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10 Coolest Small Towns in America 2018

From California’s wine country to the shores of the Hudson River, from the Arizona desert to the Great Lakes, we’re celebrating unique towns that are just waiting for you to discover them.

We love to help you find destinations that go beyond the obvious big cities and theme parks to discover something a little different: America’s Coolest Small Towns. For 13 years now, we’ve celebrated unique towns across the U.S., and this year our network of editors, writers, photographers, and videographers went in search of the coolest of the cool, each with a population under 20,000.

Escape Brooklyn

Escape Brooklyn

When someone asks us where to go for a daytrip, we almost always tell them Beacon. And when someone else asks us where to spend a weekend off the Metro-North, we almost always tell them Beacon. It’s solidified itself as the “hippest” city in the Hudson Valley, but besides its hipness, we tell everyone about Beacon because there’s so much to do there.

NYLON

The NYLON Guide to Beacon

This popular culture and media magazine has had its finger on the pulse of what’s trendy and what’s next since its inception in 1999. So, obviously, it has covered Beacon. The NYLON Guide to Beacon points you toward hiking on Mount Beacon, rack hunting for vintage clothes at American Gypsy and sweet eats at Beacon Creamery. Take a Beacon walking tour using NYLON’s guide, and you’ll also enjoy discovering the myriad shopping, eating, learning and creating options in between the ones on their list.

The Culture Trip

10 Things To Do in Beacon by The Culture Trip

The Culture gives its users customized content about the fun, inspiring and enriching things to do “wherever they are, wherever they go.” The site, and its app useful for those who wander with purpose, have called attention to Beacon’s cultural revival, putting focus on both the activity and options of Main Street, as well as the natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands and riverfront. It’s 10 Things To Do in Beacon list includes the city’s Second Saturday arts celebrations, tours of Bannerman Island, live world-class music at The Towne Crier and exploring the mesmeric installations at Dia:Beacon.

A Little Beacon Blog

A Little Beacon Blog

Maintained by Beacon “insiders” who don’t keep the good stuff to themselves, A Little Beacon Blog puts the spotlight on everything Beacon: The thriving bar and restaurant scene; its unique specialty shops full of bespoke wares and unique gifts; the vibrant arts scene; live music by local and international acts, and so much more. A little bit history lesson and a lot to-do list, A Little Beacon Blog is your single online spot to find out what Beacon’s all about and what’s going on in one of the Hudson Valley’s “hippest” towns.

The New York Times

Beacon, N.Y.: Quaint City Rediscovered 

Back in 2014, the Times had already caught onto the good life people were leading in Beacon. The venerable newspaper’s Living In section talked about the distinctive landscape, the whimsical shops and great fare – as most articles rightfully do – but, also put the focus on the quality of life that comes with moving into and settling down in the town’s neighborhood feel.

Hudson Valley Magazine

Hudson Valley River Towns: Beacon

As the valley’s signature – eponymous, even – publication, Hudson Valley Magazine is known for its annual guides to the region’s seasonal events, its premier destinations and as an overall cheerleader for all things “almost” upstate. In 2015, the magazine did this piece on what was then the budding Beacon renaissance. It has continued to cover the thriving mini-metro area ever since, including expansive coverage of Beacon’s artisan food and spirits community, its internationally known art scene and its inviting natural scenery and trails.