Big cities have lots of festivals, music and art, but if you are looking for more unconventional vacation destinations with down-home values, sincere hospitality, unconventional entertainment, and fun festivals, you can find them in the small towns along America's Byways.
Why not celebrate our nation’s history on the 4th of July the small town way? Sebastian, FL, a quaint town along the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway, throws a patriotic parade and a celebration at Riverview Park. Spend the day enjoying food and crafts from local vendors and listening to live entertainment. Spend the evening, of course, enjoying the fireworks.
Small towns along America's Byways provide an up-close-and-personal view of local arts, handmade crafts, and talented musicians. In July, follow Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway to Floyd Fest, a music festival with a diverse array of artists. Contrary to expectation, the festival is not named for the legendary British band, but for a small Virginia town that’s big on its musical roots.
You can also find music and art on the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway in Chestertown, MD. Enjoy the outdoors and listen to Music in the Park every other Saturday, from the Saturday after Memorial Day through August. If you’d rather look than listen, try the town’s Art in the Park event held during September.
In addition to recognizing human expression through the arts, rural communities also celebrate nature’s expression. Travel across the country to the western US and the International Selkirk Loop for the Pend Orielle Valley’s Lavender Festival each July in Newport, WA. Breathe in the scent of lovely lavender blooms as you peruse vendor's wares and listen to talented local musicians.
Sweet! A great example of pop culture in small towns can be found at the annual Napoleon Dynamite Festival held in August in Preston, ID on the Pioneer Historic Byway. Join in the tetherball tournament and tater tot eating competition, and watch impersonators demonstrate their moves at the look-alike-impersonation-moonboot dance contest. Come to Preston a few days early for That Famous Preston Night Rodeo, three days of big-time PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeo events with small-town hospitality, including a sidewalk sale, carnival, parade, and craft and antique fair.
Join the locals in celebrating Native American cultures and traditions. Don’t miss the Kalispel Tribe’s Salish Fair and Buffalo BBQ, held each August in Cusick and Usk, WA along the International Selkirk Loop. The same month in Gallup, NM along Historic Route 66, witness the cultural diversity of more than 30 Native American tribes at the annual Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, with four days and five nights of Native American art, dances, foods, activities, rodeos, and a parade.
The weekend after Labor Day, come to Waterford, NY on the Mohawk Towpath Byway to experience history through a small town perspective. In addition to the fun waterfront activities you’ll find at the annual Tugboat Roundup--a chicken barbecue, live music, and fireworks--take to the harbor where you can tour restored historic canal tugs and vessels. Wander west along the Mohawk Towpath through the City of Schenectady to learn about its distinct past. During the Stockade Walkabout and Waterfront Faire held each September, join a tour through the well-preserved historic district, and let costumed guides and interpreters transport you to earlier times, when, by today’s standards, all towns were small.
In the quaint town of Clifton Park along the Mohawk Towpath Byway, join local farmers in celebrating nature’s bounty. Come in mid September for the annual Clifton Park Farm Fest where you can visit local farms. Go for hayrides, watch farm animals, sample fresh-picked crops, and experience the agricultural harvest of rural communities.
Whether you attend tribal ceremonies, take in nature, re-live history, or admire arts and crafts throughout the United States, remember that small towns have many unique qualities to offer. Travel America's Byways to see what many vacationers often overlook--the delightful small town experience.
