The Pandemic Is Bringing Back the Charming Small-Town Getaway

With the COVID-19 pandemic came a change in people's travel plans, people started looking for places to travel that were closer. Places they could drive to quickly and safely. They also looked for places that were more affordable than more prominent tourist destinations.

Ideal locations would be less crowded and more open. Enter the small-town getaway. In previous years, pre-COVID, most travelers often overlooked small towns, but no longer. 

Why the Small-Town Getaway?

There are many reasons to plan a small-town getaway, and here are the five reasons why.

Less stressful

Large cities have crowds, and small towns are often less crowded. That means less traffic, and less traffic means less stress. 

In addition, small towns often have a relaxed feeling. You can take your time and don't have to rush. To find the ideal and least stressful vacation, travel to a small town during the off-season. 

More affordable

Small towns are often more affordable than big cities. However, even small towns that are tourist towns can be less affordable. 

They are more expensive during their "high season" or the time of year they get the most tourists. If you are looking for a more affordable and low-stress vacation, schedule your vacation during the off-season.

Welcoming

Many people agree small towns are welcoming. They often rely on tourists to keep their businesses afloat and their town in good standing. 

Not only are they welcoming, but they are kind and willing to offer all manner of help for your vacation. You rarely need to worry about making someone angry by asking for directions or recommendations in a small town. 

Supporting local businesses

Whether nearby or far, visiting small towns is a way to support local businesses. You may be helping someone else's local community, too. 

Small towns rely on people supporting their businesses. So enjoy the good feeling of supporting small businesses and local artisans, restaurants, and more.

Less crowded

Small towns are often less crowded. This can change during their high seasons when they get a lot of tourists. However, it is easy to avoid this by visiting during the off-season. Not only will it be less crowded, but you'll be supporting businesses during the slow season.

Things to Do in Small Towns

There are many great things to do in and around small towns. Here are some of the most popular things to do-click here to read more.

Local festivals

When you visit a small town, they often host festivals to draw in locals and tourists from near and far. Some small towns have a different celebration every week. If you are looking for a small-town getaway, check out some small towns and their local festivals to get a feel for what is available.

Walking tours

Small towns are great for walking tours, especially since they are often full of history and beautiful historic buildings.

Picnic in the park

Small towns are great places to have a picnic in the park. They often have one or two cute little parks perfect for picnics.

Enjoy the cuisine

Often small towns are famous for their cuisine. However, even if the small town you choose is not famous for its cuisine, they will have restaurants in town that any local would recommend.

Enjoy the art

Some small towns are famous for their artists and art galleries. But, even if the small town you choose is not renowned for its art, there are bound to be a few places to see and purchase local art or arts and crafts.

Enjoy the music

If music is your thing, small towns are famous for their music or music festivals. However, even if the small town you choose is not famous for this, there is always a chance of coming across some great musical performances.

Discover nature

Many small towns are surrounded by nature. There are towns near the ocean and beautiful beaches. Others are in the mountains and surrounded by forests. Still, others are near National Parks and other great natural wonders.

Explore history

Most small towns have a rich history. Locals are almost always happy to share stories and local history with visitors. Small towns may also have local museums and history tours. They may even still have the original 100 plus-year-old buildings.

Three Awesome Small Towns to Visit

Here are three unique small-town destinations.

Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City in Nevada is perfect for anyone interested in history. This small town is chock full of historic buildings. It feels like you are stepping back in time to the era of gold and silver mining. But, of course, cars and electricity are allowed so there is a bit of modernity.

Visiting Virginia City is $50-$100 per night for a hotel room. 

Beaufort, North Carolina

Beaufort in North Carolina is the perfect ocean shore destination. It has been around for 300 years and is full of history. You will also find beautiful beaches and lots of fun activities. 

The price to visit Beaufort is $75-$150 per night for a hotel. Other expenses include food and fun. For all beach lovers, beachcombing is free!

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca in New York State is perfect for people looking for mountain beauty. Ithaca is breath-taking to visit in the fall when all the leaves begin to change. It is famous for the number of waterfalls and beautiful hiking trails.

Visiting Ithaca is $50-$150 per night for a hotel. Other expenses include food and fun. But, of course, hiking is free!

Other Great Small Towns

There are hundreds of great small towns across the United States and thousands worldwide. Here are just a few more great small towns in the United States of America.

Great small towns for nature lovers

• Keene, New Hampshire

• Lanesboro, Minnesota

• Damascus, Virginia

• Davis, Oklahoma

• Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

• Frenchtown, New Jersey

• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

• Black Mountain, North Carolina

• Springdale, Utah

• Cottage Grove, Oregon

• Woodstock, Vermont

• Aspen, Colorado

• Friday Harbor, Washington

• Bar Harbor, Maine

• Sun Valley, Idaho

Great small towns for outdoor lovers

• Corning, New York

• Woods Hole, Massachusetts

• Cedar Key, Florida

• Perdido Key, Florida

• Grand Haven, Michigan

• Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

• Put-In-Bay, Ohio

• Charlevoix, Michigan

• Seabrook Island, South Carolina

• St. Simon's Island, Georgia

• Kennebunkport, Maine

Great small towns for history lovers

• Galena, Illinois

• Bisbee, Arizona

• Pella, Iowa

• Ferndale, California

• Natchitoches, Louisiana

• Guilford, Connecticut

• Lead, South Dakota

• Creede, Colorado

• Welch, West Virginia

• Eureka Springs, Arkansas

• Astoria, Oregon

• Cape May, New Jersey

• Cody, Wyoming

• Portsmouth, New Hampshire

• Frederick, Maryland

• Marietta, Ohio

Great small towns for culture lovers

• Leavenworth, Washington

• Franklin, Tennessee

• Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

• Shipshewana, Indiana

• Healdsburg; Sonoma County, California

• McMinnville, Oregon

• Marfa, Texas

• Lindsborg, Kansas

• Fredericksburg, Texas

• Berlin, Maryland

• Paia, Hawaii

• Sitka, Alaska

Great small towns for book lovers

• Monroeville, Alabama

• Mansfield, Missouri

• Newport, Oregon

• Red Cloud, Nebraska

• Tarrytown, New York