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HGTV names 40 most charming small downtowns across America

Zach Kaplan

Town of Lake Placid In Autumn, New York (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

(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:

Athens, Georgia, Athens City Hall, restored historic building. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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, DELAWARE, UNITED STATES – 2012/05/12: Quaint historic downtown area. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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:

Aerial view of small Chesapeake Bay fishing town, St. Michaels with houses and storefronts, Maryland. (Photo by: Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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:

Kris Kringle Christmas store and shopping arcade in Carmel, California, September 5, 2021. Photo courtesy Sftm. (Photo by Gado/Getty Images)

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, WV – JULY 05: A view of Harpers Ferry, a town that witnessed the first successful application of interchangeable manufacture, the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, the largest surrender of federal troops during the Civil War, and the education of former slaves in one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States July 5, 2005 in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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: