The 30 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America

Nothing charms like a well-preserved downtown. It could be the historic architecture or the eclectic boutiques, maybe the bright and airy coffee shops. Whatever it is, certain small towns have a je ne sais quoi quality that makes them impossible to simply drive by without a second look. These enchanting towns wow with nostalgia, history and plenty of tree-lined streets.

In pulling together this list of 30 small town downtowns across the United States (and it was tough to narrow this list to just 30), we looked for vibrant towns where charm and style welcome you in and implore you to take a stroll to find out more about what makes each one tick. Caution, you may want to add every single one to your travel bucket list.

Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is a vibrant college town that oozes Southern appeal. It's also well-known for its music scene, thanks to wildly successful hometown bands like R.E.M. and The B-52s. Stroll Clayton Street to pop in and out of eclectic shops like Wuxtry Records and Agora Vintage. Snap photos of restored Victorian-era buildings, then cross over Broad Street to explore the university's North Campus. You can't leave Athens without a stop at the historic Morton Theatre on Washington Street. It's the first and oldest surviving vaudeville theater in the United States.

Situated in the northeast corner of Florida, Amelia Island is bursting with charm and a distinct character all its own. It's also home to Fernandina Beach and its delightful 50-block historic district that has something for everyone, particularly along Centre Street where you’ll find antique shops, eclectic boutiques and local favorites like indie bookstore, The Book Loft. Enjoy afternoon tea at The Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast then take a seat for dinner at one of several bistros housed in restored cottages, including Le Clos and Joe's 2nd Street Bistro.

Middleburg, Virginia, is a quaint, historic town situated about one-hour west of Washington, DC. More than 160 buildings have earned places on the National Register of Historic Places, including an old bank building that now serves as a restaurant. Also known as America's horse and hunt country capital, a stroll along tree-lined Washington Street guides visitors past equestrian-themed boutiques and coffee shops like Cuppa Giddy Up. Explore the National Sporting Library & Museum, then sample ciders at Wild Hare Cider Pub before settling in for oysters and tuna tacos at King Street Oyster Bar.