Michigan Town Named One of the Friendliest Small Towns In The U.S.
Small towns tend to be friendly by nature. It may be cliché, but hospitality and a friendly nature are almost always part of the small town lifestyle. Also, one thing…
Getty Images/ehrlif
Getty Images/ehrlifSmall towns tend to be friendly by nature. It may be cliché, but hospitality and a friendly nature are almost always part of the small town lifestyle. Also, one thing I personally love about small towns is the smile or wave you see on the street, as you're walking down their small, downtown area with shops or whatnot. That said, some small towns are just extra friendly. Moreover, one Michigan town has been named one of the friendliest small towns in the U.S.
The study comes from TravelAwaits, who highlights just a handful of small towns across America. "We believe that the true heart and soul of a destination lies within its people," they explain. "That's why we turned to our readers to nominate and vote for the friendliest small towns in the United States." So, they presented their list of the 14 friendliest small towns in the U.S. That's just 14 in the whole country. TravelAwaits adds that these small towns have been welcoming to visitors with their warm hospitality, welcoming atmosphere, and genuine smiles." Sounds like a lovely idea for a trip, right?
Friendliest Small Towns In The U.S.
The winner of the poll was Concordia, Kansas, "a town that embodies midwestern hospitality at its finest," TravelAwaits states. "Known for its warm and friendly residents, Concordia welcomes visitors with open arms and makes them feel like part of the community from the moment they arrive." They add that Concordia has a "historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and numerous parks."
As for Michigan, Mackinac Island came in at No. 6 on the list. TravelAwaits calls is the "jewel of the Great Lakes" and a "delightful destination that transports visitors back in time." Remember, when you go to Mackinac Island, you can't use motorized vehicles on the island, so it does feel like you're stepping back in time. Find the full list here.
Summer is officially travel season in Michigan, but this state has many areas that are delightful to visit year-round. Plus, while the big cities gets lots of attention, travelers should consider hitting up some of the smaller towns that Michigan has to offer. Michigan really has some beautiful, adorable small towns that are welcoming no matter the season. With that in mind, here are 10 adorable Michigan small towns to visit any season.
By the way, if you're wondering what designates a true small town, I've got the scoop. According to Barrington Residential, "a small town is defined by the US Census Bureau as having a population between 25,000 and 50,000 residents. It is slightly smaller than the average suburb, which is defined as a community within an urban area with between 30,000 and 70,000 residents." A city, on the other hand, has a central population of 50,000 or more. Mid-sized cities have populations of between 100,000 and 250,000 residents, and large cities have populations of 250,000 or more.
Before we get to the list, I want to elaborate on a certain Michigan small town that's actually most popular to visit in the winter months. That town is Frankenmuth, Michigan's Little Bavaria. It's home to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. People come from all over America to visit this store during the holidays.
Frankenmuth dates back to the mid-1840s. German missionaries settled there. The town features lots of German food, music, culture and hospitality. Some popular activates when visiting Frankenmuth include dating a carriage ride, going on a river cruise, trying the different German food, drinking some German beer, snacking on fudge and more. Aside from Frankenmuth, there are so many great small towns in Michigan to visit. Read on for 10 adorable Michigan small towns to visit any season. Reach out to me with your picks here.
10. South Haven
South Haven is one of my favorite Michigan spots, no matter the season. My uncle lives around that area, and it's simply breathtaking. The beach town is right on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the southwest part of the state. Its population is just over 4,000 residents, but it seems way larger during the summer months, as it’s a very popular tourist destination.
9. Frankenmuth
I already mentioned Frankenmuth as being the Christmas hotspot of the world. It's truly a wonder in the winter months, and it's great in the summer, too. Some popular activates when visiting Frankenmuth include dating a carriage ride, going on a river cruise, trying the different German food, drinking some German beer, snacking on fudge and more.
8. Northville
Northville is located 30 miles northwest of Detroit, between Wayne and Oakland Counties, and truly has a great small town feel. You'll find lots to do in downtown Northville, too, including shopping, dining, and live entertainment. It's a fun stop for those on the east side of the state.
7. Holland
Holland is on the west side of the state, and it's famous for its Dutch heritage. Who hasn't heard of the Tulip Festival? It's a popular spring event that draws people from all over the world. Holland is a charming town to visit any time of the year, though.
6. Paradise is located in the Upper Peninsula about 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.
Paradise really is, well, paradise. The small town is located in the Upper Peninsula about 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge. It's surrounded by water, as Paradise has Lake Superior to its north and east, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to its west, and the National Hiawatha Forest to its south, as noted by Pure Michigan.
5. Saugatuck
Saugatuck is another one of my favorite spots to visit year-round. My uncle lives fairly close to there, so I visit the small shops in the summer. Even though some of those shops are closed in the summer, it's still a beautiful area to visit anytime. It's off Lake Michigan.
4. Ludington
Ludington has plenty of beautiful beaches. This small town is on the coast of Lake Michigan and offers lots of beach area, outdoors activities and more. Stearns Park Beach is a popular spot.
3. Pentwater
Another special spot on the west side of the state is Pentwater. This little village is off Lake Michigan and offers pristine, sandy beaches. It's also smaller than Ludington, but nearby, so if you want a smaller place to escape while in the area, it's a good pick.
http://www.pentwater.org/
2. Marquette
Going up north, Marquette is a choice spot for a trip. Since it's so far north, it's very cold in the winter, but if you love snow, then it's a great choice. Marquette offers lots of nature and outdoor activities.
1. Petoskey
Coming in at No. 1, I have Petoskey as a must-visit destination no matter the season. I remember as a little kid, going up to Petoskey and getting a real Petoskey stone. One of the bets spots to hunt for local stones is at Petoskey State Park. Enjoy it.
