There’s no arguing that Boston is one of the world’s greatest cities. But laid-back might not be the first way to describe it. Between the rugged winters, rigorous academia, competitive athleticism, and Olympic jaywalking—sometimes Bostonians feel themselves craving a place to slow down.
Luckily, the tiny island town of Edgartown, just a drive and ferry from Boston, ranked among the nation’s “top 10 most laid-back towns.” The Martha’s Vineyard town’s population hovers just above 750 people. Occupying the southeast corner of the Vineyard, Edgartown offers miles of pristine coastline, boasts the award-winning Winnetu Resort, includes a shoppable quaint downtown, and features plenty of local farms to slow down and enjoy life as nature intended.
The rankings come from WorldAtlas, a leading online geography and travel resource. The publication notes of Edgartown:
On the shores of the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard is the vibrant village of Edgartown. A key highlight here is Edgartown Harbor Light, the historic grandeur of this 19th-century lighthouse (relocated in 1939), and the panoramic views of the main island and the nearby isle of Chappaquiddick. Speaking of Chappaquiddick, it’s just across the bridge from the main island, and East Beach is a fantastic spot for surf fishing and quiet walks on the shore. Back on the main island, Rockfish is a delectable choice for local seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and other tasty culinary creations. And for accommodations, the Harbor View Hotel is always a solid option for timeless New England-style luxury and picturesque coastal views.
Edgartown is the only New England town to rank on the list of America’s most laid-back towns. A few other East Coast towns made the list, plus, some way out yonder:
- Edgartown, Massachusetts
- Farmington, Pennsylvania
- Lovettsville, Virginia
- Boone, North Carolina
- Logan, Ohio
- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Sedona, Arizona
- Solana Beach, California
“No matter how one prefers to kick back, settle down, and unwind, the United States has a number of small towns that make a big getaway extra relaxing. If anyone craves a beautiful beach vacation, there’s Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard,” states WorldAtlas. Escape the city hustle and bustle with a relaxing island getaway.