Bigger isn’t always better. That age-old mantra certainly rings true when it comes to travel — especially when seeking a quick weekend getaway. Those craving a slower pace, wide-open spaces, intimate bookstores, mouthwatering fare, and historic downtown hubs so charming they feel like stepping onto a movie set, may want to consider a wow-worthy small town weekend getaway.
Picture leisurely morning strolls down tree-lined streets, afternoons spent discovering local artisan shops, and evenings filled with farm-to-table dining or live music under the stars. Maybe it’s the scent of fresh-baked pastries drifting from a family-owned café, the sight of golden-hour light casting a glow over historic rooftops, or the feeling of crisp mountain air filling your lungs as you take in a breathtaking overlook. Whatever the case, these small towns from outdoorsy locales to quaint (but thriving) culinary scenes to vibrant and artsy small towns possess a certain sort of magic — the kind that lingers long after you’ve packed your bags and headed home.
Healdsburg, California
This small-town gem, tucked into the heart of Sonoma County, serves as a haven for both wine lovers and foodies. Bask in an unhurried past, warm hospitality, beautiful views, and plenty of wine of course.
Where To Stay: For a luxurious small town getaway, Montage Healdsburg offers bungalow rooms on 258 acres of rolling oak groves and vineyards (complete with an on-site spa and infinity pool). We also love The Madrona, surrounded by rolling hills and vines.
What to Do: Explore Healdsburg Plaza, the town’s charming downtown square lined with boutique shops, tasting rooms, and artisanal bakeries. And be sure to visit J Vineyards & Winery for sparkling wine and perfectly paired bites. The Bubble Room tasting experience includes a curated flight of wines complemented by a chef-driven seasonal menu.
Where To Eat: Reserve a table at SingleThread, a three Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an unforgettable multi-course tasting menu inspired by Japanese and California cuisine — paired, of course, with exquisite local wines.
Taos, New Mexico
If candy-colored sunsets in an eclectic desert town rich in history sounds like a good time, then plan a trip to Taos, New Mexico. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a dream destination for creatives, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. From rich Indigenous heritage to a cool art scene to staggering natural beauty, this high-desert small town will not disappoint.
Where To Stay: Check into the El Monte Sagrado, a luxurious resort that fuses Southwestern charm with eco-friendly flair.
What to Do: A visit to Taos Pueblo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America — is an absolute must for this destination. We recommend signing up for a guided tour where you’ll be able to walk through the historic structures, engage with some of the community members, and learn more about the culture and history. It’s a remarkable look into the region’s history and the Tiwa-speaking people who still call it home.
Where To Eat: Enjoy the warm ambiance and upscale take on traditional New Mexican cuisine at family-owned Lambert’s of Taos — the green chile dishes are chef’s kiss.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Charleston gets the attention, but head 90 minutes south to the Crystal Coast and find the dreamiest little town of Beaufort. This Lowcountry seaside destination is the stuff of cinemas — quite literally. Nicholas Sparks’ A Walk to Remember was set here and parts of Forrest Gump were filmed here. This coastal gem overflows with Southern charm, centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and a history as rich as its cuisine.
Where To Stay: The Beaufort Inn . This stunning boutique hotel is housed in a collection of historic buildings and surrounded by plush gardens and classic Southern hospitality.
What to Do: Stroll through the historic district where impeccably preserved mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries line the quiet streets. Many of these grand homes — including the John Mark Verdier House — provide tours that give a glimpse into Beaufort’s storied past. Getting on the water is another must. Schedule a kayak or boat tour to Carrot Island where you can spot dolphins, herons, and wild horses grazing along the shore.
Where To Eat: A visit to Beaufort isn’t complete without indulging in Lowcountry cuisine. Blackstone’s Café is heralded for its shrimp and grits; while the fresh seafood, crabcakes, pimento cheese appetizers, and waterfront views at Plums never disappoint.
St. Michaels, Maryland
Those who love sailing, antiquing, waterfowl hunting, ogling Victorian or colonial homes, brushing up on American history, or feasting on Old Bay-seasoned crab cakes will love Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And its crown jewel, St. Michaels.
Where To Stay: For a quintessential Chesapeake Bay retreat, the luxurious Inn at Perry Cabin dazzles with waterfront views and timeless charm. Unwind at the spa, sail on a classic skipjack, or chill out by the infinity pool. Fine dining at Stars restaurant highlights fresh, local seafood with a stunning harbor backdrop.
What to Do: Visit the Maritime Museum to learn more about the town’s ship building, oyster and clam industry, and maritime roots.
Where To Eat: Many of the restaurants are clustered downtown and along the water. Pescatarians will savor the seafood-slinging harborside establishments — where the must-order dishes include oysters, crab cakes, and a slice of Smith Island cake (a regional fave).
Tubac, Arizona
Located an hour south of Tucson, Tubac is fused with rich history and a thriving art scene. The population is only 1200 — a large percentage of which are resident artists.
Where To Stay: Immerse into Tubac Secret Garden Inn’s hacienda-style architecture. Enjoy the traditional Southwest furnishings and stunning gardens, especially at sunset.
What to Do: Meander through the artisanal shops filled with handmade goods, art galleries, museums, and eateries. Visit the Soulistic Healing Center for a dip into the therapeutic hot springs. And make time for the Tumacacori National Historical Park, only 10 minutes away.
Where To Eat: For modern Mexican cuisine, enjoy dinner at Elvira’s Restaurant, which has been family owned for nearly a century, and known for its huitlacoche, chicken tacos, and hazelnut mole.
Whitefish, Montana
As the gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish offers a plethora of activities. Motor along the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, cruise Lake McDonald aboard a historic wooden boat, and ramble along 700 miles of trails past idyllic meadows and ancient ice. This scenic destination juxtaposes urban amenities like shopping, galleries, and fine dining with alpine adventure throughout the four seasons.
Where To Stay: After a long day on the slopes or trails, revive sore legs with a hot tub soak on the roof of The Firebrand, an upscale contemporary boutique hotel. The patio is also an excellent place to sip wine at sunset.
What to Do: In autumn, take a floatplane tour — perfect for leaf peeping. Winter ushers in snowy sports including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Ski lifts are only 15 minutes away. While summer is optimal for hiking and fly fishing.
Where To Eat: For a fine-dining experience, make a reservation at Tupelo Grille, which offers a delicious menu of southern cuisine. A more low-key option is the family-owned Buffalo Cafe for classic breakfast items, juicy burgers, and southwest cuisine.
Paia, Maui
Maui’s North Shore town, Paia, experienced a sugar rush in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After cane production ceased, it morphed into a hippie haven thanks to reasonable rents and proximity to the beach (Hookipa, Baldwin Beach). And has remained a hidden gem ever since.
Where To Stay: Disconnect and unplug at Lumeria Maui, a wellness retreat set on 5.6 acres When not taking classes in meditation, metaphysics, ecology, or Hawaiian heritage, relax in the hammock forest or slip off to the spa.
What to Do: Unspoiled beaches and steady breezes make windsurfing divine. Snorkeling and just lazing in the sand are other favorite pastimes.
What To Eat: Be sure to book a reservation at Mama’s Fish House well in advance; this legendary Polynesian-inspired spot is famous for its ultra-fresh seafood and dreamy oceanfront setting. For a more casual vibe, Flatbread Company serves up wood-fired pizzas made with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Franklin, Tennessee
Life slows down in Franklin (just 30 miles from Nashville). Antebellum architecture, a postcard-worthy historic downtown, antique shops, and art are all part of its allure. As are its celebrity residents: Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Nicole Kidman, and Miley Cyrus to name a few.
Where to Stay: For a countryside escape, Southall Farm & Inn offers a luxurious retreat on 325 acres of rolling farmland and features farm-to-table dining, a serene spa, and immersive experiences like orchard tours and honey harvesting. Just minutes away in historic downtown, try The Harpeth, a 119-room luxury boutique hotel on the banks of the namesake river, a short walk from the town square.
What to Do: Catch a live show at the historic Franklin Theater. History lovers should also visit the Lotz House Museum, a two-story house-turned museum that’s considered the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin in the American Civil War in 1864.
Where To Eat: Opt for homestyle Tennessee comfort food — think fried chicken, catfish, or the cobbler of the day at Puckett’s.
Elk, California
This former 19th-century logging hub, roughly 150 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, is the perfect place to immerse in scenic beauty, nature, and small-town charm. Fewer than 1,000 people live in Elk, which is sandwiched between redwood-dotted hills and craggy headlands that look out on rock arches and sea stacks.
Where To Stay: The Harbor House Inn is a collection of plush main house rooms and standalone cottages with private patios. Stays include a gourmet breakfast and access to a private cove.
What to Do: Walk (a half mile) to Greenwood State Beach and boat, fish, kayak, or stroll the driftwood- and shell-strewn sand. Picnic tables sit atop the bluffs for those who want the views without the trek.
Where To Eat: The Harbor House Inn is also home to Michelin-starred chef Matthew Kammerer whose 12-course tasting menu is loaded with seafood and vegetables caught and grown within miles of the inn and cooked with live fire, steam, and smoke.
Round Top, Texas
Relic hunting and pie eating are hallmarks of this Texas town located between Austin and Houston. The town’s now-mammoth antique fair started in 1967 with just 22 dealers. It is now the largest in the nation showcasing hundreds of dealers and miles of heirlooms and crafts twice a year.
Where To Stay: We love Hotel Lulu, a luxury boutique hotel that’s walking distance from restaurants and shops, and The Frenchie Boutique Hotel, a wow-worthy restored 1900s farmhouse.
What to Do: Shop Bybee Square, Rummel Square, and Henkel Square Market, contained within buildings from the 1800s. Winedale, where the University of Texas stages Shakespeare plays in the spring and summer, is also nearby.
Where To Eat: Indulge in a slice (or three) of the sweet n’ salty pie at Pie Haven. We also love The Stone Cellar, a historic venue with a menu that blends Southern and European cuisines.
Featured image courtesy of Duc Houng. Original story by Carrie Belle, updated by Wendy Rose Gould.
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