I've cycled 10,000 miles across the America… twice. These are the 23 most desirable small towns, reveals travel expert SIMON PARKER

Discovering Authentic America: Unveiling Charming Small Towns Across the Nation

To truly grasp the essence of America, venture beyond the bustling metropolises and explore its heartland. The United States, brimming with prairies, towering mountains, dense forests, and arid deserts, boasts a stunningly diverse landscape interwoven by an extensive network of national highways. These roadways lead to captivating small towns and villages, hidden gems often overlooked by both Americans and international visitors, offering a genuine taste of local life. This guide highlights some of the most enchanting small towns in America, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path America

Driven by a deep fascination with lesser-known corners of America, one traveler has twice cycled across the country, covering a remarkable 10,000 miles. These journeys, most recently undertaken leading up to the 2024 Presidential Election for an upcoming book, were filled with enriching experiences. Long days of cycling culminated in discoveries of lively brewpubs, welcoming diners, and spirited high school football games. The countless instances of spontaneous generosity, from offered breakfasts to invitations to stay, underscored the warmth of small-town hospitality.

The allure of small-town America is undeniable, inspiring a desire to continuously traverse the nation, uncovering new and captivating destinations. Here are 23 exceptional small towns across the US, accompanied by essential tips for visitors.

Snoqualmie, Washington (Population: 13,465)

This Pacific Northwest town draws fans of the television series “Twin Peaks,” eager to explore David Lynch’s iconic filming locations. Late February marks “The Real Twin Peaks” weekender, featuring screenings and guided tours for enthusiasts. Located a mere 25 miles east of Seattle, Snoqualmie is enveloped by the verdant North Cascades Mountains and positioned just north of the majestic Snoqualmie Falls, where water plunges an impressive 270 feet over sheer granite cliffs.

For refreshment, visit Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and sample their amber ales or IPAs. In late summer, experience their unique wet-hopped beers, crafted with the freshest northwest-grown ingredients.

Wallace, Idaho (Population: 825)

Nestled within Idaho’s heavily forested panhandle, just off Interstate 90, Wallace stands out as a unique destination. Remarkably, every structure in downtown Wallace is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Unlike many sprawling American towns, Wallace is entirely pedestrian-friendly, inviting exploration on foot.

Celebrated as the “Silver Capital of the World,” Wallace has yielded an astounding 1.2 billion ounces of silver since 1884.

During spring and summer, cyclists and hikers can access the town via the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a scenic 72-mile, car-free path converted from a former railroad line, traversing northern Idaho.

In winter, Wallace serves as an ideal base for reaching nearby ski resorts like Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass.

Astoria, Oregon (Population: 9,986)

Perched on the southern banks of the Columbia River, near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is a frequently rain-swept town dominated by the Astoria–Megler cantilever steel bridge. The surrounding waters are known as a ship graveyard, holding over 2,000 shipwrecks.

Movie enthusiasts might recognize Astoria as the filming location for the beloved 1985 adventure film, “The Goonies.”

However, Astoria’s culinary scene is perhaps its biggest draw, particularly its seafood. Bowpicker Fish and Chips is a must-visit for their exceptional beer-battered albacore tuna.

Butte, Montana (Population: 35,701)

Locally known as “the richest hill on Earth,” Butte’s mines have produced over six billion tons of copper since the 1860s, playing a significant role in electrifying the United States.

At its height, the mining industry employed over 8,000 individuals, contributing to the construction of elegant Victorian Queen Anne style homes throughout the town.

Attend a high school football game on a Friday night during autumn or winter for an authentic local experience.

Butte is also celebrated for its Cornish pasties, traditionally served with gravy. Joe’s Pasty Shop is a local institution, using the same cherished recipe since 1947.

Pawhuska, Oklahoma (Population: 2,926)

Encompassed by the world’s largest protected tallgrass prairie, Pawhuska serves as the headquarters for the Native American Osage Nation. This town is also the setting for David Grann’s acclaimed 2017 book and Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated film adaptation, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

For dining, Trigger’s BBQ offers award-winning, slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

The Frontier Hotel, a distinguished redbrick establishment dating back to the early 20th century oil boom, is the premier lodging option. (Doubles B&B at Frontier Hotel from $186 per night; frontierpawhuska.com)

Lindsborg, Kansas (Population: 3,811)

Lindsborg, affectionately nicknamed “Little Sweden,” was established by Swedish immigrants from Värmland County in 1869. Approximately 30 percent of the town’s residents still trace their ancestry back to Scandinavia.

The vibrant main street is adorned with Dala horses and the blue and yellow Nordic Cross flags, reflecting its Swedish heritage.

Local shops offer Scandinavian treats like smoked liquorice, while restaurants and bars incorporate lingonberries into dishes and drinks.

For an immersive Nordic experience, consider staying at the Viking Motel. (Doubles B&B at Viking Motel from $81 per night; vikingmotellindsborg.us)

Clarksdale, Mississippi (Population: 13,850)

Clarksdale, the birthplace of Blues music and its offshoot, rock ‘n’ roll, is situated 15 miles east of the imposing Mississippi River, the fourth longest river globally.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, and John Lee Hooker all called Clarksdale home. The town’s neon-illuminated downtown continues to thrive with clubs and bars presenting live music every day of the year.

Ground Zero, a venue co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, is open four nights weekly, serving delectable Southern cuisine including Mississippi Delta catfish, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler.

Telluride, Colorado (Population: 2,525)

Nestled snugly within a canyon, Telluride is a compact town, only eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long. Its charming downtown features clapboard storefronts and distinctive boutique art galleries.

This former Victorian mining town, located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, provides hiking and biking opportunities during summer and convenient access to alpine ski slopes in winter.

A complimentary gondola service connects Telluride with Mountain Village, situated at an elevation of 9,545 feet.

For dining with breathtaking views, visit Alpino Vino for comforting tomato soup and grilled cheese. At 11,966 feet above sea level, it is the highest restaurant in North America.

Sedona, Arizona (Population: 9,819)

Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of National Forest, Sedona offers over 400 miles of trails for hiking and cycling within and around this striking red rock desert town.

Benefiting from its high altitude (4,360 feet), Sedona enjoys a milder climate compared to other parts of Arizona.

March, April, and May are optimal months to visit. The pristine air is ideal for hot air ballooning, offering spectacular views over the town and its scenic surroundings.

With warm days and cool nights, the region is also conducive to viticulture and wine production.

Sitka, Alaska (Population: 8,282)

Sitka, an island community bounded by ocean, mountains, and rainforest, is home to brown bears, bald eagles, and five species of Pacific salmon.

Historically significant, Sitka became Alaska’s first capital in 1867 when the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia.

Traces of Russian heritage remain visible today in St Michael’s Cathedral, North America’s first Russian Orthodox church.

The Russian Bishop’s House is another notable landmark, one of the few extant examples of Russian colonial architecture on the continent.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Population: 3,701)

Gatlinburg, serving as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most frequented national park in the United States, welcomes approximately 14 million visitors annually.

The town was the site of the Battle of Burg Hill during the Civil War in 1863, commemorated with reenactments each summer.

October is particularly enchanting to visit, as fall foliage season reaches its vibrant peak, painting the landscape in rich reds and golds.

For an authentic Tennessee culinary experience, Bennetts Barbecue is recommended for its slow-cooked meats, smoked greens, and delightful fried pies.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (Population: 3,104)

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint one-square-mile village along California’s Pacific Coast, lies less than two hours south of San Francisco.

Its cobblestone streets have been home to celebrated figures including author Jack London, artist Salvador Dali, and actor Clint Eastwood.

Visitors will discover numerous art galleries, wine tasting venues, and the esteemed two Michelin Star Aubergine restaurant, offering a refined tasting menu featuring dishes like triple-seared ribeye and Monterey Bay abalone.

The Sitwell, the town’s newest hotel, opened in spring 2024, offering scenic mountain and village vistas. (Doubles B&B at Sitwell from $702 per night; larkhotels.com/hotels/stilwell-hotel)

Taos, New Mexico (Population: 6,427)

Taos, the northernmost of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos, showcases adobe architecture and a history spanning over a millennium.

Each May, the town celebrates the Lilac Festival, marking the blooming season of lilacs and their captivating fragrance.

In June, volunteers participate in the annual re-plastering of the 200-year-old San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, a community tradition.

For spice enthusiasts, Taos is a renowned chili-growing region. Antonio’s offers authentic New Mexican fare, such as marinated pork street tacos, steak enchiladas, and pozole with Chimayo red chili.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania (Population: 4,529)

Named in honor of Olympic gold medalist and Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, this Victorian town was once the second most-visited tourist destination in the USA, after Niagara Falls.

Its streets are characterized by European-style mansions and venerable historic hotels. Hotel Switzerland, the town’s oldest commercial building, dates back to 1830.

October sees the Fall Foliage Festival, featuring scenic train excursions from downtown into the surrounding Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Pocono Mountains forests. (Doubles B&B at Hotel Switzerland from $120 per night; www.hotelswitzerlandjimthorpe.com)

Deadwood, South Dakota (Population: 1,343)

Deadwood, a gold rush town encircled by the Black Hills National Forest, is notorious for its 19th-century lawlessness and legendary figures like gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok, who met his demise at Saloon Number 10 in 1876.

Today, Saloon Number 10 retains its historic atmosphere with sawdust-covered floors and period rifles displayed on the walls.

The town is celebrated for its American Whiskey Bar, offering an extensive selection of small-batch Bourbons.

The Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore are located approximately an hour south of Deadwood.

Meredith, New Hampshire (Population: 6,779)

Situated in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, about 110 miles north of Boston, Meredith rests along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake.

During summer, Meredith transforms into a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Main Street is known for its diverse antique shops and hosts a fine arts & crafts festival at the end of August.

Autumn is the ideal season to ride the Granite State Scenic Railway, which departs from the town, offering a two-hour round trip showcasing the lake and the region’s vibrant fall foliage.

Marfa, Texas (Population: 1,674)

Reaching Marfa is an adventure itself. Located a three-hour drive from El Paso across the often intensely hot High Plains of Texas, its remoteness adds to its appeal.

Marfa is renowned as an art haven, largely due to minimalist artist Donald Judd, who relocated here from New York in the 1970s.

Since then, it has evolved into a distinctive town, with its galleries, studios, and bars gaining popularity, especially among those active on Instagram.

For upscale, seasonal dining, Cochineal is highly recommended, featuring free-range bison, quail, and quenelle mushrooms.

Seaside, Florida (Population: 18,544)

Seaside’s pristine, white-washed streets may seem familiar as they served as the setting for the 1998 film classic, “The Truman Show.”

This Florida Panhandle town is situated along the northern coast of the warm Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), where water temperatures rarely fall below 17 degrees Celsius in winter.

For swimming enthusiasts, Seaside offers three pools available to residents and guests from 8 am until dusk.

Seafood lovers should indulge in the local delicacy, stone crab, available in most restaurants from mid-October to early May.

Rhinebeck, New York (Population: 7,558)

Escape the frenetic pace of NYC and journey north (a two-hour drive) to Rhinebeck ‘Village’, located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River.

This tree-lined town provides scenic views of the Catskill Mountains, best enjoyed from the observation tower in nearby Ferncliff Forest, a popular camping destination in the Hudson Valley.

Alternatively, stay at The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, established in 1704 and claiming to be the oldest inn in the United States.

Their antique market is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. (Doubles B&B at The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn from $93; www.beekmandelamaterinn.com)

Rockport, Massachusetts (Population: 6,988)

Located a hundred miles north of Cape Cod on the Cape Ann Peninsula, Rockport, a less-explored New England town, has transitioned from a shipbuilding center to a haven for food and art.

It is also renowned for its whale watching season, which spans from May to November.

Visit Rockport Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from June to October to sample locally produced cider.

Local culinary highlights include bluefin tuna, halibut, and seabass. Alternatively, try the legendary Lobster Roller food truck for clam chowder and succulent lobster meat served in a toasted brioche roll.

Cody, Wyoming (Population: 10,240)

Cody, recognized as ‘The Rodeo Capital of the World,’ is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, encompassing five museums dedicated to the art and history of the American West.

The town hosts the world’s only nightly rodeo, and each July, it attracts professional cowboys from across the nation for the Cody Stampede competition.

Yellowstone National Park, with its spectacular mountains, lakes, and geysers, is a mere 70-mile drive to the west.

South Haven, Michigan (Population: 4,001)

South Haven, fondly called “SoHa” by locals, is a charming small town on Lake Michigan’s eastern coast, approximately a two-hour drive from downtown Chicago, and boasts a rich maritime heritage.

The Michigan Maritime Museum offers rides on the Friends Good Will, a faithful replica of an 1810 top sail sloop.

Back ashore, there are a dozen beaches to discover, and downtown features several craft breweries and vineyard tasting rooms.

Michigan’s northern wine region is situated on the 45th parallel, similar to the renowned Bordeaux region in France.

Magnolia Springs, Alabama (Population: 844)

Magnolia Springs, situated on the tranquil banks of the Magnolia River, is one of the last places in America where mail is delivered by boat.

Celebrated as one of Alabama’s most beautiful towns, its peaceful streets are adorned with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a quintessential Southern ambiance.

Conveniently, it is located less than a 30-minute drive from Alabama’s Gulf Shores.

For overnight stays, the award-winning Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast, established in 1897, is an excellent choice. (Doubles B&B at Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast from $149 per night; magnoliasprings.com)

Simon’s book: A Ride Across America: A 4,000-mile adventure through the small towns and big issues of the USA is out now.