Are you thinking of taking a trip? From quaint harbors and seaside parks to shopping districts with mountain views, towns in Eastern USA have it all. How do you decide which location to visit? If you’re planning an escape to the east coast, view our picks of some of the prettiest towns in Eastern USA, and then decide!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Whatever the season, Bar Harbor is a beautiful place to visit. The coastal town is known as the Gateway to Acadia National Park. Visit Bar Harbor and you’ll see why it’s considered the hub of Mount Desert Island shopping, dining, and other activities. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the town’s art shops. One gallery in particular, features the works of over 100 of Maine’s leading artisans.
Photo: Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Nestled on the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies the quaint town of Black Mountain. The lovely village boasts a walkable downtown with eclectic shops and good eateries. Stroll a little further and relax in Riverside Park while taking in the views of the nearby mountains.
Photo: ExploreAsheville.com
Chatham, Massachusetts
You only have to travel 73 miles from Boston to see one of the prettiest towns in the U.S. Located on the southeast tip of Cape Cod, Chatham was once a simple fishing community. Today, the charming town is still a hub for fishing, but also draws in plenty of visitors. Chatham boasts excellent access to beaches, an historic lighhouse, a quaint shopping district, and popular harbor. In fact, visit the harbor as the fishing boats come in, and you’ll be sure to view seals.
Photo: Tom Riley
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg ia a pretty city located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only does this lovely town offer numerous activities, but it’s a great place to lodge while accessing the park’s attractions. Don’t forget to ride the elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for excellent views of the Smokies.
Photo: Patricia Bocchini
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
You may have heard of Harpers Ferry because of the role it played in the abolition movement. In addition to its historic museums, Harpers Ferry offers guests a chance to explore its unique shops and restaurants. Go for a walk and enjoy its picturesque streets and scenic vistas. You’ll have a great vantage point. The town sits in a canyon at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
Photo: Lynn Pechuekonis
Lewes, Delaware
Situated at the base of Delaware’s Cape Henlopen, Lewes is a must-see for beach-goers in the Mid-Atlantic. The “First Town in the First State” was originally founded as the Dutch colony of Zwaanendael in 1631. Today, Lewes attracts thousands of visitors a year to its bay and ocean beaches, as well as its quaint-yet-hip downtown shopping district. Locals (including yours truly from 2014-2016!) enjoy perusing the antiques at Lewes Mercantile, grabbing an artisan coffee from the Lewes Bake Shoppe & Notting Hill Coffee Roastery or a cone from King’s Homemade Ice Cream, then taking the short walk or bike ride to Lewes Beach.
Photo: Hannah Rusch
Rockport, Massachusetts
Located 40 miles north of Boston, the seaside village of Rockport is a quaint, New England town. In fact, with its picturesque harbor and friendly inns, Rockport should be a top destination for those traveling to the area. Take a stroll through the downtown, and you’ll find that Rockport is brimming with unique shops and popular restaurants. You’ll want to explore the area’s sandy beaches, coastal footpaths, and multiple lighthouses to round out your visit.
Photo: Paul Aquipel
Sag Harbor, New York
It’s little wonder that entertainers own property in this harbor town. Sag Harbor is located approximately 100 miles east of New York City but seems worlds away. Quaint shops, historic homes, and excellent harbor views, all add up to make Sag Harbor one of our top picks. Be sure to visit the town’s Marine Park, Whaling Museum, and Foster Memorial Beach before leaving.
Photo: Susan Kaufman
St. Michaels, Maryland
If you ‘re looking for a weekend getaway to enjoy rest and recreation, St. Michaels fits the bill. It’s small but offers visitors an opportunity to sample life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Like Sag Harbor, the town is within driving distance of a large city, and boasts a beautiful harbor, a small variety of nice shops, and good eating establishments. It’s important to note that St. Michael’s, which has early roots in the shipbuilding industry, played a role in the War of 1812. Before visiting, check out the town’s self guided historical house walking tour on its website.
Photo: Tracey Finch Johns
Stone Harbor, New Jersey
When you think of the Jersey Shore, you may visualize arcades and long boardwalks. Stone Harbor is different. While the lovely town does have a wonderful shoreline, it also has a pretty downtown. Take a dip in the ocean and then hed to the shopping district for a new outfit, delicious fudge, or a unique gift. For a real treat, visit the Tatham Life Saving Station/Museum and the Wetlands Institute. The latter is a fascinating place to view an aquarium and other exhibits on local marine life and animals of the salt marsh.
Photo: Monica O’Donoghue
Southport, North Carolina
The coastal town of Southport is just a few miles from the city of Wilmington, North Carolina. The city may be nearby, but Southport is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. Enjoy gazing at the ancient live oaks and historic homes dotted throughout the pretty town. Or, stroll through the shopping district before enjoying a picnic lunch at the Waterfront Park. Don’t forget to visit the town’s maritime museum and lovely marina, as well as its popular area beaches.
Photo: Kate Magill Walters
Woodstock, Vermont
If you’re searching for quintessential small-town charm in the Green Mountain State, look no further than Woodstock, VT. This historic town, founded in 1761, attracts many visitors to its trendy boutiques, unique restaurants, artisan goods, and working farms. Sample a mind-boggling variety of cheese and maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm, peruse the wares of famous F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store, or take in the majestic house and gardens of the National Park Service’s Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Estate. Woodstock is beautiful in any season, but this New England gem truly comes alive during the blazing colors of Autumn.
Photo: Brooke Kalman
References
Woodstock Vermont: Our History
Photo Credits
Keith Green, Sr (Cover)
Tracey Finch Johns
Monica O’Donoghue
Lynn Pechuekonis
Hannah Rusch
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