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Whether you want to take in historic US landmarks or explore the best restaurants and breweries, there are plenty of charming places to visit in America. From hamlets blessed with a double scoop of Main Street momentum to lesser-known towns undergoing sidewalk-to-steeple revitalizations, these 10 spots are sure to win your heart.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a charming destination that offers something for every kind of traveler. From thrill-seekers seeking a wild adventure to art enthusiasts looking for inspiration, this city has a variety of attractions that will make any visit here memorable. Located beneath the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, this charming city is home to epic ski fields, endless hiking trails and more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at.
If you are looking for a little bit of culture and history while visiting this charming mountain city, take a tour of Temple Square. This historic central square spans three city blocks and features gardens, iconic buildings and landmarks of the Mormon faith. The ornate dome-topped Utah State Capitol, which is adorned with cherry trees and fountains, is another attraction to see on a tour of this city. You can also research your family tree at the Family History Library or visit the Beehive House, the home of Brigham Young.
For those who are looking for a more relaxing experience, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a surprisingly peaceful wonder that serves as a beautiful respite from the busy business centers and houses that surround it. Designed by artist Michael Plescia, this stunning work of art is made up of multiple gigantic sculptures that depict specific Biblical figures and stories.
For beer lovers, this mountain city has a thriving craft brewing scene that is worth exploring. The recently reopened Fisher Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers that are sure to please any palate. While here, try some of their signature Utah IPAs or one of their other delicious brews. You can also catch a live performance at the Gallivan Center, which is home to a variety of concerts, performances and festivals throughout the year.
Portland
Portland is known for blending the amenities of a major city with small town charm. Its residents are conscious of keeping the environment and community sustainable. They support local businesses and traditions such as arts and crafts fairs, independent bookstores and world-famous street festivals. They also enjoy exploring the great outdoors, with hiking trails and acres of parkland in the middle of town.
You will also find plenty to do in Portland’s many unique neighborhoods. For example, the charming Mississippi Avenue is home to the family-owned conglomerate McMenamins, which transforms old homes and buildings into pubs, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues with a quirky vibe.
If you are looking for something more peaceful, check out the Grotto, a national sanctuary that features a peace garden, rose garden and shrines. The goal is to encourage the connection between people and nature, as well as to promote the role of forests in environmental sustainability.
Another way to connect with nature is at the world’s smallest city park, Mill Ends Park. Located in the Naito Parkway median, this tiny spot was actually meant for a light pole. However, when Dick Fagan looked down from his office window he saw weeds growing in the hole and transformed it into a mini-park.
The Oregon Historical Museum is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. It features 85,000 artifacts and documents relating to Oregon and America. You can see the Portland penny that was flipped to decide the name of the city and learn about how this river town developed over time.
Those looking to sip a cold beer on a summer day can do so at several of the region’s best breweries. Some of the most popular include Stormbreaker Brewing, Ecliptic Brewing, Bailey’s Taproom and Ex Novo.
Asheville
If you’re looking for a place to relax in the US, this North Carolina city is ideal. It offers scenic mountain views, a rich history and many tourist attractions. For instance, the Biltmore Estate is an iconic attraction built by George Vanderbilt. The house has a total of 250 rooms and features beautiful gardens and an impressive wine cellar. Many famous individuals including President Woodrow Wilson, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone have visited the property.
One of the most popular activities in this town is hiking. You can take advantage of the numerous trails in the nearby mountains or visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, which extends from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The best time to go hiking in Asheville is spring and summer, when temperatures are mild and the landscapes are lush with greenery.
Asheville is also a hub for art lovers. The city has a variety of galleries that showcase work from more than 500 creators. There are also several sculpture gardens that offer a peaceful and calming environment. You can also explore the River Arts District, which features 22 buildings that were once used for a different purpose. This area has a fascinating Old World atmosphere and is a must-see for art-enthusiasts.
For a more entertaining experience, visit the Pritchard Park Drum Circle on Friday nights. This free event has become an integral part of the local culture and provides an amazing musical and social experience for participants. If you’re not into drumming, the area also has a number of bars and breweries where you can sample locally-brewed drinks. The area is known as the craft beer capital of the Southeast, and you can try dozens of flavors from various local breweries.
Boston
While Boston's reputation as a historic, sophisticated and culturally significant city might not be well-known outside of the United States, it's a charmer that has plenty to offer visitors. From high-end shopping in fashionable Copley Square to a beer-fueled party at any of the city's numerous breweries, there are tons of things to do in Boston.
The city's historic waterfront, Boston Harbor, is a sight to behold. It's one of the most pristine urban harbors in the world, and it's lined with a variety of parks, restaurants, and cafes.
One of the best things to do in Boston is to take a ride on the famous Swan Boats, which run throughout the day. The boat tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and are extremely affordable. Boston's New England Aquarium is also worth a visit and features many fascinating creatures in recreations of their natural habitats.
Visitors who want to learn about Boston's rich revolutionary history will enjoy visiting the Old State House. It's the oldest surviving public building in the city and is famous for being the place where the Declaration of Independence was read on the balcony to the citizens of Boston.
Visiting the stunning Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another must-do activity when in Boston. The museum was built by an art lover who wanted to share her passion for culture with the world. The collection includes works from the likes of Rembrandt, Botticelli, and John Sargent.
The gastronomy scene in Boston is top-notch, with a wide range of authentic cuisines available to diners. Chinatown is a prime foodie destination, offering many of the city's finest Chinese restaurants. It's best to visit the area slowly, eating small snacks at a few of the various places. Start with gourmet steamed dumplings at Gourmet Dumpling House and then stamp your culinary passport at Taiwan Cafe and Peach Farm.
Charleston
A city with as much history as Charleston is bound to have some pretty cool attractions. One of the most popular spots is Rainbow Row, a street that’s famous for its brightly colored houses. It’s a great place to stroll around and daydream about your future #housegoals.
You can’t visit Charleston without taking a trip to the Battery. This is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and it’s still considered one of the most important historical landmarks in Charleston.
Another historic spot to check out is the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful plantations in Charleston, and you can tour their main house as well as their amazing gardens.
The Old Exchange is another must-visit Charleston attraction. It’s a historic site that used to be a trade center, custom house, post office, and city hall before being converted into a museum in 1837. It’s also been known as duel alley, and it’s a great spot to get some of that charming Charleston vibe.
McLeod Plantation is a great place to learn about the Gullah and Geechee culture in Charleston. It’s home to a large collection of slave cabins, and you can take a guided tour of the property to learn more about the legacy of slavery in Charleston.
If you’re a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, make sure to stop by Poe’s Tavern while you’re in town. This is where the author of “The Raven” used to frequent, and you can get a taste of some Southern-style food and drinks here.
