From the 1800s until 1920, Granville, Tennessee—which is located approximately one hour east of Nashville—was a thriving riverboat town. After riverboat travel declined, Granville transformed into a vibrant farm town. In the 1970s, much of Granville’s farmland receded into the Cumberland River and Granville steadily became a ghost town that risked fading into oblivion. In…
The picturesque town of Riquewihr—which is located in the Alsace region of France near the borders of Germany and Switzerland—is unique among quaint French towns because it didn’t sustain heavy damage during World War II. When you arrive in Riquewihr, you will feel as though you have traveled back in time. Visitors can view a…
Longyearbyen—which is located in the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard—is a rugged mining town that has blossomed into a unique tourist destination that allows travelers to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic. Visitors can view the northern lights, explore an ice cave, or attend a festival celebrating the return of the sun at the…
Germany is home to a handful of walled medieval towns that have withstood the test of time, but Rothenburg ob der Tauber is beyond a shadow of a doubt the most charming village of them all. In addition to strolling along quaint cobblestone streets and admiring red-roofed buildings, travelers can explore the town’s unique history…
It’s no secret that Santa favors snow-covered northern destinations, but Maine‘s Christmas capital still may surprise you. The quaint coastal town of Ogunquit—whose name roughly translates to “Beautiful Village by the Sea”—hosts an annual Christmas celebration known as Christmas by the Sea which attracts Christmas enthusiasts from around the United States. Christmas by the Sea…
Any lover of all things Italian will happily tell you that Vernazza is one of Italy‘s most resplendent villages. Dotted with colorful buildings that overlook the sea, the petite fishing village is considered the crown jewel of a collection of five small towns known as Cinque Terre. With no vehicular traffic, stepping onto the charming…
Quaint Skaneateles, New York, has long served as a getaway for cosmopolitan New Yorkers and other big-city dwellers. Nestled on the northern tip of pristine Skaneateles Lake—which is considered the gateway to the Finger Lakes—the sleepy upstate New York town is surrounded by breathtaking forests and waterfalls. Visitors can take a boat tour of gorgeous…
The tiny Croatian town of Hum—which is located on a hilltop in the Istria region—prides itself on being the smallest town in the world. Even though Hum has not officially been deemed the smallest town in the world by any record-keeping organization, the fact that it is far less than a mile long and wide…