8 Undiscovered Small Towns in the Northern United States
The northern United States has long been known for its iconic railways, efficient waterway system, and abundant natural resources. It is also home to many quaint, charming, undiscovered small towns. These towns are ideal for those wishing for a vacation that is out of the ordinary. They are also perfect villages in which to settle for those who may be tired of city life. Take a look at eight of the least-known vibrant small towns in the northern US.
Oxford, Pennsylvania
Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a small town in Chester County in the state's southeastern part. Founded in 1754 at a crossroads, today, the town is home to just under 5,800 residents. The town's median age is 36.6, so although it has a rich history, it also has a young, vibrant atmosphere. Its 60-mile proximity to Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, is also an advantage.
Oxford Borough has two parks, Oxford Memorial Park and Oxford Area Recreation Authority. These parks welcome picnickers, children, and dogs. Just up the road from the borough is Wyncote Golf Club, recognized as one of the top golf courses in the US.
Oxford Mainstreet Inc. holds First Fridays from May through September on the first Friday of each month. These family-friendly village-wide events highlight a different theme each month, such as farming, automobiles, and patriotism.
Oxford's history appeals to many who settle here. Oxford contains one of the largest historical districts in Pennsylvania on the National Registry of Historic Places. A self-guided walking tour of the historic district with homes dating from the 1700s is an easy and educational one-mile jaunt.
Oxford is full of restaurants serving fare including American, Mexican, soul food, and Italian. While Oxford does not contain any hotels, there are many bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs where visitors may stay.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, Connecticut, sits along the Mystic River, which flows into Fishers Island Sound, Long Island Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Its population is just under 4,500, and its median age is 55.8. Mystic is located next to the larger towns of Groton and Stonington.
This charming, small coastal town offers visitors much to see and do. The Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the largest maritime museums in the US. It features an entirely recreated 19th-century seafaring village. The Mystic Aquarium will delight visitors of all ages, full of sea lions, beluga whales, penguins, and interactive exhibits.
Olde Mystick Village is a quaint shopping area that is designed to replicate a 1720s-era New England village. Visitors may also shop in downtown Mystic, with its boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Consider staying at the Whaler's Inn in downtown Mystic's heart. Restaurants ranging from Mediterranean to Italian to Asian are waiting to serve patrons along the streets of Mystic.
McCall, Idaho
McCall, Idaho, is a resort town on Valley County's western edge and the southern shore of Payette Lake, about 100 miles north of Boise. The population of McCall is just under 3,700, and its median age is 38.7.
McCall is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the West Mountains, the Salmon River Mountains, Bitterroot Range, and Payette National Forest. Snow lovers will appreciate McCall, which receives the highest average snowfall in all of Idaho. Ski resorts abound in the area, with a combined acreage of 2,600 ski-able acres.
Payette Lake provides summer fun for residents and visitors who enjoy water sports, which include swimming, boating, jet skiing, and sailing. As the north fork of the Payette River flows through the town of McCall, kayakers and canoers enjoy many whitewater possibilities there.
The town also has its share of cultural, shopping, and dining opportunities. The Scandia Inn, set among the tall pine trees in the mountains, provides comfortable accommodations for visitors. Restaurant choices include seafood, American, and steakhouses.
Littleton, New Hampshire
Located in the White Mountains, Littleton, New Hampshire, is home to just under 4,500 residents with a median age of 34.2. The town features a historic downtown area, opportunities for outdoor activities, and unique attractions. Littleton is a little over 120 miles to the Canadian border and just 140 miles from Boston, MA.
The main street of Littleton is lined with historic brick buildings that are now restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Littleton Area Historical Society Museum is also located downtown and includes artifacts from the Saranac Glove Company, war memorabilia, and toys from the past.
One of the most unique attractions in Littleton is the Pollyanna statue, located on Main Street and known as New Hampshire's most welcoming attraction. The statue is a tribute to Pollyanna author Eleanor Hodgman Porter, who lived in Littleton in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Because Littleton is known as the "Glad Town," this statue symbolizes the optimistic, happy spirit of the town and its residents.
Accommodations are available at Thayers Inn, a historic landmark hotel converted into spacious, modern guest rooms. Visitors to Littleton also enjoy the Schilling Beer Company, a brewery along the Ammonoosuc River specializing in European craft beers.
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Situated within Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains and home to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Wellsboro is a quaint, hidden gem in the Keystone State. In the county seat of Tioga County, Wellsboro's population is just under 3,500, with a median age of 41.9. Wellsboro is about 50 miles northwest of Williamsport, PA, and 50 miles southwest of Corning, NY.
Wellsboro is named after Mary Wells, the wife of Benjamin Wister Morris, one of the town's original settlers. Visitors can discover Wellsboro's many historic homes and businesses on a walking tour. They can also consider lodging at the Penn Wells Hotel, one of the town's historical buildings, and dining in its Mary Wells room.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many hiking and biking trails throughout the Wellsboro area. A hike into the 47-mile long, 1000-foot-deep gorge of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is doable for physically fit people. Lakes surrounding Wellsboro, including Nessmuk and Hamilton, are perfect for fishing and boating.
Watkins Glen, New York
The Finger Lakes town of Watkins Glen, New York, hosts 1,863 full-time residents with a median age of 48.4. Watkins Glen lies about 150 miles south of the Canadian border and about 80 miles southeast of Rochester, NY.
Watkins Glen State Park features the two-mile Gorge Trail and 19 waterfalls. The "glen" of Watkins Glen is located within the park and is a deep, narrow gorge carved out over thousands of years by Glen Creek. In addition to hiking and biking, camping and picnicking are popular activities in the park. Seneca Lake is also a famous attraction in Watkins Glen. The largest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake offers visitors opportunities to swim, boat, sail, and fish.
Wine lovers will not want to miss the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, featuring 30 wineries offering tours and tastings. Dining options in Watkins Glen are plentiful and range from casual cafes to fine dining. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, on the shores of Seneca Lake, offers comfortable accommodations with luxury amenities.
Dorset, Vermont
Truly a small town, the population of Dorset, Vermont in Bennington County is just under 400 residents. Its median age is 52.8. Dorset is about seven miles north of Manchester, VT, and 180 miles from the Canadian border.
Although it might be small, Dorset is famous for its historical importance. Founded in 1761, it contains the oldest marble quarry in the US. Hildene, the summer residence of President Abraham Lincoln, is located in Dorset and is open to visitors. It is also the birthplace of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dorset offers visitors plenty of activities in all four seasons. As it is located between the Taconic and Green Mountain Ranges, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are all possible depending upon the time of year. Owls Head Town Forest is another popular destination, consisting of 30 acres on the top of Owls Head Mountain.
Shopping in Dorset features smaller, locally-owned markets and old-time Vermont country stores. The historical Squire House, built in 1918, offers lodgers a relaxed bed and breakfast experience. Restaurants available to visitors include the laid-back Bob's Diner and the historical Dorset Inn, established in 1796.
Falmouth, Massachusetts
Falmouth, Massachusetts, is home to just under 3,900 full-time residents, with a median age of 62.4 (making it a senior-friendly town for those looking to retire). It is located on the southwestern corner of Cape Cod, 80 miles southwest of Boston.
Falmouth has 68 miles of shoreline featuring white sandy beaches, eight villages, and the Shining Sea Bike Path. The town's Americana Main Street and Village Green, featuring shops, candy, and amusements, are must-see attractions for history lovers.
Marine lovers may be interested in knowing that Falmouth is home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. They are open to the public for various presentations, exhibits, and tours.
Falmouth offers a variety of lodging options, from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. Restaurants and bars may be found in Historic Falmouth Village and along the waterfront, where seafood lovers can enjoy casual dining.
Undiscovered Does Not Mean Unexciting
The eight towns above prove that, although a town may be small and relatively unknown, it can still offer visitors and re-settlers exciting new activities, beautiful natural resources, and a taste of our nation's history. Whether they are mountain hamlets, lake communities, or valley villages, these towns in the northern US all provide visitors with opportunities to see new attractions that they might never have contemplated. These eight towns are also havens for those wishing to relocate from bustling cities to more peaceful, slower-paced communities.
