Life’s a little more relaxed in Ouray, perhaps due to the hot springs and the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains that might inspire a new perspective on life. Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America” because of the San Juan mountain range’s surrounding peaks on three and a half sides of town.
The quaint town was named after Chief Ouray of the Ute Indians, a local tribe. This Victorian-era mining town is as authentic as it gets, so you’ll only find locally-owned restaurants and boutiques.
California: Solvang
Though it's right in the middle of California's Santa Ynez wine country, Solvang will make you feel as if you've been transported to a European village. Solvang is located just a short 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, making this charming town of 5,909 a worthwhile day trip.
Once you've visited, you'll probably want to move there full-time. With so many things to see and so many restaurants to try, Solvang is one of our favorite Southern California destinations.
Arizona: Bisbee
Bisbee is a historic mining town with a small population of 6,000 people in south-central Arizona, close to the Mexican border. Suppose you are looking for an interesting, off-beat place; this town might be the place for you as it happily embraces the arts and has a generally free-spirited atmosphere.
Bisbee may be three hours away from Phoenix, but this former copper mining town is now known for its walkability, eclectic art galleries, unique architecture, and a melting pot of residents.
Connecticut: Noank
This traditional village is the slightly less-crowded alternative to Mystic. Tree-lined streets and marina views give this small town a quaint feel, especially if you make a shopping trip in the many small shops.
This village holds a dense community of historic homes and local businesses that sit on a small, steep peninsula at the Mystic River entrance with a long tradition of fishing, lobstering, and boat-building.
Florida: Surfside
If you like the architecture of Miami but fancy a less-crowded atmosphere, head up to Surfside, known as the city's "uptown beach town." Surfside has a laidback vibe within walking distance of the beach, making it ideal for young families with children.
Residents enjoy such perks as yoga on the beach and fun events like a monthly communal picnic on the beach. There are many hotels on the beachfront, making it a nice stroll along the seashore past them.