10 Design-Oriented American Small Towns

These small towns have an eye on design, quickly charming visitors with architecture, public art and creative works on every corner.

By: Erin Gifford

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Small Aesthetically Pleasing Towns

Small towns can be impeccably charming, easily winning over visitors with walkable historic districts, eclectic art galleries and chic boutiques. Some small towns take it to another level with eye-pleasing design elements, from public art and sculptures to historic architecture that’s been diligently preserved. Once-famous theaters, roadside motels and railroad depots today gleam and tell the stories of year’s gone by. Here are 10 small towns in the US — all with populations under 25,000 — that will inspire visitors with architecture, design and abundant creativity.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The 1-square-mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s Central Coast is known for its quaint family-owned boutiques (you won’t find an Old Navy here), exquisite art galleries and courtyard coffee shops. You’ll even spy several fairytale cottages in this European-style village, all designed by Hugh Comstock, a master builder who fell in love with this artsy town and never left. More than 40 whimsical gardens, secret passages and curious courtyards encourage visitors to stroll this one-time artist colony and home to creatives like Jack London and Ansel Adams. Plan on sunset at Carmel Beach with a bottle of wine from family-run Caraccioli Cellars on Dolores Street.

Marfa, Texas

Few know exactly where Marfa is — West Texas is the best that many can do — but this small high desert town of less the 2,000 residents has made a name for itself as a minimalist art mecca. It all began when minimalist artist Donald Judd first came to town in 1971. It’s said that he came to Marfa in search of authenticity, and it’s here that he found the freedom and space to create such works as the untitled box art sometimes referred to as “Judd’s cubes.” Prada Marfa, a permanent art installation by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, is among the most recognized works in Marfa. Marfa is also home to the Marfa Lights, eerie glowing orbs that dance in the night sky.

North Adams, Massachusetts

The small walkable town of North Adams is home to a thriving arts scene, which includes MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the United States. This one-time mill town in the Berkshires is today home to vibrant art galleries, historic theaters and specialty coffee roasters, like Tunnel City Coffee. The town has retained a classic New England charm, renovating old mills for storefronts and giving them a sophisticated artsy vibe. The Porches Inn, a boutique inn in North Adams, looks across to MASS MoCA. The 19th century Victorian-era row homes that make up the inn celebrate and pay homage to the mill workers who once called them home.

Callicoon, New York

The tiny hamlet of Callicoon sits on the banks of the Delaware River at the base of New York’s Catskill Mountains. It’s home to art galleries, vintage shops and a historic theater that dates back to 1948. The Callicoon Theater on Main Street has retained its classic retro-style design, even hosting throwback screenings from time to time. The annual Callicoon Art Walk celebrates the flourishing arts and music scene, even highlighting art in shop windows and street corners. Shop for rare and diverse antique pieces, as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry and home accessories. Stay the weekend at the Western Hotel, a noteworthy 1859 Victorian mansion.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a longtime artist colony in the high desert of New Mexico, adjacent to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This tiny town of 6,000 people has long been a magnet for visionaries and creatives. A number of artists, most famously painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams, have been inspired by Taos. Taos is home to more than 70 art galleries, as well as the Harwood Museum, the second oldest art museum in New Mexico. Southwest adobe-style structures are spread across Taos, including Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community, which has been inhabited for more than 1,000 years.

Madison, Georgia

The small village of Madison is a short 30-minute drive from Athens, a vibrant college town known for a music scene that birthed the B-52's and REM, among others. Madison is a fraction of the size – with a population of just 4,400 people — but it similarly inspires with old Southern architecture and easy-going charm. Stroll historic Main Street and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a photo book of 19th century American architecture. Further exploration uncovers sparkling fountains, secret gardens and hidden murals in alleyways. A simple in-town stroll can lead to an adventure in the arts.

Ojai, California

Ojai is known to draw in seekers of healing energy thanks to its location in the Ojai Valley, nestled in the Topatopa Mountains. It’s thought to be centered on a mystical vortex that’s conducive to meditative soul-searching. Ojai is a destination for mineral baths, organic dining, orange groves and spas (lots of spas), but also red-tiled Spanish Revival architecture and a vibrant arts scene courtesy of OVA Arts, an eclectic gallery that displays the work of more than 40 local artists. Stay at the Ojai Valley Inn, which debuted a new culinary events venue called The Farmhouse in 2019.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee is a historic copper mining town that’s set in the Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona. Its mining legacy has been preserved in its architecture, meandering along Main Street. A casual stroll reveals that no two buildings share a common style, including Baroque Revival, Carpenter Gothic and Neo-Classical. Collectively, the downtown buildings allow visitors to step back in time to revel in minute details of those architectural movements. Stop in Bisbee’s many galleries, like 55 Main Gallery and Sam Poe Gallery, for contemporary works of art.

Gallup, New Mexio

Gallup is an historic Route 66 town just over two hours west of Albuquerque. It was also once a railroad and mining town. But today Gallup’s claim to fame is its thriving arts scene, which includes authentic Native American art from Navajo and Zuni artists. The retro neon signs of Route 66 welcome visitors, including at one of the original roadside motels, El Rancho Hotel. More than 25 colorful murals showcase the history of the town, including mining, rodeos and Native American life. Gallup is also home to the Red Rock Balloon Rally, one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the country.

Staunton, Virginia

Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is notable for its walkable downtown and an eclectic mix of architectural genres. Nearly 200 buildings were designed or renovated by one architect, TJ Collins, from 1891 to 1911. A self-guided walking tour leads across six historic districts, showcasing styles that range from Greek Revival to Italianate. Staunton’s history is deeply entrenched in the arts, too. The town was once a rail stop for opera and vaudeville performances. Nearly every artistic medium is represented in Staunton, from glass blowing and mural painting to furniture design and jewelry crafting.