Gatlinburg

With a population of around 4,000, Gatlinburg remains small despite the fact that its location, Sevier County, attracts around 12 million visitors each year. People love coming to this quaint mountain town in eastern Tennessee — sometimes referred to as the “gateway to the Smoky Mountains” — for its gorgeous scenery, great shopping, and plenty of adventurous activities. Here, you can explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, chase waterfalls, ride mountain coasters, and visit museums and a massive aquarium. Plus, Dollywood is just a short drive away in nearby Pigeon Forge, another popular small town for families that also happens to be full of all things Dolly Parton (she’s from the next town over).

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is small in size, but big in appeal. There’s live music, great shopping, and more than 242 years of history here in Tennessee’s oldest town (founded in 1779). Home to the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the National Storytelling Festival each October, Jonesborough is also considered the “storytelling capital of the world.”

Beyond storytelling, visitors can enjoy a free live music series, called Music on the Square, every Friday night from July through September (or Brews & Tunes on Sunday afternoons), as well as shop wares from local and regional artisans at the annual Made Around Here Market. Christmas in Olde Jonesborough is another highlight.

For a bit of time travel, visit the 1906 Chuckey Depot Museum, then take a carriage ride along the town’s well preserved Main Street, complete with historic buildings, antique stores, and charming little ice cream and candy shops.

Granville

Granville is perhaps the definition of a hidden gem. Though it was the birthplace of former U.S. senator Albert Gore, Sr. (father of former vice president Al Gore), few are in the know about this historic town.

Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” suggesting it as a utopian place to live, Granville is located an hour east of Nashville on the banks of the Cumberland River and boasts the slow and friendly pace of yesteryear. A $7 town tour ticket from Sutton General Store gives you access to highlights like the Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum, Whistle Stop Saloon, I Love Lucy Museum, Sutton Homestead, and Pioneer Village.

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Here are the best small towns in Georgia, all with a population of under 12,000.

Darien

Millions have been captured by Savannah’s charms, but about an hour south, the quiet coastal town of Darien has an allure all of its own. Founded in 1736, it’s home to old live oaks, Gullah-Geechee culture, and picturesque views along the Altamaha River — not to mention great seafood, golfing, and pristine nature.

Senoia

Looking for something totally different from Georgia’s usual suspects? Head to Senoia, famous for being the filming location of the hit TV show The Walking Dead. Senoia went from ghost town to popular destination thanks to this recent claim to fame, and today, visitors can take a Walking Dead-themed tour or explore the thriving Main Street, which is dotted with shops and restaurants.

Dahlonega

If you love wineries, hunting for antique treasures, waterfalls, quaint downtowns, and mountain scenes, Dahlonega is the place for you. Visitors can also explore hundreds of years of history here — the town was the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S. in the 1820s. You can learn more at the Dahlonega Gold Museum or opt for an outdoor adventure in the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is great for hiking, trout fishing, mountain biking, and chasing waterfalls. If you’re more into liquid gold, check out the vineyards along the Dahlonega Wine Trail.

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Today, Bandera is a must-visit when traveling through South Texas, thanks to its outdoor recreation, delicious bites, and dude ranches. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip.

Best Time to Visit Bandera

Summer in Texas can be brutally hot, and more travelers tend to hop through Hill Country during this time because of school vacations. Spring, fall, and even winter are all great times to visit Bandera. Spring brings a yearly abundance of gorgeous wildflowers (bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and firewheels, to name a few) that paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Fall provides a break from the Texas heat, making it a great time for outdoor exploration, and winter in Hill Country is generally mild as well, with crisp mornings and moderately chilly afternoons that still allow visitors to shop, dine on patios, and enjoy their days in Bandera.

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Petoskey, Michigan

This cute waterfront town sits near the “Tip of the Mitt” in the northern reaches of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Enjoy the historic downtown, where you’ll find artisanal preserves gem American Spoon, former Hemingway haunt Stafford’s Perry Hotel, and upscale kitchen and bar, Pour. Outdoor activities are also key in the area, as it’s home to the world-class Bay Harbor Golf Club as well as great hiking along the North Country Trail and in the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. Don’t forget to hunt for the famous Petoskey stones at nearby Petoskey State Park. Wine enthusiasts should visit some of the designated wineries along the region’s wine trail, such as Walloon Lake Winery (a well-known lake where Hemingway’s summer cottage was located) and Pond Hill Farm, part of the Tunnel of Trees drive.

Hill City, South Dakota

Hill City’s population totals just under 900, but this small South Dakota town packs a big punch. A few of its can’t-miss sites include Prairie Berry Winery and Miner Brewing Co. for locally crafted and sourced beverages, the 1880 Train for a two-hour, narrated round-trip journey between Hill City and Keystone, and the family-friendly Palmer Gulch Campground, which holds a number of rodeos over the summer. Hill City is also within driving distance of major South Dakota draws like Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Crazy Horse Memorial. The town even makes a lovely jumping off point for checking out two of the state’s best national parks, Wind Cave (about 30 miles away) and Badlands (about 90 miles away).

Kohler, Wisconsin

Located in the heart of the Midwest in Wisconsin, the village of Kohler was one of the nation’s first planned communities — the green spaces here were actually designed by the same landscape architect who created Central Park. However, the crown jewel of Kohler is undoubtedly The American Club, an elegant hotel with Wisconsin’s only AAA Five-Diamond rating. Spend some time relaxing at the Waters Spa or hitting the links at the Whistling Straits or Blackwolf Run golf courses. Kohler is conveniently located about 55 miles from Milwaukee and 145 miles from Chicago, so it’s accessible even to travelers outside the region.

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