The Best of the Rest

Dauphin Island, AL This town comes pretty close to a watermen’s paradise. You’ll find pristine white beaches, generally calm seas, and plenty to do—from regattas  to the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.

St. Michaels, MD Hard to imagine a town so quaint and inviting has yet to be discovered by the masses, which is just fine with the locals. Sitting on the Eastern Shore, it’s the perfect spot for fishermen, foodies, and history buffs—or anyone looking to catch a sunset in solitude.

St. Simons Island, GA St. Simons (which backs up to tony Sea Island) is the quintessential Southern beach town. Those looking for a truly posh night and a touch of history should check out the nearby Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Berea, KY This great little town plays host to a liberal arts college, a bevy of artists, and a number of great restaurants. Berea also prides itself on its sustainable living initiatives.

Helen, GA Strap on your lederhosen and make a pilgrimage to this funky Bavarian-inspired village tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s plenty to do, whether shopping the main drag or dragging your tail up a variety of gorgeous hiking trails.

Highlands, NC Think of Highlands as a deep fried, high altitude version of Nantucket: a place chock full of white picket fences,  fine dining, antiques, and cozy hotels. But you can still get your hands dirty biking, hiking, and fishing your way through the nearby national forests.

Townsend, TN Townsend may be neighbors with the five star charmer Blackberry Farm, but the place has its own mountain magnetism. The star attraction is something the locals call the “Townsend Wye,” which entails renting an inner tube and drifting to the point where rushing rivers meet. Class II bouncy fun.

Alexander City, AL Lake Martin plays host to a number of great neighborhoods and grand vacation homes, but everyone eventually gathers for fun in Alexander City, the official downtown of the area.

Grand Rivers, KY This idyllic little village sits on an isthmus between two huge, 100-plus-mile-long lakes—Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Often called the Village Between the Lakes, Grand Rivers is a haven for boaters but also draws the adventure set, who enjoy running and biking on the old logging roads that crisscross the area.

Jefferson, TX On the bayous of Lake Cado, Texas’ biggest lake, sits one small but eclectic town. History buffs will be delighted by Jefferson’s countless historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.