8 Breathtaking Towns In The United States

This is a love letter to some of my favorite places in the United States.

These are the towns that I fell in love with at first (second and third) sight. These are the towns I would move into in a heartbeat. These are the towns that stole my heart.

Before I get teary-eyed, sentimental, and in the mood to play America the Beautiful, here are eight breathtaking small towns in the United States.

Skaneateles, New York

On the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake is a waterside town of the same name. Filled with cute-as-a-button boutiques, a blue-tinted landscape, and freshwater grub, Skaneateles is the definition of charming.

Skaneateles Summary:

• Population: < 7500
• Attractions: Dickens Christmas Festival, Clift Park, Cobweb Cottage
• Best Time To Visit: Winter, Summer

Manitou Springs, Colorado

At the tail-end of summer last year, I had a chance to visit Manitou Springs. Within minutes of walking the scenic streets, filled with colorful shops, I knew I was head-over-heels in love. To be honest, this quirky mountain town – absolutely weird in all the right ways – is the reason I extended my Colorado road trip.

Manitou Springs Summary:

• Population: < 5400
• Attractions: Pikes Peak, Cliff Dwellings, Memorial Park
• Best Time To Visit: Summer

Granbury, Texas

Granbury, Texas is a step back in time. With old-world architecture, traditional food, and quiet side streets, this lakeside town is the perfect weekend escape. My love affair with Granbury began with Pearl Street Station, an offbeat eatery serving up authentic Cajun cooking and BBQ blends.

Granbury Summary:

• Population: < 10000
• Attractions: Granbury Opera House, Boardwalk, Doll Museum
• Best Time To Visit: Summer

Collierville, Tennessee

Collierville is a Memphis suburb but I had to include it in this list. I’m absolutely in love with this city. Whenever I walk through the Historic District, I feel like I’m dancing to a scene from a 1980s romantic comedy. With burger bars, coffee shops, and Western wear stores, Collierville is a classic Southern town.

Collierville Summary:

• Population: < 51000
• Attractions: W.C. Johnson Park, Bible Museum, Dyer’s Cafe
• Best Time To Visit: Spring

Mason Neck, Virginia

Mason Neck, Virginia has a very special place in my heart. It’s one of the first towns I wrote about on this blog. Heavily wooded, equally colonial, and all-around pretty, Mason Neck is a historic outdoor getaway.

Mason Neck Summary:

• Population: <2500
• Activities: Mason Neck State Park, Gunston Hall
• Best Time to Visit: Fall

Aspen, Colorado

Another favorite from my Colorado summer road trip, Aspen is a luxury destination. Nestled amongst the mountains, this ski town is all alpine charm. Aspen pops with color, from the planting to the art. And all the shops are postcard perfect.

Aspen Summary:

• Population: <7500
• Activities: Maroon Bells, Aspen Art Museum, Silver Queen Gondola Lift
• Best Time to Visit: Winter, Summer

Alexandria Bay, New York

To be honest, I didn’t expect Alexandria Bay to steal my heart. When I planned my New York road trip, I imagined it as a stopover city on my way to Boldt Castle. But Alexandria Bay took me by surprise. My one night plan turned into two (then three). And after eating the best crabs I’ve had in a long time (the easiest way to my heart is through my stomach), I was officially in love.

Alexandria Bay Summary:

• Population: ~ 1000
• Activities: Bay Drive-In Movie Theater, Boldt Castle Day Trip
• Best Time to Visit: Summer

Sulphur, Oklahoma

I’ve been exploring Oklahoma for the past month (or so) and while I’ve fallen hard for every city I’ve visited thus far, Sulphur is too pretty for words. Located at the foot of the Arbuckle Mountains, Sulphur is filled with lush, green-lined walking trails, murky natural springs, and heavenly fried-pie stops.

Sulphur Summary:

• Population: < 5000
• Activities: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Veterans Lake, Little Niagara
• Best Time to Visit: Summer

Did you enjoy this post on my favorite small towns in the United States? What small towns are on your 2019 bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!