The Best Small Towns in the Northern United States to Chill Out In 2024
Seeking a quiet, peaceful getaway? Look no further than these enchanting small towns scattered across the northern United States. Villages in the northeastern part of the US, such as Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and those in the Pacific northwest, like Coupeville, Washington, each have their own unique appeal, especially if you are looking for a nice place to chill out for a while. With awe-inspiring natural beauty, friendly townspeople, and a slower pace of life, once you visit these small, northern towns, you may not want to leave.
Stowe, Vermont
Fall colors in the village of Stowe Vermont.
Stowe is an inviting small town with a rich history and a population of 5,223, per the US Census Bureau. Although known as a ski town, Stowe is packed with activities and events to keep visitors occupied any time of the year. Located in north central Vermont, Stowe is a small town with a charming Main Street dotted with shops, such as Stowe Mercantile; restaurants, like Butler's Pantry; and the Go Stowe Visitor Information Center. Filled with information on activities, dining, shopping, lodging, and events, this is a great place to start your visit to Stowe.
Historic landmarks to see in Stowe include the Fannie Proctor Historic District, named for a local resident and filled with buildings of historical, cultural, and architectural significance; and the Harvey Cushing House Historic Site, named for a local neurosurgeon. Stowe is also home to festivals and events year-round, such as the Stowe Music Festival, the Stowe Foliage Art Festival in October, Stowe Farmers' Market from May through October, and the Stowe Winter Carnival Festival in January.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Green trees frame the view down the beach of Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach on a sunny day in Oregon.
Called one of the most 100 beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, Cannon Beach is filled with natural beauty and a small-town vibe. With a population of 1,489, Cannon Beach beckons visitors of all ages. It is part of Oregon's beautiful Pacific coastline and is a family-friendly destination with a mix of natural beauty and cultural events.
One of the sites not to be missed in Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall natural landmark. The tidal pools around the rock's base house sea anemones, sea stars, and a variety of marine life, as well as tufted puffins during the spring and summer months. Another natural marvel to see in Cannon Beach is Ecola Start Park, with 9 miles of coastline, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a majestic Sitka spruce forest.
Cannon Beach is home to a thriving art community. Galleries in town include DragonFire Gallery and White Bird Gallery. Some annual events that draw visitors to Cannon Beach are the Sandcastle Contest in June and the Stormy Weather Arts Festival in November.
Watkins Glen, New York
Cave waterfall at Watkins Glen state park, New York, USA.
If you are in search of natural beauty, a charming small town, and wineries, look no further than Watkins Glen. Although small, with a population of just 1,863, Watkins Glen receives thousands of tourists each year. A main draw of Watkins Glen is Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, which offers fishing, boating, and picturesque views. Watkins Glen State Park is another natural landmark that you must experience. Within the park is a narrow gorge with 19 waterfalls along a 1.5-mile hiking trail. The downtown area of Watkins Glen is a quaint small town with a welcoming atmosphere. Shops, such as Famous Brands Outlet; restaurants, such as Nickel's Pit BBQ; and cafes, like Tobey's Donut Shop, are all found in downtown Watkins Glen.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which runs through Watkins Glen, is more than 70 miles long and home to over 30 wineries, cideries, and breweries. Owners are welcoming to visitors and invite them to sample their beverages. Some wineries, like Castel Grisch Winery & Restaurant, offer food that can be paired with their beverages.
Coupeville, Washington
Three old buildings anchor the waterfront strip of downtown Coupeville on Whidbey Island in Washington State.
A waterfront village on Whidbey Island in Washington state, Coupeville is home to just 1,942 residents. It was the location for the filming of the 1998 movie "Practical Magic," which the town still celebrates each year. In addition to its Hollywood connection, Coupeville is perfect for visitors looking for a charming, historic, quiet seaport town. Named for pioneer Thomas Coupe, Coupeville is one of Washington's oldest towns, settled in the 1850s. The town is part of the first historical reserve in the US, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, established in 1978 to preserve its 19th century historic buildings and landscape.
Coupeville Wharf, built in 1905, is another historic landmark to see. It houses the Island County Historic Museum Annex and offers breathtaking views of Penn Cove. Front Street, in Coupeville's downtown area, features historic buildings from the 19th century that house shops, such as A Touch of Dutch; cafes, such as Crabby Coffee; and galleries, like Penn Cove Gallery, today. Visitors to Coupeville will also appreciate the Penn Cove MusselFest every March and the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival each August.
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
The town of Sturbridge, with a population of 9,867, combines history with modern-day conveniences. Contained within the town is Old Sturbridge Village, a 200-acre living history museum of life in New England from the 1790s to the 1830s. Over 40 buildings, both original and reconstructed, are part of the village. As you walk the streets of Old Sturbridge Village, you can interact with costumed interpreters who demonstrate the trades, cooking, crafts, and daily activities of that time. Hands-on and educational programs are also offered.
Downtown Sturbridge offers more than just history, however. If you want to shop, check out Sadie Green's Curiosity Shop, The Thrifty Gypsy, and Sturbridge Flea Market, all on Main Street. Restaurants include B.T.'s Smokehouse, Cedar Street Grille, and Teddy G's. There are also many art galleries and exhibits in the downtown area, such as The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts and the David Wight Community Gallery.
If you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the natural beauty of Sturbridge, head to Wells State Park. It consists of 1,400 acres off Route 49, and offers 12 miles of trails suitable for biking, horseback riding, skiing, and hiking. The oak-hickory and eastern white pine forest create a gorgeous woodland area.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport.
The village of Mystic was founded in 1654 and was a premier shipbuilding center for many years. Today, with a population of 4,348, it is known as a maritime town with many attractions for all ages. The Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the US, and includes historic ships, a replica of a 19th-century seaside village, and exhibits of maritime artifacts. A visit to the Mystic Aquarium will appeal to the whole family. It is one of only two facilities in the US that houses Steller sea lions. Additionally, the aquarium houses the only beluga whales in New England.
Those who are interested in history should check out Olde Mistick Village, a shopping complex that has been designed to resemble a colonial, open-air village. Shops, such as Irish Eyes; and restaurants, such as Jealous Monk; can be found here. Events are held in the village year-round and include Scarecrows in the Village from late September through late October; Holiday Lights Spectacular from the end of November to the end of January; and the Strawberry Festival in the spring.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Another historic small town in the Northern US, Jim Thorpe has a population of 4,507. Its location in the Pocono Mountains, its natural beauty, and the history of the town attract about 200,000 visitors annually. Founded in 1818, Jim Thorpe hosts many seasonal events, including the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival in October and Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas.
Historical landmarks not to be missed include the Old Jail Museum, known for the famous Molly Maguires; and St. Mark's Episcopal Church, with its beautiful stained-glass windows. Tour Jim Thorpe Brewing Company to see how local craft beer is made. There are also numerous wineries, such as Big Creek Vineyard in the area for tastings and tours.
Hikers should hit the Lehigh Gorge Trail, a 26-mile trail that is ideal for both hiking and biking past breathtaking waterfalls and along the Lehigh River. If you would rather see this spectacular scenery from a moving train, catch the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, where you will be able to view the majestic Pocono Mountains and the unique river gorge.
Cape May, New Jersey
Aerial of Cape May New Jersey.
Another northern town with a small residential population (2,768) that draws thousands of visitors annually is Cape May, New Jersy. It is a serene coastal destination that incorporates history, beautiful beaches, and year-round events. Founded in 1685, Cape May is the oldest seaside resort town in the US. Today, it is filled with preserved Victorian homes, some of which can be toured. Walking the streets of Cape May and gazing at these architectural gems is a favorite pastime of visitors to the town. One of the homes open for tours is the Emlen Physick Estate, which has been preserved to show visitors what 19th-century life in Cape May was like.
Cape May has some of the cleanest beaches in the northern US, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, walking, and just enjoying the sounds, sights, and smells of the ocean. Just a short hike down the beach, you will find the 244-acre Cape May Point State Park. Admission to the park is free, and activities include hiking the three trails available, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Also within the park is the Cape May Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Delaware Bay. Birdwatchers and photographers both enjoy this attraction as, from its top, they can see for miles.
Hit the Road to Explore These Northern Gems
Although the northern half of the US includes busy metropolitan areas, it is also home to some charming, inviting small towns just waiting to be explored. From the quaint northeastern seaside villages of Cape May and Mystic to the majestic Pacific northwest towns of Cannon Beach and Coupeville, these serene havens offer a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With natural beauty to savor and activities to occupy you, if you desire, a visit to any of these eight towns will encourage you to slow down and enjoy life.
