Prettiest Towns of America

There's a reason we call it "America, the Beautiful." From the storied woodlands of the East Coast to the Pacific shore's wondrous beaches, the U.S. boasts some pretty extraordinary sights. Working with travel experts from Frommer's, Rough Guides, and Midwestern Living magazine, we've put together a selection of America's prettiest, most alluring towns. Our well-traveled guides pointed us to places that offer not only aesthetic bounty, but also one-of-a-kind activities and destinations. Take a closer look at 11 of the most beautiful spots in the United States.

Edenton, N.C.

Just off the Albermarle Sound in North Carolina's Outer Banks, Edenton sets itself apart from the other towns in the area with its historic architecture, an enviable location on Edenton Bay, and enough charm to earn its nickname, "The South's Prettiest Small Town." A few miles inland from the coast, Edenton is worlds away from the modern resort architecture of the Outer Banks destinations. "As one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, its well-preserved colonial- and plantation-era homes have earned it a deserved slot on the National Register of Historic Places," says Jason Clampett, online editor for Frommers.com.

Sonoma, Calif.

Sonoma stands out for Spanish Mission era and 19th-century architecture mixed with an arty, laid-back California vibe. "Sonoma is almost certainly more attractive," says Rough Guide author Nick Edwards. "They've still got their little bit of sprawl, but it feels more authentic here." Napa, like its East Coast Hamptons cousins, boasts glamour and glitz--but at a price. Sonoma, on the other hand, is the sort of place where local farmers mingle with vacationing San Franciscans at the tasting bars of the area's many famous wineries.

Stillwater, Minn.

With small-town beauty that offers plenty of year-round options, Stillwater is memorable for its impressive collection of art galleries, interesting shops, fine restaurants and charming old inns. Located 20 miles east of St. Paul, Stillwater benefits from its location in the St. Croix river valley, one of America's protected Wild and Scenic Rivers. "It's very storybook-looking, and especially at Christmastime, it's very picturesque, with events all over town, and white lights blinking everywhere you look," says Williams.

Greenport, Long Island, N.Y.

Greenport benefits from its enviable location on the North Fork above the Peconic Bay, which separates the town--both physically and in terms of attitude--from its tonier Hamptons neighbors to the south. Summer cottages mix with old-school seafood shacks and upscale restaurants, all set against the backdrop of a water-lover's paradise. "Although Manhattanites have brought art galleries and coffee shops with them, Greenport's small inns, pebbly beaches, and fishing heritage still cater to visitors who'd rather relax than star-gaze," says Clampett.

Ferndale, Calif.

Make like Marty McFly and take a trip back in time to California's Wild West past. Quirky, old-timey, and tidy, Ferndale is a surprising mix of Victorian-era heritage, and modern California weirdness. Just a few miles inland from California's Lost Coast, Ferndale is where Coastal Cali submits to the state's rootin' tootin' history--without the threat of a gunfight because you looked the wrong way at a guy in the saloon. It's also the endpoint of the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, a sort of Iron Man competition for art enthusiasts.

Cooperstown, N.Y.

Baseball? Check. Art Museum? Check. World-class opera in a small-town setting? Check.

Cooperstown is most famous as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but it's so much more than that. There's a Farmer's Museum for agricultural history and petting zoo animals for the kids, as well as an impressive collection of dining options for parents. And when you're done exploring, settle in for a few of the rich and challenging Belgian-style brews made by the Ommegang Brewery.

Hermann, Mo.

Founded by German immigrants in 1837, Hermann retains that cultural heritage with its annual Teutonic-themed festivals, such as Wurstfest, Maifest (complete with May-pole circling), and Oktoberfest, with all the brats and beers that suggests. Just an hour and a half's drive from St. Louis, and you'll find yourself in a unique blend of Americana and old-world flavor. So strap on some lederhosen and save room for a pretzel or two. Just don't go overboard, because the town also boasts an ideal location along the Katy trail, which provides bicyclists a pristine setting for winding their way through Missouri.

Gettysburg, Pa.

"I've always been a bit of a fan of Gettysburg," says Rough Guides' Edwards. "The center is very attractive, and of course, the unique feature to it is that you're in the middle of this important historical place." Crowds are sure to build in preparation for the big 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, but try to visit on off days to get a more genuine experience that will give you a sense of what it must have been like. An impressive Civil War museum and visitors' center rounds out the trip, and a stay at the Doubleday Inn on the battlefield itself rounds out the historical adventure.

 

Charlevoix, Mich.

"Charlevoix has just the most picturesque, beautiful downtown you can imagine," says Williams. There's a popular inland lake, which in summer is chock full of vacationers--those who aren't at the summer Venetian festival and accompanying art fair. Located on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, Charlevoix's beauty is highlighted by the flower beds that pop up everywhere, and by the lighthouses that dot the lakeside landscape.

Cedarburg, Wisc.

North of Milwaukee, Cedarburg has an attractive downtown that is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a great destination for bicycling, there's a beautiful old covered bridge, yet there's no shortage of shopping options. "It's particularly pretty in the fall, when the leaves change and there are a number of nice seasonal festivals," says Williams.

Montpelier, Vt.

"With Main Streets ripped right out of Norman Rockwell paintings, choosing one New England town as better than others is a bit unfair," says Clampett. "But Montpelier makes a compelling argument for its exceptionalism." Though it is the state capital, there's a decidedly small-town vibe, with a great selection of shops, theaters, and streets that are built for leisurely strolls. It is also home to the region's best cooking school, the New England Culinary Institute.

Source and Read More: Forbes