#rural-tourism

#rural-tourism

Three days into my walk along the Rhins of Galloway coast path and I was on love-hate terms with this new long-distance trail. Unruly and at times cruel, it forced me to hurdle fences, wade through bracken up to my midriff and teased me with disappearing paths and wayward waymarks. But then, after I'd yelled profanities into the wind (there were no other hikers around to hear me), this raffishly handsome route would come over all sweetness and light.

In the stretch of the Hudson Valley between New York City and Albany, there's a wealth of small towns that have the unique appeal of being both within easy driving distance to major cities while retaining a more rural, slow-paced charm. They range from New Paltz, New York's hippie town with a European-style shopping street, to the popular getaway of Hudson, a trendy small city called the "Downtown of Upstate."

For those seeking a picturesque dive into medieval history, Corrèze, France, is the ideal destination. The lesser-known region in south central France is home to six of the country's official most beautiful villages: Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Saint-Robert, Ségur-le-Chateau, and Turenne. These charming towns are all tucked into rolling hills, rivers, and woodlands, offering immersive historical experiences and outdoor adventures. With flower-lined streets, covered markets, thriving artisans, and dreamy terraces, visiting Corrèze really feels like traipsing through a fairy tale.

Loralee Tester describes the Northeast Kingdom as 'the soul of Vermont,' highlighting its rolling hills, beautiful farms, and a different pace of life.