8 Picturesque Small Towns in the Northern United States for a Weekend Retreat
The Northern United States, defined by states located above the Mason-Dixon Line, the Ohio River, and the 36°30' parallel, encompasses New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Midwest. This area is known for its varied landscapes, ranging from the rugged coastlines of Maine to the vast Great Lakes and rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Within this area, numerous small towns exist for those seeking a quieter, more picturesque alternative to urban environments for weekend retreats in the Northern United States. Their appeal lies in well-preserved historical sites, access to natural landscapes, and a slower pace of life.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is a town nestled in the Lehigh Gorge. Surrounded by the Pocono Mountains, its landscape is characterized by steep hills, dense forests, and the winding Lehigh River. The town's architecture, a mix of Victorian, Gothic, and Romanesque styles, adds to the setting. For those visiting, The Bella Victoria Bed and Breakfast has decorated rooms that capture the era's grandeur, whereas The Flagstaff Lodge, perched on an overlook, has a cabin-like atmosphere.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and travels through Lehigh Gorge State Park. The route historically supported coal and lumber transportation. Asa Packer Mansion Museum, built in 1861, is a preserved residence of Asa Packer, a prominent figure in the railroad industry and the founder of Lehigh University. The mansion, a National Historic Landmark, has original furnishings, personal belongings of the Packer family, and architectural features from the Victorian era. Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary focuses on the conservation and education of butterflies. Visitors can engage in hands-on experiences, such as feeding butterflies and learning about their life cycle and habitat conservation.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts, is an island town with historic lighthouses and preserved 18th-century architecture. The island's landscape includes dunes, heathlands, and harbors. For those seeking accommodation, the White Elephant Nantucket has nautically themed rooms, whereas 21 Broad is a modern boutique hotel located in the town's historic district.
Sconset Bluff Walk in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a public path that runs along the eastern shoreline. Walkers can take in views of the Atlantic Ocean, historic homes, and manicured gardens. The Whaling Museum, managed by the Nantucket Historical Association, presents the island's whaling history through artifacts, including a restored sperm whale skeleton, emphasizing Nantucket's maritime heritage. Sankaty Lighthouse, located on the eastern end of Nantucket near Siasconset village, was built in 1850. The lighthouse features a red and white stripe and has views of the surrounding area from its location atop a bluff.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Meredith, New Hampshire, located in the Lakes Region, sits on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest lake. Autumn is the best time to visit; the surrounding forests present a display of New England fall foliage. For accommodations, Mill Falls at the Lake has guestrooms with lake views and multiple dining options.
Hermit Woods Winery, located in Meredith, specializes in the production of handcrafted, small-batch wines, often made from locally sourced fruits, honey, and flowers rather than traditional grapes. The winery offers tastings and tours to visitors, educating them on its winemaking process. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad runs along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, traveling between Meredith and Lakeport. Passengers can enjoy views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and local wildlife. Meredith Sculpture Walk is an outdoor gallery set in the heart of Meredith and has a rotating collection of sculptures by artists from across the country. This walkable exhibit integrates art with the town's natural and built environments.
Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is a small town noted for its 19th-century buildings. Over 85% of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is set along the Galena River, part of the Mississippi River watershed, and is surrounded by the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County. The town's homes, storefronts, and churches reflect a variety of architectural styles from Greek Revival to Italianate. For unorthodox lodging, the Jail Hill Inn is an upscale four-star hotel and a restored 19th-century jail.
Thunder Bay Falls, located near Galena is a man-made waterfall accessible to the public. Situated in a residential area, the water cascades over a rocky ledge into a serene pool below. Horseshoe Mound Preserve, on the outskirts of Galena, encompasses over 40 acres and has views of three states: Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This preserve has native plant species, geological formations, and several viewing scopes at the summit of the mound. Washburne House, a residence in Galena, was built in the mid-19th century and is associated with Elihu B. Washburne, a prominent political figure and advisor to Abraham Lincoln. The house is now a museum, with period furnishings, personal artifacts of the Washburne family, and exhibits on local history.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, is a town in the Green Mountains. Its landscapes include forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows. The beauty of Stowe is highlighted by Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Stowe's Main Street shows off historic church steeples, independent bookstores, and the Stowe Theatre Guild. Established in 1833, Green Mountain Inn has period-specific decor and is located on Main Street.
Sunset Rock in Stowe is an accessible hiking destination. The trailhead is located near the historic Stowe Village, leading to a short hike that culminates in a scenic overlook, particularly pretty at sunset. The Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the descendants of the von Trapp family, whose story inspired "The Sound of Music," is a mountain resort. The lodge, set on 2,500 acres has opportunities for hiking and skiing. The Old School Pressing Room is part of Stowe's cider-making tradition. Visitors can observe the process of cider pressing using historical methods and equipment, reflecting the area's long-standing apple cultivation and cider production practices.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, is a town modeled after a Bavarian village and surrounded by the Cascade Mountains. Its Alpine-style buildings, complete with murals and German signage, line the downtown area. Seasonal changes transform the town; colorful autumn leaves appear in fall, the town turns into a snowy winter wonderland during its Christmas Lighting Festival in winter, and wildflowers bloom in spring and summer. The Abendblume hoel gives an authentic Alpine experience with its ornate, European-inspired decor.
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum displays a collection of over 7,000 nutcrackers, dating from prehistoric to modern times. The museum aims to educate visitors on the craftsmanship of nutcrackers around the world. Further, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is for interactive experiences with reindeer. Feed, pet, and take photos with these animals. The farm conducts tours that educate visitors about reindeer biology, conservation, and their role in global ecosystems. Waterfront Park Trail is a scenic pathway in Leavenworth that winds along the Wenatchee River. This accessible trail has views of the river, local wildlife, and the surrounding mountains.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, positioned on the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island, is directly adjacent to Acadia National Park. This setting includes direct access to the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, dense, expansive forests within the park's boundaries, and Cadillac Mountain, recognized as the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic coast. The Hampton Inn Bar Harbor stands out as a top accommodation in Bar Harbor. Many of the guestrooms have views of Frenchman Bay, and the hotel is near one of the main entrances of Acadia National Park.
The town attracts visitors worldwide. The Lulu Lobster Boat Ride tour is an experience of Maine's lobster fishing, where guests can learn about the industry firsthand. The Abbe Museum focuses on the preservation and sharing of Maine's Native American communities' heritage through educational exhibits and artifacts. Meanwhile, the Double Bubble Nubble Loop in Acadia National Park is a moderate to challenging trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park's landscapes, including coastlines and woodlands.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, Idaho, is a town in the Silver Valley of the Idaho Panhandle, Established in the late 19th century, it is known for its extensive silver mining operations in the United States, contributing to its reputation as the "Silver Capital of the World." The town's history is preserved in its well-maintained downtown area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Accommodation-wise, the Ryan Hotel is a comfortable and safe option located in the center of downtown.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour provides insights into the techniques, tools, and daily life of miners in the region. The experience includes an underground tour of the Sierra Silver Mine, demonstrating the mining processes used to extract silver. Pulaski Tunnel Trail is a historical trail that commemorates the efforts of Ed Pulaski, a US Forest Service ranger who saved the lives of his crew during the Great Fire of 1910. The 4-mile trail leads to an overlook near the entrance of the Pulaski Tunnel, where Pulaski and his crew took refuge from the flames. The Huckleberry Festival is an annual event in Wallace, held in August. The festival celebrates the region's abundance of wild huckleberries, a local crop. Activities include huckleberry pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests, and live music.
The Northern United States is home to an array of picturesque small towns ideal for weekend retreats. They are enhanced by their historic landmarks, such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum in Jim Thorpe, proximity to natural parks, like Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, and cultural events, including the Huckleberry Festival in Wallace. Whether it is the serenity of Meredith's lakeside village or the 19th-century ambiance of Galena, the Northern United States holds a treasure trove of small towns waiting to be discovered.
