These Small Towns in the Mid-Atlantic Come Alive in Summer
America’s Mid-Atlantic region covers seven states—Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia—as well as the District of Columbia. This area covers a wide topography, from the Atlantic coastline and Chesapeake Bay to dense forests and mountainous terrain. Countless small towns dot this varied landscape, some of which really come to life during the summer tourist season. No list of the mid-Atlantic’s liveliest summer destinations would be complete without several beach towns, but our list includes great summertime towns away from the shore as well. So, no matter what kind of summer fun you seek, the mid-Atlantic has a town for you!
Cape May, New Jersey
Located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May is one of the oldest and loveliest resort towns along the eastern seaboard. The town has only about 2,800 full-time residents, but Cape May comes alive each summer with vacationers from all over the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Visitors flock to Cape May for the great beach, charming beach promenade, family-friendly atmosphere, wealth of historic Victorian architecture, and more. The Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian shopping area located downtown, is just a short walk from the beach. Cape May, and especially Cape May Point State Park, is a great place for birdwatching as well.
Chestertown, Maryland
Chestertown, founded in 1706, is located along the Chester River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay only a few miles downstream. The town is the seat of Kent County and has a population of around 5,000. Chestertown’s waterfront location makes it a popular summertime destination, but so too does the town’s historic charm. Downtown Chestertown retains many colonial-era buildings and houses a lively arts and entertainment scene. On the waterfront, Chestertown has an annual Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival, as well as an annual reenactment of the town’s own 1774 “tea party” protest against British rule. A reproduction of the 1768 schooner Sultana is docked year-round as an on-the-water museum.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Located along the Atlantic coast at the northern edge of Virginia’s portion of the Delmarva Peninsula, the town of Chincoteague occupies the entire island of the same name. The town is most famous for the Chincoteague wild ponies that live on the neighboring Assateague Island, in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Preserve. The wild ponies captured America’s imagination with the 1961 film “Misty of Chincoteague,” and the island has been a popular summertime tourist destination ever since. Home to about 3,000 full-time residents, Chincoteague is the rare resort town that has eschewed high-rise towers and over-commercialization in favor of a simpler vibe that prioritizes the abundant natural wonders of the area.
Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Situated at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and the states of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, Harpers Ferry was a key strategic point and home to John Brown’s Raid in 1859 that helped cause the American Civil War. Now a peaceful village of under 300 residents, Harpers Ferry is a thriving tourist destination, especially in summer. The Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is a restoration of the downtown area as it existed in the mid 1800s, giving visitors a real feel for the historical significance of the town. Downtown Harpers Ferry is also surrounded by spectacular vistas, beckoning visitors to the rivers, forests, and mountains to get in touch with nature.
Kane, Pennsylvania
Unlike the several beach towns on this list, Kane is hundreds of miles from the ocean, tucked away in the forests of north-central Pennsylvania. Once a bustling lumber and manufacturing town, Kane’s population has dropped by half (to 3,600) since 1920, but remnants of those bygone days give the downtown area a distinctive charm and beauty. Art in the Wilds, the premiere fine arts festival in the area, draws visitors to downtown Kane each June. The real showstopper that brings the summertime crowds, however, is the surrounding landscape, with attractions such as the Allegheny National Forest, Knox and Kane Rail Trail, Longhouse National Scenic Byway, and North Country Trail.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Sometimes called the “Nation’s Summer Capital” because it is a favorite summer vacation spot for America’s political elite (including the current U.S. President), Rehoboth Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline and a lively promenade. Rehoboth Beach is known for having some of the finest sand and cleanest water of any town along the eastern seaboard. In addition to the great beach, summer visitors come by the tens of thousands (greatly swelling the year-round population of 1,100) for the famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, which is lined with shops, eateries, and entertainment. The town is also a bustling center for the creative and performing arts, with galleries, playhouses, music venues, and more.
Watkins Glen, New York
One of the gems of the Finger Lakes of central New York, Watkins Glen is situated at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Nature lovers come in droves for attractions like Watkins Glen State Park, with its stunning gorge trail and 19 scenic waterfalls. Meanwhile, fans of motorsports travel by the thousands to Watkins Glen International Raceway, which hosts numerous auto races, including a NASCAR race each August. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can head up along the shore of Seneca Lake to experience some of the mid-Atlantic region’s best wineries. And, if all this isn’t enough, Watkins Glen itself is a picturesque town of 1,800 with a fantastic downtown area!
The mid-Atlantic region is home to some of America’s biggest and most prominent cities, like New York, Washington, and Philadelphia, so there are millions of people looking for small-town getaways each summer. Fortunately for them, the region is also home to a fantastic collection of communities, ranging from beach towns to forest retreats, that really come to life during the summer months. Instead of venturing far away for a summer escape, mid-Atlantic residents can have a great time close to home!
