Escape the big city and plot a route to explore these historical gems, small towns replete with local charm and noteworthy ...

Of course, not everyone can shift from the big city out to the smaller rural towns that orbit it, and if they did, those small towns would start to lose the very benefits that gave them an advantage.

Country Living names Nevada City as a top 10 best small town in America 02:47. ... So we want people to come in and check out our really unique shops we have here," Hall said.