Best American Towns
These are among the nation's most fun and scenic road-trip destinations, perfect for summer. Has the down economy crushed your summer vacation plans? Are dreams of eating conch fritters on a palm-laden island or, say, motoring through woods that hide a hamlet full of bratwurst and Oettinger all but gone? They don't have to be. More than 32 million Americans drove 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend, up 1.5 percent from 2008. AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair says he expects much the same for the duration of the summer, especially since analysts at the Energy Information Administration expect gas prices to average around $2.23 per gallon. That's down $1.60 from last summer. Here is the full list of Best American Towns to See by Car Arcata, Calif . Population: 17,294 Arcata is home to Humboldt State University and boasts stores, bars, coffee shops and live music venues. Visit The Plaza lawn in the center of town, which is home to a farmer's market, Oyster Festival, Kin