Small-Town Getaways

HIGH, LOW + EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

- EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL AND NICOLE WAKELIN

Awash in Natural Wonder 

ÅFARNES, NORWAY

Located at the confluence of three fjords, this secluded town highlights the natural beauty of Norway. Enjoy authentic Norwegian cuisine like brunost, a brown cheese, or lefse, a potato flatbread, after a day of hiking through the hills. Or, test your driving skills at the nearby Trollstigen, which has 11 hairpin turns heading up a steep mountain road summiting at an incredible view.

The world's largest cities-Tokyo, Shanghai, New York City and Cairo, among others-are filled with reasons to go and famous sites to visit. But going farther afield, living more like a local and exploring the most unique parts of a country's culture has a different kind of allure. Often, small-town destinations have the advantage of being less expensive, without any compromises on charm. NEWSWEEK'S Fast Women recommend these small towns wholeheartedly from our own travels, or on the trusted advice of close friends. From the blue-washed buildings in Morocco to wine tasting in Oregon and from roads paved by the Incas to an open-air art gallery on the ancient Silk Road, these out-of-the-way destinations will provide memorable highlights for your next trip. - EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL AND NICOLE WAKELIN.

Out of This World Winery 

MCMINNVILLE, OREGON

Winery tasting rooms, a quaint downtown and boutique hotels make this city southwest of Portland a natural destination for an adults-only weekend getaway. Every May, McMinnville is also the home of the largest UFO Festival in the U.S., which explains why you'll see alien art around town throughout the year.