2021 Travel Restrictions: Charming US Small Towns Open This Winter

The U.S.' small towns remain one of its greatest treasures and, during an era in which Americans continue to favor domestic getaways and having smaller populations make destinations all the more attractive, their appeal is bound to increase. This winter-while COVID-19 case counts are rising all around the nation and nearly half of U.S. states have instituted interstate travel restrictions-we're highlighting several noteworthy spots that are still open to travelers, and are perfect for a long weekend or at least a stop on along your larger road-trip route.

Population: 1,965

Situated among the San Juan Mountains, Telluride's main draw during winter is its world-class skiing. But, should you desire a break from the slopes, there is a long list of other wintertime activities are on offer, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling Nordic skiing, skating, sledding, ice climbing, big-tire bike tours, winter fly-fishing, dog sledding, horseback riding and sleigh riding. There's even an option for helicopter skiing, reaching the highest elevations of any North American helicopter ski operation, for safe and personalizing backcountry skiing and snowboarding. In town, Telluride's dining scene is award-winning and the former Victorian mining town also features several historical attractions.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Colorado.

*COVID-19 safety guidance varies by county. See Colorado's COVID-19 website and check Colorado's Dial Dashboard for recommendations at the county level.

Spanning just over two square miles, the little burg of Helen boasts Old-World Bavarian charm in heart of northeast Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. According to its website, this little town is the state's third-most visited city, with its unique Alpine-style village, complete with quaint hotels, cobblestone streets and German fare. Helen contains several in-town attractions and recreational opportunities like fly-fishing, golfing, horseback riding and tubing. Outside of town there are alluring vineyards and Unicoi State Park, great for hiking and biking, or swimming and boating on Unicoi Lake. Smithgall Woods State Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest also lie just to the west.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Georgia. See Georgia's COVID-19 website for more information.

Population: 14,515

The Atlantic coastal city of St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously-inhabited European settlement in the U.S., having been founded by Spaniards in 1565. As such, it isn't just a great year-round beach destination, but an ideal spot for history buffs, boasting more than four centuries' worth of blended culture, architecture and artifacts. Spanish colonial architecture and late 19th-century, Romanesque Revival-style buildings, cobblestone walkways, museums, boutiques, art galleries, music venues and eateries all contribute to St. Augustine's richness. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the area's sandy beaches and proximity of the peninsular Anastasia State Park, which is a protected wildlife sanctuary.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Florida.

*A St. Augustine city ordinance mandates that masks be worn in any public indoor space and when social distancing is not feasible. See Florida's COVID-19 website for more information.

Population: 10,553

In a valley just south of Grand Teton National Park and surrounded by national forest on all other sides, Jackson Hole is a nature lover's (as well as art and culture lovers') dream. As a ski destination, it's known as "The Big One", due to its singular vertical rise and rugged terrain. Amid miles of open wilderness, all kinds of winter activities await, from Alpine skiing or snowboarding, Nordic skiing and backcountry touring to fat-tire biking, dog-sledding, sleigh rides, wildlife tours or visits to the hot springs. In addition to outdoor recreation, Jackson Hole also boasts art and performance venues, world-class shopping and a noteworthy gastronomic scene.

*Currently, there are no travel restrictions for Wyoming. See Wyoming's COVID-19 website for more information on safety recommendations and ordinances in place at the local level.

Population: 8,375

Park City is one American small town that everyone has likely heard of, thanks to its world-renowned ski slopes and the presence of Utah Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held and which now operates as an official U.S. Olympic training facility, as well as being open to visitors. The charming 19th-century silver former mining town, nestled in the Wasatch mountain range, has plenty to offer in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding. Its parks and trails provide ample opportunity for hiking, backpacking or biking; and other available outdoor activities include cross-country skiing, snoeshowing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, horseback riding and sleigh rides. When the snow melts, Park City becomes a gorgeous getaway for world-class golfing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, rafting and watersports.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for the state of Utah. COVID-19 requirements vary at the county level.

*Masks are mandatory statewide while inside publicly accessed indoor settings and outdoors where social distancing is not feasible. See Park City's COVID-19 website for further details.

Population: 4,004

This small community in eastern Tennessee is surrounded on three sides by Great Smoky Mountains National Park and, over time, has emerged as a mountain resort town. In fact, it's home to the only ski resort in Tennessee-Ober Gatlinburg-which also offers tubing and an ice-skating rink. With the country's most-visited national park in Gatlinburg's backyard, it's easy to access the 150 trails covering 800 miles of pristine Appalachian backcountry, where you can view magnificent vistas, seek out waterfalls and encounter diverse wildlife. In town, there are a wealth of family-friendly attractions, including mini-golf, arcades, mountain coasters, museums and a world-class aquarium.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Tennessee. See Tennessee's COVID-19 website for more information on safety recommendations and ordinances in place at the local level.

Population: 2,791

Located in central Idaho's Wood River Valley beneath Bald Mountain, Ketchum is best known for its founding of neighboring Sun Valley, touted as "America's First Ski Resort". But, Ketchum itself was first founded as a mining town in 1880 and afterward survived as a center for livestock after the mining boom had subsided. With a backdrop of blue skies, vast forests and crystal-clear waterways, its pristine outdoor setting makes this Rocky Mountain community a center for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fly-fishing, horseback riding, golfing and just about any other outdoorsy thing you can think of. Avid stargazers will appreciate Ketchum's status as an International Dark Sky Community.

*Currently, there are no travel restrictions for Idaho. See Idaho's COVID-19 website for more information on safety recommendations and ordinances in place at the local level.

Population: 11,245

Fredericksburg, located in the Lone Star State's central region, exudes a fascinating fusion of the spirit of America's Old West and the town's German immigrant roots. Its historic main street and town square feature boutique shops, art galleries and original architecture. It has been called Texas Hill Country's unofficial capital of food and wine, as it boasts more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms, a plethora of restaurants-many serving authentic German fare-and vineyards, peach and pear orchards just outside the city. Lodging options range from RV parks and campgrounds to small inns, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts to national hotel chains.

Being the birthplace of Admiral Nimitz, the city is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, featuring a wealth of WWII exhibits, including a recreated combat zone. There's also the Pioneer Museum, which gives a glimpse into the lives of the German pioneers who first settled here in 1846.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Texas.

*Masks are required in indoor public settings and outdoor areas where social distancing is not feasible. See Texas' COVID-19 website for more information.

Population: 7,714

The town of Whitefish in Montana's Northern Rocky Mountains first sprung from logging operations in the 1890s and is situated at the edge of Glacier National Park. It's a natural wonderland filled with millions of acres of mountain forests, lakes and rivers, but skiing has been its main draw for more than 50 years. While the Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain may be high-profile, the picturesque town itself has a low-key vibe that offers a welcome change from the face pace of urban life. Its Central Avenue is stocked with quality restaurants, shops and nightlife venues. Lodging options range from stylishly rustic lodges and cabins, and quaint bed and breakfasts to full-service resorts. The location of the valley that Whitefish occupies keeps it protected from extreme climate changes, making this destination ideal for year-round recreation.

*Montana currently has no statewide travel restrictions. However, local restrictions may vary on Montana's seven Indian reservations, where they're determined by tribal governments, and may change without notice. See Montana's COVID-19 website for more information.

*Masks are required in Montana in all pubic indoor spaces and must be worn for outdoor activities where social distancing is not feasible.

Population: 8,640

Located on Baranof Island, Sitka is Alaska's only Inside Passage that fronts the Pacific Ocean, and the coastal town can only be accessed by plane or boat. Nestled at the base of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, Sitka is surrounded by majestic forests and offers superb hiking trails that venture high into the mountains. A trip through its downtown area reveals numerous restaurants, shops and art galleries.

The product of native Tlingit culture and Russian history, Sitka became Alaska's first capital when the U.S. purchased the territory from Russia in 1867; and the town boasts 22 buildings that appear in the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized at the heart of the state's Old Russian influence. Nearby are Tongrass National Forest and Sitka National Historical Park, which preserves the site of Russia's defeat of the indigenous people, is dotted with hand-hewn totem poles that can be viewed along its coastal trail.

Wildlife viewing is one of Sitka's most popular activities, from whale watching and glass-bottom boat tours to birding cruises to see puffins at Saint Lazaria Island National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can also come face-to-face with local wildlife at the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates and releases injured birds of prey; and Fortress of the Bear, which features a three-quarter-acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs.

*Travelers will need a qualifying negative COVID-19 test to enter Alaska without quarantine and must submit a Travel Declaration form through its online portal in advance.

*Masks are encouraged, though not mandated. See Alaska's COVID-19 website for further guidance.

Population: 1,991

A secluded and peaceful mountain town in northern Arkansas, Eureka Springs' winding streets are lined with marvelous Victorian homes that hug the cliffsides. Named one of a "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the town also boasts an entire downtown district that's on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors to this cozy community nestled in the heart of the Ozarks will find a wealth of activities and experiences on offer. In town, Eureka Springs presents block after block of unique boutiques, art galleries, craft emporiums, museums and more. The dining scene features everything from down-home Southern food to award-winning restaurants serving Czech-German fare, including Mediterranean, Italian, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisines.

In terms of outdoor recreation, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and other water sports on local lakes and rivers are popular options for enjoying the incredible outdoor setting. When there isn't a pandemic on, the town typically hosts all sorts of festivals and events, for interests ranging from jazz, blues and opera to art, antiques, car shows and UFOs.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Arkansas.

*Masks are required for everyone ten years and older while in indoor public settings and outdoor areas where social distancing is not feasible. See Arkansas' COVID-19 website for more information.

Population: 2,282

A former mining town dubbed 'The Jewel of the Black Hills', Custer has something for everyone with a lively downtown area full of gift shops, boutiques, galleries, and outstanding cuisine. The town is situated in the breathtaking Black Hills National Forest, on the edge of Custer State Park, where herds of free-roaming buffalo can be spotted, and is only a short drive from famous attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Jewel Cave National Monument. Adventurers will find the entire area to be a natural playground, with abundant opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, hot air ballooning and more. It's also a great place for a family vacation, featuring kid-friendly attractions, photo ops and plenty of fresh air.

*There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into South Dakota. Some trip routes through tribal lands may be closed and alternatives needed. Check SafeTravelUsa.com/SD or call 511 for up-to-date road information.

*Masks are recommended, though not mandated by the state. See South Dakota's COVID-19 website for more information.