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Top 12 Vacation Rentals in America’s Small Towns

If it’s small-town charms you’re after, America is home to many destinations that are sure to fit the bill. Whether you’re looking for a mountain stay, a seaside retreat, a slice of history or something else, you’ll need the perfect place to base your stay. These rentals will allow you to make the most of the destination, completing that ideal getaway.

Little Yellow House - Murphys, California Little Yellow House, Murphys, California
Credit: Little Yellow House, Murphys, California by Airbnb.com

Little Yellow House - Murphys, California

Located in the Sierra foothills in the heart of Gold Country, Murphys is often named among the most charming small towns in California and the Little Yellow House perfectly suits its personality. It sits right in the heart of the historic downtown with unique shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms, steps from the picturesque town park which has a playground and a creek running through. It accommodates up to six in two bedrooms and has a private backyard, kitchen, cable TV, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer and all the other essentials.

Charming Cottage with Dramatic Views and Fireplace - Mendocino, California Charming Cottage with Dramatic Views and Fireplace
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Charming Cottage with Dramatic Views and Fireplace - Mendocino, California

This charming cottage is located in Mendocino which sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific, a little over three hours north of San Francisco. It once used as a setting for the popular TV series, “Murder, She Wrote,” in which it doubled as Cabot Cove, Maine due to its New England flavor, with the downtown filled with Victorian homes, restaurants, bakeries unique boutiques and galleries. The cottage is just steps from the village and five minutes on foot to a picturesque beach. It includes a kitchenette, gas fireplace and an upstairs loft with a queen bed and two rocking chairs with views of Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Helen's Cottage - Bisbee, Arizona Helen's Cottage, Bisbee, Arizona
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Helen's Cottage - Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee is an artsy town that sits a mile high in the Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, with streets lined with Victorian-era homes perched precariously on the steep hillsides. It has a fascinating history to explore, unique and often surprising works of art spread throughout, art galleries and artist studios that are tucked in between antique shops, museums and eateries. To enjoy it, book Helen’s Cottage which was built in 1914 and has been one of the homes featured on the annual Bisbee Home Tour. It includes romantic gardens, a hammock, an outdoor fire pit and hot tub, along with a huge flat-screen Amazon TV, and all the necessities.

Stunning Views From a Timber Framed Barn - Woodstock, Vermont The Loft Woodstock Vermont
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Stunning Views From a Timber Framed Barn - Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is often named among New England’s prettiest towns, located on the banks of the Ottauquechee River, complete with a picturesque covered bridge, old country farms, pretty parks, restored Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival homes, and a village green. By booking this Airbnb that sits on the top floor of a timber-framed barn you’ll enjoy stunning forest views on a peaceful back road while being just 3.5 miles from town. It includes two bedrooms, sleeping up to five, with an open-concept Great Room that has a fireplace, Smart TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and a full kitchen.

Victorian in the Heart of Port Townsend - Port Townsend, Washington Victorian in the Heart of Port Townsend
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Victorian in the Heart of Port Townsend - Port Townsend, Washington

One of the prettiest small towns in the Pacific Northwest, Port Townsend is surrounded by mountains and water, with a charming downtown that’s filled with Victorian-era buildings. This Airbnb will put you just three blocks away, with historic Uptown only a two-block jaunt. It sits on the first floor of a gorgeous farmhouse Victorian on the historic registry and includes three bedrooms with high ceilings for an extra-spacious feel and your own private yard. You’ll have a full kitchen, a wide-screen cable TV,  Wi-Fi, beds with high-quality linens and personal care products like soap and bubble bath too.

The Wren Guest House - Beaufort, South Carolina The Wren Guest House, Beaufort, South Carolina
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The Wren Guest House - Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort is often named among the country’s most beautiful small towns, and this restored circa 1920s home will put you right in the heart of its downtown historic district. It sits on a quiet street just a couple of blocks from the Beaufort River at Bellamy Curve, along with Uptown’s shops and eateries. It accommodates two in one bedroom with a queen-size bed and includes an open living room and kitchen with large windows looking out to the garden.

Former Home of Local Historian - Eureka Springs, Arkansas Bedroom in Former Home of Local Historian, Eureka Springs
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Former Home of Local Historian - Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs was named one of a “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. Its historic downtown is filled with magnificent Victorian homes built on cliffsides, with over 100 shops and art galleries to explore. This home is the perfect complement as the former home of published author and local historian, the host’s own Grandma June, providing the chance to “live inside Eureka’s history” while enjoying smart home features at the same time. It includes a 55 “TV and complimentary Netflix account, along with a lovely porch swing and backyard.

Church House - Wallace, Idaho Church House, Wallace, Idaho
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Church House - Wallace, Idaho

The Church House is a unique historic chapel converted into a residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the charming town of Wallace. The entire downtown area is part of the National Register of Historic Places and its surrounded by forested mountains. The two-bedroom home itself was built in 1905 and sits just off the main street across from a river. The queen bedroom has French doors that lead to a small deck and large brick patio, while the main room, the former sanctuary, includes arched stained glass windows, a spacious sofa area with an old-time piano and a full kitchen.

Casita Piedra Vista - Taos, New Mexico Casita Piedra Vista, Taos, New Mexico
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Casita Piedra Vista - Taos, New Mexico

Taos is one of New Mexico’s most beautiful towns, with a long rich history and an artsy vibe. It sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for its historic adobe architecture and Taos Pueblo, a village continuously inhabited for more than a thousand years. Enjoy it all by booking Casita Piedra Vista which boasts spectacular mountain and sunset views, while providing easy access to town. It includes a large bedroom, accommodating up to two, along with a fully equipped kitchen and relaxing living area.

Stunning La Conner Village Home - La Conner, Washington Stunning La Conner Village Home
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Stunning La Conner Village Home - La Conner, Washington

La Conner attracts many to enjoy its Daffodil Festival and world-famous Tulip Festival, which brings endless fields of color against the Cascade Mountain backdrop. It offers many charms of its own to enjoy year-round, located along the Skagit River, jam-packed with art galleries, independent boutiques, wine tasting opportunities, eateries and several museums. By staying at this home you’ll have expansive views of the town, canal, and the mountains, with three levels of open space, three outdoor terraces, and a gas fireplace. It includes two bedrooms, both en-suite, sleeping up to six.

Katie's House - Crested Butte, Colorado Katie's House
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Katie's House - Crested Butte, Colorado

Katie’s House is located in one of Colorado’s most beautiful Rocky Mountain towns, Crested Butte. An award-winning home built in 1922, guests can enjoy its historic character while being within walking distance to shopping, dining, skiing, hiking and more, just a block off the main street. It sleeps six in three bedrooms and includes cable TV, Wi-Fi and a washer/dryer.

B Street House Uncle Henry's Room - Virginia City, Nevada B Street House Uncle Henry's Room
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B Street House Uncle Henry's Room - Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City is one of the coolest Old West towns, located just a short drive from Reno or Carson City. Enjoy its wooden sidewalks and countless attractions with a stay in this private room that sits within a fully restored 1875 Victorian home, complete with antique decor, free Wi-Fi, TV and a European-style breakfast included.

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