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Who is ready for the summer?
Well … not so fast. Before you decide to be a different face in the crowd in Cancun, why would you not stay around the good of us?
We all know the icons of America, but often small cities leave a lasting impression in the best ways, instead of the pizza-eating rats of New York, the smell of Bourbon Street the night before, or La’s riches.
Small cities offer a feeling of nostalgia, a deep dive in history and probably fewer crowds in coastal facades about the names of the house.
With some help from reliable sources, we extensively investigated the best small cities to visit with our own experiences.
Without further delay, these are the top 5 charming small cities that visit this summer:
5) Eminence, MO: The best kept secret of the Ozarks
Say what you want about the Ozarks, whether it is the doubtful end to the Netflix -hit Ozark Or the real-life destination with a dubious reputation.
But the Ozarks are much more than Honky-Tonks along the road, river boat casinos and flag-border boats with them, say, patriotism.
Charming map DOT cities such as Midwest Living-backed Eminence are more than worth a visit, especially for nature lovers.
Eminence is the center of the Ozark National Scenic RIJLEALAALSAbout a 3 -hour drive from St. Louis.
Here you will find alien natural sources similar to that of Mexico cenotesApart from the fact that these springs are fed by underground aquifers from the Ozark mountains, which ultimately creates a postcard-worthy landscapes.
Unfortunately, swimming and wading in the feathers are not allowed, but canoe rental houses. In fact, this small town is the “Kanot capital of the world”.
Eminence also has a rustic headstrip covered with mother and pop -eetings with a select few cozy stay in the neighborhood:
- Shady Lane Cabins & Motel
- Rivers Edge Inn Resort
- Hogan’s hiding place hut, houses and camping
- Circle B -Camping
Travel tip: View this very detailed guide About how you can find Missouri’s ‘Bluest Water’.
4) Port Aransas, TX: The most beautiful beach city of the Lone Star State
As a born and ravaged Texaan, I am here to tell you that you are doing the coast of Texas completely wrong if Galveston is your most important destination.
Your best gamble for a clear water, spacious beaches and friendly locals happy to have you, Port Aransas is a 40 -minute drive from Corpus Christi.
Along Mustang Island, Southern Living-backed Port Aransas is a wonderfully relaxed city free of ugly resorts to embrace the natural beauty of the Golf.
Save Virginias on the bay Rent a beach house for fresh seafood CinnamonAnd plan accordingly when renting a car because you can drive on the beach!
3) New Braunfels, TX: The ‘Number one’ destination in Texas
The lively city of New Braunfels stays at Texas, but turned to a different atmosphere, has been sandwiched between Austin and San Antonio.
As the most recent winner of the Texas Travel AwardsNew Braunfels took the crown home for ‘Destination of the Year’ – and rightly if you ask me.
If someone who grew up on vacation in new Braunfels as a child and often escaped the madness of Austin during the weekend when I had my filling of 6th Street, this Hill Country Hideaway is both a relief with his picturesque outdoor adventures and old -fashioned village of Gruene.
New Braunfels is also surprisingly cultural, with German heritage through architecture, eateries and the always funny Wurstfest (held in November).
Regarding summer, floating the emerald green waters of the guadalupe is never a bad decision, and the ultimate way to beat the burning heat in Texas!
Moreover, there is a Buccee, a destination in itself.
2) Castine, Maine: The best outing of New England in the small town
Awarded with ‘Best small city in the northeast’ By USA TodayThe time of Portland may be in favor of Maine’s lesser -known coastal town of Castine, located less than an hour from Bangor.
Sent with the 18th-century architecture, spacious beaches and cozy houses to rent, Castine is the ultimate place in New England to relax from the northeastern cluster of action-packed cities.
USA Today also ranked Castine third for ‘Best Coastal Small Town’, but Castine is the most suitable for summer without access to its small but beautiful coasts such as Wadsworth Cove Beach.
Of course it is obvious that the coast of Maine is a must for seafood, and Castine is no different, with the best rated Pentagoet Inn & Pub For a pleasant stay in a timeless inn and sensational eats such as lobster cake.
But the real surprise of Castine is the fascinating history, whether it is centuries -old houses or a visit to Fort Mason or the Wilson Museum.
1) Nokomis, Florida: The best alternative from Siesta Key
You may be aware of the annual game between the white -sandy paradises of Siesta Key and Clearwater that seem to flop the title of ‘America’s Best Beach’ to the year.
Both cities have become a pretty draw, especially in the summer, but there is another outing just 20 minutes from the Siesta Key with much less crowd and more a local atmosphere than the tourist Siesta Key Village.
I had the pleasure to visit Nokomis And I was surprised how nobody seemed to know that this authentic beach city exists so close to renowned vacation spots.
In the city you will find friendly locals and incredible seafood restaurants such as Pop’s Sunset Grillboat rental of Cabbage breeze To zoom through the picturesque waterways, along with a handful of chain hotels for a comfortable stay.
There is a lively drum circle Every Wednesday and Saturday takes place at Nokomis Beach; Probably the biggest attraction comes in the city and does not come close to the bustle of Siesta Key.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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