The abundance of off the beaten path but fascinating American towns is nearly endless. The more I explore, the greater my admiration for people who have transformed their hometowns into fun, beautiful places.
What sets a town apart from the ordinary? Sometimes they have unique traditions, eccentric festivals, one-of-a-kind landmarks, or being home to museums dedicated to niche subjects.
Local businesses, from bookshops crammed with rare finds to cafes with themes ranging from the literary to the downright bizarre, add to their uniqueness.
Their blend of the traditional and the unconventional makes small towns fascinating destinations.