10 cute small towns in the US that stole my heart this year

I’m a writer who travels around the US, experiencing things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to eat at. It’s exciting when I visit destinations that make me go, “I love this place!” I want to share those places with you.

Here are some of the best small towns I’ve visited in the last year to add to your vacation bucket list.

Custer, South Dakota

I’ll kick off the list with a tribute to my hometown: Custer, South Dakota. Located in the Black Hills, it is home to Custer State Park, one of the top state parks in the US.

If you're visiting for the first time, I recommend driving the iconic Needles Highway and stopping to see Sylvan Lake. Hikers will enjoy trails leading to the iconic granite Cathedral Spires and Little Devil’s Tower

While exploring the park, don’t miss a drive to see bison, antelope, and donkeys along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop. At the end of the summer, you can attend the annual buffalo roundup and arts festival.

After exploring the park, head into town for shopping and a slice of rhubarb pie at the Purple Pie Place or burgers at Black Hills Burgers & Pizza Co. Marvel at the buffalo art sculptures and the Custer sign on the hill, and stay at a charming motel along the main strip. There are also campgrounds in Custer State Park, or you can rent cabins or stay in a rustic lodge.

Cayucos, California

Cayucos is the perfect place to breathe fresh ocean air and recharge on a Highway 1 road trip along California’s central coast.

While visiting, my husband and I walked along the beach, indulged in mouth-watering gluten-free waffles at the Hidden Kitchen, gluten-free scones at Bijou Bakery, and an exquisite steak dinner on the patio at Lunada Garden Bistro. Our stay at the Pacific Motel was relaxing and the perfect place to base our adventure.

Thirty minutes north, you can drive to the San Simeon elephant seal rookery. These giant marine mammals can weigh up to 4,400 pounds. We had a blast photographing the seals basking in the sun while they roared at each other.

You can also drive 10 minutes south to Morro Bay and go kayaking. We rented kayaks from A Kayak Shack. Afterward, we had fish tacos at the Bayside Cafe.

Seward, Alaska

Two and a half hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula lies the coastal town of Seward. The drive alone from Anchorage to Seward is incredible. You’ll see snowcapped mountains, turquoise lakes, and, more than likely, deer, moose, or even a bear. Once settled in Seward, hike to the Exit Glacier and book a guided boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park.

I did an eight-hour boat tour with Kenai Fjord Tours to the Northwestern Glacier. On the journey, I saw killer whales, humpback whales, puffins, harbor seals, and even a blue whale. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever done, and the views of the glaciers were breathtaking.

Stay at the Windsong Lodge outside of Seward. Try the reindeer sausage at the Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant if you’re in the mood for something new. They also serve Alaskan halibut and salmon. Check out Resurrect Art Coffee House if you want a cute coffee shop to warm up.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody is the perfect place to base an outdoor-filled vacation. Drive the Bill Cody Scenic Byway west toward the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and into the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The byway is hailed as one of the most scenic routes in America.

While in town, browse the local stores on the main strip. Catch a steak dinner show at the Cody Cattle Company and then head to the rodeo next door. Be sure to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which has five Smithsonian affiliate museums.

If you’re in the mood for a pub, grab a beer at Pat’s Brew House, and if you’re craving pizza, try the Trailhead Restaurant. I had the best latte of my life at Sitti’s Table, called the Kafe Hawaij. Their Middle Eastern-Mediterranean food is terrific. For ice cream, Bigg Chill is your spot.

For places to stay, the Chamberlin Inn is an iconic historic hotel located downtown. It has a cute patio for happy hour. Pure Heart Yoga Retreat, located west of town, has whimsical geodesic domes overlooking the mountains.

Townsend, Tennessee

Next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend is the closest town to Cades Cove, one of the park's most famous drives. Millions of people flock there, hoping to spot the iconic black bears. You can also walk through the historic buildings and see a grist mill used to grind grain the old-fashioned way.

After touring the park, spend time in Townsend. You can take a guided cave tour through Tuckaleechee Caverns or rent an e-bike and go mountain biking at Vee Hollow. My husband and I went luxury glamping at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, which is located minutes from the park’s entrance.

If it’s your first time in Tennessee, whiskey tasting is kind of a right of passage – try whiskey at Company Distilling. We had the best dinner at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. I still think about the gluten-free pan-fried trout and cheese grits. Peaceful Side Social and the Abbey are local favorites if you're in the mood for a laid-back pub.

Mount Dora, Florida

Less than an hour from Orlando in Central Florida, the small town of Mount Dora is nestled next to Lake Dora. I loved walking from the historic Lakeside Inn, where I stayed, into town to browse boutique shops and eat at local restaurants. The Handlebar has fun hand-crafted cocktails if you’re looking for a place to have happy hour. For dinner, 1921 Mount Dora and the Goblin Market won’t disappoint. Both have delicious American cuisine and wine.

While visiting, book a sunset cruise or take a golden electric carriage ride. Alexander Springs is 40 minutes north if you want to go swimming. I was blown away by how clear the water was there.

Issaquah, Washington

Issaquah is just 15 minutes southeast of Bellevue. I heard people come from around the world to see Jakob Two Trees, the iconic 14-foot troll. I walked to this international art exhibit myself and was surprised by the positive emotions it invoked – Jakob’s face is precious.

While there, stroll around town and see all the local shops. During the warmer season, beautiful flower baskets line the main street. Visit the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery to learn how important salmon are to the ecosystem, and check out the Issaquah History Museums to get the scoop on the local history. If you’re craving a beautiful farm-to-table dinner, the Well & Table is excellent.

The area has wonderful trail systems, thanks to the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. You can go hiking in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg is known for its German soul and Texas heart. Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s. While visiting, you can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.

Fredericksburg is also in Texas wine country, home to over 60 wineries. I loved the white wine flight at Meierstone Vineyards, and the sweet Bienvenue was refreshing at Airis’Ele Vineyards, especially on a hot day.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a treehouse, HoneyTree offers whimsical accommodations. The lovely Albert Hotel will open early in 2025. It is located on the main strip and has a pool, spa, and a few restaurants, like the Pharmacy coffee shop (which is currently open). I still crave their gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and London Fog lattes.

If you want to hike, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the best state parks to visit in Texas. Along the Summit Trail, you can walk to the top to see epic views of the Texas Hill Country.

St. George Island, Florida

Known for having one of the best beaches in the US, St. George Island is a barrier island near Apalachicola and East Point. Though it’s not an official small town, the island does have a community with homes, rentals, restaurants, and shops. BJ’s Pizza & Subs has delicious gluten-free pizza and salads – we ate there twice.

Go camping at Dr. Julian B. Bruce St. George Island State Park and enjoy the park’s pristine beach access areas with white sand and emerald-green water. You can also rent bikes and cruise the paved trail along the island. This is one of ourfavorite places for a beach getaway in Florida.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs sits in a valley surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains and is home to Hot Springs National Park. The national park is an urban park, and you can walk around to all the beautifully restored historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, each having its own unique style and art.

If you want to soak, you can do so at the Quapaw Bathhouse or Buckstaff Bathhouse. You can also check out the bubbling hot springs on the hillside behind Bathhouse Row, walk the Grand Promenade, or go to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Grab a root beer float at Superior Bathhouse Brewery when you get thirsty. It’s the only brewery in any US national park, and they use thermal spring water to make their microbrews. We thought it was so fun stopping here for an afternoon treat.

There are also multiple places around town where you can fill your water bottle with thermal spring water, which is said to have healing powers.