the sinking of the last German U-boat two miles away. The South County Museum examines this history and other prominent histories of the local region and emphasizes the importance of the farm, village, and sea.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport, on the tip of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, has attracted artists for centuries because of its rugged coastal beauty. Its attractions include boulder-strewn wooded paths and the "magical light" that inspires artists like Winslow Homer. One hour north of Boston, the romantic town celebrates its historical roots in galleries like Dream House Gallery and Boutique and Susan Lynn Gallery and Studio.
Other cultural attractions include the Paper House Museum on Main Street. The house is made entirely of paper, which began as a hobby in 1922. The paper started as insulation, but now the structure and furnishings are made out of paper by Elis F. Stenman, who designed the machinery that makes paper clips.
Kittery, Maine
The coastal town of Kittery is the oldest in Maine, settled in 1623. The downtown area, Kittery Foreside, is a hipster's paradise, a unique contrast to the fishing village aesthetic of the town. Boutiques, hip coffee shops, and cafes like Lil's are the new hallmarks of this 17th-century town. Located at Wallington Square, Lils offers daily baked goods, inviting guests to peruse the vintage vinyl collection at Lil's Vinyl Vault.
Cultural points of interest, such as the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum, tell the story of this region throughout the centuries, from the settlers to modern military history. While walking around town, check out the John Paul Jones Memorial Park, honoring the father of the US Navy. The trapezoidal park, established in 1926 to celebrate the Revolutionary War hero, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
From the artist haven known as Rockport, Maine, to the unparalleled historical value of St. Augustine, Florida, these are the eight most eccentric towns on the Atlantic Coast. They offer travelers experiential value, especially for the ones who prefer to wander off the beaten path. How often does one get to see wild horses freely running the beach?
Unique Towns Along the Atlantic Coast
The towns may be small, but they are full of things to do and see. The small communities, some heavily visited throughout the year, are welcoming and have a congenial atmosphere. Shopping and dining locally is always the safe bet when you want to experience a town's authentic spirit, and these towns do not disappoint.
