America's big cities may get all the splashy buzz, but for savvy travelers, our small towns are our best-kept secrets.
In a time when "authentic" is a travel buzzword, these hamlets are attracting visitors with an often unexpected—and surprisingly sophisticated—array of independent and locally-minded cultural, outdoor, and culinary offerings, all minus the urban price tags.
The only downside to all this small town regeneration? Narrowing down this list to just 10 favorites.
Our editors pored over the possibilities, ultimately picking the winners based on criteria like population (all are under 50,000 people), and draws like great local eats, interesting museums and cultural points, and noteworthy natural attractions or outdoor adventures. The result is a list that should inspire travelers of all walks to fill up the gas tank and hit the road.
Healdsburg, California
What it's Like: Napa and Sonoma's quieter wine country sister mixes contemporary cool with plenty of Norman Rockwell charm—not to mention mouth-watering eats and drinks.
Set about 65 miles from San Francisco, Healdsburg is not exactly an unknown—it's garnered its fair share of glossy magazine features—but the town of 11,254 manages to balance the hype with a relaxed pace and diverse price points, meaning visitors don't have to break the bank to enjoy the bounties of wine country.
Those who want to splash out can do so among the Bulgari bath products at Hotel Les Mars or in the Italianate Victorian Honor Mansion, complete with bocce courts and spa pavilions, then dine on homemade meatballs and thin-crust pizza at Scopa. The budget conscious should check into the LEED-certified h2hotel, home to a popular bar, and enjoy the free concerts in the town square and the charming country stores tucked among the lush wineries.
Bozeman, Montana
What it's Like: This Big Sky Country college town is a nature-lover's paradise, no matter the season.
Founded in the late-1800's to service travelers along a mining trail, Bozeman today is home to 37,280 permanent residents, as well as the fluctuating student population of Montana State University. The college presence lends the place an arty vibe; popular activities include the year-round Bozeman Symphony Society and summertime Shakespeare in the Parks.
The mix of faculty, students, cowboys, outdoor enthusiasts, and the odd celebrity has also elevated the dining scene; The rotating menu at John Bozeman's Cafe in the historic downtown might feature Jamaican jerk chicken, while the bison burgers and Kobe beef at Montana Ale Works pair perfectly with the 40 beers on tap. Hotels like the Gallatin River Lodge, set on a 350-acre working ranch, and the Lehrkind Mansion, a former brewer's residence-turned-B&B, make ideal bases for fly fishing, skiing, rafting, and exploring Yellowstone National Park.
Sedona, Arizona
What it's Like: Red-rock panoramas and the mythical "vortex" energies set the scene for this spa and wellness haven.
The striking vistas and natural splendors that once inspired artists like Max Ernst and countless Western filmmakers are today attracting a mix of New Age healers, spa therapists, artisans, and wellness-seekers to this mellow desert town of just over 10,000 residents.
Sedona is light on historic activities, so visitors are free to hike, mountain bike, or jeep-tour around the red-hued canyons and buttes; shop for jewelry and Native American crafts in the town center; and park themselves at spots like Elote Cafe for gourmet Mexican (and great views), or Dahl & Di Luca for elevated Italian.
Many guests simply settle into a health-minded hotel and indulge in spa treatments, yoga sessions, and excursions to the Vortex, a rock outcrop that's said to be a powerful source of ancient energy. Accommodations here tend toward the upscale—favorites include the celeb-endorsed Enchantment Resort and its Mii Amo spa and hillside, cottage-style L'Auberge de Sedona—but deals can be found at places like the Sky Ranch Lodge, where some rooms have fireplaces or kitchenettes.
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