Northern Kentucky city among HGTV’s 40 most charming small downtowns across America

(NewsNation) — HGTV has released its list of the most charming small downtowns in America, showcasing various towns from across the country “that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore.”

Many of the downtowns feature historic architecture, boutiques, festivals, amazing views and great food.

Some notable towns on the list include:

Athens, Georgia:

Located a little over an hour from Atlanta, Athens is a college town home to the University of Georgia. Athens is known for its vibrant Southern charm and music scene, being the hometown of iconic bands such as R.E.M. and The B-52s. The town also boasts an excellent selection of vintage clothing stores and beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings.

Lewes, Delaware:

Lewes is a coastal town located on the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The town features Cape Henlopen State Park, which has miles of bike trails and beaches. Over the summer, many take the popular ferry from Lewes to Cape May, New Jersey.

St. Michaels, Maryland:

St. Michaels is a small coastal town located on the Chesapeake Bay that is a popular spot for visitors in the summer. It features stunning Victorian-era homes, a historic 19th-century seaport and many unique shopping options.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California:

Located about three hours south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square-mile village on the central coast of California. The town is known for its quaint boutiques and award-winning dining options. During the holiday season, Carmel transforms into a festive destination, featuring twinkling lights adorning the buildings and beautiful window displays.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia:

Harpers Ferry is a charming small town located in the easternmost point of West Virginia in the lower Shenandoah Valley, where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia converge. The town has a rich history and features several stunning 19th-century buildings. Additionally, there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy.

40 most charming small downtowns in America

The full list of the 40 most charming small downtowns in America includes:

• Athens, Georgia
• Mystic, Connecticut
• Fernandina Beach, Florida
• Middleburg, Virginia
• Concord, North Carolina
• Dahlonega, Georgia
• Cape Charles, Virginia
• Conway, South Carolina
• Pacific Grove, California
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Charlottesville, Virginia
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Wickford, Rhode Island
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Bastrop, Texas
• Lewes, Delaware
• Taos, New Mexico
• Galena, Illinois
• Marquette, Michigan
• Lewiston, New York
• Abilene, Kansas
• Ketchum, Idaho
• St. Michaels, Maryland
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
• Virginia City, Nevada
• Lake Placid, New York
• Bend, Oregon
• Williams, Arizona
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Covington, Kentucky
• Medora, North Dakota
• Deadwood, South Dakota
• Solvang, California
• Montpelier, Vermont
• Park City, Utah
• Livingston, Montana
• York, Pennsylvania
• Franklin, Tennessee
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• Fish Creek, Wisconsin