40 American Towns You Haven't Heard of But Should Visit ASAP

This boating and fishing community located on the salty Damariscotta River will have you wondering why river towns aren't more popular. The shores are lined with oyster shells that historians say are from Native American gatherings 2,500 years ago. Cool, no?

The historic charm of this mining town's six-block Main Street will make you feel like you took a time machine to a different decade. After you conquer downtown, must-see attractions include the Old Market House and the Historical Society and Museum.

Even though this midwest town is quaint and quiet during the majority of the year, it totally transforms in May for the annual Tulip Time Festival. To honor their dutch culture, they transform the streets into the Netherlands and host an epic parade.

This town used to be all about coal mining, but today it's rich in history thanks to the Kimball War Memorial. We recommend grabbing a bite and sitting next to the Elkhorn Creek that flows through the town and into the Tug Fort.

This town's motto is "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," and its prime location on Lake Winnipesaukee proves why. People from all over New Hampshire, Boston and even Hollywood (Drew Barrymore once visited!) vacation here during warm summer months.

Wineries and breweries: check. Close proximity to gorgeous lakes: check. The only Smithsonian museum in the region: check. This southern Finger Lakes community offers something for everyone—no wonder it's recently become a favorite for destination weddings.

Even though downtown Keene is a must-visit destination, the countryside and lakes are the real treasures in this town. Make sure you take a tour of the covered bridges and hike up Mount Monadnock during your stay.

It makes sense why this city's population of 1,372 people all live within one square mile when you see how lovely it is downtown. It's known as the "Cream City" for its well-preserved Victorian storefronts and homes and will let you escape the daily grind.

About 21 miles south of Nashville is a much quieter downtown experience that still offers tons of culture. Wind your way through antique shops and restaurants, then catch a live show at one of their award-winning venues, like The Franklin Theatre.

This northern Sonoma County town is a lesser-known destination for wine tasting, but no less gorgeous. If you've had your fill of pinot, there's still plenty to do, including hiking, biking and even canoeing.

Known as the bed and breakfast capital of Minnesota, this small town (the population is just 754!) offers relaxation for couples and outdoor adventures for families in the bluffs of the Root River Valley.

This fishing town originally belonged to the Sakonnet tribe, but today it's known as Rhode Island's secret coast. It's a favorite place for locals to escape to the beach, take in local artwork or grab a lobster roll.

This tiny, bustling town in the southwest corner of Cape Cod was once a pass-through destination for Martha's Vineyard ferry travelers. Now it holds its own thanks to a waterfront filled with restaurants and shopping.

Back in the 1700s, when this town was settled, it was named in honor of Marie Antoinette. Today, it's a historic riverboat town that's ideal for families who seek out vacations full of outdoor adventures.

This secluded beach community is less about the hustle and bustle and more about small town living. Proof: The restaurant- and buffet-filled streets of the mile-long historic district are filled with bicycles instead of cars.

Located on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Grand River is this appropriately named town, which offers wine tasting, sand dune riding and an annual Coast Guard Festival at the end of every summer.

Less than one hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore is this small town that's surrounded by mountains, wineries and orchards. Downtown has even been designated as the Arts & Entertainment District, where you can find live music, dancing, you name it.

Along the shores of Lake Champlain is this quiet town that's most famous for Shelburne Farms, a series of barns where people can milk cows and watch cheesemakers make cheddars.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is this small town (we're talking a population of 814 people) that is known as "Trail Town." Hikers and bikers seek it out since it's at the cross roads of some of the most beautiful trails in the state.

This small town has surprising German roots and old-time residents even refer to it as Fritztown. But the Magic Mile (a shopping scene with more than 150 stores) and some of the best wine tasting in Texas are what keeps the tourists coming back.