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The Northern United States is fully endowed with a complete combination of charisma and diversity in culture, history, and natural scenery. Dramatic landscapes of full Northwestern beauty like the peaks and valleys in Livingston, Montana; the unique and vibrant culture of Dutch ancestors in Holland, Michigan; or simply relaxing lakeside escapes in the community refuge of Grand Marais, Minnesota, call to visitors of all seasons. There is something to explore for every traveler in these seven breathtaking towns in the Northern United States.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor is the ideal small-town seaside refuge hidden within the scattered San Juan Islands of Puget Sound. The town's natural harbor creates a unique sense of community best experienced through a walk along the Anchich Waterfront Park, through the grassyards and quaint fisherman huts of the Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed. There are also top-quality restaurants within view of the Gig Harbor Lighthouse, including 7 Seas Brewing and Tides Tavern. What further differentiates Gig Harbor, however, is its proximity to lesser-traveled natural beauty. Aside from picturesque central parks like Sunrise Beach Park, the secluded Kopachuck State Park provides the best in lush rainforest vegetation and long, calm beaches on the Pacific, with Mount Rainier looming impressively in the background.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine, combines the distinct atmosphere of an idyllic community with sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on sandy and rocky coastlines. Popular here are daytime excursions to the sands of Goochs Beach or Colony Beach or the majestic rocky coasts of the neighboring Blowing Cave Park. Following the Kennebunkport River inland leads to the core downtown area where popular restaurants and cafes like The Boathouse and the Dock Square Coffee House line the river's edge. To learn and experience the region's storied history, go from the boutiques of the Kennebunkport Historic District to the classic architecture of the Grist Mill Property.

Livingston, Montana

Livingston is the epitome of Montana's frontier culture and its renowned dramatic natural landscapes, without the popular acclaim and traffic of Yellowstone National Park. The town is located in the valley formed by the impressive Canyon Mountain and the imposing Livingston Peak, each divided by the waters of the Yellowstone River below. Aside from its natural beauty, Livingston offers plenty of activity and amenities, including the intricate histories on display at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, the regional and socioeconomic lessons of the Livingston Depot Center, and the authentic Western-style Historic Murray Hotel. It's also popular to enjoy a night of live music at the Music Ranch Montana or to relax at the Whiskey Creek Saloon & Liquor.

Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan, is the most picturesque town in the Northern United States. Most of its appreciation is due to its similarity to its Dutch roots. The town's most recognizable characteristics include the De Zwaan windmill, a functioning Dutch-style structure on its own Macatawa River Island, the surrounding greenspaces of the Windmill Island Gardens, and the many tulip fields of the Window on the Waterfront Park and the Holland Tulip Gardens and Lanes. For further integration with this town's Dutch history, visit the impressive Holland Museum outside the lively and colorful Centennial Park or attend the Tulip Time Festival held in the Holland Historic District in early spring.

Shelburne, Vermont

Shelburne, Vermont, offers an optimal combination of lakeside escape and supreme wine country. The headline attraction in this oasis neighboring Lake Champlain and Shelburne Bay is Shelbourne Farms, a massive dedication of greenspace devoted to a functioning, non-profit farm. The area features a full course of amenities: there are scenic viewpoints along the water like the Scenic Beach Bench and comprehensive lessons of the area's history in top-quality interactive museums like the Shelburne Farms Breeding Barn and the Shelburne Museum Brick House. For a weekend escape filled with relaxation and tranquility, take the leisurely walking trails of Shelburne Bay Park towards the picturesque fields of the Shelburne Vineyard.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais, Minnesota, is a beautiful community filled with a unique artistic energy on the western shore of Lake Superior. The town's identity is formed by its quaint and colorful houses and buildings along the coastline, best experienced from a walk through the Grand Marais Campground and Marina, past the Angry Trout Cafe, and rounding the bend of the small Grand Marais Bay to the outcropping of rock known as Artist Point, where many creatives are drawn to the views of the charismatic natural scenery against the backdrop of the Grand Marais Lighthouse. Aside from any explorations along Lake Park's fantastic waterline, many ambitious outdoor explorers follow the Pincushion Mountain Trail System inland to experience the beauty of the surrounding Superior National Forest.

Yachats, Oregon

Yachats, Oregon, provides the best in the Pacific Northwest's famous coastlines through an array of sandy and rocky beaches along its charismatic rainforest. It's popular to visit the Cape Perpetua area, where popular walking trails like the Cape Cove Trailhead and the Cape Perpetua Trailhead lead to panoramic views of Devil's Churn and the Cape Perpetua Lookout. The headline attraction here is Thor's Well, an unusual rock configuration of the Cape Perpetua Marine Garden that swallows the waves. For the best in sandy beach access, swimming, and picnicking, visit the Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint. For leisurely relaxation in the heart of the small community, stop at the Green Salmon Coffee Company and explore the shallow seas of the Yachats State Recreation Area.

The Bottom Line

The Northern United States should be appreciated for both its unique vibrancy in culture and history and also the diversity in natural landscapes and their place-based identities. The Northwest can provide an idyllic seaside escape in dramatic rainforests and rocky coasts like in Yachats, Oregon, while picturesque getaways in New England, like Shelburne, Vermont, and Kennebunkport, Maine, offer distinct histories and lively downtown districts. Any prospective traveler will be sure to have their expectations exceeded in these breathtaking towns in the Northern United States.