A Local's Guide To America: 71 Small Towns To See In 2018

If you love to travel, you know just as well as we do that the best places to visit aren't generally listed in a guide book. They are often out of the way and not so easy to find — most times on purpose. Why? Because the most memorable parts of any place are generally kept hidden by the people who love them most: the locals.

Sure, it sounds unfair to all of us craving new, unique experiences. But those with true wanderlust don't give up that easily. To create a true local's guide to traveling in the United States, we turned to our experts — you.

We asked Patch readers in more than 1,200 communities across the country: What's the one thing that will bring visitors to your town in 2018?

We figured if we could get the answer to that question, we were guaranteed to find a few destinations that were pretty special. Needless to say, we did — and we found more than just a few.

From historic landmarks and beautiful landscapes to epic bars and even a farm full of human-loving alpacas, we received hundreds of spectacular submissions. In our opinion, these are the places that deserve a spot on your 2018 travel itinerary.

Northeast

Andover, Massachusetts

"The Elm Square Oyster Co. restaurant! Unique, creative, and delicious menu items all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Even the raisins are homemade! Nothing else like it in the area. They also won awards for their burger, oysters and general excellence." — Amy Williams

North Grafton, Massachusetts

"Grafton has an alpaca farm! Visitors are always welcome to Angel Hair Alpacas and they have some well trained and friendly alpacas that greet even shy visitors. The alpacas are often around town at events and are a fun part of the great Grafton community. The farm has a store and sells alpaca fiber products that are as wonderful as the animals." — Jay Cohen

Saugus, Massachusetts

"The Saugus Ironworks, which the National Register of Historic Places calls 'the first chapter in America's book.' Visitors can take advantage of a movie inside the museum as well as view artifacts found on the site. National park service rangers also guide tourists throughout the grounds which feature a working waterwheel and forge with a working bellows as well as a 17th century herb garden." — Debbi Collar

Natick, Massachusetts

"Visitors come to town to enjoy performances at The Center for Arts in Natick, an intimate 270-seat venue located in a restored firehouse originally built in 1875. TCAN presents a wide variety of national acts in an unmatched 'up-close-and-personal' atmosphere." — David Lavalley

Holliston, Massachusetts

"The beauty of old time country life in the suburbs, from downtown's charming general store, to the bike trails passing under arches near Mudville — the original Irish section and namesake of Eugene Thayer's poem 'Casey at the Bat.' " — Marilyn Brine Gilmour

Stoughton, Massachusetts

"The people. I moved to Stoughton in November and quickly noticed how welcoming everyone was, from my new neighbors to the schools to the local restaurants and pubs. It's something that is rare to find these days." — Jennifer

Marblehead, Massachusetts

"Marblehead is the picturesque quintessential New England coastal town with a beautiful shoreline and quaint downtown filled with restaurants, cafes and nautical shops that welcome tourists. The lighthouse and historical points of Marblehead define a town rich in history that is recognized as the sailing capital of America. It's a true hidden gem." — Lynda

Annapolis, Maryland

"Downtown Annapolis is a historic district filled with little shops and big name shops, as well as quaint bed and breakfasts. The United States Naval Academy has a Naval History museum, breathtaking chapel, John Paul Jones Crypt and beautiful grounds. Annapolis also has a dock that offers a shuttle boat tour up and down parts of the Chesapeake Bay or a cruise that goes to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore." — Maria Petti

Davidsonville, Maryland

"Davidsonville is a quiet little town with churches and stores close by. There are also a lot of horseback riding lessons available. It's easy to find fresh produce in the spring and summer because stands are located along the usual travel roads so you can stop and buy tasty fruits or fresh vegetables that are grown locally by our own farmers. Neighbors are very kind and readily available if one needs help." — Mary Malitz

Eldersburg, Maryland

"Liberty Reservoir for quiet, fishing and to get lost boating." — Tim

Portsmouth, Rhode Island

"The Newport International Polo Series. It is a popular summertime event that draws thousands from across New England each week to watch local and international teams competing in a fun, relaxed, family atmosphere. Spectators enjoy tailgating picnics on the lawn and reserved seating, bringing lawn games and other amusements to gather on a summer afternoon with family and friends." — Ryan

Milton, Delaware

"Dogfish Head Brewery (where you can sample local beers and spirits and see how they're made)." — Elaine Orbino

Bayside, New York

"Crocheron Park. It combines beautiful wooded paths, a local pond with ducks and swans surrounded by weeping willow trees, tennis courts, and a mile-long walk/bike path along Little Neck Bay and the Bayside Marina." — Adrienne Leaf

Kings Park, New York

"We have two beautiful state parks at our doorstep: Sunken Meadow and Nissequogue! We are easily reached by parkway or train (free parking at the station!) and have several great restaurants in town: Ciro's, Cafe Red, Relish and Edelweiss, a legit German deli." — Matt C.

Rye, New York

"Playland, with its amusement park and ice rink would be first. Other places would be the John Jay estate, the Square House (where George Washington once slept) and the Marshlands Conservancy, with its walk through the woods down to the marsh." — Richard Littlehohn

Northport, New York

"Visitors will love the harbor with its gazebo and park and also the local diner that has been featured in movies. There's ice cream, wine bars with tapas, locally-brewed beer and good restaurants to cater to visitors. It has a hometown feel that is not present in any other town along the waterfront." — Joan Amato

Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York

"Streets lined with charming brownstones located within walking distance to Fort Greene Park, live cultural events and movies at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, sports and concerts at the Barclays Center, a large variety of local coffee shops and multicultural restaurants." — Susan Nesbit

Bellmore, New York

"The Annual Holiday Extravaganza, replete with horse-drawn carriages, tree lighting, caroling, hot cocoa, etc." — Nancy Hiler

Glen Cove, New York

Glen Cove's 350th birthday celebration. Glen Cove is one of the oldest towns on Long Island, and from May 24 through May 28, the town is having a huge birthday party. Some of the party activities are a street fair, tours of historic sites, a family picnic, an old timers baseball game, historic vignettes, and of course fireworks." — Joan Bessette

Midland, Pennsylvania

"Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, home to a wide variety of student and professional theater, dance, and musical performances." — Randy Adams

State College, Pennsylvania

"The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts held every year in July is a juried art event that exhibits on downtown streets and on Penn State’s campus and brings artists from all over the US and thousands of visitors for five days complete with music and food. But there’s more ... one of the best 4th of July fireworks displays in the country, Penn State football and some of the best fly fishing streams." — Carolyn Todd

Yardley, Pennsylvania

"The brioche donut at Charcoal." — Sherri

Tolland, Connecticut

"Santa Glenn and the annual Christmas Fire Truck parade of lights on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Picture a classic New England holiday village come to life, where the 19th century Currier and Ives homes on the Tolland Green serve as the backdrop to a brigade of decorated fire trucks." — Jenny Vecchio

Guilford Connecticut

"Our quintessential small town New England homeyness, where everyone matters and everyone cares." — Allison Lander

Waterford, Connecticut

"Harkness Memorial Park — it has a beautiful mansion, lovely gardens and a large grassy picnic area with a sweeping lawn that leads down to the ocean. The views alone are worth it. You can sit and watch marine vessels go by, from sailboats to ferries to the occasional submarine. There's a little beach for swimming or hunting shells. It's just a perfect way to spend a relaxing day." — Janet

Woodbury, Connecticut

"The Autumn Block Party! It is when the leaves are changing color and the entire Main Street is closed off. There are vendors, food trucks, live music, contests and so much more. Also Woodbury is the 'Antique Capital' of Connecticut." — Debra Bsrthelmess

New Canaan, Connecticut

"The annual Sidewalk Sales Street Fair in July." — Anne

Cheshire, Connecticut

"A visit to the Lock 12 Historical Museum and a bike ride down the adjoining Linear Trail is the place to go. The wildlife is stunning and history jumps out at every turn. You can feel the 1800s just smelling the fresh air and taking in all the beautiful old bridges. Pack a picnic lunch or bring the dog to experience the scenery." — Crystal Kehoss

Jefferson Township, New Jersey

"Beautiful Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey, where you can swim, boat, water ski or wake board, with great fishing. Visit one of our fine lake front restaurants for great food, atmosphere and scenic views of the lake, or raft up with friends to our famous Party Cove." — Nelson Hadler

Mahwah, New Jersey

"Outdoor activities like Ramapo Reserve, Campgaw Mountain and Darlington Golf Course." — Kevin Walther

Princeton, New Jersey

"Kopp’s Cycle, the oldest bicycle shop in America, has some really cool old bikes in their museum. It also has bike rentals to check out the town and all bikes and gear for sale." — Charles Kuhn

Livingston, New Jersey

"Bane Haunted House because it’s the best haunted house I’ve ever been to. They have a huge draw. I once stood in line for two hours with people from all over New York and Pennsylvania." — Heather Rivera

Paramus, New Jersey

"Paramus has more shopping malls than any other town in the U.S. It also has a wonderful zoo, carousel and train ride at Van Saun Park." — Patty H.

Galloway, New Jersey

"The Historic Towne of Smithville and the Smithville Inn — unique shops, tranquil Lake Meone, a carousel and restaurants make for a wonderful day of enjoyment." — Colleen Lunney

Merrimack, New Hampshire

"Our breweries: the veteran-owned Able Ebenezer Brewing Company and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (where you can meet some of the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses)." — Kerri Hassan

Piermont, New York

"The Piermont Pier! No place else can you walk one mile out to the middle of the Hudson River. You feel like you are walking on water! Then when you reach the end, you get an incredible view of the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge!" — Mayor Bruce Tucker

Midwest

Wonder Lake, Illinois

"Our National Champion Water Show Ski Team." — Jean Mikota

Darien, Illinois

"Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: There is a natural splash area (with a) waterfall for family and even small children. There is an 11-mile loop that is covered with tree canopy for those who run or ride. The ground is limestone so it is easy on the knees and the loop doesn't go by the same area twice. Great for marathon training." — Morlie Wang

New Lenox, Illinois

"The New Lenox Commons at Christmastime! It’s a winter wonderland filled with lights, vendors, ice skating rink, food trucks, adult and kiddie hot chocolate and a 36-foot lighted Santa." — Suzanne Doll

Naperville, Illinois

"Naperville has a super vibrant community atmosphere throughout its downtown area. There are so many great places to shop, restaurants to try, and places to hang out. The town also has many festivals and events, including Ribfest, which attracts major musical talent, and a Christmas Market at Naper Settlement, a restored pioneer village." — Liz Holmberg

Farmington, Michigan

"Farmington Farmers' Market. It meets from late spring until late fall and brings hundreds together from all walks of life, all ages, and all cultures to enjoy local produce and handmade products." — Pam Wright

Rochester, Michigan

"Rochester is like the perfect little European town where you can walk around, shop, eat and everyone is friendly! It reminds me of the town square in San Marino, Italy." — Karen Passalacqua

Minneapolis, Minnesota

"Walking across the Stone Arch Train Bridge on a summer evening viewing the city skyline." — Carter Holmes

Minnetonka, Minnesota

"Lake Minnetonka is the twelfth largest lake in the state of Minnesota in terms of shoreline. It's a beautiful lake with numerous bays, great fishing, boat tours and lovely towns dotting the shoreline and is only 20 or 30 minutes from Minneapolis." — Kris

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

"The mansions. There are so many beautiful homes from a bygone era. The number, quality and variety are all amazing. They are relics of Cleveland Heights' history as home to industrial and financial leaders, when Cleveland was the fifth largest city in the US." — Cathy Batber

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

"Big Head Brewing Co. — a great local gathering space with good beer and a place for start-up bands of all genres to play on Friday nights." — Julie Bonnell

West Coast

Gilroy, California

"Garlic, garlic, garlic! From the Gilroy Garlic Festival to the garlic soup at the Gilroy Garlic Cafe! Gilroy is the garlic capital of the world!" — Pete Valdez

June Lake, California

"Some of the most photographed mountains and lakes in the world with fun like snowboarding, hiking, fishing, hunting and camping. June Lake is a little town that's big on hospitality with a world-class brewery and no winding roads to get here from Southern California." — Lydia March

Venice, California

"A coffee can still be had for less than a day’s wages." — Douglas W. Clark

Fremont, California

"The little community of Niles, tucked away in a most secret corner of Fremont. It's a haven for anyone who might enjoy spending a quiet day browsing the shops and walking the sidewalks where early filming brought the excitement of the Old West to the rest of the world. Beautiful parks and a restored train station are perfect for a picnic lunch, while charming tiny eateries offer very good dining choices for lunch and dinner." — Mary-Lou Gillette

Palm Desert, California

"The Living Desert is a non-profit animal sanctuary where some impressive animals roam, but it also opens its doors to rescue animals so they can have a place to stay. It's a great attraction for locals and travelers alike to visit and learn about the desert's native animals and learn about their homes. It offers great events throughout the year and has impressive programs for hikers, nature enthusiasts, kids and anyone who would like to spend a day outside in lovely Palm Desert." — Ivonne Millan

Pleasanton, California

"Regular jazz concerts at Inklings Coffee & Tea. Out on the West Coast jazz scene in the Bay Area region, there are lots of exciting jazz music concerts." — Roger Hall

Montara, California

"Montara beaches and our walking trails." — Jeanette Elchuck

Alameda, California

"The Victorian homes. We have more than San Francisco." — Susie Murphy

Rancho Santa Margarita, California

"Its humanitarianism. RSM provides the second highest rate of government assisted housing in Orange County, which is only second to Santa Ana!" — Mac Scotty

Santa Cruz, California

"The annual summer Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music — an internationally-celebrated concert series of new and classic works by modern composers." — Dirk Reed

San Clemente, California

"The San Clemente Pier, for its surfing, seafood at the Fishermen Restaurant and view of the city."

Lemon Grove, California

Visit the 1897 Folk Victorian Parsonage Museum and listen to fascinating lectures in the 1928 Tudor Revival H. Lee House, which are both in Civic Center Park. Or, take a selfie in front of the town's famous 3,000-pound Big Lemon, which turns 90 years old this year. — Helen M. Ofield

Martinez, California

"Miles of beautiful open space, with unobstructed views of the Delta, the high snow-capped Sierra, majestic Mt. Diablo and rolling hills dotted with old Bay and Oak trees. Our wildlife includes deer, turkey, coyote, cougar, bobcat and a plethora of birds." — Barbara Glenn

Lakewood, Washington

"SummerFest, a free outdoor festival that attracts 30,000 people. Enjoy fire dancers, stilt walkers, trapeze and extreme trampoline acts. Participate in hands-on art activities, multi-sporting events, yoga, car show, Kids Zone with inflatables and pony rides. Shop at over 150 unique market vendors or sample amazing food from over 30 food trucks while listening to live music." — Nikki York

Southwest

Apache Junction, Arizona

"The Superstition Mountains, the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine and the nearby Tortilla Flat community." — Harold

Dickinson, Texas

"The rebuilding of Houston, Texas after Hurricane Harvey." — Liz

Southeast

Fairmont, West Virginia

"The Rambling Root. Awesome, local, craft brews, simple but fantastic locally-sourced food, small-town bands, decorated by local artists, partnered with local coffee shop, supporter of local charities, and bartenders that will never let you down. The place is Fairmont at it's finest with the biggest heart in West Virginia." — Mina Schultz

Calhoun, Georgia

"Lots of history on the Cherokee Indian Nation, walking trails, and other historical places." — Vickie Booker

Sandy Springs, Georgia

"People who love outdoor activities are instantly drawn to the 16 parks and recreation areas in Sandy Springs. Our sections of the Chattahoochee River have paddling, rafting, tubing, the annual raft race, and fishing. Additionally, our East Palisades unit of the Chattahoochee recreational area has an amazing bamboo forest with another great view of the river." — Erica Bibbey

Lutz, Florida

"Locally-made and unique ice cream at Ice Dreammm Shop." — Joe Schembri

Sarasota, Florida

"The ability to shop, relax and explore. From some of the most beautiful beaches to historic buildings, one-of-a-kind shops and incredible food, Sarasota is rich in history and local pride!" — Ty

Crittenden, Kentucky

"The Ark Encounter: A life-sized wooden replica of Noah's Ark with information on how the structure would have worked. Other activities are a zoo featuring camel and donkey rides, zip-lines, full-scale and fast food restaurants and gift shop areas. Coming 2018 will be a new theater." — Timothy Heath

Arlington, Virginia

"Shirlington, a small 'burb in Arlington with a small-town feel in a sleek and modern setting. One of my favorite things about Shirlington is how pet-friendly it is. Not only are there dogs everywhere, but there are dog bowls outside of most of the restaurants, because dogs are allowed in most of the outside eating spaces." — Laura Dyckman

Occoquan, Virginia

"There's not just one thing to love about Occoquan! Whether you visit for the Arts and Crafts Show, stroll along the Occoquan River on our boardwalk, visit the charming shops and trendy restaurants or relax in our park during a summer concert, you’ll soon come to love this little town the way the locals do!" — Julie Little

Paw Paw, West Virginia

"The clothing-optional Avalon Resort!" — Lisa

Photo: Stephan Savoia/AP File