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[smalltowntravel]

My preference is travel along the back roads and through interesting small towns. If you have any to recommend please let me know - will be in New Mexico next but would be interested in any except Alaska.

The site smalltowngems.com is a great starting resource.

[polydemic]

I spent my teens in the town of Pacific Grove, at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula (about 100 miles south of San Francisco). This is a beautiful little town, moving at a slow pace, with a very small downtown area, surrounded by quiet suburbs. Skyscrapers are not allowed & wildlife is strictly protected. The coastline is full of beaches & parks. To the south is the gated community of Pebble Beach, famous for its golf course, favoured by many celebrities. Beyond that is another quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea (where actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor). I spent so much time here hanging out with my high school buddies while growing up. The Hippie Movement was in full bloom on the Monterey Peninsula back then. It was the best time of my life.

When I lived in San Jose (1975-1978), a friend of mine occasionally took me out to the Santa Cruz Mountains to visit friends in Chekameta Park & Holy City, two remote communities of log cabins. These were beautiful places to visit & just get away from the city. I don't know if they're still there. I can't find them on any current map. On the old maps they're off Hwy 17, going south from Los Gatos.

Near where I live now, east of Seattle, are the town of Renton & Issaquah, which are the image of typical American small towns, which you often see in movies & television.

And why not Alaska? If it's small towns & backroads you want, you can't beat the Frontier State.

[smalltowntravel]

Thanks for the response and sorry for the delay in answering your question. I have spent a few weeks in Alaska a few years ago - went in the winter and loved the scenery. However, I now travel with a cat (he has been in 48 states) and try not to be in the car for too long at a stretch. Whether I leave from TX or OH home getting to Alaska is a long drive.

[polydemic]

Well most of of Canada is small towns. With many worth visiting.

Agree. Whenever I visit Vancouver, I drop in on North Vancouver & West Vancouver to the north. These are quaint little towns surrounded by forests, with plenty of hiking trails into the mountains north of them. To get away from the noise & rush of the big city, I just stroll along the main streets & poke into the little shops.

When in Ottawa, I just walked across the bridge into Hull, a quiet place, & enjoyed their Museum of Civilisation & Gateneau Park.

Halifax is a small city with a village atomosphere in many parts. While there, I spent a day at it's neighbour, Dartmouth, with many places to enjoy nature & absolute quiet.

[aopaq]

Agree. Whenever I visit Vancouver, I drop in on North Vancouver & West Vancouver to the north. These are quaint little towns surrounded by forests, with plenty of hiking trails into the mountains north of them. To get away from the noise & rush of the big city, I just stroll along the main streets & poke into the little shops.

I agree that both West and North Van have lots of green space, close hiking spots ad great little shops to poke around in. But I also think is interesting that you consider these as "quaint towns" because I think most BC'ers would not have the same perspective especially since both places are actually classified as cities.
I would sooner consider an hour or so drive (plus a short ferry ride in one case) to places such as Squamish and Gibsons which I think would better fit the example of being quaint towns.

[huckabmm]

There are some great small towns all throughout the South...if you're ever over on this side of the divide, let me know and I'll get you a list!

[smalltowntravel]

There are some great small towns all throughout the South...if you're ever over on this side of the divide, let me know and I'll get you a list!

Okay, I'm getting the message. Go North Woman. Unfortunately, the website is all about USA small towns, though we have thought about exploring Canada for northern side trips. Your advice is appreciated. Thanks