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You might find a lot to do in a big city, but when you head out on a road trip, you’ll find some amazing small American towns. These towns often have unique personalities, architecture, and histories. The romance of a road trip is often found in getting away from the norm and exploring what you find along your route. Here are some great American small towns that should be on your road trip list.

Take your road trip to one of the most inviting American small towns of Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona located in a beautiful area of Arizon
Sedona, Arizona | Getty Images

The art community of the Southwest is vibrant and alive in Sedona, AZ. This town is nestled in an area surrounded by parks and hills that offer the area’s beauty. Take a hike on the Devil’s Bridge Trail, sample the wine from the various wineries, and go swimming at Slide Rock State Park. Your road trip list should have this small Arizona town near the top of the list.

Pack your golf clubs or skis for some fun in Telluride, Colorado

The Main Road in Telluride, Colorado with the mountain view behind
Telluride, Colorado | Getty Images

Telluride was once a Victorian mining town, and now it’s a world-renowned destination for skiing, golfing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Located within the Rocky Mountains, Telluride is one of the best American small towns to visit during your road trip, according to U.S. News and World Report. You’ll find shops and activities throughout the area to make your visit memorable.

Add an American lakeside small town to your road trip when you visit Lake George, New York

A View from the lake of Lake George, New York
Lake George, New York | Getty Images

The Adirondack Mountain region of New York is where you’ll drive during your road trip on your way to Lake George. This town sits next to a large lake that’s perfect for some fun on the water. Admire the amazing views of the mountains around the lake and spend the day at Million Dollar Beach. Lake George offers several wonderful restaurants and places to stay, making it one of the overnight destinations during your travels.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont nestled in the hills
Stowe, Vermont | Getty Images

If you’re searching for a great place to see the fall foliage with leaves changing and a beautiful small town in the mix, Stowe, Vermont, should be on your list. This is one of the most attractive American small towns where you can see what you desire during your road trip. Visit Smugglers Notch State Park and walk along some of the picturesque trails. Your evening can come to a close at Alchemist Brewery before heading off to bed at one of the quaint bed and breakfast locations.

Wine and history come together at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Main Street in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia | Getty Images

Harpers Ferry is an amazing place to visit that offers amazing scenes in a small town you’re sure to enjoy. Historical indicators are found along many paths and roads throughout this small town.  Harpers Ferry is where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers come together. Park your car and enjoy this amazing town’s hiking, museums, and vineyards. If you’re visiting near Halloween, a ghost tour should be on your list of fun things to do.

Which of these wonderful American small towns will make it onto your road trip list? Find the romance of the open road and see what some of the small corners of our vast country offer.

Next, check out some off-road SUVs with great fuel economy numbers, or learn more about some great small towns to visit in this video below:

This article was updated on 12/7/2022.