Tired of visiting the usual big cities? Maxed out on beach vacations? For a quick trip during spring break, a small town in America may prove to be that perfect spot. One that isn’t the usual tourist trap. Many are hidden gems that boast their own unique attractions and beauty. Here are our top 5 recommendations.
1. Estes Park , Colorado
This town has been serving as the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park for a hundred years as of 2015. Home to the iconic Stanley Hotel, which was inspiration for Stephen King’s classic ‘The Shining’, the town also boasts several new breweries and its own distillery. There’s a scenic river walk along the Big Thompson River for leisurely strolls. This laid-back town even sees elk wandering the downtown streets, so you’ll definitely be getting your dose of flora and fauna here!
2. Homer, Alaska
Spring is one of the best times to visit this town for a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Without leaving the country, you can chase the Northern Lights in this little outpost on the sea. Nicknamed “the end of the road” and more recently, “the cosmic hamlet by the sea”, this locale is also the unofficial halibut fishing capital of the world. Not to mention, meandering moose are a common sight in the town’s roads and trails. Visiting Homer is sure to be an experience you never forget.
3. Port Townsend, Washington
A blend of outdoorsy and small-town charm, Port Townsend boasts many gems. Of these are Fort Worden, a 19th-century army-base-turned-state-park with an impressive arts events calendar, and the Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Misty peaks and spectacular old-growth rainforests greet you as you explore through the park. Hungry after your walk? Enjoy locally grown food in restaurants, then cap off your perfect day with a stroll through the unique shops filled with handcrafted goods.
4. Vernal, Utah.
If you get a thrill at the thought of spending your vacation where the dinosaurs used to roam, then Vernal is right spot for you. The Carnegie quarry is made up of thousands of dinosaur fossils, perfect for an educational trip. The town has its roots in the Old West, making it a fascinating spot in itself. Outdoor enthusiasts will also have plenty to do, with opportunities for fly fishing, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.
5. Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Nature buffs, it’s time to make a trip down to Bayfield. An old lumbering town and commercial fishing community, it’s now a getaway that allows you to get close to nature. Explore enchanted ice caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, historic lighthouses, forests and cliffs of the Lake Superior area. Unwind by visiting the town’s two museums, old creamery, organic restaurants, and take your pick of the town’s wineries.
Your next adventure is waiting for you – will you find it in one of America’s charming small towns? We think so!
