The tendency to spend vacations in small towns has increased significantly. Instead of heading to the typical tourist destinations, families are finding solace in these quaint locations.
Life goes at its own pace, facilitating genuine connections with the locals, but families have plenty of time to soak up the culture and soak up the authentic and charming atmosphere.
But which small towns do Americans most want to visit in 2023?
FamilyDestinationsGuide.com, a provider of vacation ideas for kids, surveyed 3,000 families. National Top 150 They want to spend time this year.
Holualoa, Hawaii
Number one is the small Hawaiian village of Holualoa. No surprise. hawaii is so beautifuland this laid-back ‘burg on the Big Island’s west coast has all the charm of Bucket Road.
It sits on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano and owes its name to the traditional, albeit slightly gruesome, local practice of descending the mountain in long wooden sleds.
If you enjoy caffeine, you’ve come to the right place. Holualoa is located between the towns of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou in the heart of Kona Coffee Country. There are 600 coffee plantations in the area and the Kona Coffee Festival is held each November.
Erie, Nevada
In second place is Erie, Nevada, a four-and-a-half-hour drive north. Las VegasNestled in the foothills of the Great Basin National Park, this remote former mining mountain town was originally established as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express and Central Overland Routes.
You can still visit the nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where six giant honeycomb-shaped ovens were used to process silver ore.
Elsewhere, take a guided tour of the Lehman Caves, giant caves more than 500 million years old in the Great Basin National Park, or enjoy scenic hikes such as the Island Forest Trail and the Bristlecone Pine Trail. can.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
In third place is beautiful Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Seemingly preserved through time, the building offers a glimpse of what ‘Old Florida’ used to be, with its pastel clapboard houses and old-fashioned storefronts.
“The island is a year-round family visit, even outside of the traditional beach season. My family from Florida has been taking Thanksgiving beach trips to Anna Maria Island for decades. Each rental home offers a unique beach library, and most rental homes come stocked with beach gear such as chairs, buckets and the occasional kayak. and cardinal retirement planning.
“Even with the more upscale restaurants on the scene these days, there are still great deals and opportunities to grill (or have a rod and reel grill).”
Hawaii, Old Koloa Town
The survey also uncovered some lesser-known gems, including Hawaii’s Old Koloa Town at No. 4. Once a sugar plantation village, it has since been transformed into a scenic destination filled with art galleries, cafes, boutiques and plenty of outdoor activities.
John Dealbroyin financial freedom countdown “Old Koloa Town is a perfect family vacation destination due to its stunning natural beauty, abundance of activities and rich cultural heritage.
“Located on beautiful Kauai, Koloa Town offers breathtaking views of white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Explore the wonders of nature.
“Koloa Town is home to numerous cultural sites that introduce visitors to Hawaii’s rich history and diverse culture. There are extensive collections of cultural, historical and geological relics from the area’s past, including the heiau.
“Access to numerous galleries showcasing artwork by local creators. Sample local cuisine at food trucks and Koloa Fish Market. Koloa Town’s many activities and attractions offer quality time for the family to spend together.” It’s the perfect place to spend
west yellowstone, montana
Rounding out our fifth list is West Yellowstone, Montana. This picturesque town sits just outside Yellowstone National Park and is home to stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
“West Yellowstone has so many activities to keep your family busy for days. I knew it was going to be a lively place, and my kids loved the brightly colored Grand Prismatic Spring,” commented Karen Kelly. craving for the season.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Gatlinburg, Tennessee finished sixth and Chincoteague, Virginia finished seventh.
“If you are looking for virginia beach vacation But if you want to skip the summer beach crowds, head to Chincoteague on the east coast instead. Chincoteague Known for his two wild herds of ponies, the island is the state’s only resort island and offers a relaxing getaway full of nature, free of traffic jams and skyscrapers. increase. Spend your days discovering undeveloped beauty bikes, kayaks, hikes, or iconic horses,” commented travel writer Monica Fish.
The final three spots in the top 10 were Sitka, Alaska, Sedona, Arizona, and Ketchikan, Alaska.
America’s Top 10 Small Towns
Naturally, two towns from both Hawaii And Alaska ranked in the top 10 for its breathtaking scenery. Holualoa, Old Koloa Town, Hawaii and Sitka, Ketchikan, Alaska.
1) Holualoa, Hawaii
2) Erie, Nevada
3) Anna Maria Island, Florida
4) Hawaii, Old Koloa Town
5) West Yellowstone, Montana
6) Gatlinburg, Tennessee
7) Chincoteague, Virginia
8) Sitka, Alaska
9) Sedona, Arizona
10) Ketchikan, Alaska
America’s Happiest Beach Town
Although not included in the study, it deserves a very special mention, southport The Brunswick Islands of North Carolina are the perfect escape from the nearby cities, with a vibrant history, picturesque movie settings and charming downtown areas.
This 2.2-square-mile town has been dubbed “America’s Happiest Beach Town” by Coastal Living Magazine and is an ideal destination for families and couples seeking a quiet atmosphere combined with Southern hospitality. It is
Southport is the go-to place when the entertainment industry needs the perfect seaside town to show off. Visitors love exploring the many movie scenes filmed in this quaint town, including popular movies like Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember.
follow in the footsteps of celebrities Guidebook Take an exciting trip around the movie set. If you are lucky, you may be able to appear as an extra in your current production.
“Visiting small towns is becoming increasingly popular as travelers seek authentic and personalized experiences to escape the fast-changing commercialized world. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, connect with a friendly community, and escape the stresses of everyday life,” says Rose Ackermann of FamilyDestinationsGuide.com.
This article is media decision Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Cassandra Karpiak is a travel writer and SavotourA Toronto native of Danish roots who now lives in British Columbia, her travels have been seen in The Associated Press, MSN, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Times Daily and more.
You can follow her travel adventures twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
