Woodstock (IL) voted America's 31st favorite small town to visit

Vacationing in small towns has become increasingly popular in recent years – it can be a refreshing change of pace from traditional destinations, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience. Small towns often have a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, allowing visitors to slow down and truly connect with the local culture.

But where are the small towns we would most like to visit in 2023? FamilyDestinationsGuide.com, which offers kid-friendly vacation ideas, surveyed 3,000 families to find the top 150 across the country they’d love to spend time in this year. 

At number one is the tiny village of Holualoa, in Hawaii. No surprise there really, as Hawaii is so utterly beautiful, and this laid back ‘burg, on the western coast of the Big Island, has charm by the bucket-load. It’s located on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano, and derives its name from the traditional - if somewhat terrifying - local practice of sledding down the mountain on long, wooden sleds. If you enjoy a caffeine fix, you’ve come to the right place; Holualoa sits between the towns of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou, in the heart of Kona coffee country. 600 coffee farms surround it, and every November they hold the Kona Coffee Festival.

In at number two was Ely, in Nevada. This remote former mining mountain town, which sits at the base of the Great Basin National Park, was originally founded as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express and Central Overland route. You can still visit the nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where six, giant beehive-shaped ovens were used to process silver ore. Elsewhere, you can take a guided tour of the Lehman Caves, a massive cavern over 500 million years old in the Great Basin National Park, or do scenic hikes such as the Island Forest Trail or Bristlecone Pine Trail. 

Not far behind at number three is beautiful Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Seemingly preserved in time, it showcases how 'Old Florida' used to be, with its pastel-coloured clapboard houses and old-timey storefronts. 

In 31st place came the town of Woodstock, Illinois. The town is home to a variety of historical sites, museums, and parks, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as indoor activities like bowling and laser tag. Woodstock also offers a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, making it a great place to visit.

Other Illinois towns included in the top 150 were St. Charles (84th) - families can explore the Fox River, take a tour of the historic downtown area, visit the Arcada Theatre for live entertainment, and enjoy the many parks and trails.Princeton came in 120th position - visitors can take a tour of the local wineries, visit the local museums, and enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to their stunning natural sceneries, both Hawaii and Alaska each had two towns (Holualoa; Old Koloa Town and Sitka; Ketchikan) in the top 10.

Infographic: America's Favorite 150 Small Towns for Families

"Visiting small towns has become increasingly popular as travelers seek authentic and personalized experiences that provide a break from the fast-paced, commercialized world. These hidden gems offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, connect with friendly communities, and escape the stress of everyday life." says Rose Ackermann of FamilyDestinationsGuide.com.