Top 10 Must Visit Small Towns

Items for Your Bucket List 

Buckle up, Jeep enthusiasts! It's time to hit the open road and explore some of America's hidden gems.  I've have been to a lot of small towns across the country. These charming destinations offer a delightful mix of scenic beauty, rich history, and small-town hospitality that will make your Jeep journey unforgettable. So, grab your keys, lower those windows, and let's embark on a road trip to discover these off-the-beaten-path treasures that are just begging to be explored from behind the wheel of your beloved Jeep.

San Luis Valley, Colorado

Saguache, Home of the Original Jeep Rescue League, in the heart of the Rockies, a must see! Several vintage and antique Jeeps on display along with some cool military vehicles. The headquarters is also home to several military exhibits.

Saving Jeeps one Jeep at a Time Blog Post 

photo courtesy The Jeep Rescue League

Nearby this small mountain town is Elephant rocks, and Natural Arch just a short drive from Del Norte, Colorado. Del Norte is settled along the Rio Grande River which is a great place for some fishing. About an hour's drive is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls. There is a fun off-road trail in the Sand Dunes park up to Medano pass where you can see some amazing views. 

Nearby is Monte Vista home to the Crane Festival where you will find more 4x4 trails. Just a short drive from Monte Vista is the trail Bishop's Rock as well as trails that will lead you to Elwood Pass as well. The Gaia GPS app will help you find these trails. 

There is a Jeep adventure in all directions from the San Luis Valley. Check out the Chinaman's Gulch Trail & Carnage Canyon a trail for only series rock crawlers just over Poncha Springs Pass, near Buena Vista Colorado.  A mecca of fun for any overlander. See other my other Colorado towns for more great Jeep Trails.

Moab, Utah

A must stop for every off-roader! However, you don't need to be an off-roader to enjoy Moab. There is so much beauty to see. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, The Colorado River, 3 Scenic By-ways - Utah 128 is absolutely breathtaking, Deadhorse state park and nearby ghost town Cisco. 

Jeep Momma Moab Adventure

Selfie at Arches National Park

Oatman, Arizona

A small village on old Route 66 in Mojave County, Arizona. Fun shops and "wild" Burros that wander the streets. The Burros are descendants of the burros brought to the area by the miners. In the early 1900's Oatman, a tent city, was a thriving gold mining center. 

I rated Route 66 to Oatman on of my top 5 scenic routes on Black Top.  

Donkey on the streets of Oatman

Creede, Colorado

A quaint small town nestled in the mountains of Colorado. Main Street shopping, nearby Stoney Creek Pass a 4x4 trail that takes you to the Alpine Loop Near Silverton, Colorado. 

There are other great scenic drives bachelor’s Loop Tour a 22-mile scenic off road drive up and around the historic mining district. The trail is rated moderate. 

Just down the road is Pool Table Road which takes you the Wheeler Geological Area which has the most fantastic geological features in the San Juan Mountains. Another must see North Clear Creek Falls and South Clear Creek Fall Unexpected scenic waterfall just off the highway. 

North Clear Creek Falls, Colorado

Lake City, Colorado

Once you leave Creede, Colorado you just take scenic by-way Colorado 149 up to Lake City, Colorado. Another quaint little town nestled in the San Juan Mountain range. Rocky Canyons with high valley floors and crystalline flowing rivers with miles of outdoor beauty. 

A small town with big history, Lake San Cristobal with boating, fishing, and other water activities. Plenty of hiking opportunities and Ghost towns nearby. Engineer Pass a Jeep Badge of Honor Tour, one of Colorado's highest roads takes you over to the Alpine Loop which is full of mining history and ghost towns.

My Jeep on Engineer Pass

  

Silverton, Colorado

You can either take Stoney Pass from Creede, Colorado or Engineer Pass from Lake City to The Alpine Loop which takes you directly to this National Historic Landmark and former mining boomtown full of mining history. 

A cute little town with great shops and restaurants.  There are miles and miles of old mining roads winding in and around the mountains with amazing views. 

 An off-roaders dream come true. Nearby Engineer Pass, Poughkeepsie Gulch two Jeep Badge of Honor Trails. Corkscrew Pass and Cinnamon Pass are close by too. 

Old Mine near Silverton, Colorado

Winslow, Arizona

An iconic street corner in a small town based on a song by the Eagles. A must stop is you are near Sedona or Flagstaff. Sedona is known for it's beautiful scenery and Jeep trails. Flagstaff is near the Southern Entrance to the Grand Canyon. 

Jeep Momma Standin' on the Corner in Winslow, AZ

Bar Harbor, Maine

Downtown Bar Harbor is a great spot for local shopping and good food! Acadia National Park is is a great coastal park you must visit. 

Taos, New Mexico

One of the prettiest mountain towns in America with an amazing scenic location in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

Taos has a unique art community and known for its adobe building and historic architecture. There is a world class ski resort nearby along with the most photographed and iconic churches. 

Close by is a must see Rio Grande Gorge Bridge National Monument. The tenth highest bridge in America. I had no idea it was even there the time I drove to Texas from Colorado. You don’t even realize you are on the bridge until it is too late, and you look down and if you are afraid of heights you will scream like I did. 

There is a scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest. An 83-mile loop through the mountains, valleys, mesa, and national forestland peppered with small community destinations full of activities and annual events. This drive is centered around Wheeler Peak at 13,159 feet, the highest point in the state. There are several places in the area to take your Jeep Off Road.

Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge

Salem, Massachusetts

Step back in time the many ghost or witch tours, there are plenty to choose from when you visit this unusual ~cursed at one time~ town. I spent two days in Salem in 2016 an learned a lot about the Salem witches. It was extremely interesting to hear about all the curses and stories about the witch trials. 

A must stop is Murphys Bar, said to be haunted by the ghosts in the cemetery right next to the building. I couldn’t find much off roading near Salem but if you are into the water there are many maritime activities. The Misery Islands are nearby, as well. 

More Haunted Places in Salem

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How To Live in the Moment

Prioritizing the Present

Experiences... not stuff, that is what life is all about. I have been on a life changing journey the since 2012. I found my kids didn't need their mom like they used to need me. It was a whole new level of being of mom, which freed up my time and life.

I began to feel what was to come as my children started living their own lives.

Check out my post Empty Nest: Evolution of Motherhood to help navigate your way through a really hard time. 

To live in the moment can be difficult. There is quite a bit of brain re-training that needs to be done which takes time. I didn't really start living in the moment until I did my first cross country adventure. I learned the gift of letting go. I still have a long ways to go, but I am getting there. 

Ben, my son and I at the National Sand Dunes

When I get time to spend with my kids who are now living their own grown up lives, I let go and cherish every moment with them. Time is so precious I know I need to enjoy and savor every moment with them 

Ben & I at Zapata Falls. 

Top 5  Ways to Live in the Moment

Smile

Stop Worrying About Tomorrow

Always Move Forward

Pay Attention to the Small Things

Practice Gratitude

The Art of Letting Go

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like everything needs to be done right this minute. Take a step back and reconsider some of those tasks that seem urgent. They most likely can actually wait. In fact, some things on your to-do list may not even be necessary. It's time to embrace the art of letting go.

Embracing the Present Moment

Living in the moment is all about understanding that the past is behind us, and the future is uncertain. The most precious thing we have is the present. It's about living consciously and being aware that every breath is a gift. 

• Be aware of what you are doing and don't let your mind drift about what you need to do next or later.
• Find pleasure in anything, look for the positive. 
• Drive slower and look at the world around you. Don't always be in a rush as it raises your stress level.
• Eat slower and savor the flavors and textures
• Appreciate nature and be grateful.
• Focus on the people you are with because you never know when that will be your last moment with them. 
• Disconnect from technology when possible. The internet and social media can cause your brain to overload. 

The Illusion of a Never-ending To-Do List

We've all been there, with a never-ending "to do" list that seems to mock us. However, it's important to realize that just because something is on that list doesn't mean it has to be done immediately. Dishes can wait, laundry can wait, but there's one thing that can't – quality time with your loved ones.