High Country Life

There’s something magical about small towns. From their quaint main streets filled with charming local shopping to charming festivals or gorgeous open landscapes suitable for outdoor adventures – each offers its own special brand of charm that makes these communities stand out.

From historic spa towns to coastal communities established during the 1500s, small towns offer that hometown feel. Our photos will give you a peek of their charming attributes.

Berkley Springs

West Virginia gem Weston boasts a quaint charm due to its natural mineral springs. Early visitors were Native Americans; colonial travelers such as George Washington also discovered its healing waters.

Morgan County boasts not only bustling streets lined with mom-and-pop shops and cozy restaurants, but also stunning waterfalls and incredible hiking trails. Additionally, Leiper’s Fork’s cozy bars offer excellent craft bourbon tasting experiences and offer entertainment like its summer music festival and Lawnchair Theatre performances.

Berkeley Springs lies at the northern end of Shenandoah Valley, bordered by Great Cacapon and Sleepy Creek Mountains. Two major highways serve the area: US 522 traverses north-northeast to south-southwest; WV 9 travels through Berkeley Springs’ central section before connecting with Interstate 81 near Martinsburg.

Charm isn’t solely defined by appearance; rather, it stems from its inhabitants and activities available to visitors. Small towns often become well-known for hosting festivals or events that add character – be it the Scarecrow Festival in St Charles Illinois or Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island – helping create unique charm in each place they call home. Even small touches add charm like patriotically decorated gazebos or charming lemonade stands can help give towns character.

Boone

Searching for an idyllic destination that doesn’t disappoint on the inside? These American small towns will leave an everlasting sense of charm, from charming shops and festivals to spacious landscapes offering unlimited outdoor adventure.

Boone, North Carolina is a charming small town beloved by both visitors and locals. Boone offers both history and country flair that makes this one of the most charming small towns in America. Boone offers everything from historical reenactments to outdoor recreation; visitors are sure to find plenty to keep them occupied!

This charming Southern town boasts many natural springs that create its cozy small-town ambience. Lined with old magnolia trees and home to friendly locals, Magnolia Tree Town provides the ideal escape from city life.

People flock here in droves for its small-town charm and mountain lifestyle – both are equally appealing! There are numerous unique shops and restaurants along charming King Street; while winter sports enthusiasts find themselves right at home here!

Covington

Covington may get its name from a common term for cow, but its charm makes it stand out. The small Louisiana community can feel like an escape from New Orleans with charming cottages, moss-draped trees and picket fences dotting its downtown streets. Beyond providing visitors with an idyllic day trip or relaxing stay experience, Covington also makes for a delightful daytrip destination and destination.

Southern Hotel of Pittsburgh will make you feel right at home from the moment you step through its luxurious lobby. Enjoy Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar for an exquisite meal that honors Pittsburgh’s rich culinary legacy; or stop into Wunderbar, a German-themed gastropub offering plenty of entertainment options suitable for everyone in your party.

Covington offers charming streets, shops and restaurants that will please every visitor. Feeling adventurous? Biking along Tammany Trace will show you Covington in all its glory or take in its sights on one of Royal Carriages’ historical tours, one of the oldest sightseeing companies in America.

Isle of Hope

Skidaway River Hamlet epitomizes charm. This town lives up to its name with an idyllic sense of community that recalls days past when parents sent their kids out early in the morning to play and then signaled them home via bell-ringing. Visitors can explore Skidaway State Park islands where there are miles of hiking and biking trails as well as sights of historic interest like old liquor stills and remnants from Civil War fortifications.

Isle of Hope’s main draw are its moss-covered live oaks and historic buildings, both of which boast lush moss-cover. At one time Isle of Hope served as a popular vacation getaway for Savannah residents with 19th century mansions on Bluff Drive as well as charming cottages on inland lots. Today residents take pleasure in the neighborhood’s quiet atmosphere while remaining close to Savannah.

Isle of Hope Marina is a favorite stop for boaters navigating along the Intracoastal Waterway and its tranquil tidal marshes, while its vibrant arts and music scene also attracts boaters. Enjoy attending one of its annual arts and music festivals – like Isle of Hope Arts and Music Festival on August’s waterfront, or watching Noble Glen perform live concerts on its stage – or enjoying picnics, crab tournaments, or shrimping from their community dock and pool on this charming island town.

St. Augustine

The oldest city in America oozes charm. Its cobblestone streets are lined with mom-and-pop boutiques and historical landmarks; here history meets cuisine!

An Old Town Trolley Tour provides visitors with an immersive glimpse into Flagler College and Lightner Museum (a former hotel), which showcase 79 Tiffany stained-glass windows from Tiffany, as well as their lavish light collection reflecting railroad magnate Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age wealth. Outside the historical city, tourists can ride alligator-wrestling ziplines or visit Guana River State Park which boasts golden-dune beaches that look more like Zanzibar than Florida.

St. Augustine offers excellent dining, offering classic Florida and Latin cuisines to please every palette. A trip would not be complete without visiting Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park; where rumors of healing springs once inspired pilgrimages by the masses.

Staying at one of St. Augustine’s charming boutique hotels is an excellent way to take in its small-town charm. For example, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens on Cordova Street features an oasis-style courtyard garden, pool and cozy bar; Seascape Motel and Cottages has a Wes Anderson flair with their moonrise Kingdom-esque float-filled pool and vinyl record library reminiscent of Moonrise Kingdom.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s rich German heritage can be seen throughout its historic Main Street district, featuring boutique shops and diverse dining establishments. A Texas Historical Commission property called the National Museum of the Pacific War should not be missed either – remembering those who risked their lives for freedom and democracy during World War II’s Pacific theater is another must visit site in Fredericksburg.

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is a shopping haven, with some of its premier fine art galleries coming together each month for First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg event. This gallery stroll offers visitors the perfect opportunity to discover some of the finest local, regional and international artwork while taking in some beautiful Hill Country surroundings.

San Antonio and Austin are located roughly 70 and 80 miles apart, respectively, making this town one of the top Texas destinations for day trips. From exploring its central Marketplatz and Texas Pioneer Village to learning about German culture at its museum or hiking Enchanted Rock for panoramic views – there’s plenty to do and see here.

Be sure to make time when visiting for wine tasting at some of the region’s numerous vineyards and cellars, like Blackmon & Brundrett Winery which has earned national renown with their Texas Terroir Series wines which celebrate unique soil conditions, climate and topography of Texas; their Cabernet Sauvignon stands out in particular. Furthermore, Blackmon & Brundrett features its own distillery which produces small-batch spirits such as Raspberry Gin and Unoaked Peach Flavored Vodka!