Top 10 Small Towns in America Review

Okay, I know . . . there are a LOT more than TEN ! 
And in three minutes, you'll be saying "She left off MY favorite!" at which point I hope you chime in and add a comment.  We're all looking for great getaway spots (especially close ones now that gas and airfares are so high).  I travel for a living, so I've come across dozens of terrific villages, but am just throwing a few of my favorites up here to give you some getaway ideas.  Here goes!

10.  Charlottesville, Virginia
This welcoming college town not only boasts Tom Jefferson's Monticello (a must-see tour), it has a wonderful, walkable downtown, great dining, the energy of a beautiful college town that prides itself on the "honor system", and a luscious setting.   The entire county itself is worthy of a back-roads drive;  treat yourself.

9.  Corrales, New Mexico
Corrales is a hidden treasure, a vibrant horse- and art-centric community nestled under the cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande at the edges of Albuquerque.  Old adobe homes and historic churches catch the brilliant afternoon light; vineyards hang heavy in the autumn.   Mexican folk art galleries share Corrales' winding main road with outdoor bistros and feed stores, and the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east change color with the setting sun.  A memorable spot for lovers, photographers, foodies, painters, cowboys, and anyone who appreciates the mystery of long dirt roads leading off into . . . ?  

8.   Oxford, Mississippi
If your idea of a perfect weekend is ambling through tree-line streets, poking around in bookstores, watching a marching band, having a nice long dinner outside under the stars, watching a live variety-hour radio show, hearing a marching band in the distance, going to a football game, and meeting the nicest folks ever...fly to Memphis, drive one hour.  Voila!  Oxford's town square is lovely, and is walking distance to the deeply southern Ole Miss campus.  I've never found friendlier folk or less prejudice than in Oxford.  Love, love, love it.

7.   Hollywood, Florida
Pack your shorts, your roller blades, your sunscreen, your swimsuit and pick the rest up on the Broadwalk, Hollywood's miles-long pedestrian thoroughfare fronting the Atlantic beach.   Once you arrive in Hollywood (halfway between Lauderdale and South Beach) you can forget about your car.  A $1 trolley takes you anywhere, and bike rentals are the best way to explore this Olde Florida town (which Trump has decided is also cool).  Great live music (often for free!) and the lure of the ocean make it a winner!  (Check out the Crowne Plaza's pool area at sunset for a real treat)  

6.   Bayfield, Wisconsin
This quirky Lake Superior getaway is full of Northern Exposure-type characters, Victorian homes and B&Bs, inviting restaurants (from locals hang Maggie's to the upscale Wild Rice), and art galleries galore.  You'll find great pottery, a small ski hill, a summer ferry to Madeleine Island, an Apple Festival, the summer music extravaganza called Chautauqua under the big-top tent, a mountain-top golf course that's to die for, and beautiful orchards,.  Take time to drive the country roads around Bayfield, then pop back into town for live music, food and drink, and a memorable cast of characters.  (5 hours from MPLS; 2 from Duluth)

5.  Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Visit Eureka in fall, when her trees are exploding with color against the limestone walls that define the little canyon in which she sits.  This amazing town has roads so steep that a a corner, a winding road can start on a home's third floor and be next to its first floor two tight left turns later.   Filled with Victorian homes, coffee shops, galleries and souvenir shops, this getaway in the hills of northwestern Arkansas is just a short drive from Branson, MO. 

4. Mendocino, California
Yes, you've heard of this one.  But it's just far enough out of the way that despite its four-star restaurants, fabulous vineyards, dramatic coastline, Maine-like aesthetic of white cottages with pristine gardens, renowned music festival, wealth of fine art galleries and refreshing weather, it's easy to just not quite make it there.  I finally took the time this past year and this charming village (and stunning county) was well worth the time and effort.  Mendocino is wild and beautiful and typifies everything you dream about the California coastline.  (2 hours NW of San Francisco)

3.  Tubac, Arizona
Just miles from the border of Mexico lies historic Tubac.  Like Corrales, this tiny Spanish settlement lies along a river (this one much smaller) and cottonwood trees shade the historic adobe village that comprises its gallery-filled downtown.  A small resort is there - once owned by Bing Crosby and his buddies - and its stunning public golf course is the beauty where Kevin Costner's Tin Cup was shot.   For a weekend to chill and reconnect in a small but beautiful setting, Tubac fits the bill.  (1.5 hours SE of Tucson)

2.  Blue Hill, Maine
I only went there once, but this little town made a big impression on me;  I'm still talking about it 10 years later.    On the Penobscot peninsula not too far southeast of Bangor, Blue Hill has an elegant sensibility despite her far-flung setting.   Historic inns overlook craggy coastlines and a tiny downtown is chock-a-block with four-star food, antiques, art, and boasts a rich cultural calendar in the summertime.   Be sure to drive around the countryside, get lost, sigh a lot, take a few pictures, and ten years later you'll still be thinking about Blue Hill, too.

1.  Brevard, North Carolina
Everywhere you walk in Brevard, you expect to turn the corner and see Jimmy Stewart.  It's that perfect sort of town, where everyone is friendly, the walkable downtown has interesting architecture, there are good places to eat and great places to stay (Womble Inn is both), a music college to infuse it with talented youth. . . and bustling music-centric Asheville is only a short drive away.  Brevard is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest is r-i-g-h-t   t-h-e-r-e.   There's just nothing wrong with Brevard.   

Well, THAT was fun! 
Now I'm thinking of starting over again to list the places I couldn't include here (i.e. Quechee, VT;  Madison, GA;  Madrid, NM;  Fernandina Beach, FL;  Prescott, AZ;) ......
and doing another list of my favorite places that are more well known.......
(Charleston, Taos, Santa Barbara, St. Augustine, Bar Harbor, Chapel Hill). 
But for now, I'm dying to know what YOUR favorites are..........?  Please share!