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I have visited any number of cities and towns across the United States, though not as many as I would like to get to. Some of them, particularly along the East Coast, have impressively quaint “Old Town” centers or other urban areas where the streets aren't quite as wide as they could be, where the neighbors are as close as can be, and where the feeling of the charm of yesterday overfills your cup. I'm interested in hearing about the “Old Town” areas of towns and cities across America that other people have been to.I stayed in Manassas, Virginia last year for a month or so, right on the edge of Old Town. It was a charming place, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and even the train station that went right along its border. I was surprised, however, when I found out that what I thought was an 18th Century city center was actually rather "modern" in that it wasn't really built up until after the Civil War; until then, Manasas was basically non-existent.Another place with some Victorianesque charm, but without quite the lengthy history, is Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. Although it has blended in with the modernity that has crept around it, this early 20th Century street is lined with beautiful mansions which bring you back to the days when F. Scott Fitzgerald walked the sidewalks. Perhaps the best of all Old Town areas I've been to is Alexandria, Virginia. This is a large area of cobblestone streets, Colonial row houses, and the occasional front doorway gas light. Along the harbor, Old Town Alexandria is as quaint as can be, and the variety of shops, restaurants, and other sites which are easily accessible make for an exceptionally pleasant visit.
For some reason, Boston comes to mind. I have never been there but I think it's pretty “Old Town”. The universities and such have been unchanged there, so I guess that's why.
I used to live in the Old Town segment of San Diego. They have a state park there with some neat stuff (CA's oldest school house, recreation of SD's first courthouse, Whaley House–supposedly the most haunted house in America, and some other odds and ends) but mostly it's just tourist trap stuff.
Usually when I think of “Old Towns”, I think of cities more on the East Coast. However, I suppose that other parts of the country, such as towns in California, were settled pretty early in our nation's history as well. After all, Spanish towns in Mexico must date to the mid-1500s, and at the time I imagine that Spanish control extended into modern-day Cali. So when does Old Town San Diego date to? Is it authentically old, or is it more of a revamped yuppy-esque part of the city made to look like it has a dated feel?
I've never visited the northeast, But I have been to St Augustine Florida. Settled by the spanish in the 1500's it was incredible, if you go visit the lighthouse, the original I think was built in 1563, or there abouts.
Some of the smaller towns and villages in Vermont (mostly) or New Hampshire are nice. You really get that “Old-fashioned New England” feel when you're there. Cape Cod has some older untouched-by-tourism towns, but they are few and far between because of the vast commercialism (and heavy traffic) that has overtaken the Cape.Glocester, MA is kinda cool too. A true New England fishing village.
Isn't Gloucester the town where the book A Perfect Storm was supposed to have taken place? Can't remember exactly…but I do know it was a great book.I've got potential plans to visit a buddy of mine in New Hampshire later this summer. He works in some resort ski town somewhere in the northern part of the state. Do you have any suggestions about towns in New Hampshire that are really great historical towns? I prefer the ones which are quaint, perhaps old streets and buildings that are still standing, and hopefully not too touristy.
Yes, The Perfect Storm was based in Gloucester.Do you know what ski resort?? ?I like Keene (southern NH, an old mill town, only a little touristy ),? further north into the mountains there's North Conway, even though it's very much a tourist hotspot, I still like it.? And nearby Jackson.? ?I'm quite partial to that area of NH though. 2 very good ski areas and lots of hiking (Mt. Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeast).Ask your buddy to take you down the Kancamangus Highway for some good mountain scenery if you're into that.? If not, then at least Rt. 302 (my guess is you're going to be close to that anyway)
