McCall is home to 3,200 residents and Payette Lake. One of those 3,200 residents is said to be Sharlie, a lake monster. But sides that McCall is a friendly destination. It’s located in the mountains and a great place for those who crave an active vacation. Popular activities include bird-watching, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and dinner cruises. Be sure the check out the Salmon River Brewery and the towns delicious restaurants.

Bretton Woods is a charming New England town. And it truly is a small town with a population of just 91. Technically it’s part of a “larger” town called Caroll. It’s home to the Omni Mount Washington Resort. While there experience its world-class dining, a classic Donald Ross-designed golf course, and nine high-flying zip lines. Other popular attractions include the  Mt. Washington Cog Railway and Crawford Notch State Park.

You may recognize parts or St. Michaels from”Wedding Crashers”. Some consider this town of 1,108 residents to be the Hamptons of the mid-Atlantic. Think sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Miles River. And no trip to Maryland is complete without crab. Venture down the historic Talbot Street featuring historic homes. This sounds like my kind of place.

Why wouldn’t you want to visit the “Bourbon Capital of the World”? That’s exactly what Bardstown claims to be. There are 11 distilleries in town. But that’s not all there is to do. Check out the My Old Kentucky Home State Park and  Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Or stay and drink at Old Talbott Tavern. The tavern and inn hails as the oldest Western Stagecoach stop in America the oldest Bourbon bar in the world.

This island of 20,192 residents, is right outside of San Diego. Though it feels like a completely different world from Southern California city. Boutiques, eateries, galleries, and theaters line Orange Avenue. Or enjoy the gorgeous SoCal beaches. Everything is walkable as well. The most recognizable landmark is the Hotel del Coronado, which is a designated a National Historic Landmark.

 Sheridan is home to such attractions as the WYO Theater,the Big Horn Equestrian Center, or the Sheridan County Rodeo. And of course fully immerse yourself in cowboy culture at the Don King Museum, Fort Phil Kearny, and the Museum at the Big Horns.

Some consider Hermann the crown jewel of the Missouri River Valley. Picturesque German architecture meets rolling hills and lush landscape. This community was founded in 1837 by German immigrants, is the heart of the state’s wine country. Travel & Leisure recommends the Stone Hill Winery, Adam Puchta Winery, Black Shire Distillery, and Martin Brothers Mead. The Deutschheim State Historic Site is home to two historical homes and the Hermann Farm’s grand tram tour.

 Buckeye Lake is classic Americana. For the perfect small-town summer stay a few nights in one of the beautiful lakefront cottages. Enjoy a lake view on a walking or biking trail or take a kayak-biking-brewery expedition. Another popular destination is the Buckeye Lake Winery. And no summer night is complete without ice cream which you can get at Weldon’s.

Looking for a picture-perfect summer? Look no further than New Paltz. Main Street hosts boutiques and the Water Street Market. The market is an open-air shopping village filled with antiques, art, and more. The River-to-Ridge Trail is home to hiking. Want a more relaxing vacation? Indulge at one of twelve wineries found along the Shawangunk Wine Trail. You can stay at the Mohonk Mountain House, which is a Victorian castle resort.

Travelers Rest is none other than a resting place for travelers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known by many as “TR”the town houses popular restaurants Top Soil, Monkey Wrench BBQ, and Tandem Creperie. Hike or bike the 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, camp at Paris Mountain State Park or Jones Gap State Park.