(NewsNation) — HGTV has released its list of the most charming small downtowns in America, showcasing 40 towns from across the country “that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore.”
Many downtown areas on the list include historic buildings, incredible views, charming shops and excellent restaurants.
Notable towns on the list
Some notable small-town downtowns on the list include:
Athens, Georgia:
Located a little over an hour from Atlanta, Athens is a college town home to the University of Georgia. Athens is known for its vibrant Southern charm and music scene, being the hometown of iconic bands including R.E.M. and The B-52s. The downtown area boasts an excellent selection of vintage clothing stores and beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings.
Lewes, Delaware:
Lewes is a coastal town located on the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The downtown area features several boutiques and art galleries. Lewes is also known for the incredible Cape Henlopen State Park, which has miles of bike trails and beaches. Over the summer, many take the popular ferry from Lewes to Cape May, New Jersey.
St. Michaels, Maryland:
St. Michaels is a coastal town located on the Chesapeake Bay that is a popular spot for visitors in the summer. It features stunning Victorian-era homes, a historic 19th-century seaport and many unique shopping options within its downtown area.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California:
Located about three hours south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square-mile village on the central coast of California. The town is known for its quaint boutiques and award-winning dining options. During the holiday season, Carmel transforms into a festive destination, featuring twinkling lights adorning the buildings and beautiful window displays.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia:
Harpers Ferry is a charming town in the lower Shenandoah Valley, sitting at the easternmost point of West Virginia just an hour outside Washington, D.C. The town has a rich history, and its downtown area features several stunning 19th-century buildings. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities while taking in breathtaking views.
40 most charming small downtowns in America
The full list of the 40 most charming small downtowns in America includes:
- Athens, Georgia
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Middleburg, Virginia
- Concord, North Carolina
- Dahlonega, Georgia
- Cape Charles, Virginia
- Conway, South Carolina
- Pacific Grove, California
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Breckenridge, Colorado
- Wickford, Rhode Island
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Bastrop, Texas
- Lewes, Delaware
- Taos, New Mexico
- Galena, Illinois
- Marquette, Michigan
- Lewiston, New York
- Abilene, Kansas
- Ketchum, Idaho
- St. Michaels, Maryland
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Virginia City, Nevada
- Lake Placid, New York
- Bend, Oregon
- Williams, Arizona
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Covington, Kentucky
- Medora, North Dakota
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Solvang, California
- Montpelier, Vermont
- Park City, Utah
- Livingston, Montana
- York, Pennsylvania
- Franklin, Tennessee
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Fish Creek, Wisconsin