Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

“Little Chicago” - Johnson City, TN

The city hosted the noteworthy Columbia Records recording session in 1928 know as the Johnson City Sessions.

During the 1920’s, the Prohibition era, Johnson City had ties to Al Capone and his bootlegging distribution network in the Appalachian Mountains. This earned the city the nickname “Little Chicago”.

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Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

Along The New York State Side of St. Lawrence River

Having heard people say how the Thousand Islands region was a gorgeous part of New York State, I felt a roadtrip was necessary. Nicknamed the “Venice of America” in the early 1900’s Amidst the gentle waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway lie the villages of Alexandra Bay, Clayton, the town of Cape Vincent and the city of Ogdensburg.

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A Hudson Valley Downtown With The Right Mix - Saugerties

The town of Saugerties is popular now because they have the right mix of high-quality shops and restaurants, cool art and architecture and the outdoors with hiking trails. There is something for everyone in this town nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. Saugerties, like many Hudson Valley towns, lost many manufacturing jobs, but have been on the upswing with popularity.

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Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

Part Of The Borscht Belt - Catskill NY

The village of Catskill, a historic river town located along the banks of the mighty Hudson, was incorporated in 1806. New Yorkers would head to the Borscht Belt to sunbathe, swim, dance, and dine during the summer months and the area soon became known as the Jewish vacationland.

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America’s First Resort - Newport, RI

Newport is a beautiful city and worth a visit no matter what time of the year. Located on the southern end of Aquidneck Island, it has a historic district that includes an extensive and well-preserved variety of intact colonial buildings dating back to the early and mid-18th century. Some of these homes still stand the way they were 250 years ago, but many were restored in the late 20th century through grants made by Newport resident Doris Duke and the Newport Restoration Foundation.

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Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

The Quintessential New England Town - Woodstock, Vermont

Sometimes called “the quintessential New England town” or “the prettiest small town in America”, Woodstock is a charming destination with year-round activities. Walking the tree-lined streets of Central and Elm Streets you get a glimpse into the town’s history through its beautiful architecture while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding countryside and the Green Mountains.

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Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

Jim Thorpe - The Town

This small historic Victorian-style town, nestled in the Lehigh Mountains, is definitely worth exploring. The town’s main commercial streets are Broadway and Race Street with charming old buildings, some maintained, some restored. The coal mining and railroad town was founded in 1818, and named Mauch Chunk (derived from the Indian words meaning “bear mountain”).

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Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst Cute Downtowns Kevin Durst

America’s Original Seaside Resort - Cape May, New Jersey

The charm of Cape May, considered the oldest seaside resort town in the United States, can be seen by strolling along streets like Perry, Jackson, Ocean and Decatur. Historical character including stained glass windows, gingerbread trim, front porches, two-story sleeping porches, gables, and turrets are all around on lovingly restored and maintained Victorian-style homes, elaborate mansions, and guest houses.

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