Are you a foodie, history buff, or craft beer enthusiast? If so, there's a small town you should visit.
With help from experts and readers, USA TODAY has put together a huge list of the best small towns in the country, whether you're looking for the best coastal vibes, the best museums, or the best places for local art. So, if you're looking for vacation inspiration, buckle up because we have a few places to recommend.
For Food
Would you have guessed that the best small-town food scene is tucked away on West Virginia's southeast border? Lewisburg, W. Va., in Greenbrier County, is the three-time winner of USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice for Best Small Town Food Scene.
“This community, with so many independent business owners, really shines for our locals and all the tourists that come into town,” said Emily Isaacs, of the Humble Tomato. “This is evident when we chat with someone about their experience here. And the food scene is one part of that amazing puzzle that puts it all together! What an honor to be recognized again for all our hard work and dedication to our craft.”
Lewisburg has more than 15 locally owned restaurants, where visitors can enjoy farm-to-table fresh, vibrant Latin flavors or bold Southern fare.
For Fun
If you're looking for your “hoppy place,” it's probably named Fredericksburg. Starting there will at least give you a good shot since towns named Fredericksburg in Texas and Virginia are on the list of the 10 Best Small Town Beer Scenes.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is in the heart of Hill Country. While it's known as a top destination for wine lovers, it also has a stellar beer scene, including the Bavarian-inspired Alstadt Brewery, which uses only hops, barley, yeast, and spring water in their beers, and Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the oldest operating brewpub in the state of Texas.
Further east, Fredericksburg, Va., has its own Beer Trail Passport to guide you through your tasting trip, along with fun festivals throughout the year, like the Frosty Brew Thru in January, Tacos and Beer Festival in May, a Cigar Bourbon and Beer Festival in August, and Fredtoberfest, held during the first week of October.
For History
If you're looking for a taste of history instead, you might want to explore the Midwest. That's where half of the Best Historic Small Towns to make the 2025 list are located. From Mackinac Island, Mich., to Abilene, Kan., getting your fill of heritage and local flavor in the country's heartland is easy.
Worthington, Ohio's 3.5-acre Village Green Park features the Orange Johnson House built in 1819, the Old Rectory built in 1845, and Rush Creek Village, an enclave created in 1956, plus the Ohio Railroad Museum, which dates back to 1948, making it one of the oldest in the country.
Further south, you can mix your love for celebrities with your love of history in Newport, Ky., the oldest Kentucky river town. It was founded in 1790 and made a name for itself in the first half of the 20th century, attracting celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacLaine.
It attracted others who preferred to fly under the radar, too, with a criminal underworld full of gambling, mafia, and crime that earned it the nickname Sin City before Las Vegas took over the moniker.
Nowadays, though, it's family-friendly, with six districts on the National Register of Historic Places and a history walk app to help you explore them.