10 of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for a Summer Getaway, According to Travel Experts
With summer on the horizon, it's high time to start plotting out your travel plans. While some travelers may be thinking about a grand European vacation, there are also plenty of options stateside—from national parks and beaches to buzzy cities and small towns. If the latter piques your interest, we're here to help narrow down your options. Maybe you're thinking of heading out West, to a small mountain town like Telluride or Jackson. Or perhaps you want a beach experience; if that's the case, St. Simons Island or Kennebunkport might resonate with you. No matter your preference, there's a small town that's perfect for your next summer trip.
Read on for the best small towns to visit for a summer vacation—a list filled with picks from Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisors (plus a couple of my own personal favorites).
'What I love about Jackson Hole, and what I think makes it so distinctive, is its unique juxtaposition. You can spend all day outdoors—fly fishing, searching for elk, moose, or bears, or taking a scenic float down the Snake River,' says Mary Cropper, a T+L A-list advisor and travel expert at Black Tomato. 'Then, when it's time for dinner, you can dress up and hit the town [of Jackson] for a pre-dinner aperitif to watch the sunset, followed by fine dining. And if you really want to get into the spirit of things, make your way to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which is about as authentic as it gets.'
Summer is also a wonderful (if crowded) time to explore nearby Grand Teton National Park; Yellowstone National Park is also doable as a day trip with Jackson as your base camp. For a memorable stay in the heart of Jackson, book one of the rooms at The Wort Hotel or The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa.
'Crested Butte truly feels like the last best-kept secret in Colorado, untouched and unhurried in ways many mountain towns just can't replicate,' says A-list travel advisor Kristin Diehl, who recommends staying at Scarp Ridge Lodge, one of the Eleven Experience Lodges. 'It's a restored 19th-century miners' saloon where they've thought of all the details. Their idea of a 'concierge' service means crafting your perfect day of guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing, or whitewater rafting, followed by wellness treatments and private-chef-prepared meals that feel well-earned following very active days.'
Plus, summer is also peak wildflower season in Crested Butte. Visitors are greeted by columbine, lupine, and mule's ear sunflowers—and the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place in July.
Both Diehl and Cropper have the Kennebunks in Maine on their list—and it's not hard to see why. 'There's nothing quite like a New England summer, an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives,' says Cropper, who recommends visiting Kennebunkport. 'Located between Ogunquit and Portland, this charming seaside town is a perfect place to post up for a New England summer. With the beach just a short walk away and a downtown area perfect for dinner and drinks, it's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the coastal vibes,' says Cropper. 'Not to mention, the area serves up some of the best lobster rolls I've ever had, putting it on the map as a foodie destination.'
And if you want to elevate the experience, venture to nearby Kennebunk. 'Check into the White Barn Inn for a quaint coastal escape, perfectly charming and steeped in history. Spend your days indulging in spa rituals, learning the art of Maine cuisine in a chef-led cooking class, or cruising along the coast on a golden-hour sail,' adds Diehl.
'While everyone knows of St. Michaels when thinking of the Eastern Shore of Maryland—and I still recommend staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin—neighboring Easton, Maryland, is an unassuming, under-the-radar culinary hotbed,' says Diehl. 'Fueled by visionaries like Paul Prager and his Bluepoint Hospitality Group, the town is home to haute spots like Bas Rouge, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Harley Peet, and The Stewart, a sultry Scotch bar redefining small-town sophistication.' Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike, bike, or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area.
'While the Deep South may not top your summer travel list, St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a hidden gem of storybook charm and soulful Creole history beneath canopies of Spanish moss,' says Diehl. Before the sun gets too powerful, go horseback riding at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or tackle the 5.6-mile bike path and trail at West Feliciana Sports Park. Then get a break from the summer heat by popping in and out of the town's antique shops and boutiques; she recommends Deyo Supply and Sage Hill. 'A stay at the St. Francisville Inn is the cherry on top of this getaway teeming with Southern hospitality; the restaurant alone draws diners from all over southeast Louisiana for reservations,' she adds.
Cropper calls Telluride an 'ideal playground for outdoor adventure,' where 'summer temperatures stay comfortably cool' and there are endless opportunities to bike, hike, swim, paddleboard, and soak up all of the fresh air. 'If you're planning ahead, consider timing your visit around the Telluride Bluegrass Festival or the Telluride Film Festival—two standout events that showcase the town's vibrant cultural scene and bring its creative spirit to life,' she says.
If you want a classic summer beach vacation—the kind where you can spend every day swimming, reading, riding bikes, and taking everything at a slow pace—add St. Simons Island to your shortlist. One of Georgia's barrier islands and a longtime favorite of mine, St. Simons is just about as family-friendly as it gets. For a resort experience, book a stay at either The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort or The Inn by Sea Island, which has an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles for guests. Hungry after a long day at the beach? You've got lots of options, but it's almost criminal to skip the hot chicken at Porch or the brisket at Southern Soul Barbecue.
'I'll take any excuse to visit Ketchum, Idaho; it's the best home base for exploring all of Sun Valley's great outdoors,' says Diehl. 'Stay at the Limelight or the iconic Sun Valley Resort, then spend your days fly fishing, rafting, biking, or horseback riding before ending the night under a canopy of stars.' If you're in the area for more than a couple of days, definitely try to see more towns in the area. 'I also always love a day trip to Stanley, Idaho. It's out of a postcard; the tiny downtown is set against the dramatic Sawtooths and wide-open sky,' she adds.
The small towns along the Jersey Shore are the type of destinations that ooze summertime nostalgia. Think wooden boardwalks, ice cream shops, amusement parks, and miles of gorgeous shoreline. There's one town in particular that stands out, though. Spring Lake is picturesque in every way—from its grand beachfront homes to its walkable downtown with one-of-a-kind eateries and shops (I always recommend sandwiches from Tom Bailey's and sweet treats from The Scone Pony). Just know that you will need a badge to access the beach; if you stay somewhere like The Ocean House Bed & Breakfast or the Johnson House Inn, they'll be able to help you out.
'If you're looking for a spot similar to Telluride but with a more off-the-beaten-path feel, check out Salida, Colorado,' says Cropper, describing the town as a 'hidden gem' and a 'little piece of heaven that hasn't been overrun by tourists.' Located on the Arkansas River, the town embraces both the outdoors and a creative nature. 'Salida is brimming with art galleries, live music, and festivals, with artists filling the streets. What really sets Salida apart is the town's easy-going, no-frills atmosphere. It's all about good vibes, fun times, and a relaxed pace,' she explains. As far as accommodations, Cropper recommends grabbing a tent or renting a camper—alternatively, you can stay at Salida's Amigo Motor Lodge or The Inn in nearby Buena Vista.
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New York Post
20 hours ago
- New York Post
Furious Europeans target tour buses, attractions with water guns in anti-tourism protests
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'It's not about hating tourists – it's about saving our communities,' said another activist. 3 A tourist watches protesters during a demonstration calling for a change in the tourism model in the Canary Islands, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, May 18, 2025. REUTERS Advertisement The Spanish island of Majorca is expecting its biggest day of anti-tourist demonstrations yet, with 60 groups wanting to bring the streets to a standstill with the slogan, 'For the right to a decent life; Stop touristification'. It is certainly not the first time we have seen these kinds of protests. One of the latest incidents to grab global headlines was in Barcelona in April when protesters congregated outside the city's Sagrada Familia Basilica wielding water pistols and shouting 'tourists go home' as a bus packed with visitors made its way through the streets. Advertisement Brett Mitchell, the Australian managing director of Melbourne-born global company Intrepid Travel, said he understood the frustrations of people living in these tourist hotspots and getting the balance right was a real issue that needed to be dealt with. He said it was on everyone, including government, tour operators, cruise lines and airlines, to get around the table and work on solutions for responsible destination management. 'The reality is tourism is not going to slow down, it's a mega trend and it's only going to become bigger and bigger, and if the issue is not addressed it's going to get worse and worse every year,' Mitchell said. While tourism is vital to the local economies of these destinations — and more generally, in bringing the world together — Mitchell said at peak times locals were being 'pushed out' or having their 'whole lifestyle completely turned on its head'. Advertisement 3 Acitivists against tourism stop a tourist bus in front of La Sagrada Familia Basilica, to protest against overtourism in the city, in Barcelona, Spain, April 27, 2025. REUTERS 'As a traveler, I think there's a lot of things we can do,' he said. 'Traveling in smaller groups; we always believe there's always a much better experience for locals and also you as a traveller. 'Look at the off seasons or shoulder seasons; it's another really good way to try and avoid crowds. 'Getting off the beaten track; yes go and see these amazing iconic tourist spots but get there early and then move on and go and see other alternative areas and destinations. 'And then we really believe in trying to spend locally, so really try and do your research and make sure the money on the ground when you're spending it in these countries is going to locally owned businesses and supply chains.' Sarah Orr, from travel insurance comparison site Compare the Market, described the day of protests as 'terrible timing for the tens of thousands of Aussies' who head to Europe this time of year. Advertisement She said some comprehensive travel insurance policies cover expenses for additional accommodation and travel expenses as a result of riots, strikes and civil commotion. 'However, most policies will not cover you for cancellation fees and lost deposits, if the unrest escalates, continues for some time and/or the commencement of the unrest predates the purchase of your insurance,' she warned. 'While these protests are unlikely to cause major disruptions, it's a good idea to read up on when and where they are happening, so you can plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid them if possible. 'The protests will target tourist hotspots, major landmarks and high foot traffic areas. It may be a great opportunity to visit some less 'touristy' parts of the city, to take in the culture conscientiously.' Advertisement 3 A man displays a sign during a demonstration calling for a change in the tourism model in the Canary Islands, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, May 18, 2025. REUTERS Popular destinations across the world have been desperately trying to find new ways to cope with a massive boom in tourism post-Covid and avoid the trend dubbed 'overtourism'. New taxes and fees have been introduced, caps have been put on visitor numbers, and new hotels and short-term rentals have been banned. Japan has urged Australians to explore the country beyond the typical tourist hotspots as visitor numbers reach record highs. About 920,000 Australians visited Japan in 2024, setting a new record. This year we're expected to break the one million mark for the first time. Advertisement And Japan's advice echoed that of Indonesia in 2023, which pleaded with Aussies to explore more of the country beyond Bali. Foreigner crackdowns across the globe Countries across the world are continuing to crack down on foreigners. Advertisement Donald Trump's 'enhanced vetting' for arrivals at US airports appears to be getting the most attention, but there is plenty more happening elsewhere. Italy has changed its citizenship laws, making it significantly harder for Australians (and other foreigners) to get a passport by descent. You can no longer get citizenship if your great-grandparents were born there, it has to be a parent or grandparent. Venice is doubling its entry free for day-trippers this season and expanding the days it applies to. The fee, first introduced a year ago, was 5 euros ($9) and is now 10 euros ($18) for any visitors who don't book more than four days in advance. Spain has ended its 'golden visa' that allowed non-EU citizens to get residency by buying property worth more than 500,000 euros, which closes off a pathway to Spanish citizenship. Meanwhile, the city of Malaga has prohibited new holiday rental properties in 43 neighbourhoods for three years and a court has backed Barcelona's ban on short-term holiday rentals from 2028. The UK began requiring Australians, and a bunch of other countries who were previously exempt, to complete an application and pay a fee to enter. The EU will do the same but has delayed implementing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for 30 European countries multiple times, with the latest timeline indicating late 2026. Scotland's capital Edinburgh has revealed next year it will join a number of cities now charging a tourist tax on overnight accommodation. A 5 percent charge will be added. 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National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
How to experience 6 of Europe's most musical cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). While many cities can lay claim to being hubs of musical creativity, only a few become truly synonymous with a certain sound. After all, Vienna will always waltz to the tune of Strauss and few can imagine Seville without the passion of flamenco. In some cases, a city is its music. And, like that of a gifted composer, the European repertoire is vast. Whether for pop or classical, folk or techno, travellers will find no shortage of cities to immerse themselves in Europe's great soundtrack. There are hands-on workshops, interactive museums that chart the story of a genre, and nightly shows at age-old venues — perhaps the closest thing to seeing a city's soul. Whatever your taste, here are six of the best in which to plan a tuneful escape of your own. The Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Photograph by Getty Images, Miguel Sotomayor 1. Flamenco in Seville Seville's heart beats with flamenco. The stirring trinity of song, dance and music has its roots in the city's Gitano communities and has become an emblem of both Seville and Spain; such is its cultural value that it was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list in 2010. Tablaos are the place to experience the dance. Packed each night of the week, these venues can range from the casual La Carbonería, where locals come for tapas and a show, to more venerable institutions such as Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena, a stage and cultural hub for new and established performers, or El Arenal, where punters can enjoy a full-course dinner with a show. But the street is perhaps the most authentic stage of all. An outdoor performance might stir into life on the grand Plaza de España; on a tree-shaded patio in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, or in Triana, the buzzy, working class district said to be the birthplace of flamenco. The area is home to the Teatro Flamenco, a bijou theatre that holds nightly performances, as well as the workshop of teacher and guide Eva Izquierdo, who runs hour-long flamenco classes for budding bailadores (dancers). For an edifying experience, the Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Date for the diary: The annual Feria de Sevilla is a lavish celebration of Andalucian culture with parades, traditional dress, sherry and plenty of flamenco. 20-26 April 2026. Listen to: A Tu Vera by Lola Flores. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues, with both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week. Photograph by Getty Images, Thomas Winz 2. Irish folk in Galway The rousing sound of a fiddle is never far away on Ireland's west coast. Huddled against the Atlantic, Galway is a bastion of traditional culture, where poets, artists and musicians have long found a place to hone their craft in the city's bustling bars and salty-aired granite streets. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues: both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week, while Monroe's Tavern focuses on Irish-language music, and often throws dancing and poetry nights, too. With its charming web of streets festooned with flags and hanging baskets, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed. It's the beating heart of the folk music scene: buskers can be heard on street corners, covering classic ballads or trying out their own original tunes, while the pubs here make a fine place to while away an evening with a whiskey or two. Tigh Neachtain has been trading since 1894 and has platformed several well-known Irish folk artists, including acclaimed accordionist Sharon Shannon. Over at the charming Tig Choili, twice-daily live music sessions come courtesy of local and visiting musicians alike. Date for the diary: Now in its fourth year, the Galway Folk Festival promises a spirited programme of live music sessions across the city. 4-8 June. Listen to: My Irish Molly O by De Danann. Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. Photograph by Getty Images, Kavalenkava Volha 3. Pop in Stockholm Ace of Base, Roxette, The Cardigans, Robyn and, of course, ABBA… Sweden's musical exports reads like a festival headline bill. For decades, Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. The Avicii Experience tells the story of the late, chart-topping DJ with a collection of unreleased music and virtual-reality karaoke, while the club Trädgården sees revellers dance beneath Skanstullsbron bridge. And, in the city that gave the world Spotify, vinyl still has its place; Bengans, Snickars and Mickes record stores are a music-lover's dream, while Pet Sounds sells used records beside a cocktail bar. But no trip to the city would be complete without a whirl around ABBA The Museum, where the career of Sweden's most successful act is celebrated through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Date for the diary: Drömmen Festival will bring together pop legends from Sweden and around the world, including Ronan Keating, Gipsy Kings and Shirley Clamp. 7 June. Listen to: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. 4. Classical in Vienna Just like the Danube, music flows through the heart of the Austrian capital. Some of history's greatest virtuosos — from Mozart to Haydn, Beethoven to Strauss — lived and worked in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that's as rich as a Habsburg palace. When it comes to live music, the Vienna State Opera shines as one of the world's most opulent music venues, while the Golden Hall at the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Mozart's legacy lives on in performances at the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, the space where he premiered The Impresario in 1786. The House of Strauss, meanwhile, is the world's only remaining concert hall where all four Strausses performed. Not everything takes place in palatial surrounds though. Intimate piano recitals are held at the Mozarthaus, where the composer lived, while the Annakirche is a baroque jewel of a church that hosts affordable concerts. Date for the diary: 2025 is the bicentenary of Johann Strauss's birth. A special concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will mark the big day on 25 October. Listen to: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. Photograph by Getty Images, Shironosov 5. Jazz in Paris When American troops were stationed in Paris during the First World War, they brought with them the improvised rhythms of jazz. In the years that followed, this sound took Paris's music halls by storm and has become entwined with the city's soundscape. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. The building dates to the 16th century and has staged countless stars of swing in its time, including Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. On the Right Bank, life on the Rue des Lombards saunters to the sound of jazz, for it's home to three of the city's finest bars: crowds squeeze into the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside and Le Basier Salé for late-night jam sessions. But, if one figure epitomises the French jazz era, it's Josephine Baker who turned heads in 1926 when she performed at the Folies Bergère wearing a banana skirt. The legendary music hall remains an art deco icon of Paris's musical heritage. Date for the dairy: Jazz festivals include Jazz à La Villette, held in the Parc de la Villette. August/September 2025, dates TBC. Listen to: Black Trombone by Serge Gainsbourg. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Photograph by Getty Images, Mahiruysal 6. Electronic in Berlin If German reunification had a sound, it would be one of wavy synths and drum machines. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Since then, the city has become the pounding heart of European electronica. Venues have popped up in disused landmarks across the city, harking to the 1990s when students began squatting in abandoned buildings. A fine example is Tresor, which began in the cellar of a former department store in 1991. Now housed in a decommissioned power plant, its killer sound system draws fans from across the world. Kater Blau — a former soap factory — is a popular, open-air summer spot beside the River Spree, while ://about blank takes a political approach to techno, offering 'hedonistic, insurrectionalist dialectic'. Top of any list, however, is Berghain, the cathedral-like club where (almost) anything goes. Top-quality sound and performances aside, the mysterious entry policy is all part of the appeal and has revellers queuing for hours. Date for the diary: Rave the Planet Parade mixes rave culture with political demonstration. 12 July. Listen to: Autobahn by Kraftwerk. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). 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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
British holidaymakers to miss out on compensation after EU rule change
Britons will miss out on compensation for delayed flights after Brussels adopted a rule change following complaints from airlines. Payouts that were previously triggered by delays exceeding three hours will now only be made after four hours of holdups, European transport ministers agreed. The new regulation, hammered out following a decade of discussions and bargaining over passenger compensation, will apply to all services from EU countries to the UK. For the time being, travellers headed from Britain to the Continent will still qualify for a refund when flight delays hit the three-hour mark, unless they are flying with an EU-registered airline. While raising the compensation threshold, ministers also agreed to increase the minimum level of payment from €250 (£210) to €300 for shorter journeys and to €500 for those above 3,500km (2,175 miles). The original regulation, known as EU261, was passed in 2004 with the aim of ensuring that passengers received money and assistance in the event of flights being cancelled at short notice. Following Brexit, the UK adopted it into law so that the rights of travellers remained unchanged. However, the Government will now have to decide whether to adopt the amendments for outbound flights or stick with the original version. Taking no action might be welcomed by consumer groups but would have consequences for UK airlines, which would be at a disadvantage to their European rivals. It could also affect fares, with Ryanair having claimed that EU261 costs passengers £7 per ticket. Airlines for Europe, an industry group, had pressed for a higher compensation threshold, arguing that extending it to five hours – as originally proposed by the European Commission – would allow 70pc of flights that are cancelled to be rescued. It argued said that airlines inevitably scrapped flights once compensation was triggered, especially since the payouts involved were often higher than the ticket prices charged. It said a five-hour threshold would have made it more practical for carriers to fly in replacement aircraft so that more flights would get away, potentially benefiting 10m passengers a year. A spokesman said: 'Getting to their destination is the primary concern of passengers, even if it means getting to bed or arriving at their holiday resort late. But with a low cancellation threshold it makes more sense to call off the flight and take that hit.' Airlines have also railed against the fact that the compensation applies whether delays are caused by a crew shortage or technical issue that might be laid at their door, or by severe weather or air traffic control issues beyond their control. A number of extraordinary circumstances are expected to be added as part of revisions to 31 different air passenger rights. The revisions must still clear the European Parliament but are expected to become law in the bloc by the end of the year. The Department for Transport said the UK did not have to amend its legislation in line with any changes from the EU, and that any potential future reforms would require careful consideration on their merits, and be subject to public consultation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
