Small Town Charm

I have to admit, certain small towns do have a certain appeal to them.

I know this will sound strange to those who know me, and to my readers who have picked up on the fact that I am nothing if not ‘large city oriented’.

That’s not to say that I disparage of small towns though, so here’s a list of towns which I find to be perfectly charming, and among my favourite in the world. I highly recommend a visit to any and all!

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

Hay-on-Wye is a little Welsh town near the border between Wales and England. It’s a community known as “the town of books” and has a historical and literary aura about it which naturally places it at the top of my list of places I love, not just of small towns!

Stratford, Ontario

Photo by Peter K Burian from Wikipedia Commons

This town, while somewhat bigger than the others, retains the feel of a small town. It has a lovely Main Street which, last time I was there, was full of unique shops, and is home to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

This mini-Bavaria is a perfect place for those who can’t get to the true Bavaria. It’s warm, welcoming, and has a fabulous year round Christmas store.

Tofino, B.C.

I don’t remember much of Tofino, it’s been so long since I was there, but I remember two things; whale watching, and peace. If you need to unplug from the world and connect with the earth, head to Tofino.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

To say that Mackinac Island is timeless is an understatement. There are no automobiles allowed on the island. Just bikes, horses, and buggies! If you want a trip back to the 1800 or 1700s, this is your place!

Isle of Sheppey, England

Bear with me on this one, because it isn’t just one town. The Isle of Sheppey is an island in Kent near upon which are many a small towns, a nature reserve which is home to some spectacular sea birds, and the view of the sea and wheat fields upon it are worthy of a slow, lazy day of exploration.

West Malling, England

There isn’t any specific tourism or attraction in West Malling, but the town itself is out of an English fairy tale. It’s perfect for an afternoon walk down the high street and lunch in a local pub.

Marlborough, England

A small town with a big market. You can find everything on the high street you could ever want in a market. Food, books, and local art at it’s finest, and you’ll never be far from a pub for a pint or a meal.

Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is such a small town you can have wandered it’s main streets within a day, though I get the feeling it would take several weeks to discover everything Inverness has to offer. Pop in for a highland adventure you’ll not soon forget!

Any of these towns will do for a quick drive and an afternoon of exploration should you happen to be headed their way, but of course there are many others out there worth discovering. Next time you see a town with a small population, go off the beaten path and have a visit. You never know what you’ll find.

Wear a mask, wash your hands, and be safe gentle reader.