New Hope is a classic town with deep roots in the arts. It’s long attracted artists who loved the scenery along the Delaware River. The Bucks County Playhouse has been the stage for performers ranging from Grace Kelly to Audra McDonald and is still an excellent spot to watch a show.
Though many residents are originally from New York City, they find no reason to leave the town searching for a great night of entertainment.
North Carolina: Ocracoke Island
This tiny island in North Carolina's Outer Banks is home to just under 1,000 people and can only be reached by boat or plane. Much of the island is still undeveloped, so you can find wild ponies roaming.
Many choose to explore the island by bike, on foot, or on horseback, then head back for a meal at a laid-back restaurant on the waterfront. The Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum is set in an early 1900s house, tracing the island's history.
Oregon: Jacksonville
Portland may get all the attention, but Oregon has many charming small towns. Another favorite is Jacksonville, a historic Gold Rush town in the heart of the state's wine country.
Jacksonville is now known for a thriving cultural and epicurean scene, combined with the quality of life and moderate climate combined with the small-town appeal. Walkability makes this a highly desirable place for people who can choose where to live.
South Dakota: Deadwood
Early settlers named deadwood after the dead trees found in its gulch. Nowadays, Deadwood may be a popular destination for casino gambling, but it offers much, much more.
The famed Black Hills area surrounds the town, where one can find secluded forests, snowmobile trails, and ski resorts. Deadweird, a celebration of all things odd that takes place around Halloween, is a favorite new tradition.
Utah: Midway
Midway's stunning landscape and chalet-style architecture attract tourists all year round, with thousands coming for the annual Swiss Days, a multi-day celebration of the town's Swiss founders in the summer, and prime skiing in the winter.
Midway is located in the Heber Valley, approximately 28 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and 3 miles west of Heber City, on the opposite side of the Wasatch Mountains. No matter when you visit, a must-see is the Homestead Caldera, a geothermal hot pool that's a hot 90 degrees all year.