Discover 12 Quirky and Unique American Towns for Your Next Road Trip
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If you’d like to spend time in someplace that’s a little different, then you need this list of America’s most quirky towns. All the following are famous – or infamous – for some intriguing reason. These towns feature Bavarian, Danish, or Moorish architecture, mysterious lights, a comic-book superhero, western-style saloons, and more…
Leavenworth, Washington
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Arrive in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in Germany. The town’s unique luck resulted from a 1960s project to attract tourists, and it worked. Like European resorts, you can ski here in winter, hike in summer, and attend a Christmas market in December.
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Opa Locka, Florida
If your tastes lean more towards Moorish architecture than Bavarian heritage, head to Opa Locka. In this Florida town, you can find the West’s biggest range of Moorish Revival architecture. It was inspired by the Arabian Nights stories, and you can stroll down Ali Baba Avenue while you’re here.
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Marfa, Texas
The Texan town of Marfa is legendary for a couple of compelling reasons. It’s home to an art installation resembling a Prada boutique, plus the mysterious Marfa Lights. The town is a magnet for arty sorts, hipsters, and anyone in search of some truly unique shops.
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Centralia, Pennsylvania
A fire that could yet burn for another 100 years is Centralia’s claim to fame. A coal seam beneath caught fire during the 1960s, and continues to burn, despite efforts to extinguish it. The steam and smoke seeping out from cracks in the road are dead giveaways.
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Metropolis, Illinois
You can visit Superman’s hometown by heading to Metropolis in Illinois. The name was used in the comics, and residents have fully embraced the connection. Metropolis now has a colorful Superman statue, hosts a yearly Superman festival, and prints a newspaper named The Metropolis Planet.
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Solvang, California
Danish immigrants certainly left their mark on Solvang, in California. The town center is crammed with mock Tudor buildings, and a large windmill looms over the main street. Local shops and eateries also reflect this West Coast town’s Scandinavian roots.
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Versailles, Kentucky
The name gives you something of a clue about this Kentucky town. Kentucky Castle is the local take on Louis XIV’s French palace and is a B&B with a spa and restaurant. You can also visit Woodford Reserve distillery during your stay, and the town also claims to be the “Horse Capital of the World.”
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Roswell, New Mexico
Any X-Files fans should head to Roswell in New Mexico. The town boasts the International UFO Museum and is associated with spacecraft landings and alien sightings. If you want to take an extraterrestrial tour or snap up some alien-themed trinkets, this is the place for you.
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Columbia Falls, Maine
This Maine town stands out because of the blueberry. If you love the small, round, deep indigo fruits, this one is a must-visit. Everything in town seems to revolve around the berries – not least Wild Blueberry Land. Lots of goods and gifts made from blueberries are widely available, and not all are edible.
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Tombstone, Arizona
It might have a rather grisly name, but Tombstone in Arizona is all about the Gold Rush. The entire town is like a recreation of the Wild West, complete with O.K. Corral shoot-out reenactments and busy saloon bars. Tombstone is also famous for hosting the biggest rose bush on the planet.
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Santa Claus, Indiana
Yep, you read that right. Whether the bearded guy is fact or fantasy, an Indiana town is named after him. The name came about because the original, Santa Fe, had already been given to another settlement within the state. Santa Claus now has a 20-foot Father Christmas statue, the Holiday World theme park, and street names like Kringle Place.
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Littleton, New Hampshire
Littleton in New Hampshire has several claims to fame. The longest candy counter on the planet can be found at Chutters, while Lahout’s Ski Shop is said to be the oldest in the States. Littleton Diner has also served local customers for around 100 years. The town is very picturesque and surrounded by hiking trails.
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