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Small Towns in New England

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Rhode Island
Little Compton. This wee bit of coastal land, which hugs the Massachusetts border on one side and the Sakonnet River in the Ocean State on the other, is at first glance a sleepy hamlet stuck in time. LC is quiet. Most folks are happy to take in a bit of sailing, fishing, or a long bike ride, but still waters run deep. A closer look unveils a thriving art community, well-tended farmland, including Sakonnet Vineyards, a world-class winery (162 West Main Road; 800-919-4637; sakonnetwine.com), and crazy-good pies -- Sakonnet River Pie to be exact (160 Swamp Road; 401-635-0022; sakonnetriverpie.com).

Vermont
Peacham. When photographers search for a New England village whose images would melt the heart of any urbanite dreaming of a simpler, lovelier life, more often than not they come to this village. The handsome Colonial houses of its 665 inhabitants are framed by rolling hills and the sorts of vistas and atmosphere that Hollywood looks for. You can see parts of Peacham in "Return to Salem's Lot," "Ethan Frome," "Where the Rivers Flow North," and especially "The Spitfire Grill," which remade the general store into the title eatery. Not surprisingly, the village has attracted more than its share of artists and craftspeople.
800-639-6379; nekchamber.com, peacham.net

Find more New England small towns.