When it comes to destinations known for their rich culture and history, major cities like Paris and Rome often take the spotlight. However, it's the smaller, more remote towns that truly captivate discerning travelers. Despite their isolated geographical locations, these towns have easily accessible centers with charming main squares. These squares are adorned with historic buildings that have been tastefully transformed into restaurants and trendy shops. In America, the smaller towns are overflowing with culture and heritage, and their delightful architectural styles are sure to fascinate any architecture lover. Let's take a closer look at the top 3 towns that you're guaranteed to fall in love with. Come on!
So what kind of amazing architecture can you expect to find in America's small towns?
1. Pella, Iowa
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Founded in 1847, this small town is situated southeast of Des Moines. It became a refuge for approximately 800 Dutch immigrants who were seeking to escape religious persecution. Presently, Pella is like a slice of the Netherlands in the American Midwest. One of its most notable landmarks is the Vermeer Windmill, a grain mill constructed in the 1850s in the Netherlands and reassembled in Pella. With a towering height of over 124 feet, it holds the distinction of being the largest operational windmill in North America, serving as a reminder of Pella's agricultural history and Dutch traditions. Adjacent to the windmill is the Historical Village, which showcases authentic 19th-century Dutch buildings adorned with festive decorations for Kerstmarkt, an annual holiday market. Another fantastic time to visit Pella is during spring when the town's renowned tulips reach their peak bloom, an occasion celebrated as "Tulip Time."
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea appears more like a magical village rather than a typical California beach town. Covering just one square mile, this village was established in the 1920s and became a haven for creative individuals, including celebrities like Clint Eastwood and Bing Crosby, as well as renowned authors John Steinbeck and Jack London. The town center is adorned with charming cottages that seem to be taken straight out of a storybook, and these houses are home to restaurants, upscale shops, and boutique inns, such as the century-old L'Auberge Carmel, which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Close by, you will find a striking example of local architecture at the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, a Spanish colonial building constructed in the 18th century. Today, this site hosts four museums featuring artwork, religious artifacts, exhibits on local heritage, and beautiful gardens.
3. Hanalei, Hawaii
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Hanalei, a relaxed town on Kauai's north shore, is situated on the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain. With its backdrop of splendid green peaks and cascading waterfalls, and its view of the crystal-clear waters of Hanalei Bay, this enchanting little town is a magnet for beach lovers and avid surfers. The architecture in Hanalei reflects its rich history, showcasing the different cultures that have settled here over the years, from indigenous Hawaiians to traders from Russia and Europe, as well as New England whalers and missionaries. One standout landmark that represents Hanalei is the Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, built in the 1800s, characterized by its charming bell tower, impressive stained-glass windows, and green shingles in the American Gothic style. If you're looking to escape your mainland lifestyle and embrace the island way of living, take a hike along the rugged Nā Pali coast and indulge in the quintessential flavors of the islands, from freshly prepared poke and colorful shaved ice to tempting acai bowls, all conveniently available from casual food trucks.
Travel smarter, not harder: effortless airport parking is just a click away with us – ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Along with our small travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to Pella, Iowa. This state is located in the US Midwest. So if you're flying from NYC, New York, you can use cheap parking near JFK. If you're coming from Chicago, Illinois, you can choose affordable O'Hare off-site parking. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
You can always find everything you need on our official website: the best deals for parking near US and Canadian airports, domestic airport parking charges, and much more.
