Small New England towns, with their white church steeples and town greens, anchor much of North America's idea of a cozy town, particularly during autumn, while French-influenced villages further north add an equally compact charm with their own distinct architecture and language.
The destinations on this list range from historic small towns built around a single main street and town green to French-influenced villages with their own distinct character. Both reward visiting in shoulder season rather than peak leaf-viewing weekends.
Booking accommodation well ahead for autumn specifically matters considerably, where the most popular towns can sell out months before peak foliage. Staying in a local bed and breakfast adds considerably to the atmosphere. Dressing in layers also matters considerably given how quickly autumn temperatures can shift.
