The 25 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA – Guess How Many are Ski Towns?

Filled with charm and plenty of friendly locals, small towns are synonymous with American life. To help you decide which towns are worthy of a vacation, US News narrowed it down to places with a population of fewer than 50,000 that offer plenty of restaurants and attractions, plus have a unique character all their own. Turns out, many of them are ski towns. Coincidence?

• Related: California Retains Title as ‘Most Fun State in America’ in Annual Ranking

The towns were ranked after compiling travelers’ opinions and expert and editor analysis, according to the news release. Each destination was scored in 10 categories, including sights, culture, food, nightlife, adventure, romance and more.

So ditch the city crowds and start planning your small-town getaway…

• 1. Telluride, CO – “captivating scenery and delightful Mountain Village”

• 2. Jackson Hole, WY – “picturesque scenery and proximity to Grand Teton National Park”

• 3.Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – “This lake that straddles the California-Nevada state line lets visitors pick their adventure”

• 8. Steamboat, CO – “excellent ski conditions, a community of friendly locals and geothermal hot springs that are perfect after a long day spent on the slopes”

• 11. Stowe, VT – “quaint Vermont town is set in a valley and backed by mountains”

• 15. Breckenridge, CO – “this Colorado town packs a historic punch thanks to its 19th-century gold rush roots”