YELLOW BACKGROUND/ANASTASSIYA BEZHEKENEVA GETTY IMAGES BEAR LAKE/JACOB BOOMSMA/SHUTTERSTOCK


TRAVEL


5 LATE-SUMMER SMALL TOWN ESCAPES IN


America


BEAR LAKE UTAH/IDAHO


BY BECCA BLOND L


ate summer is a perfect time to hit the road. the crowds of peak travel season have started to thin, the weather is still warm (but less sweltering), and some of the country’s most charming small towns are at their


best — offering scenic drives, laid-back lodging, and classic American hospitality. Whether you’re looking to cool off near a turquoise lake, stroll a historic Main Street, or simply take in mountain views with a slice of homemade pie, these destinations are easy to get to and even easier to fall in love with.


From lake days to historic strolls, charming destinations for perfect getaway. ::


Lake straddles two states and offers some of the most surreal turquoise-hued freshwater in the continental U.S. Late summer is an ideal


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time to visit, with sunny skies and warm water perfect for


ften called the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear


boating, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the beach. Garden City, located on the


lake’s western shore, serves as the central hub, with family- run restaurants, marinas, and shake shops that regularly draw lines out the door. The town hosts Raspberry Days each August, a popular


78 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | AUGUST 2025


festival celebrating the region’s best-known crop and the milkshakes it’s famous for. Bear Lake Fun offers jet skis,


pontoon boats, paddleboards, and kayaks from several access points along the western shore. North Beach State Park,


located on the Idaho side, is a popular destination for families


due to its shallow, sandy bottom. More adventurous visitors can launch from the Bear Lake State Park Marina and explore the lake’s 48-mile shoreline at their own pace. Stay at the Conestoga


Ranch, where glamping tents and covered wagons offer a rustic-luxe experience near the water’s edge, or opt for a suite at The Sunrise Resort, located right on the beach and within walking distance of Garden City’s main attractions.


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