John Villani, author of The 100 Best Art Towns in America, describes “the wonderfully plugged-in feeling” that small towns enjoy when revitalized by artists. “It’s all about who lands in these towns—that’s what makes them fascinating,” Villani writes. For groups landing in New England, the following towns vividly illustrate the transformative power of art.
Birthplace of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, Rockland, Maine, celebrates its maritime heritage with events such as the annual Maine Lobster Festival. An hour east of Augusta along mid-coastal Maine, Rockland is quite the artistic catch, too. Set on Penobscot Bay, an international draw for recreational sailing, the seaport’s Main Street is a veritable parade of art galleries, antique shops and bookstores. Key attractions include the nationally recognized Farnsworth Art Museum and its exclusive collection of Wyeth family works, the landmark 1923 Strand Theatre and the Maine Lighthouse Museum. At the nonprofit Island Institute, the Archipelago gallery and store is a great stop for sea-inspired crafts from local artists.
Located an hour west of Manchester, Peterborough may be one of New Hampshire’s smaller destinations, but it looms large on the art and cultural scene. Inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s acclaimed 1930s play Our Town, the historic hamlet is home to the MacDowell Colony, the oldest artists’ colony in the nation. Founded in 1907, the MacDowell features diverse performances on the first Friday of each month from March through November. Downtown, the Sharon Arts Center is a cool choice for tours, classes and workshops, along with space for “art parties.” Other local institutions include Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, Toadstool Bookshop and the 1933 Peterborough Players theater group.
In May 2012, Smithsonian named Brattleboro, Vt., one of its 20 “best small towns in America.” Much of this appeal owes to its embrace of arts and culture, embodied by Gallery Walk, a celebration of artists, galleries and museums on the first Friday of every month. Chartered in 1753, this historic river town also features year-round festivals in art, music and literature. Each June, cows parade along historic Main Street for Strolling of the Heifers, a gentler Running of the Bulls, to support local farmers. The 30-room Latchis Hotel & Theater combines lodging with a landmark Art Deco theater; the event-capable Brattleboro Museum and Art Center is housed in historic Union Station; and a museum is planned to commemorate Estey Organ Co., Brattleboro’s once legendary pipe organ manufacturer.
