These Quirky American Towns Are Full of Odd Traditions and Unusual Sights

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…

Table of Contents

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

Which quirky US town should we visit?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

12 Quirky and Unique American Towns Marfa, Texas

Marfa, Texas 1/5

12 Quirky and Unique American Towns Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington 2/5

12 Quirky and Unique American Towns Opa Locka, Florida

Opa Locka, Florida 3/5

12 Quirky and Unique American Towns Centralia, Pennsylvania

Centralia, Pennsylvania 4/5

12 Quirky and Unique American Towns Metropolis, Illinois

Metropolis, Illinois 5/5

Results

Marfa, Texas

1 1

Leavenworth, Washington

1 1

Opa Locka, Florida

1 1

Centralia, Pennsylvania

1 1

Metropolis, Illinois

1 1

Leavenworth, Washington

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.

Feast on Sausages and Pretzels at München Haus: München Haus is a Bavarian-style beer garden known for its bratwursts, freshly baked pretzels, and specialty mustards. A classic sausage plate runs about 12 USD, and the open-air vibe adds to the experience. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00.
Beer Tasting at Icicle Brewing Company: Icicle Brewing Company is a local favorite, serving craft beers and pub-style food in a rustic, family-friendly setting. Try a flight of their award-winning brews for about 14 USD. Open Sunday–Thursday from 11:00 to 22:00 and Friday–Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00.

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.

Take a Self-Guided Architecture Tour: Marvel at the cluster of Moorish Revival buildings along Ali Baba Avenue and Sharazad Boulevard. The Opa-locka City Hall, with its minarets and painted domes, is a must-see for lovers of unique architecture. There’s no charge to stroll and admire the exteriors.
Shop at the Opa-locka Hialeah Flea Market: One of South Florida’s largest flea markets, it welcomes over 100,000 visitors per week. It’s open from Friday to Monday, 07:00 to 18:00, with free entry. Wandering here provides a taste of local culture and a chance to score unique finds.

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.

Lunch at Food Shark: Food Shark is a Mediterranean food truck adored by locals and visitors alike. The lamb kabob plate and “Marfalafel” are standout dishes, with entrees around 16 USD. It’s open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00—check their social pages for updates.
Shop at The Get Go: The Get Go is Marfa’s beloved indie grocery, known for its curated selection of gourmet and local products. Stop in for snacks, wine, or picnic supplies—prices for specialty goods vary but expect a cool little shop with lots to browse. Open daily from 09:00 to 20:00, bagless, so bring your own or grab a souvenir tote.

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.

Walk the Graffiti Highway: The remains of PA Route 61, once covered in vibrant street art, are still partially visible despite official closures. Visitors can see remnants of this unique site and the steam seeping from cracked asphalt for free, but should exercise caution and stay on public land, as some sections are private or patrolled.
Dine at Mattucci’s Willow Cafe in nearby Mount Carmel: After exploring Centralia’s remnants, head to Mattucci’s Willow Cafe (about a 15-minute drive) for hearty Italian-American classics like homemade ravioli and veal parmigiana. Meals average 20 USD per person. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00.

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.

Grab a Bite at Super City Bar & Grill: Super City Bar & Grill is a well-rated local spot serving handmade pizza, fresh sandwiches, salads, and has a full bar. Meals typically cost 10–20 USD per person. Open daily from 11:00 to 22:00.
Marvel at the Superman Statue: The famous 15-foot Superman statue stands boldly in the town square, a popular photo spot that’s free and open to all day and night. Don’t miss the smaller Lois Lane statue a short walk away, for another comic book moment.

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.

Try Artisanal Danish Pastries at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery: Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery is a family-owned spot beloved for its kringle, butter cookies, and aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls). An aebleskiver plate runs about 8 USD and they’re open daily from 07:00 to 18:00.
Explore Elverhøj Museum of History & Art: Elverhøj Museum gives an in-depth look at Solvang’s Danish-American roots, folk art, and changing local exhibits. Admission is free (donations appreciated) and the museum is open Thursday–Monday from 11:00 to 17:00.

Versailles, Kentucky

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

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.”

Sip Bourbon at Woodford Reserve Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery is famous for both its bourbon and beautiful setting. The Distillery Tour costs 32 USD and includes tastings. Tours run daily, generally from 09:00 to 15:00, but advanced booking is strongly recommended.
Farm-to-Table Meal at Spark Community Café: Spark Community Café is a local favorite with a pay-what-you-can approach and an excellent reputation for fresh, seasonal Kentucky cuisine. Lunch plates average 12 USD. The café is open Wednesday–Friday from 11:00 to 14:00.

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.

Alien Tacos at Tacos El Toro Bravo: Tacos El Toro Bravo is a highly rated local spot for street tacos and homemade salsas. Try the signature tacos al pastor—just under 3 USD each. Open Monday–Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00.
Browse Souvenirs at Invasion Station: Invasion Station is the must-stop gift shop in Roswell, offering a huge variety of alien-themed apparel, toys, and quirky souvenirs. The shop is centrally located on Main Street and is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

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.

Visit Wild Blueberry Land: Wild Blueberry Land is the quirky must-stop for all things blueberry, from jams and baked goods to souvenirs. Entry to the mini-museum inside Wild Blueberry Land is by a suggested donation of 5 USD per person, and the shop is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 in season (late June–mid October).
Sample Wild Blueberry Scones at Elmer’s Country Store: Elmer’s Country Store is known locally for its wild blueberry baked goods, especially their scones and muffins. Expect to spend around 4 USD for a pastry. The store is open daily from 06:00 to 20:00.

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.

See a Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: The O.K. Corral hosts daily reenactments of the legendary shootout. Admission for the gunfight and museum is 10 USD for adults and 7 USD for children, with shows typically at 12:00, 14:00, and 15:30. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Eat at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon: Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is Tombstone’s highest-rated historic saloon, serving up hearty favorites like Tombstone cheesesteaks, brisket sandwiches, and live country music. Main dishes average 15–20 USD per person. Open daily from 11:00 to 00:00.

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.

Pose with the Santa Claus Statue: The 20-foot Santa Claus Statue stands outside the Santa Claus Museum and is open to visitors every day, all day, for free. It’s an iconic photo stop just a short walk from the museum itself.
Have Lunch at Frosty’s Fun Center: Frosty’s Fun Center is a cheerful, kid-friendly go-to for pizza, burgers, ice cream, and arcade games. Meals average 10–15 USD per person and the restaurant is open daily from 10:30 to 20:00 in peak season.

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.

Sample Hearty Breakfasts at Littleton Diner: Littleton Diner has served classics like homemade corned beef hash and stacks of pancakes since the 1930s. Breakfast or lunch plates average 12–16 USD per person. Open daily from 7:00 to 15:00.
Shop for Outdoor Gear at Lahout’s Ski Shop: Lahout’s Ski Shop is recognized as America’s oldest ski shop, with a wide selection of winter gear and local expertise. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.