Late summer is here, the perfect time to head for the hills. With cooling breezes and endless vistas, mountain towns offer the best sort of escape. But while some of the big-name places are jam-packed with tourists in the heart of high season, others are overlooked—and that’s a shame.
Whether it’s because of a long history, or deep fabric of arts and culture, or pure, overall quirkiness (a whole Bavarian village in Appalachia?), these are some of the best high-altitude destinations for those looking for something a little different this summer and fall.
