This Is The Most Charming Small Town In MI, New Report Says

MICHIGAN — A new report has named the most charming small towns across the nation. Travel magazine Afar, in its new analysis, picked Frankenmuth as the most charming in Michigan.

In its analysis of the mid-Michigan town, Afar noted Frankenmuth's "over-the-top connection to Christmas and strong Germanic roots."

"This town of some 5,000 residents was settled by Germans in the 19th century, which visitors can learn more about aboard the Bavarian Belle, a two-story paddlewheel riverboat that cruises along the Cass River, or during the German-themed parades, keg tapping, and wiener dog races of its Oktoberfest," Afar wrote.

Frankenmuth also features The 360-room Bavarian Inn Lodge, the 136-year-old Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Zehnder’s and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which was founded in 1945 and, at 27 acres, is billed as the world’s largest Christmas store.

Other towns listed in the report include Hudson in New York, North Adams in Massachusetts, New Hope in Pennsylvania, and Los Olivos in California.

For the list, Afar said it defined a small town as a place with around 25,000 people or fewer. The pick for each state was chosen based on a unique attraction or characteristic to draw in visitors – whether it’s “singular streets or spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities,” according to Afar.

For example, the standout Maine small town, Belfast, was chosen for its “palpable hippie-meets-hipster energy,” while Waterbury, Vermont, got a nod for being the home of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory.

Meanwhile, ski towns (and ski-town "vibes") made several appearances on the list — including Whitefish in Montana and Leadville in Colorado, while Wyoming, Georgia, and South Carolina all featured towns with deep histories: Cody, Dahlonega, and Beaufort, respectively.

Looking to pick up a delicious block of cheese? The list has you covered there, too, suggesting a visit to Harman’s Cheese and Country Store in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, for its “beloved” white cheddar.

Read the full report in Afar.