Long days. Porch swings. Ice cream on the corner. There’s something about summer that makes small towns shine—and no one knows that better than Samantha Brown, travel expert and host of the award-winning show "Places to Love."
She’s spent decades crisscrossing the country, and it’s not the big cities or buzzy resorts that stick with her—it’s the slower, sweeter places where charm comes easy and the crowds never found their way in. “These towns remind you what travel’s really about,” Brown says. “Connection, character and a little surprise around every corner.”
From lakefront hideaways to retro road trip stops, these are the small cities and towns Brown loves most—and why they’re perfect for a summer escape that feels both timeless and totally your own.
Related: 7 of the Biggest Travel Trends to Watch for Summer 2025, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
1. Corning, New York
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Tucked into New York’s Finger Lakes region, Corning exudes classic Americana vibes. Brown calls it “a perfect small town with one of the most beautiful main streets in the country.” Picture red-brick buildings, retro ice cream shops and a strong sense of living history. But there’s substance beneath all that charm. “Corning has a deep cultural root that most people overlook,” Brown says, pointing to the Corning Museum of Glass—a world-class institution she calls “phenomenal.” They’ve crafted everything from NASA spacecraft windows to the glass in your smartphone.
Its location also makes it a great base for wine tasting. Just a short drive away, on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake, lies Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. Founded in 1957 by a Ukrainian-born plant scientist who pioneered the use of European vinifera grapes in New York’s cool climate, the winery is still run by his family today. “You’re not just tasting wine,” Brown says, “you’re tasting history.” Sample sparkling wines, Gewürztraminer, rosé and more at what’s now the state’s most award-winning vineyard.
A bit farther afield in Bath, Brown recommends a tour with local legend Helen Brink, affectionately known as the “cemetery lady.” “She’s 90 years old, does her own research and her tours sell out six months in advance,” Brown shares. “Her knowledge of the souls laid to rest in the county’s 450 cemeteries is jaw-dropping.”
As for where to stay, the Inns of Aurora are a favorite in the Finger Lakes. Though located about an hour away on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the scenic drive pays off for this fun fact: the five-inn property is owned and lovingly restored by American Girl creator Pleasant Rowland.
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2. Beaufort, North Carolina
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With its breezy maritime charm and rare wild encounters, Beaufort, North Carolina, feels like a secret coastal escape. Nestled along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, this small seaport town caught Brown’s eye for its natural beauty and timeless appeal. “It’s so picturesque,” she says. “Beaufort looks like it was plucked straight from a movie set.”
Walkable and historic, Beaufort’s downtown is lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes, weathered churches and waterfront paths where sailboats drift by. “There’s such a connection to the sea here,” Brown notes, pointing to the North Carolina Maritime Museum as a must-see for maritime buffs. Right across the street, you can also watch boatbuilders handcraft wooden vessels at the Watercraft Center—“a true labor of love,” she adds.
But the real magic, Brown insists, happens offshore. A quick ferry ride from town brings you to Shackleford Banks, where wild horses roam the dunes. “Seeing wild horses running free along the beach? That’s something you never forget,” she says. This untamed stretch of sand is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, also home to a striking black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse and some of the most pristine, undeveloped beaches on the East Coast.
Come nightfall, Beaufort offers one more surprise: “It’s an International Dark Sky destination,” Brown says, “so the stargazing is phenomenal.” With little light pollution, the skies over Cape Lookout explode with stars, making this quiet seaport feel even more like a hidden gem.
3. Flagstaff, Arizona
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With its crisp mountain air and thriving cultural scene, Flagstaff is a high-elevation desert town that might just surprise you. “If my whole family wasn’t on the East Coast,” Brown laughs, “I’d move here.” That’s high praise from someone who’s been just about...everywhere.
Perched at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff offers a refreshing contrast to the desert heat found elsewhere in Arizona. Summers here are blissfully mild—think 80s by day and sweater weather by night. “It’s one of those rare places where you can hike through a ponderosa pine forest in the morning and be dining at an independent art-forward restaurant by night,” Brown notes.
Though it’s often used as a jumping-off point for Grand Canyon trips, Flagstaff easily stands on its own with miles of hiking and biking trails, open wilderness and quirky small-town charm. “It has this great mix of outdoor adventure and creative energy,” she says.
One of Brown’s favorite stops is the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930. “The new visitor center is phenomenal,” she says. “It makes space feel tangible—like you’re a part of the exploration.” Nightly stargazing sessions with powerful telescopes give you a front-row seat to Arizona’s famously clear skies as well. A perfect end to an active day.
Related: The U.S. Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
4. Traverse City, Michigan
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With its cherry orchards, lakeside charm and creative spirit, Traverse City offers one of the most unexpected and rewarding getaways in the Midwest. “It’s one of those places where you can feel the passion people have for where they live,” says Samantha Brown.
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the small city is best known as the cherry capital of the world—home to the National Cherry Festival in June—and a launchpad to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where sandy trails and scenic overlooks meet sweeping views of the lake. “It’s absolutely stunning,” Brown says, recommending it for both drives and dune climbs.
In town, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons stands out. Once a 19th-century mental asylum, it's now a vibrant mix of indie boutiques, cafés, restaurants and residences. “I love when a city embraces its history in a meaningful way,” Brown shares. “This place does it beautifully.”
Wine lovers can sip their way around the region, but Bonobo Winery, founded by TV personality Carter Oosterhouse and actress Amy Smart, is a standout. “They really poured their hearts into it,” Brown says.
As for where to stay, Delamar Traverse City can't be beat for its proximity and views. Offering lakefront firepits, a private marina and cruiser bikes to explore the town, this laidback charmer offers it all—including an impressive regional art collection and on-site restaurant Artisan, which celebrates local ingredients and Great Lakes views in equal measure.
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5. Route 66 Mini Road Trip: McLean, Illinois
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“There’s something really powerful about Route 66,” says Samantha Brown. “You’re not just driving; you’re traveling through time.” She recommends this stretch from Chicago to St. Louis as a perfect long-weekend getaway, especially for families or anyone craving that classic roadside feel.
Start in Joliet at the Old Joliet Prison—yes, the one from The Blues Brothers. “What better place to kick off a Route 66 trip than a prison?” Brown jokes. Touring the site with the former warden from the movie shoot gave her a front-row seat to behind-the-scenes stories about Belushi and Aykroyd. Though it closed in 2002, the Gothic structure now draws visitors with its pop culture cred and fascinating history.
Not far down the road, swing by the Polk-A-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, a Route 66 institution for over 50 years. Packed with 1950s memorabilia and colorful photo ops, it’s also where Brown met Route 66 expert John Weiss, who shared local legends over burgers and shakes.
Finally, cruise into McLean, where a local entrepreneur is reviving small-town Illinois with a vintage arcade empire. “It’s a dream for anyone who grew up in the '80s,” Brown says. With more than 3,000 playable games—from Galaga to original pinball—Arcadia and Pinball Paradise are pure joy. You can even stay overnight in retro-themed apartments, some with private arcades. “It’s one of those places you never expect to fall in love with,” she says, “but you absolutely will.”
7. Madison, Wisconsin
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Set between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Madison is a city that thrives on the outdoors. “There’s just something about Madison that’s so easy to fall in love with,” says Brown. Whether you’re kayaking, biking along scenic trails or picnicking, the vibe is laid-back and refreshingly local.
Brown especially loves how seamlessly the city blends nature and culture. “It has this creative energy that makes everything—from the food scene to the public spaces—feel alive,” she says. Don’t miss the Dane County Farmers’ Market, one of the best in the country, or a meal at one of Madison’s many chef-driven spots celebrating Wisconsin’s deep culinary roots.
And when the sun sets? “Live music spills out of bars and patios,” says Brown. “It’s got that college-town fun but with a grown-up twist.”
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