The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

California: Solvang

Though it's smack dab in the middle of California's Santa Ynez wine country, Solvang feels more like like you've been transported to Europe. Located a short 45-minute trip from Santa Barbara, this charming Danish town of 5,909 is so worth a day trip, pit stop while road tripping through the state, and full-on vacation. In fact, you'll probably want to move there full time.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is just a quick trip away from Colorado Springs and is everything you'd want in a quaint mountain town. When you're not soaking in the charm down, you should check out the cliff dwelling ruins in the Mesa Verde National Park.

Connecticut: Mystic

Even its name is enchanting! Mystic, Connecticut, is one of those adorable New England towns you think only exists in picture books. As you stroll down the main road, you'll encounter idyllic summer scenes like ice cream shops, sailboats on the harbor, and a certain pizza shop made famous by one Julia Roberts. There are great dining options, beautiful waterfront views, and even a famous aquarium.

Minnesota: Grand Marais

Another classic summer destination, Grand Marais is nestled close to the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. However, plenty call this lovely town "home" year-round, from artists to otters. Grand Marais has also been inspiring young creatives to settle down, resulting in a boom of interesting shops, restaurants and businesses.

New Mexico: Taos

Adobe buildings and the Sangre de Cristo mountains provide plenty of inspiration in this longtime arts colony. Here, history goes way, way back. The town is home to a UNESCO Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. There's also an interesting quirk throughout Taos that some residents have noticed: There's a "Taos Hum," a low-frequency background noise that has lead to some creative theories, but no explanation exists currently.

New York: Cold Spring

Cold Spring has long been a favorite of day trippers — we can imagine that many might have decided to put down roots after a particularly picturesque glimpse of the darling downtown. The recipe for a peaceful afternoon is to get a cone from the artisanal Moo Moo's Creamery, then sit by the waterfront and watch the boats cruise the Hudson River. (And then, of course, picking up some antiques at the many shops on Main Street.)

Ohio: Marietta

Not to be mistaken for the Georgia town of the same name, Marietta was once the first permanent settlement in the US north and west of the Ohio River. Today, the town offers plenty of opportunities to experience the arts, with a number of venues that host local and national acts. But the best way to take in a performance may be on a picnic blanket in a park, where you can catch a jazz, bluegrass or rock concert.

Oregon: Jacksonville

Portland gets all the attention, but Oregon's small towns are jewels. A favorite is Jacksonville, a historic town that's in the heart of the state's wine country. Every summer, the sounds of Britt Music & Performing Arts Festival fill the town.

Rhode Island: Jamestown

This island town is across the bridge from the famous mansions of Newport, but has a decidedly more down-to-earth feel. Residents never tire of the sweeping views of the Narragansett Bay, or the small community feel (the East Ferry Market & Deli is the place to catch up with friends).

Texas: Marfa

This tiny desert town has become an oasis for the arts, with works by Donald Judd dotting the landscape. A favorite for visitors and locals is the Hotel Paisano, where Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor filmed the movie Giant. However, most of the beauty of this town comes from its remoteness — it's a place where you might be the only person walking the streets after dark, depending on the time of year. (And the nearest other town is 20 miles away.)

Wisconsin: Mineral Point

Mineral Point is the third oldest city in the state, with well-preserved buildings that make you feel as if you're back in time. You'll find antiques shops and other creative businesses downtown. Restaurants also often pay homage to the Cornish founders of the town with pasties and figgyhobbin.

Wyoming: Hulett

The "Best Little Town" in the state has a population of 400 who enjoy incredible views of Devils Tower (America's first National Monument). However, that populations balloons to over 100,000, with bikers en route to annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Whether you decide to explore the area on a motorcycle or horseback, you'll definitely want to make time on your schedule for a meal at the Ponderosa Cafe, a place that fits the Old West vibe of the town.