Pa’ia is a must-see when you’re in the Maui region of Hawaii. Full of a rich, plantation past, the town boasts an array of surf and sweets shops, alongside plenty of art galleries, restaurants, and clothing boutiques. Simmer Hawaii is said to be one of the best shops in the area for both men and women.
Looking for an energy boost before you hit the waves? Stop by Paia Bay Coffee on Hana Highway for an iced latte. If you’re on the prowl for something a bit more substantial, check out Mama’s Fish House for some delicious local seafood.
Utah: Moab
While a lot of the places on our list are coastal areas, Moab offers a different kind of beauty in its natural landscape. The red rock canyons make for a stunning sight at sunrise and sunset, which is the perfect reason (or at least, one of them) to take an early morning hike through Arches National Park. In fact, the park is arguably the best part of this small Western town. If you’re not the early morning type, the views will still be pretty amazing any time of day.
Aside from adventuring through all of the nearby parks, the area also offers an array of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. But if you’re in the mood for something faster on your way to the next hike, grab a bite to eat at the Quesadilla Mobilla food truck on Main Street for some delicious Mexican fare.
Illinois: Galena
This small city in western Illinois may be tiny, but it’s got a whole lot of flavor. Lying eight miles south of Wisconsin, and about 15 miles east of Iowa, Galena is known as “The City That Time Forgot,” due to its historic feel and aesthetics.
The oldest home in the town, Belvedere, is open to the public for tours. There are 22 rooms in the mansion, which is more than 5,000 square feet large. If you enjoy root beer, make sure you don’t miss the amazing selection at Root Beer Revelry. Then, pop into Fritz and Frites for some delicious French and German cuisine.
North Carolina: Beaufort
North Carolina is full of beautiful coastal towns. But the Outer Banks area is particularly special. Beaufort is located in Carteret County and has received several mentions in different publications. Travel + Leisure called the area “America’s Favorite Town,” – and for good reason.
The town boasts gorgeous beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Check into the Langdon House Bed and Breakfast for spectacular Southern hospitality. And, don’t forget to cruise down the Crystal Coast during your time in North Carolina. Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach are both just a few miles away and make wonderful places to spend the day with the family, or just collect shells and take a breather to get away from it all.
Nebraska: Nebraska City
In the heart of the Midwestern United States lies a hidden gem – Nebraska City. The founder of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton, grew up here, and his home is now open to the public as a part of the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum. The mansion is open for self-guided tours throughout the winter and is available for private events year-round.
There’s really only one place that’s a must-stay when you’re in town, and that’s the Lied Lodge, located on the Arbor Day Farm. For the past six years, it’s been named as the best place to stay in the middle of the U.S. by Meetings MidAmerica.