Big Reasons to Travel to Small Towns

It’s hard to encapsulate the quaintness and uniqueness of a small town in a single photo. But this one does a pretty good job of it. Photo found here.

While big name cities may be the instinctual and initial inspiration for vacations, perhaps it’s time to take the less conventional route and explore smaller towns this fall season. The virus has made traveling difficult, not to mention daunting. So, we might as well transform the perspective of modest towns from a nuisance to an opportunity. Do yourself a favor, and use this time as an opportunity to explore the less densely populated areas nearby. 

Traveling with a fixed itinerary is productive, but it can be stressful. Sometimes running around sightseeing in a vast city can make a vacation more stressful than rewarding. Instead, we recommend having a general idea of activities that you want to do. Everyone travels differently and perhaps you travel best with a rigid schedule or no schedule. But we’ve found that somewhere in between is ideal. This is where small towns come into play. 

Smaller towns tend to have less sights viewed as obligations. This allows for some direction in how to spend days while allowing the luxury of time. Having the freedom of flexibility makes all the difference. Freeing up time allows you to explore local coffee shops or browse an exhibition in an art museum. Frantically hopping in and out of cabs to try to make the next reservation or appointment does not make for smooth travels. You’re bound to find neat hole-in-the-wall shops while aimlessly wandering. But you’re probably not as likely to find the local artisans while perusing on TripAdvisor. 

Another advantage of smaller towns is the sense of authenticity. Traveling to smaller towns will give you an opportunity to get a sense of life there, wherever that may be. Since many refuse to allow franchises, small towns are often brimming with unique mom and pop restaurants. Not only are the menus usually unique, but visiting these intimate spots provide opportunities to interact with the locals. Food is such a large portion of culture, so indulging in the local cuisine gives insight into how meal times are spent. Plus, who doesn’t love trying out local dishes and sipping on craft cocktails?

Smaller towns are often home to many traditions, especially around the holiday season─whether that may be a Thanksgiving parade, a strand of beautifully lit homes during Christmas, or seasonal shows in the theatre. These events are what deepen a traveler’s impression of a town─from a town to a community. Even an event as common as a farmer’s market is bound to say a lot about a town. Not to mention, who doesn’t love supporting local artists and farmers? 

A personal favorite reason to opt for a smaller town vaca over a metropolis are the nights. A smaller town may not offer the traditional nightlife scene, but we promise there are hidden gems to be found and experienced─and views of the sky are no exception. The lack of city lights allows stars to sparkle and illuminate the sky. The stars visibly shine brighter without the unfortunate light pollution tainting the view. 

From a more practical point of view, small towns are more affordable. Large cities scream overpriced lattes and inflated prices. Activities in small towns are probably available for little to no cost, whereas vast cities can─and usually do─charge an arm and a leg for entry. Putting it in simplest terms, you will get more bang for your buck by taking a risk and traveling somewhere that may not be as recognized. 

Small towns encompass an element of surprise. If you’re intrigued by the mystery and are willing to take a risk, drop a pin on a map or spin a globe to pick your destination! Because small towns aren’t as predictable, they’re perfect for a spontaneous trip with little planning, which is part of the beauty of travel! Next time you visit a charming town, tag @theedgemag to share your experience!

Featured image found here.