Why Not Try Townsizing…

Think of it like downsizing but for travel so, you know, townsizing! This trend is all about choosing to visit small towns and communities over big cities. Think cozier vibes and much easier trip planning. Kind of like a Hallmark movie come to life.

10 Charming Places to Try Townsizing

Bardstown, Kentucky

Although Bardstown is technically considered a city, it very much has that small town feel. Dubbed Bourbon Capital of the World, it’s the perfect boozy getaway with 11 different distilleries within 16 miles. To get outdoors, head over to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum where you can find all sorts of cool structures including some Thomas Dambo Forest Giants. And for Kentucky Derby fans, Old Friends Equine is a huge retirement facility for 200+ retired thoroughbreds. Stay in one of the hip, renovated motor lodges at Bardstown Motor Lodge.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I wonder if my penchant for small towns comes from growing up in one! To this day I still love Portsmouth right on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. I promise you, it’s just as pretty as it is in photos. Stay a little out of town at historic Wentworth by the Sea, and spend your time walking around and taking in all its history. The historic district is full of colonial architecture, and I always recommend stopping into Strawbery Banke, an outdoor museum that covers 350 years of history. There’s also the Black Heritage Trail New Hampshire, which goes into the state’s Black history and includes a brand new mural of Ona Judge! As for food, Cup of Joe is a great local cafe and bar, and I’ve been a fan of Jumpin’ Jays Fish Cafe since it opened in 2000. Oh, and I might just lose my Portsmouth card if I don’t tell you about Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream!

Beaufort, North Carolina

Located on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Beaufort is a town full of maritime history and traditions. Hop on a ferry to Shackleford Banks to see wild horses and then head over to Cape Lookout National Seashore at night to stargaze. Stay at Inlet Inn, which is on the waterfront and has views of the horses, and on Saturdays, you can visit the town’s famous market (it goes into December!)

Millerton, New York

Tucked away in the Hudson Valley, I consider Millerton a small town that’s big on sophistication. In just one small, easily walkable area you’ve got historic facades, antique stores, a candy shop, a local diner, an elaborate independent bookstore, and a tea shop with walls full of unique blends. Bring a bike to enjoy the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and enjoy 26 miles of car-free trails through woodlands and farmland. As for where to stay, nothing beats The Alander!

Gruene, Texas

Technically Gruene is now a district of New Braunfels, but it still feels like its own small town. And as far as historic small towns go, it might just be one of the prettiest. Stay at Gruene Mansion Inn and enjoy its surrounding nature during the day. Come evening, grab dinner at Gristmill Restaurant before heading over to Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest operating dance hall!

Winslow, Arizona

Winslow may be a small desert town along Arizona’s Route 66, but it occupies a big place in American culture. Check into the beautiful La Posada Hotel, built by renowned architect Mary Colter in 1929, and then head over to stand on the corner just like in that Eagles song. Nearby you can check out the hundreds of ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites at Homolovi State Park or drive about an hour away to Petrified Forest National Park.

Bonus? You can technically take an Amtrak train right to the backyard of La Posada!

Yorktown, Virginia

Where the world turned upside down! Yorktown is a small colonial village that makes up Virginia’s Historic Triangle with Jamestowne and Williamsburg. It’s most famous for its namesake battle that ended the American Revolution, and you can board a Stanley Steamer to tour the battlegrounds! Check into Hornsby House Inn, meander the narrow streets, and then pop into the American Revolution Museum where you’ll not only find great exhibits about the war but also a living recreation of an army encampment.

Julian & Borrego Springs, California

Here’s a downsizing two-fer – Julian and Borrego Spring in southern California. First stop into Julian for their famous apple pies and to admire the postcard-esque views. Then continue driving 40 minutes to Borrego Springs, which is right in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. During the day, drive around the 130 fantastical Sky Art Sculptures by Ricardo Breceda, and then check into an old hangout of the rat pack, La Casa del Zorro. The entire town is a Dark Sky community, so once night falls, step outside to stargaze!

Covington, Louisiana

For a much quieter alternative to New Orleans, head across the lake to the charming small town of Covington. Stay in the beautiful Mission-style Southern Hotel and rent a bike to cycle along the Tammany Trace Trail. Be sure to try the famous root bear at Abita Brewing, and then shop around town at places like the Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery.

Hammondsport, New York

Located right on the southern edge of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes, Hammondsport really packs a punch for such a small town! You can truly walk the whole perimeter of the town in probably less than 30 minutes. Check into Park Inn right off Pulteney Square, grab a pastry from Vern’s Bakery, and then stroll right down to Depot Park to enjoy the water. For a lovely winery, drive over to Dr. Konstatin Frank Winery. During summer, they also have an outside eatery known as Eugenia’s Garden. And for a little history, head to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum where you can learn all about its namesake and how he founded the US aircraft industry and was the fastest man on earth!

If you were to try townsizing, where would you go? Let me know below!