TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest travel sites, named Sitka one of ‘‘17 Beautiful Small Towns to Visit in the U.S.”
‘‘Sometimes a small town getaway is just what you need to slow down and hit refresh,’’ a press release from Trip Advisor said. ‘‘These 17 beautiful small towns deliver relaxation and recreation with a heavy dose of charm, proving that bigger isn’t always better. From the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Alaska, this roundup has a place for everyone.”
In naming Sitka, the website said: ‘‘Sitka might be one of the most beautiful small towns in the United States, but the surrounding landscape is unabashedly big. Hike or drive up to the top of the Harbor Mountain Trail to take in larger-than-life views of surrounding Baranof Island along the Alaska Panhandle. You can take a quick drive to nearby hiking trails, but you don’t even need to leave town to see wildlife at the Alaska Raptor Center. At the right time of year, you might catch sight of migrating whales on a whale-watching cruise.’’
Rounding out the list of 17 are: Black Mountain, North Carolina; Camden, Maine; Fernandina Beach, Florida; St. Simons Island, Georgia; St. Augustine, Florida; Stowe, Vermont; Solvang, California; Deadwood, South Dakota; Big Sky, Montana; Hanalei, Hawaii; Telluride, Colorado; Healdsburg, California; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Galena, Illinois; Cannon Beach, Oregon; Beaufort, South Carolina.
