Quaint towns exude distinct cultures. These hidden pockets of wonder
boast unique attractions and events, from horse-drawn carriages to
red rocks. Each small-town getaway is sure to charm and delight:
Southport, North Carolina
- Southport's Homepage
This North Carolina seaport town is home to golden beaches that
provide hours of sun. Many visitors enjoy beach combing, scuba diving
and sailing. For land lovers, the oak-lined town hosts an array of
antique shops, gift stores, galleries and Victorian homes. Southport
is also home to the Southport Maritime Museum, Square Art Gallery
Waterfront Park, the Oak Island Lighthouse 10k run and the Annual
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.
Ashland, Oregon
- Welcome to Oregon
Ashland hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Foreign Film Festival,
Peter Britt Music Festival and Festival of Lights. The town can be
described as a ski mecca (cross country and downhill), an opera town,
or a museum lover's paradise. Its mild temperatures and low
precipitation levels have made it a vacation favorite.
Balboa Island, California
- Balboa Island Homepage
This man-made island is most easily accessible by auto ferry. The
harbor town is home to the End of Summer Barbeque, the Sandcastle
Contest and the Christmas Boat Parade. Guests have described it as
the "perfect getaway" because of the island's serenity and warmth,
from both the weather and the residents. Visitors find activity year
round: kayaking, fishing, surfing, sailing and merry-go-rounding
abound.
Burlington, Vermont
- Burlington City Government
This crisp town looks like it walked out of the pages of a romance
novel. Set high in the mountains alongside a picturesque lake, it
offers plenty of opportunities to go ice fishing, ice sailing or snow
mobiling in the winter months. Summer generally finds guests swimming
and boating. Burlington is home to the East Coast version of the Loch
Ness Monster, affectionately named Champ, as well as Ben & Jerry's
Ice Cream Factory, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and the Robert Hall
Fleming Museum.
Camden, Maine
- Camden Chamber of Commerce
This brisk, upscale town is heralded as one of the best coastal towns
in the United States. Perhaps its lofty perch in the Camden Hills,
1,400 feet up, and its rolling natural beauty have contributed to the
distinction. It's home to only 5,000 residents, who can often be
found picnicking or boat watching. Visitors meander among clothing
boutiques, sift through charming bookstores and browse craft
galleries.
Dunedin, Florida
- Official City of Dunedin Site
Dunedin is the oldest town in the South, tracing its roots back to
the Scottish people. Both the Professional Golf Association and
frozen orange juice began here. No wonder, because the average yearly
temperature is 71 degrees! It's also home to the Busch Gardens Zoo,
Caladesi Island, and Highland Games and Festival.
Fort Collins, Colorado
- Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau
This old military base, which was named by Money magazine as one of
the best places to live, boasts an abundance of cafes, boutiques and
street fairs. Many visitors revel in the abundance of performing art
activities, like the Canyon Concert Ballet, the opera and the
symphony. But don't spend too much time inside because there's a
plethora of skiing, golfing, fishing and mountain biking to outside.
Sedona, Arizona
- The City of Sedona Website
Sedona is also known as "Red Rock Country" because of the unique red
rocks that enclose it. The town attracts many mystics and religious
followers, as well as rock climbers and nature lovers. Pack your
hiking boots. A quick walk or climb will lead to amazing views.
Residents have named many of their favorite formations, such as Tea
Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock and Snoopy Rock. If physical exertion isn't
your style, there are jeep tours, plane rides, hot air balloon trips
and horse back rides. Exotic resorts and charming cottages await
visitors.
--- J.H.
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