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South Carolina Town Named One Of Best Small Towns For Summer

By Melanie Day
South Carolina state of United States flag on flagpole textile cloth fabric waving on the top sunrise mist fog

There’s a sort of perfection about a small town in the summer. Taking a stroll down Main street, festivals, and the friendly faces we love it all. It’s easy to just book a trip to a popular beach or a trendy city. But some of the best summer memories can be made in small towns.

I’ll always remember summer nights with my parents strolling the streets of Blowing Rock, NC. Or summer walks on the beach of South Topsail island with a good friend. While the Myrtle Beach or Disney vacations may seem more exciting, the calm simplicity of small-town summer just hits different. Travel and Leisure recently released a list of the Top 15 Small Towns For Summer and a South Carolina town made the list. Here is one South Carolina and 14 other small towns that are ideal for a summer getaway right now.

  • Narrowsburg, New York

    Perched along the Delaware River with just 269 residents Narrowsburg is the perfect locale for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing on the river. Stop by Narrowsburg Proper the charming general store to stock up before your adventure. Quaint restaurants like The Heron and the Cochecton Fire Station are the perfect spot to end your day.

  • McCall, Idaho

    McCall is home to 3,200 residents and Payette Lake. One of those 3,200 residents is said to be Sharlie, a lake monster. But sides that McCall is a friendly destination. It’s located in the mountains and a great place for those who crave an active vacation. Popular activities include bird-watching, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and dinner cruises. Be sure the check out the Salmon River Brewery and the towns delicious restaurants.

  • Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

    Bretton Woods is a charming New England town. And it truly is a small town with a population of just 91. Technically it’s part of a “larger” town called Caroll. It’s home to the Omni Mount Washington Resort. While there experience its world-class dining, a classic Donald Ross-designed golf course, and nine high-flying zip lines. Other popular attractions include the  Mt. Washington Cog Railway and Crawford Notch State Park.

  • Dewey Beach, Delaware

    Year round approximately 332 people call Dewey Beach home. But in the summer you can find many more beach-goers.  It’s nestled between the ocean and the bay. Whether you are chartering a boat or spending time at the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk you’ll enjoy the best the coast has to offer. Make sure you stop by Woody’s Dewey Beach and try to crabcakes!

  • St. Michaels, Maryland

    You may recognize parts or St. Michaels from”Wedding Crashers”. Some consider this town of 1,108 residents to be the Hamptons of the mid-Atlantic. Think sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Miles River. And no trip to Maryland is complete without crab. Venture down the historic Talbot Street featuring historic homes. This sounds like my kind of place.

  • Bardstown, Kentucky

    Why wouldn’t you want to visit the “Bourbon Capital of the World”? That’s exactly what Bardstown claims to be. There are 11 distilleries in town. But that’s not all there is to do. Check out the My Old Kentucky Home State Park and  Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Or stay and drink at Old Talbott Tavern. The tavern and inn hails as the oldest Western Stagecoach stop in America the oldest Bourbon bar in the world.

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  • Coronado, California

    This island of 20,192 residents, is right outside of San Diego. Though it feels like a completely different world from Southern California city. Boutiques, eateries, galleries, and theaters line Orange Avenue. Or enjoy the gorgeous SoCal beaches. Everything is walkable as well. The most recognizable landmark is the Hotel del Coronado, which is a designated a National Historic Landmark.

  • Abilene, Kansas

    Any history fan would love Abilene. You can visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, tour the Seelye Mansion, or see the trains at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Abilene also is home to a 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest operating Parker Carousel still in existence.

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  • Sheridan, Wyoming

     Sheridan is home to such attractions as the WYO Theater,the Big Horn Equestrian Center, or the Sheridan County Rodeo. And of course fully immerse yourself in cowboy culture at the Don King Museum, Fort Phil Kearny, and the Museum at the Big Horns.

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  • Hermann, Missouri

    Some consider Hermann the crown jewel of the Missouri River Valley. Picturesque German architecture meets rolling hills and lush landscape. This community was founded in 1837 by German immigrants, is the heart of the state’s wine country. Travel & Leisure recommends the Stone Hill Winery, Adam Puchta Winery, Black Shire Distillery, and Martin Brothers Mead. The Deutschheim State Historic Site is home to two historical homes and the Hermann Farm’s grand tram tour.

  • Buckeye Lake, Ohio

     Buckeye Lake is classic Americana. For the perfect small-town summer stay a few nights in one of the beautiful lakefront cottages. Enjoy a lake view on a walking or biking trail or take a kayak-biking-brewery expedition. Another popular destination is the Buckeye Lake Winery. And no summer night is complete without ice cream which you can get at Weldon’s.

  • Adairsville, Georgia

    Adairsville, Georgia population 4,800. Your summer visit can include shopping for antiques and gifts at the 1902 Stock Exchange & Public Square Opera House. Enjoy a classic summer lunch at Maggie Mae’s Tea Room. Not your style? How about an outdoor enthusiast’s dream at the Barnsley Resort. Activities include horseback riding, clay target shooting, archery, ax throwing, golf, disc golf, and more. If that’s not enough how about a spa, fishing on the lake, and a saltwater pool. 

  • Addison, Texas

    This 4.4 square mile town claims to have more restaurants per capita than any other US city. Addison is home to fewer than16,000 residents but 200 restaurants. The Towns July 3rd festival Addison Kaboom Town! hosts 500,000 yearly spectators. 

  • New Paltz, New York

    Looking for a picture-perfect summer? Look no further than New Paltz. Main Street hosts boutiques and the Water Street Market. The market is an open-air shopping village filled with antiques, art, and more. The River-to-Ridge Trail is home to hiking. Want a more relaxing vacation? Indulge at one of twelve wineries found along the Shawangunk Wine Trail. You can stay at the Mohonk Mountain House, which is a Victorian castle resort.

  • Travelers Rest, South Carolina

    Travelers Rest is none other than a resting place for travelers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known by many as “TR”the town houses popular restaurants Top Soil, Monkey Wrench BBQ, and Tandem Creperie. Hike or bike the 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, camp at Paris Mountain State Park or Jones Gap State Park.

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