40. South Carolina: Pawleys Island
Considered the first resort town in America, it served as a summer oceanside retreat for plantation owners and their families. Some of their lavish homes still stand. The mainland is strewn with mini villages and a slew of shops and restaurants offering freshly caught seafood. Abundant outdoor activities include kayaking or peddling along the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway.
41. South Dakota: Deadwood
Featured in the HBO series of the same name, this Old West mining town is perfectly preserved today. However, its scenic main drag is now also populated with casinos, haunted hotels, and restaurants. Take in a Western show and see Buffalo Bill Cody get killed multiple times daily. There’s lots of family entertainment. The surrounding Black Hills offers nature exploring.
42. Tennessee: Jonesboro
Within Appalachia sits the oldest town in the volunteer state. Nestled in the mountains, it’s a red-brick masterpiece that will take you back to 18th-century America. It feels like yesteryear here. It’s also home to the National Storytelling Festival in October when creative types and colorful characters take over the town.
43. Texas: Marfa
What you’ll find in this far-flung desert town will certainly surprise you. It gained fame after artists Elmgreen and Dragset constructed a mocked-up Prada store in the middle of the desert. The town itself is filled with numerous art galleries downtown. They’re surrounded by excellent food, great chefs, authentic Mexican food, and plenty of spots to grab a beer.
44. Utah: Moab
Famous for its proximity to national parks, arches, and Canyonlands, it’s become a major destination for outdoor types and adventurers. With the tourism in the Red Rocks, comes an influx of amenities, great food, and breweries. They all add up to making Moab one of the coolest small cities in Utah.
