The 14 Best Rural/Countryside Getaways in the U.S. 2023: The excitement of the city has its perks, but it’s hard to argue with the allure of escaping to a quieter, more natural setting.
From small settlements in Maine’s wild coast to the Gold Country of California, there are many wonderful rural getaways. Your next ideal vacation spot might be one of these places.
14 Best Rural/Countryside Getaways in the U.S. 2024
1. Wallace, Idaho
Wallace is a fantastic destination in Idaho if you enjoy history, breathtaking landscape, and outdoor adventure. The National Historic Register lists the entire town.
It was founded in 1884 and over the following century produced more than one billion ounces of silver, earning the title of “Silver Capital of the World” for its mining region known as Silver Valley.
The Rails to routes Hall of Fame and other museums are open to visitors, and they may also take in the breathtaking alpine lakes and several routes, including the 73-mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alene that runs between Mullan and Plummer on the Idaho panhandle.
2. Paducah, Kentucky
A magnet for quilters and other fiber-based artists, the riverside town of Paducah is one of only nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States.
With 20 blocks of its downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has a fascinating history in part because of its location on both the Tennessee and Ohio rivers.
Beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture can be seen throughout this Kentucky city, and its oldest area, Lower Town, is known for its bohemian vibe and abundance of independent art galleries.
It also has a thriving nightlife with live music, theater, comedy, and numerous venues that accommodate both national and local musicians. Its culinary scene is also flourishing.
3. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town that was once a hub for shipbuilding before becoming a favorite destination for wealthy tourists.
Today’s summer visitors still come in all shapes and sizes to wander through the town, unwind on the beaches, and stay in charming hotels.
The highlight of your visit may be taking scenic drives along the back roads, which offer views of lobster traps stacked high, breathtaking ocean vistas, including Ocean Avenue with its Blow Holes, and a glimpse of former President George Bush’s summer residence.
There are plenty of unusual treasures to be found in the shops at Dock Square.
4. Woodstock, Vermont
With a covered bridge, historic farms, a village green, lovely parks, and streets lined with fine Greek Revival, Federal, and Georgian residences, Woodstock, which is located along the banks of the Ottauquechee River, is recognized for its classic New England attractions.
While it’s beautiful all year round, it’s especially lovely when the leaves change in the autumn and frame those picture-perfect views or when winter adds a layer of snow.
Visit Sugarbush Farm whenever you’re in the area to try some Vermont cheeses, jams, and maple syrup.
5. Houghton, Michigan
On the Keweenaw Peninsula, surrounded by lakes and streams, Houghton is a popular tourist destination because McLain State Park adjacent offers world-class riding and hiking options.
In addition to being the season for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, winter also features the Winter Carnival.
History buffs will never run out of things to do in this town, which has a vibrant mining history, and everyone can enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior.
6. Whitefish, Montana
A short distance from Glacier National Park in Montana is Whitefish, a small hamlet on the shores of Whitefish Lake.
Visitors will discover a variety of activities all year long, despite the town being one of the “Top 25 Ski Towns in the World” according to National Geographic.
There are numerous options for entertainment, including riding, hiking, and water sports like water skiing.
Both Sandy City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park feature picnic spots and boat launching. You can visit the town’s farmer’s market and see a quality theater performance.
7. Fort Collins, Colorado
There are countless paths in Fort Collins and the mountains and foothills that surround it, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous lakes, rivers, and streams are close for recreation as well.
A short drive from the city center lies Horsetooth Reservoir, where you can go fishing, kayaking, SUPing, sailing, hiking, camping, and more.
The Poudre River, the only “Wild & Scenic” river in Colorado, flows directly through the city limits. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the cool water for swimming, kayaking, rafting, and tube riding.
There is a ton great do in Old Town afterward, particularly in the summer when free concerts are routinely held.
8. Cody, Wyoming
Buffalo Bill, also known as William F. Cody, who was instrumental in its planning, is honored by the name Cody for the frontier settlement.
His likeness may be found everywhere, both as a monument and at the renowned Buffalo Bill Historical Center, often known as the “Smithsonian of the West,” which is made up of five themed museums that collectively offer the most comprehensive introduction to the American West available.
The Old Trail Town, a living museum with 26 old frontier buildings from the late 1800s, offers a rare insight of what a Western town actually looked and felt like.
Here, numerous prestigious rodeos are conducted all year long. Yellowstone may be visited in one day since it is only a one-hour drive away.
9. Taos, New Mexico
Taos, which is located in northern New Mexico at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is renowned for its ancient adobe buildings and Taos Pueblo, a hamlet that has been continuously inhabited for more than a thousand years.
It’s the ideal location for art lovers, with many local pieces on display at galleries and museums, history buffs interested in Hispanic and Native American history, and foodies, who will discover a wide variety of delectable cuisine.
Additionally, there are many of options for outdoor leisure due to the proximity to the mountains.
10. Ely, Nevada
Ely was founded after copper mining started in the region in 1906, and it now offers a glimpse of the Old West in addition to many other things.
Even though it’s a small town, there are plenty of things to do, like visiting the Renaissance Village to see what it was like to live here in the beginning.
It has eight historically accurate homes, a barn, an art studio, and a local store, all of which are antiques-furnished.
Although the railroad is one of the most well-liked attractions, with steam engine train rides available, including special event trains like the Haunted Ghost Train and the Polar Express train, which runs around the Christmas holidays, there are historical reenactments and tours available as well.
11. Baker City, Oregon
One of the largest cities in the area is Baker City, which has a population of fewer than 9,800. Compared to the west, eastern Oregon is much more rural and has a drier topography.
When you enter the saloon at the Geiser Grand Hotel in the historic district, history comes to life. More information is available at the Baker Heritage Museum and on board the narrow-gauge steam train.
Living history presentations, educational activities, exhibitions, and more are available at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center northeast of the city.
Even though Sumpter only has 200 residents, there are plenty of other ghost towns to explore in this region if that interests you.
12. Bisbee, Arizona
Today, Bisbee is known for having an artistic vibe. It is home to many artists and other creative types, and the town is filled with original artwork, including some cars that have been transformed into stunning exhibits.
It still has many signs of its former prominence as a center for silver and copper mining. Don a hard hat and ride an ore train down into the underground mine as you tour the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum and the Queen Mine.
The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour should not be missed by anyone who are interested in the supernatural.
13. Galena, Illinois
Galena, which is located just east of the Mississippi River, has a six-block Main Street district and offers old-fashioned beauty with its tree-lined lanes.
However, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers year-round outdoor activities including river cruises, zipline rides, an alpine slide, segway excursions, and more, so it’s not just about the past.
It turns into a ski resort in the winter. Along with tastings at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. and boutique shopping, visitors can explore the Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve’s burial mounds and Native American archaeological sites.
14. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Along with its charms, Fredericksburg has a rich history as the site of numerous pivotal battles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
The areas are teeming with old houses and structures that are now unique stores and top-notch eateries. The Historic District alone has over 350 structures that are from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery, which contains the graves of more than 15,000 Union soldiers, is a great place to go if you’re interested in Civil War history.
14 Best Rural/Countryside Getaways in the U.S. – Newshub360.net
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