Travel Guide
Down-Home Charm & Nostalgic Vibes: 5 Small Towns Crowned Best In The U.S. For 2025
Feb
There’s something intangible about visiting small towns, many of which are essentially akin to stepping into a time capsule.
Far removed from staggering modern skylines, America’s small towns aren’t flashy but provide a relaxing reset away from the bustle of our sprawling metropolises.
While Country Living skipped out on my favorite stoplight-less retreat to get away from San Diego’s overpacked summer beaches, the popular publication compiled an insightful list of down-home getaways for 2025 – and there are more than a few surprises.
Ranging from Texas to Kentucky to Northeastern coastal charm, travelers have a variety of options for barbecue eatin’ and bourbon sippin’, perusing local boutiques and historic cozy inns for a restful night’s sleep.
5 Small Towns Crowned Best In The U.S. For 2025:
5) Lockhart, Texas: The Lone Star State’s ‘Barbecue Capital‘
Not all of Texas is comprised of boot-wearin’, truck-drivin’ locals, but if there’s a common denominator, there’s no better place to indulge in barbecue.
Whether it be a smoked slab of ribs, melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends, or juicy brisket with all the fixin’s, Lockhart is the perfect place to see if Texas barbecue is worth the hype as the Lone Star State’s ‘BBQ Capital‘.
Kreuz Market is a must-stop, having been a BBQ staple since 1900. It’s the type of eatery where it’s play to okay (and expected) to get you’re hands dirty. Heck, they don’t even serve utensils, so you know they’re not forkin’ around!
The town’s later additions, such as newfound local favorite Barbs B Q and another old-school classic, Lockhart Chisholm Trail, are also spectacular if you’d like to barbecue-hop around.
If barbecue isn’t an ideal main attraction, don’t fret. The city is truly one of the South’s most captivating towns outside the food scene, anchored by the stunning late-1800s Caldwell County Courthouse, among other historic blocks of cafes, art galleries, and shops.
Better yet, Lockhart is only 30 minutes from Austin and an hour from San Antonio, making it super convenient to reach.
4) Maysville, Kentucky: A Riverside Bourbon Bonanza
Kentucky offers so much more than famed fried chicken and 1000-lb Sisters. Perhaps you’ve heard of Kentucky’s popular Bourbon Trail, one of many reasons why Lexington is one of the South’s trendiest destinations right now.
Although Bardstown, KY likely disagrees, what makes Maysville unique is it’s the ‘birthplace of bourbon’ according to Country Living.
As such, it’s a great starting point to indulge in grandpappy’s medicine – responsibly, of course – as bourbon reigns supreme in this town.
Heck, even coffee shops like Hemingway’s transform into a bourbon-slingin’ bar at night.
Even if you’re not into distillery delights, Maysville is still fun to visit with an idyllic riverfront and charming downtown full of artisan shops like EAT and comfort food eateries, including Babz Bistro, a popular food truck holding a near-perfect Google rating.
Stay at either the Lee House Inn or French Quarter Inn for relaxing top-rated accommodations overlooking the Ohio River, where you can also hop aboard one of the region’s oldest continually-operating ferries, the Augusta Ferry, to cross state lines and explore neighboring picturesque towns.
3) Rockport, Massachusetts: Cape Cod, Who?
General stores, coastal bliss, and vibrant shops and eateries whipping up fresh “catch of the days” – sound like Maine Or maybe Cape Cod?
Think again.
Rockport has been named the third best small town in America, a less crowded, less sought-after dupe to Cape Co…and one could argue Martha’s Vineyard.
Now a haven for artists, visitors can enjoy numerous galleries, markets, and museums showcasing local talents while foodies can indulge in clam chowder and lobster concoctions at Roy Moore Lobster Company (reopening in spring)
While beaches are a bit nippy right now, if you’re planning ahead, Rockport has many scenic beaches and cozy stays overlooking the Atlantic with lighthouse views, such as top-rated Eden Pines Inn.
2) Sisters, Oregon: The West’s Most Under-Hyped Mountain Town
Oregon is perhaps the west side of the country’s most underrated state, home to delightful coastal towns and a never-ending array of outdoor adventures.
In Sisters, this heavenly mountain town has a rustic town center of trendy cafes and antique shops, welcoming locals happy to show you around – a far cry from Portland’s zombie-apocalypse streets.
Sisters is located at the forefront of the Three Sisters mountains – an unmissable backdrop if it’s an invitation to go exploring.
Beyond the town, you’ll find numerous hiking and cycling trails, including a 37-mile Sisters to Scenic Rock Bikeway.
After a thrilling day outdoors, you can get a peaceful night’s sleep at numerous inns and lodges, some more upscale than others, such as 4-star FivePine Lodge & Spa or 3-star Ski Inn Taphouse and Hotel, more centrally located.
1) Madison, Georgia: Who Needs Savannah Anyway?
You’d think Sisters, OR, would be the best spot for a girl’s weekend, but not so fast, says Country Living.
That title goes to Madison, Georgia, a quaint town of roughly 5,000 residents who love to call these storied streets home, and you’ll love just as much with delightfully cozy stays like The Brady Inn.
Madison boasts timeless charm throughout the small yet magnetizing townscape lined with historic homes standing the test of multiple generations, numerous antique shops, divey watering holes like The Dive Inn, and soulful southern eats at R + B Cafe.
Country Living says the best time to visit is April, when Madison hosts the annual Madison Fest, a daylong event showcasing a spring bloom of azaleas, a buzzing artisan market, and live music.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
