Whether you've got an extra vacation day to spare or not, summer is ALWAYS a good excuse for a long weekend trip. Life moves a little slower, food tastes a little sweeter and everything is just a bit simpler than in the place you left behind.
Luckily enough, America is chock-full of cool small towns that make for perfect long weekend trips. There's a very good chance that you're currently within a reasonable distance to at least one of them. Pick a spot that fits your style, and recharge on a three-day getaway.
Fredericksburg, Texas
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Not far from buzzy Austin, this small town with German roots boasts charming B&Bs, dozens of adorable shops and proximity to some of the best wine tasting in Texas.
Healdsburg, CA
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Smart visitors to Northern California will skip Napa and head to Healdsburg, a foodie capital with outdoor concerts and shady sidewalks to charm you between courses.
Gallup, New Mexico
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When you consider its museums, charming Spanish Colonial theater and historic hotel, you'll see why Rand McNally named Gallup the Most Patriotic Small Town in America in 2014.
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Beaufort, South Carolina
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Stroll streets of antebellum mansions and moss-covered trees before hitting the beach in this little Southern oasis.
Deadwood, South Dakota
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Visit the graves of real-live Wild West characters, like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, at Deadwood's local cemetery. A number of walking and sightseeing tours will show you the lighter side of things, too.
Traverse City, Michigan
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This lovely lake town was made for lovers of the outdoors: There's no shortage of boating and beaches, with larger-than-life sand dunes nearby. Visit a charming craft brewery once you're back on land.
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Port Townsend, Washington
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Art galleries, boutiques, festivals and great food draw locals out to this lovable seaport on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula.
Corning, New York
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The "Crystal City" in New York's charming Finger Lakes region is famous for its collection of glass artworks. You can even make your own in the studio!
Estes Park, Colorado
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Estes Park is perfect for lovers of both small-town life and nature explorations, as it's a gateway village to Rocky Mountain National Park. A romantic, haunted old hotel adds a bit of thrill to the mix.
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Woods Hole, Massachusetts
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If you've always wanted to try Cape Cod, then make Woods Hole your first stop. This nautical village has an awesome Science Aquarium and a collection of charming sailboats to boot.
Everglades City, Florida
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This tiny town houses a visitors center for Everglades National Park. Oh, and they serve some tasty crab dishes too.
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Before You Go
Bisbee, Arizona
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The former mining town now has a thriving arts scene.
Birmingham, Alabama
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The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is worth a visit to the city alone.
Rapid City, South Dakota
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Yes, it's near Mt. Rushmore, but it's also home to massively-entertaining Dinosaur Park.
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Bowling Green, Kentucky
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One word: Corvette.
Buffalo, New York
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The town is booming; and there's enough Frank Lloyd Wright architecture to go around.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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It's home to the Mother Mosque of America, our country's longest-standing Islamic house of worship
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Toledo, Ohio
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Because nothing is more American than Tony Packo's hot dogs and fried pickles.
Roanoke, Virginia
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The city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was once a prominent train town, so there's tons of interesting history to learn here.
Marshall, Texas
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The town, which was established in 1841, is home to loads of fun festivals all year long.
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Santa Cruz, California
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A classic oceanfront town with an historic amusement pier. Doesn't get much more American than that.
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