12 Underrated American Towns Perfect for Your Next Escape

9. Petoskey, Michigan

On the shores of northern Lake Michigan, Petoskey invites visitors to savor simple pleasures in a setting of natural beauty and historic elegance. Famous for “Petoskey stones”—fossilized coral found along local beaches—the town also draws literature lovers following the early footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. Petoskey’s Gaslight District offers boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and local art galleries, all dotted with century-old architecture. Summer brings lively festivals, farmers markets, and sailing across the bay, while winter transforms the area into a wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing. Area wineries and orchards round out the appeal for foodies. With its lakefront hotels, charming inns, and genuine small-town friendliness, Petoskey makes a unique lakeside escape—inviting you to stay awhile and discover the stories on every block.