9 Top-Rated Small Towns In the Northern United States
Looking for the perfect getaway destination? Look no further than the top-rated small towns in the northern United States, a region spanning from Washington to Maine. These wonderful tourist towns offer a variety of cute shops and restaurants, nature trails, stunning beaches, and picturesque lakes. Whether discovering the beauty of Saratoga Spa State Park or diving into Cape May Point State Park, these small towns have rich histories and cultural landmarks to uncover for a truly unforgettable experience.
Saratoga Springs, New York
The Empire State has a hidden gem, the quaint town of Saratoga Springs. This is an ideal location for those who enjoy horse racing, boutiques, and stellar shopping venues. This town, just 35 miles away from Albany, is home to the Saratoga Race Course, a spectacular venue for equestrian events, notably horse racing.
For those looking to wind down and enjoy stellar performing arts, the Saratoga Spa State Park is a must-visit. This National Historic Landmark is home to a rich cultural program involving the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Spa Little Theater, and the famous Gideon Putnam Hotel.
The Saratoga Casino Hotel is the best final destination for all nightlife, gambling, shopping, and restaurant needs. If outdoor exploration is not in the cards, this resort will showcase the best from Saratoga Springs.
Stowe, Vermont
A perfect destination for a winter wonderland is Stowe, Vermont. This small town is home to the tallest peak in Vermont, making it the ideal stop for those who love alpine skiing. The picturesque Stow Mountain Resort has 116 ski trials to offer and boasts international recognition as a year-round resort since the 1940s.
Stow has a cozy accommodations scene, including Stowe Country Homes. With a wide selection of styles to choose from, these homes are located next to the village or by the mountainside to cater to personalized staycation preferences.
Butte, Montana
Butte offers a peculiar and rich history of mining in the United States, but that is not all; picturesque tours and breathtaking views are what make Butte the ideal Montana vacation.
Butte has a variety of outdoor activities centered around country life. These include fishing, hunting, hiking, and mountain biking. For those with a need for speed, check out Butte's renowned ATV adventure tours.
Unique to Butte is the guided Lewis & Clark Caverns Tour of the state park. Cavern exploration is the main attraction of this tour from May through September.
Sandwich, Massachusetts
This small New England town is home to one of the oldest establishments in Massachusetts. The Hoxie House is the oldest in Cape Cod, dating back to the 1600s. It has been fully restored to its 17th-century glory and is by far one of the most visited attractions.
Sandwich offers unique, live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Sandwich Glass Museum. The demonstrations take place hourly, and the museum showcases the history of Sandwich through hand-crafted glass pieces.
Wind down and relax in the comfortably appointed Sandwich Lodge & Resort. It is best known for its large, spacious rooms, multiple pools, and sprawling gardens to walk through.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais, French for "great marsh," is a beautiful small Minnesota town that has a rich arts and culture scene to explore. There are several festivals held throughout the year; of note is the Dragon Boat Festival held in July.
Grand Marais also upholds its strong fishing history with the Fisherman's Picnic every August. There are several trails to explore the outdoors, and the Grand Marais lighthouse is the perfect picture spot.
Stay the night at the Thomsonite Beach Inn & Suites overlooking the magnificent shores of Lake Superior. Make sure to use the wood-burning sauna followed by iconic bonfires with s'mores!
Lake Placid, New York
Skiing is the flavor of the day in beautiful Lake Placid. From novice to elite, there are cross-country and back-country ski trails for everyone. Mount Hoevenberg is infamous for holding cross-country events at the 1980 Olympic Games.
For the most advanced back-country skiers, the Avalanche Pass offers five miles of grueling terrain while taking in the immense cliffs of Mount Colden.
Stay at the Interlaken Inn, which has sumptuous modern rooms and fine dining on tap. The inn provides guests with the ideal place to warm up, kick back, and take in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is home to many coffee shops, bistros, and lively nightclubs for a truly unforgettable experience.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Once a resting place for George Washington during the Revolutionary War, New Hope is now a vibrant hub for culture and performing arts. New Hope has been named one of "America's Favorite Towns" with over 200 years of rich history.
Performing arts are front and center in New Hope, with several stars the likes of Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, and Robert Redford, gracing the Bucks County Playhouse, "America's Most Famous Summer Theater."
The Wedgewood Inn is famed for its amenities and pottery courses. Traditional dining options from across the country are available, and shopping is a must in the town center. Savioni Designer Boutique will have you looking your best while you enjoy New Hope hospitality.
Camden, Maine
Affectionately known as the "jewel of Maine," Camden is a paradise destination for those who love the sea. Known for its shipbuilding industries, Camden suffered a major fire in 1892; consequently, the rebuilt structures give this town its rustic red brick aesthetic.
Camden offers a unique experience with a variety of schooners and tall ships for their daily sailing tours and excursions. Ocean-going vessels are also available for cruises on the ocean.
Barrett's Cove is the ideal destination for working on a tan and joining a game of beach volleyball. Laite Memorial Beach is best known for its shells, sea glass, and other treasures.
Camden has a variety of hotels, inns, and waterfront resorts intertwined with seafood restaurants. Rumour has it, the lobster at Peter Ott's on the Water is mouth-watering!
Cape May, New Jersey
For beach enthusiasts looking to work on their tan, this small city is a must-visit. Cape May, New Jersey, has been a tourist hub since the mid-18th century and has world-class beaches to discover. Notably, Higbee Beach is a wildlife management area where unique species of birds can be observed.
A popular attraction is the Cape May Point State Park, where visitors can tour dunes, marshes, nature walks, and habitats. Cape May is home to wine and craft beer-tasting and has multiple vintage aircraft on display.
For delicious food and drink, visit Ocean 7, right by the shoreline. Enjoy your morning coffee or the latest cocktail while watching the sunset. For a sound sleep, book a room at The Inn of Cape May with its local flair.
These amazing small towns in the northern United States are ideal getaway destinations with a variety of top-rated attractions. The towns boast special activities such as one-of-a-kind guided tours like cavern exploration in Butte. Several of these towns are major hubs for performing arts and culture, as well as seasonal festivals such as the dragon boat festival in Grand Marais and sailing excursions in Camden. Lake Placid hosted the 1980 Olympic games and is now a world-renowned center for skiing enthusiasts. Shopping is also on tap as these locations offer fabulous shopping venues for those looking to wrap themselves in the latest designer fashion.
