The Mid-Atlantic's 8 Most Underrated Towns to Visit in 2024
The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States encompasses New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. This area is notable for its role in American history, economic significance, and demographic diversity. Major cities within this region include New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, which are central to its cultural and economic identity. These cities, due to their size and influence, often overshadow smaller towns in the region, despite the latter's contributions to the Mid-Atlantic's overall character. For those interested in discovering the lesser-known and underrated towns of the Mid-Atlantic in 2024, consider visiting these destinations.
Saint Michaels, Maryland
Saint Michaels, Maryland, is a coastal town nestled along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The town gained historical significance during the War of 1812 when it successfully deceived British attackers by hoisting lanterns in ship masts and treetops, causing the enemy cannon fire to overshoot the village. This clever tactic earned Saint Michaels the nickname "the town that fooled the British." Today, Saint Michaels is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and exploring the Eastern Shore.
In Saint Michaels, visitors are encouraged to explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, an expansive 18-acre interactive facility founded in 1965 on Navy Point. Additionally, The Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond is a great place to unwind. Find a spot on the lawn with a refreshing drink, and observe sailboats on the water. For those visiting in mid-April 2024, the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival is a noteworthy event. Over 90 artisans will gather to display and sell coastal and sea-glass-related items, including jewelry, home décor, and art.
Watkins Glen, New York
Watkins Glen is a village nestled at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region. The village is known for its wine production, lake activities, and agricultural community. For those planning a visit to Watkins Glen, make sure to drop by Watkins Glen State Park. It has 19 waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet down a narrow gorge, perfect for hiking.
Meanwhile, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, one of three distinct wine trails in the Finger Lakes region, includes 25 wineries for a tasting experience of the area's acclaimed wines. The 2024 Grand Prix Festival, scheduled for September 6, 2024, is a highlight event in Watkins Glen. The festival celebrates the village's racing heritage. Over 600 classic sports cars of various ages and marques will be parked along the main streets.
Clinton, New Jersey
Clinton, New Jersey, is a small town situated in Hunterdon County, along the South Branch of the Raritan River, one of the longest rivers in New Jersey. Established in the early 19th century, the town's economy historically revolved around milling, which provided the necessary power for early industrial activities. Clinton's surrounding landscape, marked by rolling hills and rural beauty, typifies the region of western New Jersey.
For those touring Clinton, the Red Mill Museum Village is a must-see. Here, visitors get to experience 19th-century American life by exploring an old grist mill, schoolhouse, log cabin, blacksmith shop, and barn. On the east bank of the river, the Hunterdon Art Museum, housed in a stone-clad, 19th-century grist mill, is a great option for art enthusiasts interested in contemporary art exhibits. Additionally, an event not to be missed is the Art in Bloom, scheduled for April 14, 2024. This fine arts and craft festival, showcases local artists in the historic downtown.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is one of the underrated towns in the Poconos, nestled in the Lehigh Gorge. Named in honor of the Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, the town is significant for its role in the coal mining industry and as a major railroad hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the decline of coal mining and rail transport in the region, the borough has adapted over time.
In Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is arguably the top attraction. Departing from the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey train station, it journeys along the Lehigh River for riders to take in the landscapes of the region. The Old Jail Museum, operational from 1870 to 1995, is a historic landmark. Tours include the tales of the Molly Maguires, a group of Irish miners who faced execution within the jail's walls. If you are visiting in autumn, The Fall Foliage Festival, held each weekend in October 2024, celebrates the season with local and regional bands, a variety of vendors selling seasonal treats, and guided tours of historic sites.
Lewes, Delaware
Lewes, Delaware, established in 1631, is recognized as the first town in the first state of the United States. Located at the confluence of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Lewes serves as both a serene coastal retreat and a living museum of early American history. Numerous historic buildings and sites in Lewes reflect its Dutch and English colonial past, including Ryves Holt House.
Cape Henlopen State Park is Lewes' premier outdoor recreation spot, welcoming visitors from sunrise to sunset from March through November each year. The beach is excellent for swimming, fishing, surfing, and biking. History buffs should head to the Cannonball House, a historic structure built in the mid-1700s. It has exhibits on the Revolutionary War and the Bombardment of Lewes by the British during the War of 1812. Additionally, the Lewes Tulip Celebration, taking place from March 29th to April 14th, 2024, over three weekends, is an event that honors the blooming of tulips and celebrates the area's Dutch heritage.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland, is the state capital and is prominently located on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River. Founded in the mid-17th century, Annapolis played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War and was the site of the Annapolis Convention in 1786, which laid the groundwork for the Constitutional Convention the following year.
The Maryland State House in Annapolis is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. Self-guided tours of its marble corridors are available and take visitors to the very spot where George Washington resigned from the Continental Army. Another attraction, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, constructed in 1875, is the only screw-pile lighthouse remaining in the bay, with boat tours available for a closer look. Complementing these historical experiences, the Baygrass Music Festival, scheduled from September 21 to 22, 2024, is a conservation-focused festival. It combines progressive bluegrass music with the mission to save the Chesapeake Bay. Set against a beautiful beachfront venue, attendees can expect performances by top touring bands across two stages over two days.
Saranac Lake, New York
Saranac Lake, New York, is a village in the Adirondack Mountains. Established in the 19th century, it became a health resort for tuberculosis patients; its clean mountain air was believed to have therapeutic properties. The village is surrounded by lakes and forests, supports a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year, and is complemented by numerous historic cure cottages and sanatoriums dotting the area.
In Saranac Lake, the Adirondack Carousel has hand-carved figures that represent the region's wildlife, an entertainment option for both children and adults. The Saranac Laboratory Museum, on the other hand, delves into the town's medical history as the first laboratory in the United States dedicated to the research of tuberculosis. Plan a visit to this town on April 8, 2024, to attend the Saranac Lake Solar Fest. The eclipse viewing is at 3:24 PM and is enhanced by the rhythm of talented local bands.
Thurmont, Maryland
Thurmont, Maryland, is a small town situated in Frederick County, near the border with Pennsylvania. Established in the early 18th century, Thurmont is located at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, which have defined its landscape and provided a natural resource base for forestry and recreation. The town's proximity to major cities like Baltimore and Washington, DC, combined with its rural setting, makes it both accessible and secluded.
Catoctin Mountain Park, a cornerstone of natural beauty in Thurmont, is a place for visitors to appreciate the Appalachian highlands through hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Closer to town, Pryors Orchards is a family-owned orchard where guests can partake in the seasonal harvests of apples, peaches, and other fruits, a tangible connection to Thurmont's farming heritage. The Maple Syrup Festival, taking place at Cunningham Falls State Park on the weekends of March 9 and 10 and March 16 and 17, 2024, draws visitors into the world of maple syrup production through live demonstrations. The event is celebrated with a spread of breakfast items made with locally made syrup.
Venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of the Mid-Atlantic's major urban centers in 2024 will lead you to the region's hidden gems. These smaller towns encapsulate the diverse cultural, historical, and natural beauty of the area, often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts. Whether you are drawn to the historic railway in Jim Thorpe, sea glass jewelry in Saint Michaels, or the white-sand beaches of Lewes, these towns offer a more intimate and authentic experience of the Mid-Atlantic.
