For this article, I decided to write about my favorite small town destinations in the states! I hope you all enjoy and find some new places to add to your must-see destinations list! The photo gallery is down at the bottom – check it out!

Small towns are amazing places for family time and spending time with those you love. Outdoor activities and time spent together are priceless. I am thankful for all my time in small places and owe a great deal of who I am to the beautiful state of Michigan. It is forever a second home to me and somewhere I cherish dearly.

Favorite Small Towns/Areas –

Pine Mountain, GA

What to do – https://pinemountain.org/attractions

Cool places to stay – https://pinemountain.org/accommodations

Yummy eats – https://www.restaurantji.com/ga/pine-mountain/

Travel Guide – https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/pine-mountain https://www.pinemountainga.org/

I grew up going to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain for Thanksgiving. It is such a beautiful area and super family-friendly. As a kid, I was obsessed with it. Being from Florida I didn’t see the leaves change much or feel true Fall weather. This always made the perfect Thanksgiving destination. It has many different types of hotels and log cabins to stay in. My favorite part was the Fantasy of Lights tour - google it and check out some pictures!

Traverse City, MI

What to do – https://www.busytourist.com/things-to-do-in-traverse-city-mi/ https://vacationidea.com/destinations/traverse-city-mi.html

Cool places to stay – https://www.awesomemitten.com/traverse-city-boutique-hotels/

Yummy eats – https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-traverse-city-restaurants-bars

Travel Guide – https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/traverse-city

Traverse City is a wonderful little city in Northern Michigan. I have been quite a few times and there is always something to see or do. If you are there in July check out the National Cherry Festival! Also – check out the Traverse City Cherry ice cream at a Kilwins near you!

Mackinac Island, MI

What to do – https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/ https://www.michigan.org/article/itinerary-trip-idea/things-do-mackinac-island-ultimate-pure-michigan-guide

Cool places to stay – https://www.awesomemitten.com/mackinac-island-hotels/

Yummy eats – https://www.awesomemitten.com/best-mackinac-island-restaurants/ http://www.mackinacisland.net/dining/

Travel Guide – https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/perfect-mackinac-island-travel-guide-first-time-visitor

I have always loved going to Mackinac Island every summer. My family has a home in Mackinaw City, but I always try to get over to the island. The island is a bit more expensive than a journey and destination, but it is a wonderful experience. There are no cars allowed on the island so the only forms of transportation are by horse or bike! Don’t forget to try the fudge + take a horseback riding tour!

Moab, UT

What to do – https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/things-to-do-in-moab https://shesavesshetravels.com/travel-destinations/things-to-do-in-moab/

Cool places to stay – https://fullsuitcase.com/best-moab-hotels/

Yummy eats – https://www.discovermoab.com/fine-dining-to-food-trucks/ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/southwest/moab/restaurants

Travel Guide – https://letsmingleblog.com/2021/07/19/moab-travel-guide/

I went to Moab during the pandemic on a road trip and it will always remain one of my favorite places. The scenery is so beautiful and it offers so many different types of adventures for families, friends, and even solo travelers! Check out the cool camping spots, off-roading trails, and ATV tours!

Jackson, WY

What to do – https://www.jacksonholewy.com/things-to-do/ http://www.jacksonholetraveler.com/article/things-to-do-in-jackson-hole-summer/

Cool places to stay – https://www.tripstodiscover.com/coziest-places-to-stay-jackson-hole/

Yummy eats – https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/48-hours-in-jackson-hole-everything-you-need-eat-and-drink

Travel Guide – http://www.jacksonholetraveler.com/

I haven’t been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming since I was little, but it still holds a special place in my heart. I loved skiing there, spending family time around the fire, and playing in the powdery snow. This is one of my favorite holiday destinations and I can’t wait to plan a trip back! Hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows, and building snowmen with those you love most - that’s what the holidays are about right?

Fairbanks, AK

What to do – https://www.explorefairbanks.com/things-to-do/activities-attractions-and-tours/ https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-fairbanks-alaska/

Cool places to stay – https://www.alaska.org/destination/fairbanks/hotels

Yummy eats – https://www.alaska.org/destination/fairbanks/hotels

Travel Guide – https://www.alaskatravel.com/fairbanks/

I went to Fairbanks Alaska when I was around thirteen years old, and it was an unforgettable experience. The amount of wildlife Alaska has is amazing. I remember I went in the summer and there was still snow in some places, and it stayed light almost the entire night.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Munising, MI

What to do – https://veggiesabroad.com/what-to-do-in-pictured-rocks/

Cool places to stay – https://picturedrockscabins.com/

Yummy eats – https://www.exploremunising.com/dining/

Travel Guide – https://mymichiganbeach.com/pictured-rocks

I have been to Pictured Rocks about four times, I believe. It is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is a National Lakeshore ran by the National Park Service! The best way to see Pictured Rocks is by boat!

Greenville, SC

What to do – https://www.travelawaits.com/2658791/things-to-do-in-greenville-sc/ https://vacationidea.com/destinations/best-things-to-do-in-greenville-sc.html

Cool places to stay – https://www.travelmag.com/articles/luxury-and-boutique-hotels-in-greenville/

Yummy eats – https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-greenville-south-carolina https://localadventurer.com/places-to-eat-in-greenville-sc/

Travel Guide – https://www.charlottemagazine.com/yeah-that-greenville-a-travel-guide/

I stopped in Greenville, SC during a hurricane evacuation from my college in 2017. It was a beautiful little town with so much to do. I stopped at many shops, restaurants, and even some historic sites! The downtown area is picture-perfect - make sure to check it out!

Asheville, NC

What to do – https://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/?view=list&sort=qualityScore https://www.romanticasheville.com/things-to-do

Cool places to stay – https://wanderingwheatleys.com/best-boutique-hotels-asheville-north-carolina/

Yummy eats – https://www.romanticasheville.com/restaurants.html https://eatingasheville.com/ashevilles-best-restaurants-local-adventurer/

Travel Guide – https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/united-states/north-carolina/asheville/guide

I stayed in Asheville, NC for a hurricane evacuation in 2017! It was a wonderful area with many outdoor and family-friendly activities. Check out the hiking trails - there are even some great bike routes and waterfall stops!

Golden, CO

What to do –https://www.uncovercolorado.com/towns/golden/ https://www.visitgolden.com/things-to-do/?view=list&sort=qualityScore&bounds=false

Cool places to stay – https://www.visitgolden.com/lodging/?view=list&sort=qualityScore&bounds=false

Yummy eats – https://denver.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-golden-colorado

Travel Guide – https://www.denver.org/about-denver/neighborhood-guides/golden/

Golden Colorado is a small little town outside of Denver. My brother actually goes to school in Golden. Don’t forget to take a Coors Brewery tour while you’re out there + check out the Red Rock Amphitheatre!

Some small towns I hope to one day visit are

Sedona, AZ

Caramel-By-The-Sea, CA

Dahlonega, GA

Taos, NM

Sending my appreciation out to all the small cities in the USA, you are loved!

All photos in the gallery are taken by either myself or my Dad!